bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numbers as Utopia: Sustainable Development Goals and the making of quantified futures
Authors: Grek Sotiria , Tichenor Marlee , Bandola-Gill Justyna
Published: November 2023

In this article, we argue that number-making is a mode of imagining political futures – not only futures that are probable but, crucially, futures that are desired. In this way, rather than simply a mode of ‘technicising’ policy challenges, quantification fleshes out the utopian dream of a better world. Global governance is faced with the paradox of, on one hand, the utopian aspiration of the Sustainable Development Goals to create a perfect world (free of poverty, inequality, diseases and climate disaster) and, on the other hand, the dystopian effects of inaction – both tracked carefully through a complex network of indicators. This article focuses on the materiality of the Sustainable Development Goals as a productive device through which a monitoring agenda such as the Sustainable Development Goals has become ever more influential and has led to the emergence of a global public policy space.
Strength prediction and stochastic analysis of ultra-high performance concrete columns under the explosive blast load
Authors: Li Jie , Fu Guowei , Su Jihao , Zhang Xuejie , Liu Zhongxian , Chen Peiqi
Published: November 2023

The performance research based on numerical and experimental studies on ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) generally considers it as an isotropic material, which is obviously different from what it really is in practical engineering. A database of UHPC compressive strength was investigated, having the same UHPC mix proportion as the field blast experiment, to show how the strength of UHPC varies in compression. It is found that Weibull distribution is the best fit of its probability model. A combination of Monte-Carlo and Finite Element method is used, adopting the available UHPC compressive strength, to reproduce the field blast test on UHPC columns. Both the non-spatial and spatial variability of material properties of the UHPC columns are under consideration to conduct the UHPC column strength prediction under blast loads. The residual loading capacity, damage index and failure mode of UHPC columns with different sizes damaged by different explosion severities are obtained by non-spatial simulation and spatial simulation respectively. It can be concluded that compared with the non-spatial model, the numerical simulation results of the spatial model are closer to the experimental situation. Therefore, inclusion of spatial variability is recommended for reliability-based blast-resistant design for UHPC column.
Non-participation in a health examination survey in a rural-provincial area of Denmark – results from the Lolland-Falster Health Study (LOFUS)
Authors: Lyngsøe Signe , Lophaven Søren , Jepsen Randi , Holmager Therese , Janssens Astrid , Lynge Elsebeth
Published: November 2023

Background:

Lolland-Falster Health Study (LOFUS) was a health examination survey that included self-administered questionnaires, clinical examinations, and the collection of biological samples, undertaken in 2016–2020 in a rural, socioeconomically deprived area with the lowest life expectancy in Denmark. The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of non-participation in LOFUS to evaluate the extent to which LOFUS data reflected the general population of the area.

Methods:

LOFUS invited randomly selected subjects together with their entire household. As determinants of non-participation, we analyzed age, sex, municipality of residency, citizenship, residency status, socioeconomic status, invitation type, and year of invitation. Relative risk regression was used to estimate the association between determinants and non-participation rate, mutually adjusted for other determinants.

Results:

In total, 53,313 subjects were invited of whom 18,949 (36%) participated. In the multivariable analysis, men had a 3% higher non-participation rate than women; subjects with citizenship other than Danish had a 3% higher non-participation rate than Danes. In-migrants had 6% higher non-participation than long-term residents. Compared with self-supported subjects aged 30–64, both publicly supported subjects of this age and younger and older subjects had higher non-participation rates: 16%, 16%, and 13%, respectively. Compared with self-supported, long-term residents, publicly supported in-migrants had 23% higher non-participation.

Conclusions:

Only about one third of subjects invited to LOFUS participated. Yet, this is a relatively high participation rate compared with other recent health examination surveys in Denmark. Furthermore, there was a relatively flat social gradient in the non-participation rate across the studied determinants.
Role of laser power and scan speed combination on the surface quality of additive manufactured nickel-based superalloy
Authors: Praveenkumar V. , Raja S. , Jamadon Nashrah Hani , Yishak Simon
Published: November 2023

In laser-based powder bed fusion (L-PBF), the volumetric energy density (VED) controlled by laser power (LP) and scan speed (SS) significantly affects the desired surface quality. Any variations in the LP and SS on the VED notably affect the surface quality due to changes in laser powder interactions. Therefore, the present study concentrated on the effect of various combinations of LP and SS, i.e. low LP (160 W) with high SS (1250 mm/s), high LP (320 W) with low SS (410 mm/s), low LP (160 W) with low SS (550 mm/s) and high LP (320 W) with high SS (1100 mm/s). The wide range of varying VEDs was chosen between 29 and 177 J/mm3. The results showed the VED range between 66 and 90 J/mm3 exhibited minimum surface roughness parameters of 0.51 < Ra < 0.52 µm, 0.63 < Rq < 0.64 µm, and 2.53 < Rz < 2.79 µm. The specific impact of LP and SS combination between 160 and 320 W with 400–1250 mm/s by maintaining a constant VED of 66 J/mm3 was also investigated. At a constant VED of 66 J/mm3, the combination of 280 W and 960 mm/s shows minimum roughness parameters of Ra = 0.527 µm, Rq = 0.645 µm, and Rz = 2.446 µm. The results showed that the combination of low LP with low SS, high LP with high SS, low LP with high SS, and high LP with low SS, increases surface roughness.
Effects of Hypericin on Cultured Primary Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts Under Increased Oxidative Stress
Authors: Anastasiou Ioanna A. , Sarantis Panagiotis , Eleftheriadou Ioanna , Tentolouris Konstantinos N. , Mourouzis Iordanis , Karamouzis Michalis V. , Pantos Konstantinos , Tentolouris Nikolaos
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Wound healing is a dynamic process that begins with inflammation, proliferation, and cell migration of a variety of fibroblast cells. As a result, identifying possible compounds that may improve fibroblast cell wound healing capacity is crucial. Hypericin is a natural quinine that has been reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological profiles, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, activities. Herein we examined for the first time the effect of hypericin on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) under oxidative stress.

Methods

NHDF were exposed to different concentrations of hypericin (0-20 μg/mL) for 24 h. For the oxidative stress evaluation, H2O2 was used as a stressor factor. Cell viability and proliferation levels were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were performed to assess cell apoptosis levels and with confocal microscopy we identified the mitochondrial superoxide production under oxidative stress and after the treatment with hypericin. Scratch assay was performed under oxidative stress to evaluate the efficacy of hypericin in wound closure. To gain an insight into the molecular mechanisms of hypericin bioactivity, we analyzed the relative expression levels of genes involved in oxidative response and in wound healing process.

Results

We found that the exposure of NHDF to hypericin under oxidative stress resulted in an increase in cell viability and ATP levels. We found a decrease in apoptosis and mitochondrial superoxide levels after treatment with hypericin. Moreover, treatment with hypericin reduced wound area and promoted wound closure. The levels of selected genes showed that hypericin upregulated the levels of antioxidants genes. Moreover, treatment with hypericin in wound under oxidative stress downregulated the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and metalloproteinases; and upregulated transcription factors and extracellular matrix genes.

Conclusion

These findings indicated that hypericin possesses significant in vitro antioxidant activity on NHDF and provide new insights into its potential beneficial role in the management of diabetic ulcers.
Understanding the contribution of intellectual disability nurses. Paper 2 of 4 - Survey
Authors: Mafuba Kay , Kiernan Joann , Chapman Hazel M , Kupara Dorothy , Kudita Chiedza , Chester Rebecca
Published: November 2023

The objective was to identify ID nursing interventions and their impact on the health and healthcare of people with IDs. Data was collected using an online survey questionnaire from a voluntary response and snowball sample of 230 participants. Thematic, descriptive statistical, and inferential statistical analyses were undertaken. We identified 878 interventions that could be undertaken by ID nurses from 7 countries. We categorised the interventions into five themes: effectuating nursing procedures, enhancing impact of ID services, enhancing impact of mainstream services, enhancing quality of life, and enhancing ID nursing practice. Findings demonstrate that ID nurses play important roles in improving the health and healthcare experiences of people with IDs.
Effect of egocentric and allocentric reference frames on spatial-numerical associations
Authors: Lenoir Julie , Badets Arnaud
Published: November 2023

From an embodied view of cognition, sensorimotor mechanisms are strongly involved in abstract processing, such as Arabic number meanings. For example, spatial cognition can influence number processing. These spatial-numerical associations (SNAs) have been deeply explored since the seminal SNAs of response code (SNARC) effect (i.e., faster left/right sided responses to small/large magnitude numbers, respectively). Although these SNAs along the transverse plane (left-to-right axis) have been extensively studied in cognitive sciences, no systematic assessment of other planes of the tridimensional space has been afforded. Moreover, there is no evidence of how SNAs organise themselves throughout the changes in spatial body-reference frames (egocentric and allocentric). Hence, this study aimed to explore how SNAs organise themselves along the transverse and sagittal planes when egocentric and allocentric changes are processed during body displacements in the environment. In the first experiment, the results revealed that, when the participants used an egocentric reference, SNAs were observed only along the sagittal plane. In a second experiment that used an allocentric reference, the reversed pattern of results was observed: SNAs were present only along the transverse plane of the body. Overall, these findings suggest that, depending on the spatial reference frames of the body, SNAs are strongly flexible.
Situational context and public perceptions of officer appearance: A vignette-based study of police uniforms and accouterments
Authors: Simpson Rylan , Sargeant Elise
Published: November 2023

Previous research has documented the effects of uniforms and accouterments on public perceptions of police in acontextual settings. Drawing upon a vignette-based survey, we explored the perceptual effects of various police uniforms and accouterments in the context of five different policing environments: (1) a burglary where the suspect was present, (2) a burglary where the suspect was not present, (3) a foot patrol, (4) a roadblock, and (5) a siege involving a barricaded person. As part of our research design, a sample of Queensland adults ( N = 292) rated images of police officers from the Queensland Police Service in different aesthetic capacities in each aforementioned environment along three perceptual outcomes: (1) traits, (2) effectiveness, and (3) procedural justice. The analyses reveal that appearance manipulations can impact public perceptions of officers. The analyses also indicate that the effects of some manipulations can sometimes vary by situational context. We discuss our results with respect to past and future research as well as operational policing practices.
Intelligent Care Management for Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Scoping Review of Computer Vision and Machine Learning Techniques and Applications
Authors: Baseman Cynthia , Fayfman Maya , Schechter Marcos C. , Ostadabbas Sarah , Santamarina Gabriel , Ploetz Thomas , Arriaga Rosa I.
Published: November 2023

Ten percent of adults in the United States have a diagnosis of diabetes and up to a third of these individuals will develop a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in their lifetime. Of those who develop a DFU, a fifth will ultimately require amputation with a mortality rate of up to 70% within five years. The human suffering, economic burden, and disproportionate impact of diabetes on communities of color has led to increasing interest in the use of computer vision (CV) and machine learning (ML) techniques to aid the detection, characterization, monitoring, and even prediction of DFUs. Remote monitoring and automated classification are expected to revolutionize wound care by allowing patients to self-monitor their wound pathology, assist in the remote triaging of patients by clinicians, and allow for more immediate interventions when necessary. This scoping review provides an overview of applicable CV and ML techniques. This includes automated CV methods developed for remote assessment of wound photographs, as well as predictive ML algorithms that leverage heterogeneous data streams. We discuss the benefits of such applications and the role they may play in diabetic foot care moving forward. We highlight both the need for, and possibilities of, computational sensing systems to improve diabetic foot care and bring greater knowledge to patients in need.
Natural Product – Drug Interactions and Their Evaluation Using a Caco-2 Cell Culture Model
Authors: Galkin Anna , Tammela Päivi
Published: November 2023

Natural products, such as herbal medicinal products, food supplements, and functional food, are widely used to support well-being and for promoting health. In general, the effects of using these products are desired and beneficial, but unexpected adverse effects might also occur, especially when natural products are used with medication. Consumers do not often even know that they are exposed to bioactive compounds that might interact with the body and have effects on their well-being. One of the objectives of the World Health Organization is to promote herb–drug interaction monitoring, and it is important to know how marketed preparations and compounds from common foods interact when they are absorbed. In this review, we describe how a Caco-2 cell absorption model has been used to study how natural products, such as flaxseed, rapeseed, purple loosestrife, pine, echinacea, certain berries and herbs, anthranoid laxatives, and traditional medicinal plants, affect the absorption of co-administered drugs. We discuss the types of interactions and adverse effects that might occur and their possible reasons. Overall, we conclude that the Caco-2 cell absorption model is a useful tool for studying the absorption of natural products with drugs; and that to enable the safe use of natural products with medicines, concomitant use should be studied.
Promoting participation in remote digital health studies: An expert interview study
Authors: Daniore Paola , Nittas Vasileios , Gille Felix , von Wyl Viktor
Published: November 2023

Background

Remote digital health studies are on the rise and promise to reduce the operational inefficiencies of in-person research. However, they encounter specific challenges in maintaining participation (enrollment and retention) due to their exclusive reliance on technology across all study phases.

Objective

The goal of this study was to collect experts’ opinions on how to facilitate participation in remote digital health studies.

Method

We conducted 13 semi-structured interviews with principal investigators, researchers, and software developers who had recent experiences with remote digital health studies. Informed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework, we performed a thematic analysis and mapped various approaches to successful study participation.

Results

Our analyses revealed four themes: (1) study planning to increase participation, where experts suggest that remote digital health studies should be planned based on adequate knowledge of what motivates, engages, and disengages a target population; (2) participant enrollment, highlighting that enrollment strategies should be selected carefully, attached to adequate support, and focused on inclusivity; (3) participant retention, with strategies that minimize the effort and complexity of study tasks and ensure that technology is adapted and responsive to participant needs, and (4) requirements for study planning focused on the development of relevant guidelines to foster participation in future studies.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the significant requirements for seamless technology and researcher involvement in enabling high remote digital health study participation. Future studies can benefit from collected experiences and the development of guidelines to inform planning that balances participant and scientific requirements.
Measuring Behaviors for Assessing Design Expertise: A Comprehensive Framework for Professional Development
Authors: Casakin Hernan , Levy Shalom
Published: November 2023

Increasing attention has been paid to understanding expert design behavior to help novice students enhance their knowledge and abilities for their professional development. However, an integrative framework must still be created to identify expert-based design behavior. Using an international web-based survey, this study identifies major expert design behaviors, and reports on the development of a unique behavioral multiple scale that measures central behaviors in the design process for assessing design expertise. Considering theoretically grounded behaviors of experts in the design literature, a 29-item scale is formulated for capturing key expert design behaviors based on exploratory factor analysis. Evidence for construct validity and reliability is presented, suggesting seven primary expert diversified behaviors in the design process. Nevertheless, using a structural equation modeling, it is concluded that the behavioral multiple scale represents only six significant behaviors of design expertise. Moreover, a path analysis of this comprehensive framework shows that some behaviors are central, directly related to design expertise (i.e., strategic approach to design complexity and framing of design problems), and act as mediators for other behaviors (i.e., reflection on design problems and solutions, systematically breaking the design into sub-problems, application of conceptual thinking, and reuse of previous solutions). Findings can be implemented by intervention programs in the design studio aiming to support professional development in design education by training students to enhance their expertise.
The Effect of Previous Transradial Catheterization on Radial Forearm Free Flaps
Authors: Mawhinney Jamie A. , Mounsey Craig A. , Johnson Nick A. , Russell Peter G.
Published: November 2023

Radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) are a versatile option for the reconstruction of a wide variety of soft tissue defects and are particularly common in head and neck surgery. Benefits of RFFF include a relatively short operating time, a long pedicle, and a thinner, more pliable flap. However, in addition to its role in reconstructive surgery, the radial artery may be utilized for a number of other procedures including coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions. Concern has previously been raised that prior catheterization may deleteriously affect the function of the radial artery and in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, individuals are increasingly advising against its use as a graft for coronary artery bypass graft surgery in such circumstances. Despite this, little is known about the effect on RFFF. In this review article, we concisely consider the available evidence of the effect of previous transradial catheterization on the radial artery and discuss the implications for reconstructive surgery. We then summarize the key considerations regarding their use in current practice.
Multiple Hepatic Hydatid Cysts With Cysto-Biliary Communication and Broncho-Biliary Fistula: A Pediatric Case Report
Authors: Yahya El Harras , Fatima Chait , Nourrelhouda Bahlouli , Nazik Allali , Latifa Chat , Siham El Haddad
Published: November 2023

Hydatid cyst disease is a health problem in some developing countries occurring in groups with permanent contact with dogs. It is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus Granulosus. The liver is the most common organ infected. If not treated appropriately; it may lead to developing life-threatening complications. Its rupture into bile ducts is the most frequent one, while hepatopulmonary fistula is a rare complication. We discuss the case of a child presenting those 2 complications as we emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and the role of the radiologist.
The Impact of Living With Chronic Hepatitis B on Quality of Life: Implications for Clinical Management
Authors: Ibrahim Yasmin , Umstead Madeleine , Wang Su , Cohen Chari
Published: November 2023

Living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has physical, social, and emotional impacts that often negatively affect patients’ quality of life. These impacts are not usually captured during routine care. This article presents information on the impact of living with CHB and the importance of integrating health-related quality-of-life assessment into CHB care. Using a global online survey, people ages ≥18 living with CHB were asked about physical, social, and worry impacts. Of 1707 respondents, most were male (67%), < 45 years of age (81%); and 52% identified as Black. Of all participants, 66% reported physical impact, 55% reported social impact, and 49% reported worry impact of living with CHB. Those from Africa and the Western Pacific were most likely to report physical impact. Younger participants (18-45) and those not on treatment were significantly more likely to report physical and social impact. People living with CHB are impacted physically, socially, and emotionally, varied by demographic factors and disease experience. These impacts should be captured and addressed as part of routine CHB care.
Supporting places left to the sea: A place-based research agenda for regional coastal transformations in the blue economy
Authors: Harris Jack L , Thompson Benjamin S
Published: November 2023

The blue economy purportedly involves equitable and sustainable development across a range of ocean sectors spanning fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, seabed mining, oil and gas extraction, and renewable energy. Here, we argue that blue economy scholarship and policy gives insufficient attention to coastal regions – and the cities, towns, and villages within – that depend on these sectors. Rather than prioritising the profitability of corporations and expansion of industry, we advise actors to consider three transformative processes that are (re)shaping coastal regions. First, are techno-industrial processes for which we draw on the fourth industrial revolution literature, highlighting that coastal regions must adapt to rapidly changing technological innovations or risk facing decline. Second, are socio-cultural processes for which we draw on the left-behind places literature, which exemplifies spatial inequalities from declining and deindustrialised coastal regions. Third, are physical-environmental processes, highlighting geographically variable opportunities and challenges around natural resources, marine biodiversity, and climate change in coastal regions. We then promote place-based policymaking as a multi-level and participatory mode of managing these transformations. Finally, we present a blue economy research agenda to help navigate these transformative processes, and enable place-based solutions. The article intersects with broader literatures around ocean governance and sustainable transformations.
Identification of exosome protein panels as predictive biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Luo Bin , Que Zujun , Lu Xinyi , Qi Dan , Qiao Zhi , Yang Yun , Qian Fangfang , Jiang Yi , Li Yan , Ke Ronghu , Shen Xiaoyun , Xiao Hua , Li Hegen , Wu Erxi , Tian Jianhui
Published: November 2023

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, primarily due to its propensity for metastasis. Patients diagnosed with localized primary cancer have higher survival rates than those with metastasis. Thus, it is imperative to discover biomarkers for the early detection of NSCLC and the timely prediction of tumor metastasis to improve patient outcomes.

Methods

Here, we utilized an integrated approach to isolate and characterize plasma exosomes from NSCLC patients as well as healthy individuals. We then conducted proteomics analysis and parallel reaction monitoring to identify and validate the top-ranked proteins of plasma exosomes.

Results

Our study revealed that the proteome in exosomes from NSCLC patients with metastasis was distinctly different from that from healthy individuals. The former had larger diameters and lower concentrations of exosomes than the latter. Furthermore, among the 1220 identified exosomal proteins, we identified two distinct panels of biomarkers. The first panel of biomarkers (FGB, FGG, and VWF) showed potential for early NSCLC diagnosis and demonstrated a direct correlation with the survival duration of NSCLC patients. The second panel of biomarkers (CFHR5, C9, and MBL2) emerged as potential biomarkers for assessing NSCLC metastasis, of which CFHR5 alone was significantly associated with the overall survival of NSCLC patients.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the potential of plasma exosomal biomarkers for early NSCLC diagnosis and metastasis prediction. Notably, CFHR5 stands out as a promising prognostic indicator for NSCLC patients. The clinical utility of exosomal biomarkers offers the potential to enhance the management of NSCLC.
Study methodology and insights from the palovarotene clinical development program in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
Authors: Pignolo Robert J. , Al Mukaddam Mona , Baujat Geneviève , Brown Matthew A. , De Cunto Carmen , Hsiao Edward C. , Keen Richard , Le Quan Sang Kim-Hanh , Grogan Donna R. , Marino Rose , Strahs Andrew R. , Kaplan Frederick S.
Published: November 2023

Background

The design of clinical trials in rare diseases is often complicated by a lack of real-world translational knowledge. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder characterized by skeletal malformations and progressive heterotopic ossification (HO). Palovarotene is a selective retinoic acid receptor gamma agonist. Here, we describe the methodology of three studies in the palovarotene clinical development program in FOP and discuss insights that could inform future research, including endpoint suitability and the impact of trial design.

Methods

PVO-1A-001 (NCT02322255) was a prospective, protocol-specified, longitudinal FOP natural history study (NHS). PVO-1A-201 (NCT02190747) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial; PVO-1A-202 (NCT02279095) was its open-label extension. Trial designs, including treatment regimens and imaging assessments, were refined between PVO-1A-201 and PVO-‍1A-202, and within PVO-1A-202, based on emerging data as the studies progressed. Palovarotene doses were administered using a flare-up treatment regimen (higher dose for 2/4 weeks, followed by lower dose for 4/≥8 weeks; from flare-up onset), with or without accompanying chronic (daily) treatment. Flare-up and disease progression outcomes were assessed, including incidence and volume of new HO during flare-ups and/or annually, as well as other clinical, patient-reported, and exploratory outcomes. Safety was monitored throughout all studies.

Results

Overall, 114 and 58 individuals with FOP were enrolled in the NHS and phase II trials, respectively. Results of the NHS and PVO-1A-201 were published in 2022; complete results of PVO-1A-202 will be publicly available in due course. Together the studies yielded important information on endpoint suitability, including that low-dose whole-body computed tomography was the optimum imaging modality for assessing HO progression annually and that long study durations are needed to detect substantial changes in functional and patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusions

A flexible clinical development program is necessary for underexplored rare diseases to overcome the many challenges faced. Here, the NHS provided a longitudinal evaluation of FOP progression and interventional trials were based on emerging data. The studies described informed the design and endpoints implemented in the phase III MOVE trial (NCT03312634) and provide a foundation for future clinical trial development.

Trial registration

NCT02322255 (registered 23/12/2014); NCT02190747 (registered 15/07/2014); NCT02279095 (registered 30/10/2014).
Knowledge and practice attitudes regarding the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis: a survey among Swiss endocrinologists and general physicians
Authors: Chatzaki Natalia , Zekeridou Alkisti , Paroz Elsa , Gastaldi Giacomo , Giannopoulou Catherine
Published: November 2023

Background

The objective of the present survey is to assess the knowledge about the relationship between oral health and diabetes and to identify the practice behaviors of Swiss endocrinologists and general practitioners regarding oral health in diabetic patients.

Methods

A thirty- item questionnaire was mailed to 428 internists and 99 endocrinologists working in the French speaking part of Switzerland. Participants were asked about their awareness of the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, their practice behaviors as well as their willingness for an interdisciplinary education and collaboration with oral health professionals. The questions were answered according to a three-point or five-point Likert scale.

Results

The response rate was 23%. All participants were aware of the inflammatory and infectious nature of periodontal disease. They all agreed that good periodontal health is important for overall health. However, most of the practitioners responded that only rarely received information during their education curricula on the link between systemic and oral health or concerning periodontal problems in diabetic patients (60.9% for endocrinologists and 54.1% for general physicians); thus, only a minority of health practitioners addresses oral health care to their patients (13% and 15.3%, respectively). Both endocrinologists and general health physicians agreed that an oral health screening could be included in their practice (79% for both groups).

Conclusions

An interdisciplinary education and collaboration among medical and dental health providers should be established to effectively prevent, manage, and control both diabetes and periodontal disease in diabetic patients.
Establishment of a prognostic signature based on fatty acid metabolism genes in HCC associated with hepatitis B
Authors: Yan Ping , Luo Yunhai , Huang Zuotian , Mou Tong , Yang Hang , Peng Dadi , Wu Zhongjun
Published: November 2023

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadly cancer and often accompanied by varying degrees of liver damage, leading to the dysfunction of fatty acid metabolism (FAM). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between FAM and HBV-associated HCC and identify FAM biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of HBV-associated HCC.

Methods

Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze the difference of FAM pathway between paired tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples in 58 HBV-associated HCC patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Next, 117 HBV-associated HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed to establish a prognostic signature based on 42 FAM genes. Then, the prognostic signature was validated in an external cohort consisting of 30 HBV-associated HCC patients. Finally, immune infiltration analysis was performed to evaluate the FAM-related immune cells in HBV-associated HCC.

Results

As a result, FAM pathway was clearly downregulated in tumor tissue of HBV-associated HCC, and survival analysis demonstrated that 12 FAM genes were associated with the prognosis of HBV-associated HCC. Lasso-penalized Cox regression analysis identified and established a five-gene signature (ACADVL, ACAT1, ACSL3, ADH4 and ECI1), which showed effective discrimination and prediction for the prognosis of HBV-associated HCC both in the TCGA cohort and the validation cohort. Immune infiltration analysis showed that the high-risk group, identified by FAM signature, of HBV-associated HCC had a higher ratio of Tregs, which was associated with the prognosis.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings suggest that there is a strong connection between FAM and HBV-associated HCC, indicating a potential therapeutic strategy targeting FAM to block the accumulation of Tregs into the tumor microenvironment of HBV-associated HCC.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of antiretroviral drugs for treatment-naive HIV infection in China
Authors: Li Min , Cao Yuxin , Huang Hao , Qin Gang , Chu Minjie , Zou Meiyin , Zhuang Xun
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimen was included in the expanded formulary of China's National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program at the end of 2021. Yet high price of DTG and lack of health economic evaluation in China present barriers for implementation of the regimen. The study aims to investigate the lifetime cost-effectiveness of DTG-based regimen for treatment-naive HIV infection in China.

Methods

A decision-analytic Markov model was used to obtain the costs and effectiveness of four regimens: Arm A, efavirenz (EFV)-based regimen; Arm B, DTG-based regimen; Arm C, elvitegravir/cobicistat/tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (EVG/c/FTC/TAF) regimen; Arm D, abacavir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (ABC/3TC/DTG) regimen. The potential impact of national centralized drug procurement policy was assessed in scenario analysis. The results were further validated through sensitivity analysis.

Results

Compared with other three regimens, DTG-based regimen led to the fewest cumulative adverse reactions, opportunistic infections and deaths. Compared with EFV-based regimen, the base-case ICERs for DTG-based regimen were 13,357 (USD/QALY) and 13,424 (USD/QALY) from the healthcare system and societal perspective respectively. In the policy scenario analysis with the procurement price of DTG equal to that of LPV/r, DTG-based regimen would be dominant. The model results remained robust in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

DTG-based regimen for treatment-naive patients is likely to be cost-effective and deserve wider implementation in China. This study strongly suggests the centralized procurement of DTG to minimize cost and maximize cost-effectiveness.
Associations between overactive bladder and sleep patterns: a cross-sectional study based on 2007–2014 NHANES
Authors: Lu Zechao , Zhang Jiahao , Lin Shihao , Fan Zhongxi , He Zhaohui , Tang Fucai
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To determine whether relationship exists between overactive bladder (OAB) and sleep patterns through the cross-sectional study.

Patients and methods

Patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2014 were included in this study. Data were extracted through questionnaires, including demographics, dietary and health-related behaviors, body measurements and disease information. Three sleep factors were included to aggregate overall sleep scores, ranging from 0 to 3. A sleep score of 0 to 1, 2 or 3 was expressed as a bad, intermediate or healthy sleep pattern, respectively. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) scale was applied to quantify the severity of OAB for each participant. Weighted logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between sleep and OAB.

Results

A total of 16,978 participants were enrolled in this study. The relationship between OAB and sleep patterns was statistically significant. After fully adjusting for confounding factors, the OAB risk of patients with intermediate and poor sleep patterns obviously increased by 26% and 38%, respectively, and mild (OR = 1.21, 95% CI [1.03,1.42]), moderate (OR = 1.45, 95% CI [1.27,1.66]) and severe (OR = 1.57, 95% CI [1.18,2.09]) OAB were significantly associated with sleep pattern grouping. The prevalence of OAB is significantly higher in patients with bad sleep patterns, and vice versa.

Conclusion

This study indicated that there is a positive relationship between OAB and worse sleep-related issues.
Orthodontic patients and the information found on the web: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Crispino Roberta , Mannocci Alice , Dilena Irene Alfonsa , Sides Jackson , Forchini Federico , Asif Alherawi Wael Mohammad , Frazier-Bowers Sylvia A. , Grippaudo Cristina
Published: November 2023

Background

In recent years, the Web has become a source of medical information for patients, even though the information available online may be incorrect or qualitatively inadequate. Younger generations, immersed in a digital environment since a very tender age, are more likely to get informed online. This study aims to understand the relevance of online information for prospective orthodontic patients and to investigate the effects of digital research on patients’ decision-making process, and it also aims to investigate potential generational differences between digital natives and digital immigrants.

Materials and methods

An anonymous questionnaire was developed to investigate patients’ orthodontic-themed Web searches as well as the effects digital material had on their decision-making process. Before submitting the newly designed survey to patients, it was validated in a pilot study. Univariate analysis was applied to analyze the relationship between the demographic characteristics of respondents and their answers on the use of digital research for the decision-making process.

Results

64.6% of the study population searched the Web for orthodontic information prior to their visit. Google was the most used platform regardless of patients’ age. The perceived reliability of online sources varied significantly with age. Men displayed more trusting behavior towards their doctor than women. Prospective patients’ satisfaction with affected patients’ decision-making processes, and the perceived reliability of online sources of information had repercussions on the doctor-patient relationship.

Conclusions

Orthodontists should be aware that the majority of patients use the Internet as a source for orthodontic information, and that patients who are digital immigrants are more prone to trust the information found online. Patients who perceive the information found on the Web as either useful or reliable don’t easily discard it, even if it is inconsistent with the orthodontist’s opinion.
Are committee experiences of minoritized family medicine faculty part of the minority tax? a qualitative study
Authors: Campbell Kendall M , Ogbeide Stacy A. , Echiverri Angela , Guillaume Gina , Henderson Johnathan E , Jackson Nicole , Marquez Crystal M , Miranda Carolina , Montoya Melissa , Oni Keyona , Pierre Grant , Semenya Afi Mansa , Scott LaTraia , Udezi Victoria , Flattes Valerie J , Rodríguez José E , Washington Judy C
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

Because much of the work in academic medicine is done by committee, early career URiM faculty, are often asked to serve on multiple committees, including diversity work that may not be recognized as important. They may also be asked to serve on committees to satisfy a diversity “check box,” and may be asked more often than their non-URiM peers to serve in this capacity. We sought to describe the committee experiences of early career URiM faculty, hypothesizing that they may see committee service as a minority tax.

Methods

Participants in the Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship (LTSF) were asked to share their experiences with committee service in their careers after participating in a faculty development discussion. Their responses were analyzed and reported using qualitative, open, axial, and abductive reasoning methods.

Results

Four themes, with eight sub-themes (in parenthesis), emerged from the content analysis of the LTSF fellows responses to the prompt: Time commitment (Timing of committee work and lack of protected time for research and scholarship), URiM Committee service (Expectation that URiM person will serve on committees and consequences for not serving), Mentoring issues (no mentoring regarding committee service, faculty involvement is lacking and the conflicting nature of committee work) and Voice (Lack of voice or acknowledgement).

Conclusions

Early career URiM faculty reported an expectation of serving on committees and consequences for not serving related to their identity, but other areas of committee service they shared were not connected to their URiM identity. Because most of the experiences were not connected to the LTSF fellows’ URiM identity, this group has identified areas of committee service that may affect all early career faculty. More research is necessary to determine how committee service affects URiM and non-URiM faculty in academic family medicine.
The effect of gamification-based training on the knowledge, attitudes, and academic achievement of male adolescents in preventing substance and internet addiction
Authors: Taghipour Esmaeel , Vizeshfar Fatemeh , Zarifsanaiey Nahid
Published: November 2023

Background

Preventing addiction through training takes precedence over treatment and plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of adolescents. Utilizing inclusive and participatory methods can significantly enhance the effectiveness of education. Numerous studies have demonstrated that gamification, as an interactive and comprehensive approach, has the potential to boost teenagers’ motivation to engage in learning and contributes to better comprehension.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the impact of gamification-based training to prevent substance and internet addiction on the knowledge and attitudes of male adolescents. Additionally, the study examined this educational program’s effects on male adolescents’ academic achievement.

Methods

This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a control group. One hundred fourteen male adolescents were randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups. They completed a pre-intervention questionnaire assessing addiction-related knowledge, attitudes, and academic achievement. Subsequently, the intervention group received the gamification-based drug and internet addiction prevention training. Post-tests were conducted immediately after the training and again one month later for both groups.

Results

Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in knowledge of substance and internet addiction, attitudes toward substances and the Internet, and academic achievement between the intervention and control groups (P > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher scores in knowledge of substance and internet addiction, attitudes toward substances and the Internet, and academic achievement compared to the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The current study highlights the positive impact of gamification-based training on enhancing male adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, and academic achievement.
“What will the doctor give me, the same painkiller?”: a qualitative study exploring health-care seeking and symptoms self-management among patients for the treatment of long-term chikungunya disease, in Curaçao
Authors: Doran Churnalisa , Duits Ashley , Gerstenbluth Izzy , Tami Adriana , Bailey Ajay
Published: November 2023

Background

Long-term chikungunya disease, characterized by persistent disabling rheumatic symptoms, including poly-arthralgia/arthritis of severe pain intensity, can persist for years after infection with the re-emerging mosquito-borne chikungunya virus. Although persistent symptoms and pain severity are important determinants of health-care seeking and self-management of symptoms, research on these in relation to long-term chikungunya disease is scarce. This study aimed to explore the perceived benefits and perceived barriers concerning health-care seeking, based on the Health Belief Model, and the symptoms self-management strategies used for health outcome improvement among individuals affected by long-term chikungunya disease.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 20 purposively selected adults (17 females and 3 males) with persistent rheumatic symptoms, recruited from an ongoing longitudinal chikungunya cohort, in Curaçao. Semi-structured interviews were carried out, audio-recorded, and transcribed. An iterative coding process was used for themes identification through inductive thematic analyses.

Results

No perceived benefits in health-care seeking were reported. Identified themes in relation to perceived barriers were: (1) health-care seeking at disease onset; (2) general practitioners (GPs) perceptions and awareness of persistent symptoms; (3) challenges for medical referrals and support; (4) no validation of symptoms and challenges accessing therapy; (5) health system restrictions; and (6) social stigmatization of psychological help. These perceived barriers have led participants to self-manage persistent symptoms. Over-the-counter pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological treatments were used without consulting GPs. Identified themes were: (1) self-medication of symptoms; and (2) self-management true non-pharmacological treatments.

Conclusions

To promote the benefits of long-term health-care seeking and subsequently reduce the possible harmful use of analgesics, a collaborative physician-patient therapeutic relationship need to be encouraged. To facilitate this, important shifts may be needed in chikungunya sequalae education of both patients and health-care professionals, and policy makers need to revise health systems for the long-term provision of multidisciplinary care to achieve beneficial health outcomes in long-term chikungunya disease.
Gene birth in a model of non-genic adaptation
Authors: Mani Somya , Tlusty Tsvi
Published: November 2023

Background

Over evolutionary timescales, genomic loci can switch between functional and non-functional states through processes such as pseudogenization and de novo gene birth. Particularly, de novo gene birth is a widespread process, and many examples continue to be discovered across diverse evolutionary lineages. However, the general mechanisms that lead to functionalization are poorly understood, and estimated rates of de novo gene birth remain contentious. Here, we address this problem within a model that takes into account mutations and structural variation, allowing us to estimate the likelihood of emergence of new functions at non-functional loci.

Results

Assuming biologically reasonable mutation rates and mutational effects, we find that functionalization of non-genic loci requires the realization of strict conditions. This is in line with the observation that most de novo genes are localized to the vicinity of established genes. Our model also provides an explanation for the empirical observation that emerging proto-genes are often lost despite showing signs of adaptation.

Conclusions

Our work elucidates the properties of non-genic loci that make them fertile for adaptation, and our results offer mechanistic insights into the process of de novo gene birth.