bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role and knowledge of nurses in the management of non-communicable diseases in Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Toniolo Jean , Ngoungou Edgard Brice , Preux Pierre-Marie , Beloni Pascale
Published: April 2024

Background

31.4 million people in low- and middle-income countries die from chronic diseases annually, particularly in Africa. To address this, strategies such as task-shifting from doctors to nurses have been proposed and have been endorsed by the World Health Organization as a potential solution; however, no comprehensive review exists describing the extent of nurse-led chronic disease management in Africa.

Aims

This study aimed to provide a thorough description of the current roles of nurses in managing chronic diseases in Africa, identify their levels of knowledge, the challenges, and gaps they encounter in this endeavor.

Methods

We performed a scoping review following the key points of the Cochrane Handbook, and two researchers independently realized each step. Searches were conducted using five databases: MEDLINE, PyscINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase, between October 2021 and April 2023. A descriptive analysis of the included studies was conducted, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Downs and Black Scale.

Results

Our scoping review included 111 studies from 20 African countries, with South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana being the most represented. Findings from the included studies revealed varying levels of knowledge. Nurses were found to be actively involved in managing common chronic diseases from diagnosis to treatment. Facilitating factors included comprehensive training, close supervision by physicians, utilization of decision trees, and mentorship. However, several barriers were identified, such as a shortage of nurses, lack of essential materials, and inadequate initial training.

Conclusion

There is significant potential for nurses to enhance the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases in Africa. Achieving this requires a combination of rigorous training and effective supervision, supported by robust policies. To address varying levels of knowledge, tailored training programs should be devised. Further research is warranted to establish the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on population health outcomes.
SOX4 exerts contrasting regulatory effects on labor-associated gene promoters in myometrial cells
Authors: Khader Nawrah , Shchuka Virlana M. , Dorogin Anna , Shynlova Oksana , Mitchell Jennifer A.
Published: April 2024

The uterine muscular layer, or myometrium, undergoes profound changes in global gene expression during its progression from a quiescent state during pregnancy to a contractile state at the onset of labor. In this study, we investigate the role of SOX family transcription factors in myometrial cells and provide evidence for the role of SOX4 in regulating labor-associated genes. We show that Sox4 has elevated expression in the murine myometrium during a term laboring process and in two mouse models of preterm labor. Additionally, SOX4 differentially affects labor-associated gene promoter activity in cooperation with activator protein 1 (AP-1) dimers. SOX4 exerted no effect on the Gja1 promoter; a JUND-specific activation effect at the Fos promoter; a positive activation effect on the Mmp11 promoter with the AP-1 dimers; and surprisingly, we noted that the reporter expression of the Ptgs2 promoter in the presence of JUND and FOSL2 was repressed by the addition of SOX4. Our data indicate SOX4 may play a diverse role in regulating gene expression in the laboring myometrium in cooperation with AP-1 factors. This study enhances our current understanding of the regulatory network that governs the transcriptional changes associated with the onset of labor and highlights a new molecular player that may contribute to the labor transcriptional program.
Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against pathologically phosphorylated TDP-43
Authors: Castellanos Otero Paula , Todd Tiffany W. , Shao Wei , Jones Caroline J. , Huang Kexin , Daughrity Lillian M. , Yue Mei , Sheth Udit , Gendron Tania F. , Prudencio Mercedes , Oskarsson Björn , Dickson Dennis W. , Petrucelli Leonard , Zhang Yong-Jie
Published: April 2024

Inclusions containing TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) are a pathological hallmark of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). One of the disease-specific features of TDP-43 inclusions is the aberrant phosphorylation of TDP-43 at serines 409/410 (pS409/410). Here, we developed rabbit monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that specifically detect pS409/410-TDP-43 in multiple model systems and FTD/ALS patient samples. Specifically, we identified three mAbs (26H10, 2E9 and 23A1) from spleen B cell clones that exhibit high specificity and sensitivity to pS409/410-TDP-43 peptides in an ELISA assay. Biochemical analyses revealed that pS409/410 of recombinant TDP-43 and of exogenous 25 kDa TDP-43 C-terminal fragments in cultured HEK293T cells are detected by all three mAbs. Moreover, the mAbs detect pS409/410-positive TDP-43 inclusions in the brains of FTD/ALS patients and mouse models of TDP-43 proteinopathy by immunohistochemistry. Our findings indicate that these mAbs are a valuable resource for investigating TDP-43 pathology both in vitro and in vivo.
Using emulated clinical trials to investigate the risk of being diagnosed with psychiatric ill health following the cancer diagnosis of a sibling
Authors: Kjellsson Sara , Rajaleid Kristiina , Modin Bitte
Published: April 2024

Background

The sibling bond is often the longest relationship in an individual’s life, spanning both good and bad times. Focusing on the latter, we investigated whether a cancer diagnosis in one adult sibling is predictive of psychiatric illness in the other, and if any such effect differs according the ‘sociodemographic closeness’ between the siblings in terms of sex, age, education, marital status and residence.

Methods

We used hospital records to identify psychiatric diagnoses (2005–2019) in a Swedish total-population cohort born in 1953, and cancer diagnoses (2005–2017) in their full siblings. By means of emulated clinical trials, the cohort member’s risk of a diagnosis within two years following a first exposure (or non-exposure) to a sibling’s cancer was analyzed through Cox regression.

Results

Exposed cohort members had a higher risk of psychiatric diagnosis than unexposed (HR = 1.15; CI: 1.08–1.23), with men displaying a higher risk (1.19; CI: 1.09–1.31) than women (HR = 1.11; CI: 1.01–1.22). Sub-analyses of the exposed group showed that women with a cancer-stricken sister had a higher risk of adverse psychiatric outcomes (HR = 1.31; CI: 1.07–1.61) than women with a cancer-stricken brother. Furthermore, unmarried cohort members ran a higher risk, both when the cancer-stricken sibling was married (HR = 2.03; CI: 1.67–2.46) and unmarried (HR = 2.61; CI: 2.16–3.15), than in cases where both siblings were married. No corresponding difference were detected for ‘closeness’ in age, education and residence.

Conclusions

In line with theories of linked lives, our findings suggest that negative events in one sibling’s life tend to ‘spill over’ on the other sibling’s wellbeing, at least during the 15-year-long period leading up to retirement age.
“Could a subset of joint mobility tests define generalized joint hypermobility?”: A descriptive observational inception study
Authors: Schlager Angela , Nilsson-Wikmar Lena , Ahlqvist Kerstin , Olsson Christina B. , Kristiansson Per
Published: April 2024

Background

Generalized joint hypermobility is an inherited collagen phenotype based on clinical assessments of joint mobility. However, there is no international consensus to define generalized joint hypermobility, both considering which joint mobility tests should be included and limits for joint hypermobility.

Objectives

The primary aim of the study was to identify a subset of joint mobility tests to define generalized joint hypermobility. A further aim was to evaluate standardized limits for the classification of hypermobility in different joint types throughout the body.

Methods

A total of 255 early pregnant women were included in the study. Joint mobility was measured according to a structured protocol. Correlation and principal component analysis were used to find a subset of joint mobility tests. To classify hypermobility in each joint mobility test, five different standard deviation levels plus 0.84, plus 1.04, plus 1.28, plus 1.64 and plus 2 were used, corresponding to 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% and 2.5% of the normal distribution.

Results

No subset of joint mobility test could define generalized joint hypermobility. The higher the standard deviation levels, the higher the limit to classify joint hypermobility and the lower the prevalence. As a result of no subset of joint mobility tests were found to define generalized joint hypermobility, different combinations of major and minor joints in upper and lower limbs and the axial skeleton, were systematically developed. These combinations were evaluated for each standard deviation level, resulting in a prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility between 0% and 12.9% and a clear variation in how the hypermobile joint mobility tests were distributed.

Conclusion

It is probably not possible to choose a subset of joint mobility tests to define GJH. In order not to overlook generalized joint hypermobility, a broader assessment of different joint types and sizes of joints appears to be needed. The prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility is dependent on joint hypermobility limit and the chosen combination of joint mobility tests.
Improving oral health and related health behaviours (substance use, smoking, diet) in people with severe and multiple disadvantage: A systematic review of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions
Authors: McGowan Laura J. , John Deepti A. , Kenny Ryan P. W. , Joyes Emma C. , Adams Emma A. , Shabaninejad Hosein , Richmond Catherine , Beyer Fiona R. , Landes David , Watt Richard G. , Sniehotta Falko F. , Paisi Martha , Bambra Claire , Craig Dawn , Kaner Eileen , Ramsay Sheena E.
Published: April 2024

Background

People experiencing homelessness co-occurring with substance use or offending (‘severe and multiple disadvantage’ SMD) often have high levels of poor oral health and related health behaviours (particularly, substance use, smoking, poor diet). This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions in adults experiencing SMD to improve oral health and related health behaviours.

Methods and findings

From inception to February 2023, five bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus) and grey literature were searched. Two researchers independently screened the search results. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparative studies and economic evaluations were included that reported outcomes on oral health and the related health behaviours. Risk of bias was assessed and results narratively synthesized. Meta-analyses were performed where appropriate. This review was registered with PROSPERO (reg. no: CRD42020202416). Thirty-eight studies were included (published between 1991 and 2023) with 34 studies reporting about effectiveness. Most studies reported on substance use (n = 30). Interventions with a combination of housing support with substance use and mental health support such as contingent work therapy appeared to show some reduction in substance use in SMD groups. However, meta-analyses showed no statistically significant results. Most studies had short periods of follow-up and high attrition rates. Only one study reported on oral health; none reported on diet. Three RCTs reported on smoking, of which one comprising nicotine replacement with contingency management showed improved smoking abstinence at 4 weeks compared to control. Five studies with economic evaluations provided some evidence that interventions such as Housing First and enhanced support could be cost-effective in reducing substance use.

Conclusion

This review found that services such as housing combined with other healthcare services could be effective in improving health behaviours, particularly substance use, among SMD groups. Gaps in evidence also remain on oral health improvement, smoking, and diet. High quality studies on effectiveness with adequate power and retention are needed to address these significant health challenges in SMD populations.
Adversarial AI applied to cross-user inter-domain and intra-domain adaptation in human activity recognition using wireless signals
Authors: Hassan Muhammad , Kelsey Tom , Rahman Fahrurrozi
Published: April 2024

In recent years, researchers have successfully recognised human activities using commercially available WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) devices. The channel state information (CSI) can be gathered at the access point with the help of a network interface controller (NIC card). These CSI streams are sensitive to human body motions and produce abrupt changes (fluctuations) in their magnitude and phase values when a moving object interacts with a transmitter and receiver pair. This sensing methodology is gaining popularity compared to traditional approaches involving wearable technology, as it is a contactless sensing strategy with no cumbersome sensing equipments fitted on the target with preserved privacy since no personal information of the subject is collected. In previous investigations, internal validation statistics have been promising. However, external validation results have been poor, due to model application to varying subjects with remarkably different environments. To address this problem, we propose an adversarial Artificial Intelligence AI model that learns and utilises domain-invariant features. We analyse model results in terms of suitability for inter-domain and intra-domain alignment techniques, to identify which is better at robustly matching the source to target domain, and hence improve recognition accuracy in cross-user conditions for HAR using wireless signals. We evaluate our model performance on different target training data percentages to assess model reliability on data scarcity. After extensive evaluation, our architecture shows improved predictive performance across target training data proportions when compared to a non-adversarial model for nine cross-user conditions with comparatively less simulation time. We conclude that inter-domain alignment is preferable for HAR applications using wireless signals, and confirm that the dataset used is suitable for investigations of this type. Our architecture can form the basis of future studies using other datasets and/or investigating combined cross-environmental and cross-user features.
Experiences on health-related quality of life of Jordanian patients living with heart failure: A qualitative study
Authors: Saifan Ahmad Rajeh , Hayeah Haneen Abu , Ibrahim Ateya Megahed , Dimitri Alexandra , Alsaraireh Mahmoud Mohammad , Alakash Hikmat , Yateem Nabeel Al , Zaghamir Donia Elsaid , Elshatarat Rami A. , Subu Muhammad Arsyad , Saleh Zyad Taher , AbuRuz Mohannad Eid
Published: April 2024

Background

Quantitative studies have provided valuable statistical insights into Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among patients with Heart Failure (HF), yet they often lack the depth to fully capture the nuanced, subjective experiences of living with HF particularly in the specific context of Jordan. This study explores the personal narratives of HF patients to understand the full impact of HF on their daily lives, revealing HRQoL aspects that quantitative metrics often miss. This is crucial in developing regions, where the increasing prevalence of HF intersects with local healthcare practices, cultural views, and patient expectations, providing key insights for tailored interventions and better patient care.

Methods

Utilizing a phenomenological qualitative design, this study conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 25 HF patients to deeply explore their lived experiences. Thematic analysis was employed to identify major themes related to their perceptions of HF as a disease, its impact on various HRQoL domains, and their recommended strategies to enhance HRQoL.

Results

The study involved 25 participants (13 males, 12 females), aged 26–88 years (mean 63), with diverse education and heart failure (HF) severities. It revealed three themes: HF perceptions, its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across physical, psychosocial, spiritual, cognitive, and economic domains, and HRQoL improvement strategies. Participants had varied HF knowledge; some lacked basic understanding. The physical impact was most significant, affecting daily life and causing symptoms like breathing difficulties, coughing, edema, and fatigue. This physical aspect influenced their psychosocial and spiritual lives, cognitive functions, and economic stability, leading to fear, frustration, worry, social isolation, spiritual and cognitive challenges, and employment problems.

Conclusions

The results underscores the need for holistic healthcare approaches, integrating medical, psychological, and social support. Key recommendations include integrated care models, comprehensive patient education, support networks, and policy interventions to enhance HF patient care.
What factors affecting investment decision? The moderating role of fintech self-efficacy
Authors: Che Hassan Norhazimah , Abdul-Rahman Aisyah , Ab. Hamid Siti Ngayesah , Mohd Amin Syajarul Imna
Published: April 2024

This study aims to determine, from the perspective of investors, the factors that predict Islamic unit trust (IUT) investment intentions. Additionally, this paper examines the moderating effect of fintech self-efficacy (FSE) on the relationship between attitude and investment intention. A total of 392 data were collected from IUT investors in Malaysia and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that subjective norms have the highest impact on investment intention, followed by attitude and FSE, while religiosity is not significantly associated with investment intention in Islamic unit trust funds. Attitude significantly mediates religiosity-intention and Islamic financial literacy-intention relationships. FSE significantly moderates the attitude-intention relationship. The results shed light on the key factors that increase investing behavior and have direct managerial implications with regard to marketing strategies and target markets. These findings suggest that IUT service providers should take the lead in attracting customers through effective and targeted marketing initiatives, particularly by enhancing customers’ FSE and capabilities. This study provides empirical evidence on the interrelationships between Islamic financial literacy, religiosity, and FSE in examining investors’ behavior using the Theory of Planned Behavior framework. The study explores the moderating role of FSE on the relationship between attitude and investment intention.
The effect of behavioral therapy on dysphagia of acute ischemic stroke patients feeding with a nasogastric tube
Authors: Hien Nguyen Thi Thu , Thong Tran Huu , Tung Le Thanh , Tinh Tran Thi , Trung Tran Huu
Published: April 2024

This prospective observational study aimed to assess the impact of behavioral therapy on dysphagia in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing nasogastric tube feeding. The study was conducted between June 2020 and May 2022 at the Neurological Center of Bach Mai Hospital, Vietnam, with a sample size of 230 patients divided into two groups: a normal and a behavioral therapy group. The normal therapy group received routine care and treatment based on standard protocols, while the behavioral therapy group underwent daily swallowing exercises for approximately 60 minutes. The Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) was utilized to screen individuals with dysphagia, and the difference-in-differences (DID) method was adopted to estimate the effect of behavioral therapy on dysphagia patients. The study concluded that behavioral therapy improved dysphagia in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing nasogastric tube feeding. This study highlights the potential of behavioral therapy as an effective intervention for dysphagia rehabilitation in stroke patients.
Effect of different treatment modalities on ovarian cancer patients with liver metastases: A retrospective cohort study based on SEER
Authors: Li Na , Jin Shanxiu , Wu Jingran , Ji Hongjuan , Du Cheng , Liu Bona
Published: April 2024

Background

To examine the trends in morbidity and mortality among ovarian cancer patients with liver metastases, and investigate the impact of different treatments on both overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Methods

2,925 ovarian cancer patients with liver metastases from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 2010–2019 were included. The primary endpoint was considered as OS and CSS. We conducted trend analysis of the incidence, OS and CSS rates of liver metastases in ovarian cancer. Univariate and multivariate COX proportional risk models were used to investigate the association between different treatment methods and OS, and univariate and multivariate competing risk models were employed to evaluate the impact of treatment methods on CSS.

Results

At the end of follow-up, 689 patients remained alive. The OS and CSS rates were 76.44% and 72.99% for all patients, respectively. There was a significant decreasing trend in the incidence [average annual percent change (AAPC) = -2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.9, -0.7], all-cause mortality (AAPC = -12.8, 95% CI: -15.6, -9.9) and specific mortality (AAPC = -13.0, 95% CI: -16.1, -9.8) rate of liver metastases in ovarian cancer. After adjusting all confounding factor, only receiving surgery was associated with OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.31–0.48]/CSS (HR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.30–0.47). Chemotherapy was found to be protective factor for OS (HR = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.30–0.37)/CSS (HR = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.39–0.50) of ovarian cancer patients, while not receiving surgery remained a risk factor. Additionally, the result of subgroup analyses also showed that only receiving surgery and chemotherapy still were significant protective factor of OS and CSS for patients without other distant metastases, with distant metastases to the bone, lung, brain or other organs, with bone metastasis, and with lung metastasis.

Conclusion

Our research has elucidated a downward trend in morbidity and mortality rates among patients with liver metastases originating from ovarian cancer. Only receiving surgery and chemotherapy as therapies methods confer survival benefits to patients.
Charting a sustainable tomorrow: Advancing urban low-carbon economies through comprehensive evaluation and promotion
Authors: Zhang Peng , Gao Hongxin , Zhang Danyang , Zhou Enyi , Khan Farina
Published: April 2024

With the world population growth, energy consumption and the rapid development of industrial economy, a large amount of carbon emissions has brought destruction and threats to the earth’s environment on which human beings depend. The development of low-carbon economy has become the consensus of governments all over the world and has been vigorously advocated & promoted. This paper focuses on the top five global GDP nations in 2022: The United States, China, Japan, Germany, and Britain. A comprehensive evaluation index system of urban low-carbon economic development level is constructed from four dimensions: economic development level, environmental quality, energy consumption emission intensity and social development speed by using literature review and field interview. The evaluation measures are determined using the TOPSIS evaluation method with entropy weight and the grey relational model, providing a comprehensive assessment of the low-carbon economy’s development level in these five countries." Judging from the comprehensive evaluation score, the overall development of low-carbon economy in American cities is in good condition and has reached the development standard of low-carbon economy; Germany and Japan rank second and third, and they are low-carbon economies. Britain ranks fourth in comprehensive evaluation, although it belongs to a low-carbon economy country, but there is still a certain gap with Germany and Japan; There is still a big gap between China and the other four countries. Based on the measurement and evaluation outcomes, it presents recommendations and strategies to foster the growth of low-carbon economies, offering valuable insights for the advancement of such economies across different nations. The research results guide countries all over the world to reduce carbon emissions in the process of economic development, protect the earth environment on which human beings depend, and make a better tomorrow for sustainable development.
The multi-strategy hybrid forecasting base on SSA-VMD-WST for complex system
Authors: Su Huiqiang , Ma Shaojuan , Xu Xinyi
Published: April 2024

In view of the strong randomness and non-stationarity of complex system, this study suggests a hybrid multi-strategy prediction technique based on optimized hybrid denoising and deep learning. Firstly, the Sparrow search algorithm (SSA) is used to optimize Variational mode decomposition (VMD) which can decompose the original signal into several Intrinsic mode functions (IMF). Secondly, calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) between each IMF component and the original signal, the subsequences with low correlation are eliminated, and the remaining subsequence are denoised by Wavelet soft threshold (WST) method to obtain effective signals. Thirdly, on the basis of the above data noise reduction and reconstruction, our proposal combines Convolutional neural network (CNN) and Bidirectional short-term memory (BiLSTM) model, which is used to analyze the evolution trend of real time sequence data. Finally, we applied the CNN-BiLSTM-SSA-VMD-WST to predict the real time sequence data together with the other methods in order to prove it’s effectiveness. The results show that SNR and CC of the SSA-VMD-WST are the largest (the values are 20.2383 and 0.9342). The performance of the CNN-BiLSTM-SSA-VMD-WST are the best, MAE and RMSE are the smallest (which are 0.150 and 0.188), the goodness of fit R2 is the highest(its value is 0.9364). In contrast with other methods, CNN-BiLSTM-SSA-VMD-WST method is more suitable for denoising and prediction of real time series data than the traditional and singular deep learning methods. The proposed method may provide a reliable way for related prediction in various industries.
Biochar dispersion in a tropical soil and its effects on native soil organic carbon
Authors: Obia Alfred , Lyu Jing , Mulder Jan , Martinsen Vegard , Cornelissen Gerard , Smebye Andreas Botnen , Zimmerman Andrew R.
Published: April 2024

Although biochar application to soils has been found to increase soil quality and crop yield, the biochar dispersion extent and its impacts on native soil organic carbon (SOC) has received relatively little attention. Here, the vertical and lateral migration of fine, intermediate and coarse-sized biochar (<0.5, 0.5–1 and 1–5 mm, respectively), applied at low and high doses (1.5–2 and 3–4% w/w, respectively), was tracked using stable isotope methods, along with its impact on native SOC stocks. Biochar was homogeneously mixed into the surface layer (0–7 cm depth) of a loamy sandy Acrisol in Zambia. After 4.5 y, 38–75% of the biochar carbon (BC) was lost from the applied layer and 4–25% was detected in lower soil layers (7–30 cm). Estimating BC mineralization to be no more than 8%, 25–60% was likely transported laterally out of the experimental plots. This conclusion was supported by observations of BC in the control plot and in soils up to 2 m outside of the experimental plots. These processes were likely progressive as recovery of BC in similar plots 1 year after application was greater in both surface and lower soil layers than after 4.5 y. Fine and intermediate-sized BC displayed the greatest downward migration (25.3 and 17.9%, respectively), particularly when applied at lower doses, suggesting its movement through soil inter-particle spaces. At higher dosages, fine and intermediate-sized particles may have clogged pore, so coarse biochar displayed the greatest downward migration when biochar was applied at higher doses. In the BC treatment plot soil profiles, native SOC stocks were reduced by 2.8 to 24.5% (18.4% on average), i.e. positive priming. However, some evidence suggested that the soils may switch to negative priming over time. The dispersion of biochar in soil should be considered when evaluating biochar’s agronomic benefits and environmental effects.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a risk factor for sarcopenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Zhenjie , He Jingchun , Chen Yawen , Zhou Ziqi , Wang Lan
Published: April 2024

Sarcopenia prevalence and its risk factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) vary partly due to definition criteria. This systematic review aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in COPD patients. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022310750). Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to September 1st, 2022, and studies related to sarcopenia and COPD were identified. Study quality was assessed using a validated scale matched to study designs, and a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate sarcopenia prevalence. COPD patients with sarcopenia were compared to those without sarcopenia for BMI, smoking, and mMRC. The current meta-analysis included 15 studies, with a total of 7,583 patients. The overall sarcopenia prevalence was 29% [95% CI: 22%–37%], and the OR of sarcopenia in COPD patients was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.19–1.92). The meta-analysis and systematic review showed that mMRC (OR = 2.02, P = 0.04) and age (OR = 1.15, P = 0.004) were significant risk factors for sarcopenia in COPD patients. In contrast, no significant relationship was observed between sarcopenia and smoking and BMI. Nursing researchers should pay more attention to the symptomatic management of COPD and encourage patients to participate in daily activities in the early stages of the disease.
circTADA2A inhibited SLC38A1 expression and suppresses melanoma progression through the prevention of CNBP trans-activation
Authors: Zhang Longjun , Zhang Le , Zhang Chi , Shi Sunan , Cao Zhilei , Shao Changliang , Li Jie , Yang Yingshun , Zhang Xi , Wang Jian , Li Xiangyun
Published: April 2024

Background

CircTADA2A has been demonstrated to play critical roles in the occurrence and development of human cancer. However, the expression pattern and biological mechanisms of circTADA2A in melanoma remains largely unknown.

Methods

CircTADA2A were detected by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and validated by Sanger sequencing. Function of circTADA2A and its protein partner in melanoma cells was investigated using RNA interference and overexpression assays. Interaction of circTADA2A, CCHC-type zinc finger nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP) and solute carrier family 38 member 1 (SLC38A1) was confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression of genes and proteins were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot assays.

Results

Data from the investigation showed that a novel circRNA (circTADA2A, hsa_circ_0043278) was markedly downregulated in melanoma cells. Functionally, circTADA2A repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion in melanoma cells. Mechanistically, circTADA2A interacted with CNBP, acting to suppress the binding of CNBP to the SLC38A1 promoter and subsequently restrained SLC38A1 transcription, which resulting in repression of melanoma progression.

Conclusions

CircTADA2A suppresses melanoma progression by regulating CNBP/SLC38A1 axis, indicating a potential therapeutic target in melanoma.
Exploring the impact of autumn color and bare tree landscapes in virtual environments on human well-being and therapeutic effects across different sensory modalities
Authors: Yin Menglei , Li Kankan , Xu Zhiman , Jiao Rui , Yang Wenzhi
Published: April 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the potential health benefits of the natural environment for human well-being. Given the fast-paced nature of contemporary lifestyles, research into the use of virtual environments as a means to provide various seasonal landscapes has gained increasing importance. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of different sensory modes on the preferences and therapeutic effects of virtual autumn landscapes on university campuses. Methods: In this study, 320 participants, with an average age of 21.11 years (±1.21 years), were exposed to virtual environments featuring autumn color landscapes and bare tree landscapes using visual, auditory, and combined conditions. A control group was included for comparison. Differences in participants’ physiological indicators (EEG, heart rate) and psychological measures (POMS, PANAS, SVS, ROS) were analyzed, with the use of the Holm correction (P < 0.05). Results: (1) Autumn virtual landscapes with color had a superior therapeutic effect. (2) There were significant differences in the therapeutic effects of different sensory modes within the same season’s landscape categories, suggesting that incorporating additional sensory dimensions may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Conclusion: Based on the study’s findings, we recommend that when designing therapeutic environments, attention should be given to seasonal variations and the integration of various sensory modes to optimize therapeutic results.
Experimental study on the effect of Coumarone resin on the performance of SBS-modified asphalt
Authors: Feng Chenyu , Hu Chunhua , Sun Zhaobin , Zhang Hao , Xu Zhaozhao
Published: April 2024

An inexpensive and high-performing solid Coumarone resin was added to Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer-modified asphalt to enhance its storage stability and road performance. To assess the effect of Coumarone resin dosage on the SBS-modified asphalt, a series of laboratory tests were conducted. The composite modified asphalt’s segregation test was used to evaluate its storage stability, Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) tests were employed to investigate its high-temperature performance and permanent deformation resistance, and the Bending Beam Rheology (BBR) test was utilized to measure its low-temperature performance. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the composite modified asphalt’s microstructure, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was conducted to study the changes in chemical structure during the modification process. The results showed that Coumarone resin can improve the compatibility of SBS and asphalt, improve the high-temperature performance and deformation resistance of SBS-modified asphalt, and adding an appropriate amount of Coumarone resin can help enhance the low-temperature cracking resistance of modified asphalt. The optimal dosage of Coumarone resin recommended for SBS-modified asphalt performance enhancement is 2% under the test conditions, as determined by comparing the test results of samples with various dosages.
Multilevel negative binomial analysis of factors associated with numbers of antenatal care contacts in low and middle income countries: Findings from 59 nationally representative datasets
Authors: Alem Adugnaw Zeleke , Tegegne Biresaw Ayen , Aragaw Fantu Mamo , Teklu Rediet Eristu , Baykeda Tsegaw Amare
Published: April 2024

Background

Antenatal care (ANC) is one of the recommended interventions to reduce stillbirth, maternal, neonatal, and child mortality through early identification and management of pregnancy complications or pre-existing conditions. Although increasing number of ANC is a key priority of the 2016 WHO recommendations, ANC uptake in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) is insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate factors associated with the number of ANC contacts in LMICs.

Methods

Data for the study were drawn from 59 recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in LMICS. We included a total sample of 520,377 mothers who gave birth in the five years preceding the survey. A multilevel negative binomial regression model was applied to identify factors that may affect number of ANC. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (AIRR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were reported to show association.

Results

This study found that mothers and their partner with higher educational attainment, mothers aged >35 years, mothers who had decision making autonomy, mothers from female headed household, mothers from richer and richest household, mothers exposed to media, and residing in urban areas had significantly more ANC contacts. However, number of ANC contacts were significantly lower among mothers who initiated ANC after 12 weeks of gestation and perceived healthcare access to be a big problem.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that individual, household, and community-level factors were associated with number of ANC contacts among pregnant mothers in LMICs. Hence, local and international policymakers, and programmers should focus on improving community awareness about maternal health care services through mass media and outreach programs with especial emphasis on women’s and their partners educational attainment, rural mothers, women’s empowerment, and household socioeconomic status.
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of people with ostomy and the adaptive domains of Roy’s theory: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Xavier Suenia Silva de Mesquita , Medeiros Lays Pinheiro de , Lima Neto Alcides Viana de , Silva Isabelle Pereira da , Lucena Silvia Kalyma Paiva , Oliveira Adriana Catarina de Souza , Araújo Rhayssa de Oliveira , Costa Isabelle Katherinne Fernandes
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The adaptation of people with ostomies may be associated with and affected by sociodemographic and clinical factors. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and the adaptation of people with an intestinal stoma.

Method

An analytical study, carried out through an interview with 200 patients with ostomy for five months. For that, it was applied to scale for the level of adaptation of ostomy patients to measure the physiological domains, self-concept, role function and interdependence and a questionnaire was used in which sociodemographic and clinical information. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed to test the study hypothesis.

Results

The study pointed out statistically significant associations with male sex, age group below 60, low education level, Stoma time less than one year, below one minimum wage, temporary permanence criteria and presence of complications relation to low scores of adaptation.

Conclusions

The association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with the measured adaptive modes provides important information for the planning of nursing care and other care providers, since it directs actions to the aspects that give greater adaptive difficulty to people with stomas and which are the focus of care nursing to this clientele.
From code to care: Clinician and researcher perspectives on an optimal therapeutic web portal for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Knoppers Terese , Haley Cassandra E. , Bouhouita-Guermech Sarah , Hagan Julie , Bradbury-Jost Jacqueline , Alarie Samuel , Cosquer Marie , Zawati Ma’n H.
Published: April 2024

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow, is the most common and fatal type of adult leukemia. Therapeutic web portals have great potential to facilitate AML research advances and improve health outcomes by increasing the availability of data, the speed and reach of new knowledge, and the communication between researchers and clinicians in the field. However, there is a need for stakeholder research regarding their optimal features, utility, and implementation.

Methods

To better understand stakeholder perspectives regarding an ideal pan-Canadian web portal for AML research, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 clinicians, researchers, and clinician-researchers. Interview guides were inspired by De Laat’s “fictive scripting”, a method where experts are presented with scenarios about a future technology and asked questions about its implementation. Content analysis relied on an iterative process using themes extracted from both existing scientific literature and the data.

Results

Participants described potential benefits of an AML therapeutic portal including facilitating data-sharing, communication, and collaboration, and enhancing clinical trial matchmaking for patients, potentially based on their specific genomic profiles. There was enthusiasm about researcher, clinician, and clinician-researcher access, but some disagreement about the nature of potential patient access to the portal. Interviewees also discussed two key elements they believed to be vital to the uptake and thus success of a therapeutic AML web portal: credibility and user friendliness. Finally, sustainability, security and privacy concerns were also documented.

Conclusions

This research adds to existing calls for digital platforms for researchers and clinicians to supplement extant modes of communication to streamline research and its dissemination, advance precision medicine, and ultimately improve patient prognosis and care. Findings are applicable to therapeutic web portals more generally, particularly in genomic and translational medicine, and will be of interest to portal end-users, developers, researchers, and policymakers.
Feasibility and preliminary effects of a mindfulness-based physical exercise (MBPE) program for community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia: A protocol for a parallel, two-armed pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Li Meng-Li , Kor Patrick Pui-Kin , Zhang Zhi-Ying , Liu Justina Yat-Wa
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Physical exercise (PE) is essential for alleviating the symptoms of sarcopenia. Low motivation is a major barrier to PE. Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) has the potential to improve motivation. However, few studies have used a mindfulness-based PE (MBPE) intervention among older people with sarcopenia.

Objectives

To assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of the MBPE program among community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm pilot randomised controlled trial will be conducted to assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of an MBPE program among community-dwelling older people with sarcopenia. A total of 60 participants will be randomised into the intervention group, receiving the MBPE intervention twice a week over 12 weeks, or the control group, receiving health education with the same duration, number of sessions and frequency as the intervention group. Each session of the MBPE program will last about 60 min, including 5-10- min introduction, 20-min MBI, 30-min PE and 5-10-min sharing and discussion. The primary outcomes will be the feasibility (i.e., the time spent recruiting participants, the eligibility rate and the recruitment rate) and acceptability (i.e., the attendance rate, completion rate and attrition rate) of the MBPE program. The secondary outcomes will be the preliminary effects of the MBPE program on symptoms of sarcopenia, motivation for PE, psychological well-being, mindfulness level, physical activity level and quality of life. Individual interviews will be conducted to identify the strengths, limitations and therapeutic components of the intervention. The quantitative data will be analysed by generalised estimating equations. The qualitative data will be analysed by Braun and Clarke’s thematic approach.

Conclusion

The findings of this study will be able to provide evidence for the health professionals in adopting MBPE as a supportive intervention for the older adults with sarcopenia and the groundworks for the researchers in developing non-pharmacological intervention for older adults. The positive effects could facilitate healthy ageing and relief the burden of the medical system, especially in the countries facing the ageing population.

Trial registration number

NCT05982067; ClinicalTrials.gov.
Evaluation of logistics management information system and availability of non-program tracer drugs in public health facilities in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Biset Asrade , Worku Minichile Chanie , Tefera Bereket Bahiru
Published: April 2024

The logistics management information system (LMIS) plays a crucial role in effective record-keeping and reporting, ensuring efficient management of stock status and consumption data. A proficient LMIS improves accountability and supports informed logistic decisions in healthcare. Conversely, a subpar LMIS negatively affects essential medicine availability, compromising overall healthcare service efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the status of the logistics management information system and the availability of non-program tracer drugs (NPTDs) in public health facilities within Bahir Dar City. This study employed an institutional-based cross-sectional study. Data were collected from February 20 to April 30, 2022 in 12 public health facilities located in Bahir Dar City. Structured questionnaire and data abstraction formats were used to gather pertinent data. After checking for completeness, the data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 23. The primary analytical outcomes involved descriptive statistics, encompassing frequencies, averages, and percentages, which were subsequently presented in tables and figures. Bin card and Internal Facility Report and Resupply Form were the only blank LMIS tools available in all health facilities, while stock-record card was the least available, present in only 2(16.7%) facilities. Nine health facilities (75%) used self-prepared forms to request NPTDs from the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (EPSA) at the end of the review period, whereas 7(58.3%) used official letters for emergency orders. Additionally, seven health facilities (58.3%) used the Health Commodities Management Information System On the day of the visit, 78.68% of NPTDs were available. Tetracycline eye ointment 1% had the longest stock-out duration, lasting for a mean 69.64 days. Rather than using the RRF, most of facilities opted for their own forms to request NPTDs from EPSA. While it is advisable for all health facilities to maintain continuous availability of tracer drugs, this study revealed that the current state of non-program tracer drug availability falls short of meeting this expectation.
Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author’s Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development, K. M. Weiland (2016)
Authors: Hayes Terrie Bear
Published: April 2024

Review of: Creating Character ARCS: The Masterful Author’s Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development, K. M. Weiland (2016)

Scottsbluff, NE: PenForASword Publishing, 274 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-94493-604-4, p/bk, USD 11.79
Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears, Michael Schulman (2023)
Authors: Welch Rosanne
Published: April 2024

Review of: Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears, Michael Schulman (2023)

New York: Harper, 589 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-06285-901-3, h/bk, USD 19.99