bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food security intervention mechanisms in the drought-prone rural areas of Tigray
Authors: Gebre Tewelde , Abraha Zenebe , Zenebe Amanuel , Zeweld Woldegebrial
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Tigray is one of the food-insecure regions with many people living under the condition of chronic hunger. Proper intervention mechanisms are vital for addressing food insecurity. Yet, food security intervention mechanisms of various levels are not researched well. Besides, previous studies have rarely addressed the objectives of food security intervention mechanisms in relation to the four pillars of food security: availability, access, utilization, and stability. Thus, this study aims to investigate the food security intervention mechanisms in the drought-prone rural areas of Tigray in relation with the major components of food security.

Methodology

This study has employed a cross-sectional study design based on a mixed research approach with primary and secondary data. For this, 363 households from three selected drought-prone rural districts, i.e., Atsbi-wenberta, Irob, and Hintalo- wejerat were studied. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and key-informant interviews. And, secondary data were collected from relevant archives and policy documents. The obtained data were analyzed descriptively and content-wise.

Results

Findings show that there were several international interventions intended to halt food insecurity sustainably through financial aid, but many of the interventions were found to be responding to humanitarian crises mainly the food shortages. Ethiopia's Food and Nutrition Policy, Food Security Program, Food Security Strategy, and Food Security Pack program were the food security intervention mechanisms at the national level. These interventions were found to be inconsistent with each other in their intended goals. Regionally, no food security strategy or program was found intervening to the prevailing food insecurity in Tigray. More notably, the region has no food security bureau or office that deals with food security issues of the region. At a community level, food aid, and PSNP transfers have been the usual food security intervention mechanisms. 35.6% (77,010) of the population in the study rural districts were found to be rural PSNP beneficiaries. The food aid and PSNP transfers were outrageously insufficient for the recipients to cope with food insecurity.

Conclusion

Intervention mechanisms should focus on enhancing vulnerable households' coping and adaptive capacities to deal with food security problems. In this regard, all the food security intervention mechanisms of various levels should be integrated into the common goal of achieving food security.
Anlotinib inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion by suppressing cytokine secretion in activated cancer-associated fibroblasts
Authors: Xiong Yaozu , Xu Xiaoting , Zhou Xilei , Tong Yusuo , Yu Changhua
Published: August 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether anlotinib could exert an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting cytokines secreted by activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).

Methods

CAFs were isolated from cervical cancer tissues and experimentally studied in vivo and in vitro. Molecular biology experimental methods were used to verify whether anlotinib could inhibit the pro-carcinogenic effects of CAFs derived from cervical cancer tissues.

Results

CAFs promote the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Anlotinib inhibited the activation of CAFs and suppressed the promotion of cervical cancer cells by CAFs. Anlotinib inhibited the expression of multiple cytokines within CAFs and suppressed the release of interleukin (IL)-6 (IL-6) and IL-8. In vivo studies have shown that anlotinib diminished the growth of xenografted cervical cancer cells, and treatment in combination with docetaxel had an even more significant tumor growth inhibitory effect.

Conclusion

Anlotinib inhibits the pro-cancer effects of CAFs by suppressing the activation of CAFs and the secretion of pro-cancer cytokines. Our findings suggest that the combination of anlotinib and docetaxel may be a potential strategy for the treatment of refractory cervical cancer.
Expanding treatment options for patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer with margetuximab plus chemotherapy: a case report series
Authors: Mahtani Reshma , Harpalani Natasha , Yan Fengting , Phiel Kristen , Kovalenko Iuliia
Published: August 2024

Background

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein (HER2)-positive (+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is an aggressive disease and patients often undergo multiple lines of therapy following HER2 targeted therapies. The most recent National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend margetuximab plus chemotherapy as fourth-line or later therapy for HER2+/hormone receptor (HR) + or negative (–) MBC. The aim of this case series is to provide information regarding margetuximab utilization in clinical practice as later-line therapy in women with HER2+ MBC.

Case summaries

Margetuximab plus chemotherapy was used as fourth- or later-line treatment in patients who had received multiple HER2-targeted agents, including trastuzumab, pertuzumab, ado-trastuzumab emtansine, trastuzumab deruxtecan, tucatinib, and neratinib. Patients responded to margetuximab plus chemotherapy with real-world progression-free survival (PFS) of 3, 4, and 7 months.

Conclusion

Clinical outcomes from three heavily pretreated patients with metastatic HER2+/HR+ MBC demonstrated that margetuximab plus chemotherapy resulted in real-world PFS comparable to that reported in the controlled pivotal clinical trial and support use of this targeted therapy option in appropriately identified patients.
Case report: intracranial lesions in a patient with anxiety and depression: tumor recurrence or radiation encephalopathy?
Authors: You Haiping , He Lin , Ouyang Zhibo , Yang Yao , Xie Shu , Zhou Jiwei , Zhang Yun , Shi Jian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Radiation encephalopathy (REP) is one of the most common complications of radiotherapy for malignant tumors of the head and neck. Symptoms usually appear months to years following radiotherapy, with headache, insomnia, and memory loss as the main clinical features. We report a patient who was admitted to the hospital with anxiety and depressive disorder and was eventually diagnosed with REP.

Patients and methods

A 48-year-old patient who had undergone over 2 years of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma was admitted to the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine of our hospital because of recurrent fear, low mood, and waking up from dreams. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass in the left temporal lobe with a large peripheral edema. After multidisciplinary consultation, the possibility of tumor recurrence could not be excluded.

Results

Resection of the lesioned brain tissue to obtain pathological tissue showed glial cell proliferation and small focal areas of degeneration and necrosis, which indicated that the lesions were inflammatory. Postoperative MRI showed no abnormal signal, and the patient’s condition improved.

Conclusion

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with a history of radiotherapy and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure and neurological damage should be examined for REP. Furthermore, patients may experience anxiety and depressive disorders as a result of temporal lobe damage caused by REP.
Applying enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in a patient with a giant spleen: a case report
Authors: Fang Dan , Gan Biling , Li Mei , Xiong Dailan
Published: August 2024

Although splenomegaly is a common finding in several diseases, massive splenomegaly is rare. Patients with massive splenomegaly often present with a complex clinical picture. This case report describes a 72-year-old female with a complex medical history. Fifteen years ago, she was diagnosed with primary myelofibrosis, which subsequently led to progressive abdominal enlargement and bloating over the past 5 years. Recently, she developed edema in her limbs, accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. A massive splenomegaly was discovered during her hospitalization. Additionally, the patient has a history of Crohn’s disease, gout, renal insufficiency, and hypertension. Laboratory results reveal severe anemia and thrombocytopenia. Abdominal CT scans confirm the enlarged spleen and show ascites. She was treated by a multidisciplinary team comprising several departments. Even after a period of comprehensive treatment, the symptoms of massive splenomegaly did not significantly improve. Thus, the patient underwent an open surgical excision of the giant spleen. The weight of the giant spleen was 5.0 kg. During the perioperative period, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols were applied to facilitate recovery. Her recovery was uneventful, and she was able to resume her regular daily routine shortly after the procedure. This report presented a complex and rare case of massive splenomegaly, and underscored that a proper medical and nursing care is the key to better recovery.
Role of molecular adsorbent recirculating system in methotrexate-induced acute liver failure: a case report and literature review
Authors: Corbisier T. , Von Bueren André O. , Breunis W.B. , Grazioli S.
Published: August 2024

We describe the case of a 14-year-old girl with osteosarcoma who was treated with high-dose methotrexate (12 g/m2). Twenty-four hours after the infusion, her plasma methotrexate concentration was elevated at 937 μmol/L (normal < 10 µmol/L). She exhibited severe signs of methotrexate toxicity, including encephalopathy, acute liver failure (ALF), and acute kidney injury. In this case report, we highlight the severe and rare adverse effects secondary to methotrexate administration and the efficacity of molecular adsorbent recirculating system and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration to recover from multiple organ failure.
Network-based prediction of anti-cancer drug combinations
Authors: Jiang Jue , Wei Xuxu , Lu YuKang , Li Simin , Xu Xue
Published: August 2024

Drug combinations have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in cancer treatment, aimed at overcoming drug resistance and improving the efficacy of monotherapy regimens. However, identifying effective drug combinations has traditionally been time-consuming and often dependent on chance discoveries. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore alternative strategies to support experimental research. In this study, we propose network-based prediction models to identify potential drug combinations for 11 types of cancer. Our approach involves extracting 55,299 associations from literature and constructing human protein interactomes for each cancer type. To predict drug combinations, we measure the proximity of drug-drug relationships within the network and employ a correlation clustering framework to detect functional communities. Finally, we identify 61,754 drug combinations. Furthermore, we analyze the network configurations specific to different cancer types and identify 30 key genes and 21 pathways. The performance of these models is subsequently assessed through in vitro assays, which exhibit a significant level of agreement. These findings represent a valuable contribution to the development of network-based drug combination design strategies, presenting potential solutions to overcome drug resistance and enhance cancer treatment outcomes.
Lingguizhugan oral solution alleviates MASLD by regulating bile acids metabolism and the gut microbiota through activating FXR/TGR5 signaling pathways
Authors: Wang Jiahua , Zang Juan , Yu Yang , Liu Yang , Cao Huimin , Guo Ruibo , Zhang Lu , Liu Mo , Zhang Zixu , Li Xuetao , Kong Liang
Published: August 2024

Background

The preservation of the Lingguizhugan (LGZG) decoction and patient compliance issue often limit the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Hence, herein, an LGZG oral solution was developed for alleviating MASLD. Additionally, the potential mechanisms underlying LGZG-mediated MASLD mitigation were explored.

Methods

A MASLD mouse model was constructed using oleic and palmitic acid-induced LO2 cells and a high-fat diet. The apoptosis, lipid deposition, and mouse liver function were analyzed to assess the therapeutic effects of the LGZG oral solution on MASLD. Serum untargeted metabolomics, gut microbiota, bile acid (BA) metabolism, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting analyses were performed to investigate the potential mechanism of action of LGZG oral solution on MASLD.

Results

The LGZG oral solution ameliorated lipid deposition, oxidative stress, inflammation, and pathological damage. Serum untargeted metabolomics results revealed the LGZG-mediated regulation of the primary BA biosynthetic pathway. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing of the fecal microbiota showed that LGZG oral solution increased the relative abundance of the BA metabolism-associated Bacteroides, Akkermansia, and decreased that of Lactobacillus. Additionally, the BA metabolism analysis results revealed a decrease in the total taurine-α/β-muricholic acid levels, whereas those of deoxycholic acid were increased, which activated specific receptors in the liver and ileum, including farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5). Activation of FXR resulted in an increase in short heterodimer partner and subsequent inhibition of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c expression, and activation of FXR also results in the upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 15/19 expression, and consequently inhibition of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, which correlated with hepatic BA synthesis and lipogenesis, ultimately attenuating lipid deposition and bile acid stasis, thereby improving MASLD.

Conclusion

Altogether, the findings of this study suggest that modulating microbiota–BA–FXR/TGR5 signaling pathway may be a potential mechanism of action of LGZG oral solution for the treatment of MASLD.
Bibliometric analysis of research on retinoic acid in the field of kidney disorders
Authors: Liu Yu , Sun Dongxuan , Huang Youqun , Shen Yuli , Chen Tong , Chen Wenya , Zhu Liangjun , Wang Fang , Hong Guoai , Luo Yuechan , Long Siyu , Zou Hequn
Published: August 2024

Retinoic acid is an active metabolite with significant physiological functions in human development, immunity, vision, and skin health. In recent years, research on retinoic acid in the field of kidney disorders has been increasing gradually. Yet, there is a lack of systematic bibliometric analysis of retinoic acid research in the kidney domain. This study included 1,368 articles published between 1998 and 2023 on treating kidney diseases with retinoic acid. Using the bibliometric analysis software VOSviewer and CiteSpace, we analyzed data on publication trends, contributing countries and institutions, journals and cocited journals, authors and cocited authors, cocited references, research hotspots, and frontiers. On the basis of the results of the bibliometric analysis, we identified the research efforts and their developmental trends, providing the groundwork for future research on retinoic acid.
Evidence of spontaneous cardiac-locomotor coupling during daily activities in healthy adults
Authors: Rosato Aurora , Larsson Matilda , Rullman Eric , Dual Seraina A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

One way to improve exercise performance and protect heart health is the extended synchronization of the stepping with the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle. Cardiac-locomotor coupling (CLC) happens when the step rate (SR) equals the heart rate (HR). The extent of CLC in daily life is unknown. This study aims to analyze spontaneous occurrences of CLC during daily activities.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of daily life recordings from a wrist-worn sensor was undertaken (PMData, N = 16, 5 months duration). The deviation between HR and SR was used to define CLC (deviation ≤ 1%) and weak CLC (1%< deviation ≤ 10%). The occurrence and the probability of CLC during everyday life were computed from the recordings. The CLC occurrences were stratified depending on the duration and intensity of the physical activity. Finally, a Monte Carlo simulation was run to evaluate the probability of random occurrences of CLC vs. the observed recordings.

Results

Participants couple for 5% and weakly couple for 35% of the observational period. The ratio of 1:1 between HR and SR is the dominating occurrence across the study population and this overrepresentation is significant. CLC occurs mostly for long activities. The extent of CLC for various intensities of activity is subject-dependent. The results suggest that CLC is feasible for most people.

Conclusions

CLC occurs spontaneously during unsupervised daily activity in everyone in our cohort, which suggests a mechanistic interaction between the cardiac and the locomotor systems. This interaction should be investigated for medical rehabilitation and sports applications in the future.
Impact of high-risk optic disc on central retinal vein occlusion in patients with metabolic disorders
Authors: Si Shancheng , Lin Jiateng , Guo Rong , Chen Anming , Ji Yicong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of high-risk optic disc (HROD) on central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in patients with metabolic disorder(s).

Design

Retrospective case-control study.

Methods

A case-control study involving CRVO patients with metabolic disorder(s) was performed. PART I. All eligible patients with CRVO were included in CRVO group, and a similar number of patients with metabolic disorder(s) without CRVO were matched by sex, age and blood glucose level in the non-CRVO group. Various parameters were compared between groups. The impact of risk factors associated with CRVO was presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). PART II. All eyes with CRVO that underwent intravitreal treatment (IVT) with a follow-up duration of ≥1 year were divided into non-HROD and HROD groups, and the differences between the two groups were compared.

Results

In PART I, a total of 45 and 63 eyes were enrolled in the CRVO and non-CRVO groups, respectively, with a significant statistical difference in HROD (51.16% vs 26.98%, p = 0.010) between them. In further multivariate regression analysis, HROD was the independent risk factor for CRVO (OR = 5.036, 95% CI 1.847–13.729, p = 0.002). In PART II, demographic, follow-up information, treatment, and prognosis showed no significant statistical difference between the two groups (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

HROD was likely to be an independent risk factor for CRVO occurrence in patients with metabolic disorder(s), but it did not affect the treatment and prognosis of CRVO eyes with HROD.
Floristic analyses of Shandong peninsula and adjacent areas indicate the barrier effect of the Yellow river on floristic diversity
Authors: Wang Suyin , Xian Qing , Yang Liu , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2024

The Shandong Peninsula, the largest peninsula in China, is situated at the estuary of the Yellow River and is bordered by both the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea. This region is renowned for its rich plant diversity. However, the historical origins of these plant species remain poorly understood. This study analyzed 2410 shared species from 865 genera and 161 families distributed across Shandong and its nine adjacent regions to investigate the floristic diversity of the Shandong Peninsula. These regions were considered as operational taxonomic units (OTUs), with the shared species serving as the basis for each OTU. Hierarchical cluster analyses were performed to assess their floristic similarity, employing the Bray-Curtis distance algorithm and the UPGMA clustering method. The results revealed that the ten regions were grouped into three clusters, delineated by the Yellow River. Notably, the floristic similarity of the Shandong Peninsula was found to be more closely aligned with regions south of the Yellow River, despite Shandong historical connection to Liaoning in the north. These findings underscore the barrier effect of the Yellow River and provide insights into the formation of biotic diversity patterns between northern and eastern China.
Phenotypic and transcriptomic responses of diverse rice accessions to transient heat stress during early grain development
Authors: Nalini Chandran Anil Kumar , Paul Puneet , Dhatt Balpreet K. , Sandhu Jaspreet , Irvin Larissa , Oguro Shohei , Shi Yu , Zhang Chi , Walia Harkamal
Published: August 2024

Heat stress (HS) occurring during the grain-filling period has a detrimental effect on grain yield and quality in rice (Oryza sativa). The development of heat-resilient cultivars could partly solve this issue if tolerant alleles can be identified and incorporated into the germplasm. In this study, we posit that some of the phenotypic variations for heat resilience during grain development could be due to variations in gene expression among accessions. To test this, we characterized the HS response of 10 diverse rice accessions from three major sub-populations using physiological and transcriptome analyses. At a single-grain level, grain width and grain thickness emerged as the most heat-sensitive traits. During a transient HS, IND-3 was categorized as highly sensitive, while five accessions exhibited moderate heat sensitivity, and four accessions were tolerant. Only a core set of 29.4% of the differentially expressed genes was common to the three rice sub-populations. Heat-tolerant accession TEJ-5 uniquely triggered an unfolded protein response (UPR) under HS, as evident from the induction of OsbZIP50 and downstream UPR genes. OsbZIP58, a gene that positively regulates grain filling, was more highly induced by HS in IND-2 despite its moderate heat sensitivity. Collectively, our analysis suggests that both unique gene expression responses and variation in the level of responses for a given pathway distinguish diverse accessions. Only some of these responses are associated with single-grain phenotypes in a manner consistent with the known roles of these genes and pathways.
The impact of health information echo chambers on older adults avoidance behavior: the mediating role of information fatigue and the moderating role of trait mindfulness
Authors: Zhong Fuxiu , Gu Chenyu
Published: August 2024

Background

In the digital media era, the prevalence of algorithm-driven content push has intensified the health information echo chambers phenomenon, characterized by excessive homogenization and overload of information. This phenomenon may negatively impact the older adults, a “digitally vulnerable” group, by limiting their access to diverse health information and potentially inducing health information avoidance behaviors. However, the psychological mechanisms within this impact process remain unclear, and this study aims to explore them. Additionally, current study introduces trait mindfulness as a potential intervention tool in reducing health information avoidance behavior among the older adults.

Methods

This study constructs an impact model based on the Stress-Coping Theory and the Stress–Strain-Outcome (SSO) framework. It identifies health information similarity, relevance, and overload as characteristics of the echo chamber, constituting the Stress part; information fatigue as the Strain; and health information avoidance as the Outcome, with trait mindfulness serving as a moderating factor between Strain and Outcome. A cross-sectional survey of 236 older adults individuals aged 60 and above was conducted, and the collected data were analyzed using SmartPLS and SPSS.

Results

The study found that health information similarity and overload significantly increased health information fatigue among the older adults, thereby promoting avoidance behavior, but no significant correlation was found between relevance and fatigue. While there was no significant correlation between trait mindfulness and health information fatigue, it effectively moderated the avoidance behavior induced by fatigue.

Conclusion

Current study reveals the impact of the health information echo chamber phenomenon on health information avoidance behavior among the older adults and the moderating role of trait mindfulness. It emphasizes the importance of breaking the health information echo chamber and promoting diverse information dissemination to improve the health information behavior of the older adults. Furthermore, the moderating role of trait mindfulness demonstrates positive intervention potential, providing the older adults with a psychological adjustment mechanism to accept and process health information with a more open attitude, thereby reducing unproductive avoidance behavior.
Stigmatization of patients with mental disorders: a comparative study of nurses in forensic psychiatry and inpatient settings
Authors: Kılıç-Demir Barış , Kızılpınar Selma Çilem
Published: August 2024

Background

Forensic psychiatric patients require specialized care due to the unique challenges in forensic settings. Negative attitudes and beliefs towards mentally disordered offenders can lead to discrimination against patients and are related to worse outcomes. Forensic psychiatric nurses play a crucial role in the treatment of these patients.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs of forensic psychiatric nurses and general medicine nurses towards psychiatric patients and to compare them between nurse groups.

Method

The study was conducted with 46 nurses working in the High-Security Forensic Psychiatry Clinic (Mean age: 35.46, SD= 7.16) and 58 nurses working in other inpatient settings (Mean age:36.28, SD=8.78) aged between 18-65 between December 2020 and April 2021 in Turkey. Nurses in the forensic psychiatry clinic were required to have at least 6 months of experience in the clinic.

Results

Forensic psychiatric nurses exhibited more positive attitudes towards patients (p<.0001), showing lower tendency to be socially distant (p=.009), higher trust (p<.0001), higher willingness to treat (p<.0001), lower tendency to perceive patients as threatening (p=.004), and more general positive attitudes. Significant relationships were found between some of the stigma-related scales we used and certain factors. For forensic nurses, being male (p=0.043) and single (p=,025), working long hours (p=.047), and having fewer children (p=.005) were related to more negative perceptions about delinquents. Insufficient knowledge about forensic psychiatry was linked to negative beliefs about mental disorders (p=0.017) and specifically the curability of mental disorders (p=0.008). Having more siblings was related to higher embarrassment about mental disorders (p=.043). For general nurses, having first-degree relatives who receive psychiatric treatment was related to perceiving patients as threatening (p=.021)) and negative perceptions about delinquents (p=.007). Being older was related to more positive beliefs about mental patients’ dangerousness (p=.026). Having more siblings was associated with higher trust toward patients (p=0.002).

Conclusions

These findings emphasize the importance of addressing stigmatization among healthcare professionals, particularly forensic psychiatry nurses and general nurses. Providing comprehensive training about mental disorders and forensic psychiatry and promoting empathy and understanding can enhance the quality of care for patients with mental illnesses and contribute to better mental health outcomes for society.
Exploring the experiences of Haitians/Haitian Americans in Miami-Dade County, Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic: how this community coped with the public health emergency
Authors: Sternberg Candice A. , Richard Danelle , Daniel Valerie E. , Chery Maurice J. , Beauvoir Maika , Marcelin Dora , Francois Aline , Titus Micaelle , Mann April , Alcaide Maria L. , Dale Sannisha K.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To explore and describe the experiences of Haitians/Haitian Americans in Miami-Dade County, Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic, including their attitudes and practices towards vaccination.

Design

We interviewed 15 community members and 15 stakeholders in the Haitian/Haitian American community in Miami-Dade County, Florida using a semi-structured interview guide. The qualitative interviews were conducted between February 4, 2021, and October 1, 2021. They were conducted in both English and Haitian Creole, audio recorded transcribed/translated, and coded using thematic content analysis.

Results

The analyses revealed 9 major themes: (1) thoughts about the pandemic, (2) concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines, (3) healthcare access, February–October 2021, (4) intrapersonal relationship dynamics, (5) thoughts about individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, (6) thoughts about prevention measures (e.g., wearing masks, hand hygiene, social distancing, vaccination), (7) mental health struggles and coping, (8) food insecurity, and (9) overall experiences of the pandemic. The findings reveal that the COVID-19 public health emergency negatively affected Haitians/Haitian Americans across several domains, including employment, healthcare access, personal relationships, and food security.

Conclusion

This research echoes the compounding negative experiences reported by multiple disadvantaged groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. From loss of employment to healthcare barriers, the pandemic forced many Haitians/Haitian Americans into greater economic and social instability. Interventions addressing these issues should recognize how these factors may interact and compound the experiences of this group. Health and public health agencies should work alongside community partners to build trust so that preventive efforts will be more readily accepted during public health emergencies.
Underweight, overweight, and weight change in older family caregivers and their care recipients: longitudinal evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Koponen Sohvi , Nykänen Irma , Savela Roosa-Maria , Välimäki Tarja , Suominen Anna Liisa , Schwab Ursula
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to identify differences among body mass index (BMI) categories of older family caregivers (≥60 years) and their care recipients (≥65 years). Secondly, this study aimed to examine group differences and factors associated with weight change during a nutrition and oral health intervention. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT04003493)) involved individually tailored nutritional guidance from a clinical nutritionist and oral health guidance from a dental hygienist. Baseline BMI differences were analyzed, followed by further analyses of group differences and associated factors of weight change over a 6-month period using generalized estimating equations. Among the participants (113 family caregivers and 107 care recipients), 36.3% and 35.1% were overweight (BMI >29 kg/m2), while 18.6% and 21.6% were underweight (BMI <24 kg/m2) at baseline, respectively. For family caregivers differences in BMI categories included age, mid-arm and calf circumferences, and plasma prealbumin concentration. For care recipients differences were observed in medication use, mid-arm and calf circumferences, Mini Nutritional Assessment scores, physical function, and number of teeth. During the 6-month intervention, there were no differences in weight change between intervention and control groups for both caregivers and care recipients. Factors significantly associated (p < 0.05) with weight loss included female sex for both caregivers and care recipients, and frailty for caregivers. Family caregivers’ characteristics were not significantly associated with weight change in their care recipients. In conclusion, being overweight is a prevalent among older family caregivers and care recipients. Factors such as age, medication use, physical function, number of teeth, and Mini Nutritional Assessment scores varied across BMI categories. Female sex was associated with weight loss in both older family caregivers and care recipients, and frailty was associated with weight loss in caregivers. However, the characteristics of family caregivers did not explain the weight loss of their care recipients.

Clinical Trial Registration: [https://www.ClinicalTrial.gov/], identifier [NCT04003493].
Navigating regulatory and analytical challenges in live biotherapeutic product development and manufacturing
Authors:   Microbiome Therapeutics Innovation Group, Barberio Dana
Published: August 2024

The recent FDA approvals of Rebyota™ and Vowst™ represent landmark milestones within the burgeoning field of live microbiota-based products. Future microbiota-based treatment approaches also hold significant promise for treating patients with a myriad of diseases and disorders, yet substantial hurdles hinder their development and utilization. Foremost, existing regulatory frameworks governing live biotherapeutic product (LBP) manufacturing development have notable gaps, requiring comprehensive expansion and refinement. Along with regulatory challenges, hurdles remain in the optimization and validation of analytical methodologies essential for characterizing LBPs, including for microbial identification, potency, and bioburden. To address these challenges, Microbiome Therapeutics Innovation Group (MTIG) spearheaded collaborative efforts, engaging industry leaders and the FDA in discussions aimed at catalyzing improvements in LBP analytics and refining the current regulatory landscape. Extrapolating on feedback from these discussions, this review highlights challenges and identifies critical gaps. Specific recommendations for future regulatory guidance are proposed, as are recommendations for interactions that developers can take now with regulatory agencies to support the development of maturing guidance. Key analytical factors to consider in LBP development are reviewed, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of various methodologies. Collaboration among regulatory and government agencies, industry, and academia, facilitated by coalitions like MTIG, will be instrumental in ushering the microbiota-based therapeutics field into the next phase of approvals and advancements, ultimately benefiting patients.
Optimal sway motion reduction in forestry cranes
Authors: Kowsari Elham , Ghabcheloo Reza
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The paper introduces a novel optimal feedforward controller for Hydraulic manipulators equipped with a passive grapple, addressing the issue of sway during and after movement. The controller is specifically applied to a forwarder machine used in forestry for log-loading tasks.

Methods

The controller is designed for smooth operation, low computational demands, and efficient sway damping. Customizable parameters allow adjustments to suit operator preferences. The implementation was carried out using the Amesim model of a forwarder.

Results

Simulation results indicate a significant reduction in sway motions, averaging a decrease of more than 60%. This performance was achieved without the need for additional sway-detection sensors, which simplifies the system design and reduces costs.

Discussion

The proposed method demonstrates versatility and broad applicability, offering a new framework for anti-sway controllers in various fields such as construction cranes, forestry vehicles, aerial drones, and other robotic manipulators with passive end-effectors. This adaptability could lead to significant advances in safety and efficiency.
Building local partnership through community parks in Central Tokyo: perspectives from different participants
Authors: Zong Min , Xu Guolin , Yanai Shigeto
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Cities globally, including Tokyo, face challenges in managing small urban green spaces due to limited land, aging infrastructure, and rising maintenance costs. This study explores effective community engagement strategies for park revitalization as cities focus on improving existing green spaces rather than expanding them.

Methods

This research investigates community park revitalization in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, using a case study approach involving three parks. Data were collected through interviews with seven park management stakeholders and a survey of 176 residents. The study aimed to identify key factors for successful community participation, evaluate perceptions of engagement activities, and assess residents’ willingness to participate.

Results

Key factors for effective park revitalization include public buildings inside and outside the parks, sufficient greenery and open spaces, and local responsible persons. Despite these conditions, challenges such as high maintenance costs and low resident engagement persist. Among 176 respondents, 55 had participated in park events. Both genders noted increased use by parents and children and enhanced motivation to visit as significant impacts, with mean ratings of 4.36 and 4.37, respectively. Age differences were observed: respondents aged 18-39 emphasized increased use by parents and children (mean 4.75), while those aged 40-59 and over 60 valued motivation to visit (means 4.64 and 4.00). Long-term residents (over 10 years) reported lower impact ratings than newer residents, and larger families rated activities more positively than smaller or single-person households. Key issues included insufficient publicity (60%), restriction of normal use (20%), increased waste (14.5%), and noise (12.7%).

Discussion

The study highlights the need to address demographic differences in engagement preferences and barriers. Tailoring activities to diverse groups, including seniors and single-person households, can improve participation and effectiveness. These findings can guide localized park management strategies and foster more inclusive urban green space initiatives.
Under the context of smart agriculture: assessment of agricultural product distribution efficiency in various regions of China
Authors: Zheng Zihao
Published: August 2024

The efficient development of the agricultural product circulation industry, as a crucial component of agricultural growth, directly impacts the successful realization of the country’s rural revitalization strategy. Despite the favorable trend in the development of China’s agricultural product circulation industry, with continuous growth in the volume of agricultural product circulation and overall logistics turnover, challenges persist. There remains a prevalent emphasis on “heavy production and light circulation” in agricultural development, leading to high circulation costs and notably low efficiency. This situation necessitates imminent reforms within the agricultural product circulation industry. In response to emerging contradictions in the contemporary agricultural product circulation domain, the country has strategically advocated for digital development. The advancement of next-generation information technology has propelled the reforms within the agricultural product circulation industry and the exploration of intelligent technology applications in this field aligns with practical developmental needs. Firstly, this article constructs an evaluation framework for agricultural product circulation efficiency based on the perspective of dual online and offline circulation channels. Utilizing the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, the study calculates the static efficiency of agricultural product circulation in China. Through regional comparisons, it is revealed that the overall efficiency of agricultural product circulation is highest in the eastern region, followed by the central and northeastern regions, with the western region lagging behind. Secondly, employing the Malmquist index model, the study investigates the changes in total factor productivity within agricultural product circulation. The findings indicate the following trends during the statistical period: the circulation of agricultural products in the eastern region has maintained a substantial growth rate primarily driven by technological advancements; in the northeastern region, the overall total factor productivity in agricultural product circulation shows an increasing trend but displays an M-shaped variation; the central region witnesses relatively low average annual growth in total factor productivity, characterized by significant fluctuations primarily influenced by variations in pure technical efficiency; the western region experiences a continuous decline in scale efficiency and pure technical efficiency compared to the previous year, with only a rise in technological progress index supporting a slight increase in total factor productivity.
Does capital marketization promote better rural industrial integration: evidence from China
Authors: Ding Zhao , Fan Xinyi
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Although rural industrial integration is a crucial pathway for advancing the revitalization of rural economies, it continues to grapple with financial challenges. This paper delves into the theoretical underpinnings of how capital marketization influences rural industrial integration.

Methods

Using panel data from China’s provinces spanning the years 2010 to 2020, a comprehensive index of rural industrial integration is constructed from the vantage point of a new development paradigm. The paper employs the system GMM method to empirically investigate the impact of capital marketization on rural industrial integration and to dissect its transmission mechanisms. Additionally, a threshold regression model is applied to explore the specific patterns of the nonlinear relationship between the two variables.

Results and discussion

The study’s findings reveal that the degree of rural industrial integration is significantly and positively influenced by its previous level, demonstrating an accumulative effect wherein the prior level of integration lays the groundwork for future advancements. The influence of capital marketization on the degree of rural industrial integration is characterized by a non-linear relationship, adhering to a “U-shaped” curve. Below the inflection point, the development of capital marketization is detrimental to rural industrial integration, whereas above this point, it exerts a positive influence. Currently, China’s overall level of capital marketization is positioned beyond the inflection point, indicating substantial potential for enhancing industry integration in rural China. In addition, the study indicates that at very low levels of economic development, capital marketization does not affect the development of rural industries. As the economic development level rises, so does the impact of capital marketization on rural industrial integration.
Case Report: A rare presentation of rapidly progressive moyamoya disease refractory to unilateral surgical revascularization
Authors: Leach Daniel Friel , Margam S Srivikram , Gustin Aaron , Gustin Paul J. , Jajeh Mohamad N. , Chavis Yhana C. , Walker Kristin V. , Bentley Joshua S.
Published: August 2024

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic, occlusive cerebrovasculopathy typified by progressive steno-occlusive disease of the intracranial internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and their proximal branches. Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) categorizes patients with characteristic MMD plus associated conditions. As such, the most usual presentations are those that occur with cerebral ischemia, specifically transient ischemic attack, acute ischemic stroke, and seizures. Hemorrhagic stroke, headaches, and migraines can also occur secondary to the compensatory growth of fragile collateral vessels propagated by chronic cerebral ischemia. While the pathophysiology of MMD is unknown, there remain numerous clinical associations including radiation therapy to the brain, inherited genetic syndromes, hematologic disorders, and autoimmune conditions. We describe the case of a 31-year-old woman who presented with recurrent ischemic cerebral infarcts secondary to rapidly progressive, bilateral MMD despite undergoing early unilateral surgical revascularization with direct arterial bypass. She had numerous metabolic conditions and rapidly decompensated, ultimately passing away despite intensive and aggressive interventions. The present case highlights that progression of moyamoya disease to bilateral involvement can occur very rapidly, within a mere 6 weeks, a phenomenon which has not been documented in the literature to our knowledge.
Safety and efficacy of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors in fetal growth restriction: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Ying , Un Ella Man-Wai , Bai Ying , Chan Man Keong , Zeng Luo Xin , Lei Sut Leng , Li Junjun , Ung Carolina Oi Lam
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with a higher risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term health issues in newborns. Currently, there is no effective medicine for FGR. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors have been shown in pre-clinical studies to improve FGR. This study aimed to evaluate the latest evidence about the clinical outcomes and safety of PDE-5 inhibitors for the management of FGR.

Methods: Eight databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Database and WangFang Database) were searched for English and Chinese articles published from the database inception to December 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the use of PDE-5 inhibitors in FGR were included. The quality of the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Odds ratio and mean difference (MD) (95% confidence intervals) were pooled for meta-analysis.

Results: From 253 retrieved publications, 16 studies involving 1,492 pregnant women met the inclusion criteria. Only sildenafil (15 RCTs) and tadalafil (1 RCT) were studied for FGR. Compared with the control group (placebo, no treatment, or other medication therapies), sildenafil increased birth weight, pregnancy prolongation and umbilical artery pulsatility indices. However, it also increased the risk of pulmonary hypertension in newborns, as well as headache and flushing/rash in mothers. There were no significant differences in gestation age, perinatal mortality or major neonatal morbidity, stillbirth, neonate death, infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit, intraventricular hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis in infants, as well as pregnancy hypertension and gastrointestinal side effects in mothers between the treatment and the control groups.

Discussion: Sildenafil was the most investigated PDE-5 inhibitors for FGR. Current evidence suggests that sildenafil can improve birth weight and duration of pregnancy but at the same time increase the risk of neonatal pulmonary hypertension. It remains uncertain whether the benefits of sildenafil in FGR outweigh the risks and further high-quality RCTs are warranted.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=325909
Institutional and economic analysis of community-based breeding programs in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Uganda
Authors: Lwiza Florence , Ilukor John , Aseete Paul , Bagamba Fredrick , Walusimbi Sadat , Ng’andwe Pushna Kunda , Oryokot Joseph , Kasura Magezi Ndamira Barbara , Sebudde Rachel K.
Published: August 2024

The study examines community-based breeding schemes as a cost-effective method for enhancing the productivity of indigenous livestock breeds. While such projects offer benefits, their success varies in different locations. Drawing data from Uganda’s Teso and Karamoja regions, the research reveals that investing in such projects yields positive outcomes for farmer groups. However, challenges such as limited access to veterinary services, high maintenance costs, and the failure of the exotic breeds to adapt to extreme temperatures and drought conditions hinder project success and continuity. The study emphasises the importance of collective resource mobilisation, effective group governance, and farmer involvement in breed selection to address these issues. It also recommends promoting income-generating activities within the groups, strengthening leadership structures, and fostering member commitment to collective efforts. These measures aim to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of community-based breeding programs.