bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between changes in body composition and progression of liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lin Yuxi , Liang Zhixing , Liu Xiaofang , Chong Yutian
Published: October 2024

Aim

The correlation between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the occurrence of liver fibrosis is well-established. However, the longitudinal association between body composition and liver fibrosis progression in patients with T2DM remains incompletely explored.

Methods

Total of 390 patients with T2DM underwent body composition assessments, followed by a median duration of 2.13 years. The calculated parameters included body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), trunk fat mass index (TFMI), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), muscle/fat mass ratio (M/F) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass/trunk fat mass ratio (A/T). Liver fibrosis was evaluated through liver stiffness measurement (LSM). Patients were classified according to BMI and body composition, followed by a comprehensive investigation into the impact of body composition changes on liver fibrosis outcomes.

Results

Among 72 patients with incident advanced liver fibrosis at readmission, ΔBMI, ΔFMI and ΔTFMI increased, while ΔM/F and ΔA/T decreased. Individuals who kept obese had a dramatically elevated hazard of incident advanced liver fibrosis compared to those who kept non-obese, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.464. When TFMI heightened, the hazard of incident advanced liver fibrosis was 3.601 times higher compared to the decreased group. Additionally, individuals in increased ASMI and A/T groups showed a slight advantage in preventing incident advanced liver fibrosis compared to the stable groups.

Conclusion

Stable obesity was associated with a greater hazard of liver fibrosis advancement, and an increase in TFMI may promote the progression of liver fibrosis. Maintaining a balanced muscle/fat ratio appeared to help prevent the progression.
Hepatopulmonary syndrome associated with long-term use of ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) for treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer - a case report and series
Authors: O’Sullivan Ciara C. , Higgins Alexandra S. , Alkurashi Adham K. , Ahluwalia Vaibhav , Taraba Jodi L. , McKie Paul M. , Kamath Patrick S. , Iyer Vivek N. , Haddad Tufia C.
Published: October 2024

Background

The advent of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represents a landmark advance in cancer therapy, permitting targeted delivery of a potent cytotoxic agent to tumor cells with minimal damage to surrounding cells. Although ADCs can induce sustained therapeutic responses in heavily pretreated patients, they can also cause significant toxicity and thus require careful monitoring. The prototype ADC, ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is comprised of a humanized, monoclonal human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-directed antibody, trastuzumab, linked to the cytotoxic agent, DM1, and is used for the treatment of early-stage and advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. Liver toxicities, including transaminitis and nodular regenerative hyperplasia resulting in portal hypertension have been described. We report a case series of four patients who developed hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) during treatment with T-DM1. HPS is characterized by hypoxemia, portal hypertension, and intrapulmonary shunting, and it can be associated with severe hypoxic respiratory failure. HPS secondary to noncirrhotic portal hypertension occurring with long-term exposure to T-DM1 has not previously been reported.

Case series presentation

Four patients who received T-DM1 in our institutional cohort (n=230) developed HPS, which can be associated with severe hypoxic respiratory failure. Each patient diagnosed with HPS received >50 doses of T-DM1. Only one patient at diagnosis had resting hypoxia, while the other three patients became hypoxic with exertion only. Discontinuation of T-DM1 led to clinical improvement in hypoxia in three of the four patients. The spectrum of liver injury that occurs with long-term use of T-DM1 remains incompletely defined.

Conclusions

As T-DM1 is approved for use in the management of early-stage operable and advanced breast cancer, awareness of HPS as a potential complication of long-term administration of T-DM1 is necessary. The emergence of dyspnea alone or combined with low oxygen saturation and signs of hypoxemia (clubbing or elevated hemoglobin) should raise clinical suspicion and prompt evaluation for HPS. Cancer care team members should be vigilant regarding the potential for new and serious side effects associated with novel targeted therapies, which may emerge years beyond initial regulatory approval.
The benefit and risk of addition of chemotherapy to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors for EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases: a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Fu Xiang , Zhu Lingping , Wen Xiurong , Zhang Shihao
Published: October 2024

Background

Combining epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with chemotherapy (ETC) offers more advantages for patients with EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) than using EGFR TKIs alone (ET). However, whether this conclusion applies to patients with brain metastases (BM) remains controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the benefits and risks of the two groups.

Methods

Six databases were systematically searched for relevant literatures comparing ETC versus ET in treating EGFR-positive NSCLC patients with BM. The primary outcome assessed was overall survival (OS), while secondary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), and central nervous system (CNS)-PFS, responses, progression status and safety.

Results

Seven studies based on five randomized clinical trials with 550 patients were included. The ETC group exhibited better OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.64 [0.48, 0.87]), PFS (HR: 0.42 [0.34, 0.52]), and CNS-PFS (HR: 0.42 [0.31, 0.57]). The benefits in survival for OS, PFS, and CNS-PFS were validated in nearly all subgroups. Meanwhile, the overall objective response rate (ORR) (risk ratio [RR]: 1.25 [1.02, 1.52]) and CNS-ORR (RR: 1.19 [0.93, 1.51]) also tended to favor the ETC group. However, the addition of chemotherapy also brought about more grade 3-5/serious adverse events (AEs). The top five grade 3-5 AEs in the ETC group were alanine aminotransferase increase (11.25%), neutropenia (7.5%), nausea (7.5%), anorexia (5%), and diarrhea (5%).

Conclusions

ETC appears to be better than ET in treating EGFR-positive NSCLC patients with BM, with better OS, PFS, CNS-PFS, and responses. However, its poorer safety profile also needs to be taken into consideration.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024551073.
The relationship between metabolic syndrome and survival of patients with endometrial cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Feng , Chen Yi , Wu Ying , Tang Yawen , Yi Wangjun
Published: October 2024

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with a high risk of endometrial cancer (EC). However, its impact on EC progression remains unclear. This meta-analysis examined the association between MetS and survival outcomes in EC patients.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases up to May 22, 2024, was conducted. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model.

Results

Nine studies comprising 13,579 endometrial cancer (EC) patients were included. Among these, 2,896 patients (21.3%) had MetS at the time of enrollment. The follow-up durations ranged from 3.4 to 14.2 years. The results showed that EC patients with MetS at baseline demonstrated significantly poorer overall survival (HR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.19–2.07, p = 0.002; I2 = 25%) and progression-free survival (HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.08–1.63, p = 0.007; I2 = 16%). A similar association was observed for cancer-specific survival (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.10–1.44, p = 0.001; I2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses based on study characteristics showed consistent results across studies conducted in countries with different follow-up durations.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that MetS is associated with poor survival outcomes in EC patients. Further prospective studies are required to validate our findings.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024561654.
Prediction values of fat-soluble vitamin of growth retardation in children aged 1–6 years
Authors: Yan Qingqing , Zhu Qingwen , Jiang Chen , Zhang Lingli , Xu Xiaojing
Published: October 2024

Background

Retardation among children is a persistent global health concern. Vitamin deficiency in childhood may contribute to growth retardation; however, its causal effects are not fully understood.

Objective

Here, we aimed to explore the prediction values of fat-soluble vitamin levels on GR in children aged 1–6 years.

Methods

614 children aged from 1 to 6 years at Nantong Maternal and Child Care Health Hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 in this retrospective observational study participated in the assessment of developmental status and blood detection of vitamin from peripheral blood (PB). The relationship between vitamin levels and GR was analyzed by Multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Developmental assessment results showed that 132 cases from 614 with growth retardation (21.50%). Statistical analysis showed children with GR were more likely to be males (59.45% vs. 40.55%, p = 0.191). The age of children with GR was significantly higher than those without GR (p < 0.01). Importantly, the levels of various fat-soluble vitamins in GR individuals were significantly lower than those in normal individuals. ROC analysis showed that vitamin E, vitamin A and 25(OH) D3 were less effective in predicting GR model (AUC: 0.87, 0.74, and 0.65,). However, the combination of vitamin E, vitamin A and 25(OH)D3 with age was effective in predicting GR. (AUC: 0.84, 0.77, 0.75).

Conclusion

The combination of 25(OH)D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin A with age may have good predictive performance for children GR aged 1–6 years.
Effects of mechanical ventilation on neurodevelopment at 12 months in preterm low birth weight pediatric patients: a systematic review
Authors: Vargas Caicedo Valerie , de la Plaza San Frutos Marta , Sosa Reina Maria Dolores , Garcia Arrabe Maria , Salniccia Federico , Reina Aguilar Clara , Estrada Barranco Cecilia
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The objective of this review is to know the existing scientific evidence about the effects of mechanical ventilation (MV) on neurological development in low-birth-weight premature pediatric patients after 12 months of life, taking as background the direct impact that ventilation has on the central nervous system in the newborn during the first days of life.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out between 2003 and 2024 in the data bases of: PUBMED, Cochrane Library Plus, PEDro, CINAHL, and SciELO, and two investigators scored the articles according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Assessment scale.

Results

Were found 129 non-replicated articles, and 10 cohort and cross-sectional studies were selected that performed an assessment of neurodevelopment in the three spheres after 12 months of life in corrected age of premature infants exposed to ventilator support and related the two variables independently.

Conclusions

Mechanical ventilation is an independent neurodevelopmental risk factor in low-birth-weight preterm infants. The time of exposure and the type of ventilation were the variables with the most scientific evidence.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, Identifier CRD42023446797.
Adverse events associated with herbal medicine products reported in the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System from 2012 to 2021
Authors: Choi Yujin , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Systematic collection of diverse adverse events during herbal medicine administration is crucial. The Korea Adverse Event Reporting System (KAERS) compiles spontaneously reported adverse event data for medicinal products including herbal medicines. This study focused on extracting and analyzing adverse event data specifically related to herbal medicine products from the KAERS database.

Methods

Individual case safety reports (ICSRs) encompassing 84 types of herbal medicine products, identified by item codes from 2012 to 2021, were extracted from the KAERS database. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the characteristics of the extracted reports, and adverse event information was systematically categorized and analyzed based on the MedDRA System Organ Class and preferred term classification.

Results

In total, 1,054 ICSRs were extracted, with some documenting multiple adverse events in a single ICSR, resulting in 1,629 extracted adverse events. When categorized by the MedDRA System Organ Class, gastrointestinal disorders were the most prevalent (28.7%), followed by skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (20.1%). Based on the preferred terms, the most frequently reported adverse events were diarrhea (5.8%), urticaria (5.3%), pruritus (4.7%), rash (4.4%), and abdominal discomfort (4.2%). The most frequently reported herbal medicines were Bangpungtongseong-san (297 cases), Kyeongok-go (144 cases), and Eunkyo-san (108 cases).

Conclusion

Spontaneously reported adverse events associated with herbal medicine products were systematically documented using the KAERS database. This study, which focused on voluntarily reported adverse reactions, underscores the need for additional research to estimate the incidence rate of adverse events and assess causality.
Effects of atropine on choroidal thickness in myopic children: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yaqi , Wei Lijuan , Wang Bo , Zheng Wei
Published: October 2024

Background

Atropine is an effective medicine for myopia prevention and control. This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of atropine on choroidal thickness (ChT) in children with myopia.

Methods

Between its inception and 1 June 2023, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were all searched, and only English literature was included. The choroidal thickness was the primary study outcome. Axial length, standardized equivalent refraction were examined as secondary outcomes. STATA 12.0 was used for data extraction and analysis.

Results

A total of 307 eyes were involved in this study to evaluate the effect of atropine on ChT, axial length (AL) and standardized equivalent refraction (SER) in myopic children. Choroidal thickening was significantly higher in the atropine group than in the control group at 1 month (WMD, 6.87 mm, 95% CI, 0.04 to 13.10, P = 0.049), whereas it was significantly higher in the atropine group than in the control group at months 6 (WMD, 10.37 mm, 95% CI, −3.21 to 23.95, P = 0.135), 12 (WMD, 15.10 mm, 95% CI, −5.08 to 35.27, P = 0.143) and at final follow-up (WMD, 11.52 mm, 95% CI, −3.26 to 26.31, P = 0.127), the differences were not statistically significant. At months 1 (WMD, −0.03 mm, 95% CI, −0.04 to −0.01, P = 0.003), 6 (WMD, −0.07 mm, 95% CI, −0.01 to −0.03, P = 0.000), 12 (WMD, −0.13mm, 95% CI, −0.15 to −0.11, P = 0.843), and at final follow-up (WMD, −0.08 mm, 95% CI, −0.16 to −0.01, P = 0.127), atropine treatment was able to delay the axial elongation. At 1-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in the effect of atropine on SER in myopic children compared with the control group (WMD, 0.01D, 95% CI, −0.07 to 26.31, P = 0.127), whereas it was able to control the progression of refractive status at final follow-up (WMD, 11.52 mm, 95% CI, −3.26 to 26.31, P = 0.127).

Conclusion

Limited evidence suggests that 0.01% atropine causes choroidal thickening in myopic children at 1 month of treatment. In the short term, choroidal thickness may be a predictor of the effectiveness of atropine in controlling myopia in children. 0.01% atropine is effective in controlling myopic progression in terms of SER and AL.

Systematic Review Registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier, CRD42022381195.
Scutellarein ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis by inhibiting colonic epithelial cell proinflammation and barrier disruption
Authors: Tang Qinglian , Jia Haidong , Qin Xu , Lu Zhaowen , Huang Wenjie , Wang Yujing , Cao Zhengyu
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Scutellarein (Scu) is a natural occurring flavonoid found in multiple traditional Chinese medicines such as Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz and Scutellaria baicalensis, with various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and myocardial protection. Here, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of Scu on ulcerative colitis (UC) and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Efficacy of Scu on UC was evaluated in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis mouse model. Inflammation in colonic tissues was assessed by myeloperoxidase activity assay and RT-qPCR. Barrier proteins expression was examined using immunostaining and Western blot. IL-1β-treated HT-29 cells was used for mechanical investigation.

Results

Gavage of Scu significantly decreased the DAI score, improved colon shortening, ameliorated the pathological score in DSS-treated mice with better efficacy than the positive drug, 5-aminosalicylic acid. Scu also inhibited the expression levels of cytokines (Il-1β, Tnf-α, Il-1α, Il-6, and Cxcl1) as well as barrier proteins (E-cadherin, Occludin, and ZO-1) in colon tissues of DSS mice. In intestinal epithelial HT-29 cells, Scu attenuated the IL-1β-downregulated expression levels of E-cadherin, occludin, and ZO-1, while reduced IL-1β-upregulated IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels. Moreover, Scu inhibited the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB and suppression of NF-κB phosphorylation abolished IL-1β-disrupted epithelial barrier integrity and IL-1β-upregulated proinflammatory mediators expression in HT-29 cells.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that Scu is an efficacious therapeutic agent to treat UC. Inhibition of inflammatory responses and maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity through NF-κB signaling pathway underlines Scu therapeutic effect on UC.
The genus Haplopappus: botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties
Authors: Mitsi Christina , Echeverría Javier
Published: October 2024

Background

The genus Haplopappus Cass. [Asteraceae] comprises a large number of species distributed mainly in Chile and with various traditional medicinal uses.

Purpose

The present review addresses the botany, traditional uses, chemistry, biological and pharmacological activities of the genus, aiming to further potentiate the associated research and applications.

Study design and Methods

Literature data on the chemistry and bioactivity of the genus Haplopappus were mainly retrieved from digital databases such as SciFinder®, PubMed®, and Google Scholar®, as well as from the scientific journal publishers’ platforms linked with these databases.

Results and discussion

Although the majority of the botanical taxa of the genus Haplopappus has been understudied, available information is promising regarding its phytochemistry and bioactivity. A total of more than 400 compounds are present in different Haplopappus species, mostly terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Scientific literature supports various health promoting effects of Haplopappus extracts and isolated compounds, principally their effect against human pathogenic bacteria and their high antioxidant capacity. The existing limitations highlighted hereby are mainly associated to the lack of modern investigation regarding a wider number of Haplopappus species and chemical compounds, as well as to the absence of in vivo bioactivity results and clinical trials.

Conclusion

Scientific literature supports the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and bioactive potential of the genus Haplopappus, however the aforementioned limitations need to be addressed in order to further promote and broaden both scientific research and future applications and uses.
A point mutation in the zinc-finger transcription factor CqLOL1 controls the green flesh color in chieh-qua (Benincasa hispida Cogn. var. Chieh-qua How)
Authors: Peng Jiazhu , Gao Yin , Qiao Yanchun , Wang Guoping
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Flesh color is an essential trait in chieh-qua (Benincasa hispida Cogn. var. Chieh-qua How); however, the inheritance and molecular basis of green flesh trait remain unclear.

Methods

In the present study, two F2 populations, derived from 1742 (white flesh) × FJ3211 (green flesh) and J16 (white flesh) × FJ5 (green flesh), were used to identify the green flesh (Cqgf) locus.

Results

Genetic analysis revealed that the presence of green flesh was a quantitative trait that closely followed a normal distribution. Combining the results from QTL mapping and BSA-seq analysis, the Cqgf locus was preliminarily determined to be located on chromosome 05 and was narrowed down to a 2.55-Mb interval by linkage analysis. A large J16 × FJ5 F2 population comprising 3,180 individuals was subsequently used to screen the recombinants, and the Cqgf locus was fine-mapped to a region of 329.70 kb that harbors six genes. One of the candidate genes, Bch05G003700, the zinc-finger transcription factor LOL1 (lsd one like 1 protein; CqLOL1), was the strongest candidate gene for the Cqgf locus according to sequence variation and expression analysis. Additionally, a point mutation (A > C) in CqLOL1 resulted in the substitution of threonine (T) with proline (P) in the amino acid sequence, showing a complete relationship linked with flesh color in a panel of 45 germplasms.

Discussion

The study suggests that CqLOL1 promotes the accumulation of chlorophyll content in chieh-qua and lead to green flesh. Our findings establish a theoretical and technical foundation for breeding different flesh color lines and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of flesh color in chieh-qua.
How do fathers’ educational level contribute to children’s school problems? Overparenting and children’s gender and surgency in a moderated mediation model
Authors: Ruiz-Ortiz Rosa María , Carreras Rosario , del Puerto-Golzarri Nora , Muñoz José Manuel
Published: October 2024

This study aims to investigate (a) the mediating role of overparenting between father’s educational level and children’s school problems, and (b) the joint moderating role of children’s gender and surgency in the indirect relationship between father’s educational level and school problems. Participants were 203 school children, 96 boys (47.3%) and 107 girls (52.7%), aged 7–8 years (M = 92.42 months, SD = 3.52). Fathers reported their educational level, age and employment status and their children’s gender and number of siblings, as well as their overparenting behaviors by Anticipatory Problem Solving (APS) scale. Teachers informed children’s school problems by the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC T-2). Parents together informed their children’s surgency levels by a subscale of Children’s Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ). Results showed that, in girls, the father’s educational level was negatively related to the child’s school problems via overparenting behaviors, controlling the number of siblings and father’s age and employment status. However, among boys, fathers’ overparenting protect their shy sons from the risk of a low educational level for school problems. These findings highlight the relevance of considering the gender and surgency to a better understanding of the effects of contextual factors on children’s outcomes.
Relationship between physical activities and mental health in older people: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhang Yuesen , Zhou Mei , Yin Zhihua , Zhuang Wenzhen , Wang Yufeng
Published: October 2024

Objective

To summarize the general situation and focal points of research on the physical activity and mental health of older people over the past 15 years and provide references for future research.

Methods

Literature published between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2023, was retrieved from the Web of Science core database. A bibliometric visualization analysis of countries/regions, institutions, authors, keywords, and references was conducted using CiteSpace6.1.R6.

Results

A total of 4,329 articles were included, and the annual number of articles published over the past 15 years showed an upward trend. The articles were primarily from 65 countries/regions and 626 institutions. The most represented country and institution were the USA and the University of Pittsburgh, respectively. Among the authors identified, Schuch and Callow were the most influential. The research focuses on four areas: the psychological effects of physical activity in older people; physical activity intervention approaches to the mental health of older people; physical activity and mental health assessment questionnaires; and the impact of physical activity on multidimensional aging. Research frontiers involve emerging topics such as the assessment and intervention of mental health in older people and the relationship between their physical activity and cognitive function.

Conclusion

This study conducted a comprehensive, objective, and visual analysis of publications and revealed the status of relevant studies, trending topics, and trends concerning the physical activity and mental health of older people from 2009 to 2023. We hope that this work will help researchers identify new perspectives on potential collaborators, important topics, and research frontiers.
Experiences and challenges of refugees from Ukraine in accessing healthcare and social services during their integration in Lithuania
Authors: Urbanavičė Rita , El Arab Rabie Adel , Hendrixson Vaiva , Austys Donatas , Jakavonytė-Akstinienė Agnė , Skvarčevskaja Marija , Istomina Natalja
Published: October 2024

Background

The influx of Ukrainian refugees to Lithuania due to the ongoing conflict has created substantial challenges in healthcare and social services.

Objective

To identify the key challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in accessing healthcare and social services in Lithuania.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 22 Russian-speaking female Ukrainian refugees residing in various regions of Lithuania. Data were collected between July and October 2022 and analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis to identify key themes related to healthcare access, social services, and integration.

Findings

Refugees reported significant barriers, including language difficulties, long waiting times for healthcare services, and inconsistent access to social services, particularly in smaller municipalities. Despite access to free healthcare, the quality and timeliness of services were often inadequate, exacerbating challenges for those with pre-existing health conditions. Psychological support services were underutilized, and language barriers impeded access to both healthcare and employment opportunities. Coordination between social and healthcare services was lacking, creating further difficulties for refugees in navigating essential services.

Conclusion

While Lithuanian authorities have provided critical support, significant gaps remain in healthcare access and social service coordination. Urgent improvements are needed in language support, psychological care, and healthcare accessibility, particularly in smaller municipalities. These findings highlight the need for targeted policies to address these challenges and ensure equitable access to services for all refugees. Future research should include more diverse refugee populations to guide comprehensive policy development.
The family as provider of intergenerational support during COVID-19: a study into the mental health consequences for 65+ Europeans
Authors: Van Herreweghe Lore , Van Lancker Wim
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Intergenerational support is an important determinant of mental health. Due to limited access to formal care, the role of the family as provider of support became more prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, it remains unclear how intergenerational support from adult children to older parents was affected during the pandemic and whether this had consequences for the mental health of the parent generation.

Methods

Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) Corona Surveys, we explore whether changes in support going from non-coresident adult children to their parents are associated with parents’ increase in depressive feelings. Additionally, we test whether the pandemic context and public health measures affected this relationship.

Results

During the pandemic, families are found to provide more support. These changes in intergenerational support, however, were related to increased depressive feelings for the older parents. Furthermore, both the strictness of public health measures and the concurrent epidemiological situation affected this relationship.

Conclusion

We conclude that the family is an essential source of late-life well-being, but stressful life events, such as public health crises, put pressure on these intergenerational relations with potential adverse mental health outcomes. Future policies should take into account the ambivalent nature of intergenerational relationships.
The association between brominated flame retardants exposure with Parkinson’s disease in US adults: a cross-sectional study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2016
Authors: Lv Jia-jie , Zhang Yi-chi , Li Xin-yu , Zhang Lin-jie , Yixi Zhuo-ma , Yang Cheng-hao , Wang Xu-hui
Published: October 2024

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that environmental factors play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Humans are simultaneously exposed to multiple brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the environment. However, the relationship between BFRs and PD remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the overall association between BFRs and PD in a nationally representative US population and to further identify significant chemicals.

Methods

This study used data from 7,161 NHANES participants from 2009 through 2016. The serum BFRs registry included PBDE-28, PBDE-47, PBDE-85, PBDE-99, PBDE-100, PBDE-153, PBDE-154, PBDE-183, PBDE-209, and PBB-153. A survey-weighted generalized logistic regression model with restricted cubic splines (RCS) was used to evaluate the association between single BFRs exposure and periodontitis. Meanwhile, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to evaluate the overall association of mixed frankincense powder with periodontitis and to identify significant chemicals. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the robustness of the results.

Results

Among the 7,161 participants, 65 had PD. PD patients were older (mean age 57.79 vs. 46.57 years) and had a higher proportion of females (70.86%) compared to non-PD participants. Serum levels of PBB-153 were significantly higher in those with PD. Logistic regression analyses revealed a non-linear, inverted U-shaped relationship between serum PBB-153 and PD risk. The risk of PD increased with higher PBB-153 levels up to the 3rd quartile (Q3), beyond which the risk declined (Q3 vs. Q1: OR = 4.98, 95% CI = 1.79–13.86; Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 3.23, 95% CI = 1.03–10.08). PBB-153 (43.40%), PBDE-153 (24.75%), and PBDE-85 (19.51%) contributed most to the weighted quantile sum index associated with PD risk. Bayesian kernel machine regression confirmed the inverted U-shaped dose–response pattern for PBB-153 and the overall BFR mixture. Restricted cubic spline analyses corroborated the non-linear relationship between PBB-153 and PD, which was more pronounced among women and those aged 37–58 years. Sensitivity analyses substantiated these findings.

Conclusion

This nationally representative cross-sectional study revealed a novel non-linear, inverted U-shaped relationship between serum levels of the brominated flame retardant PBB-153 and Parkinson’s disease risk in U.S. adults. The risk increased with higher PBB-153 exposure up to a point, beyond which it declined. This complex dose–response pattern highlights the importance of considering potential hormetic mechanisms and effect modifiers when evaluating environmental exposures and neurodegenerative diseases. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying biological pathways and inform risk mitigation strategies.
Re-thinking discourses of “youth” within (adult) regulation of skateboarding
Authors: Petrone Robert
Published: October 2024

Situated within the context of increasing “adult regulatory practices” in skateboarding, this article draws attention to and interrogates the ways normative ideas of “youth,” “adolescence,” and “youth/adolescent development” often interplay with such efforts. In doing so, this article offers a critique, from a Critical Youth Studies perspective, of dominant, developmentalist notions of youth that typically cast young people as deficits in need of specific forms of intervention and surveillance. The article concludes with areas of inquiry emergent from critiques of dominant renderings of youth to be considered when engaging in processes of forming regulatory programs, policies, and practices related to skateboarding.
Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of three GnRH analogues in induced breeding of stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis under hatchery conditions
Authors: Yasmin Rahima , Rahman Md. Mofizur , Chakraborty Smriti , Sarker Bhakta Supratim , Bappy Md. Maheen Mahmud , Sarker Pallab Kumer , Albeshr Mohammed Fahad , Arai Takaomi , Hossain M. Belal
Published: October 2024

Evaluating the breeding performance of cultivable fish using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues is crucial for optimizing reproductive efficiency and enhancing the sustainability of aquaculture practices. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding which GnRH analogue performs best under hatchery conditions for stinging catfish. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the breeding performance of stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) using three commercially available GnRH analogs: Wova-FH, Ovaprim, and Easy-spawn. For this purpose, an experiment was set up in a commercial hatchery by dividing the samples into three groups, each treated with one of the analogs: Wova-FH, Ovaprim, or Easy-spawn. In the experiment, a ratio of 1.5:1 male to female was maintained, and 1 mL syringes were used to inject the analogs. The results showed that the spawning induction efficiency differed among the three inducing agents. Compared to Ovaprim and Easy-spawn, Wova-FH-treated H. fossilis exhibited higher breeding success in all measured aspects. Specifically, Wova-FH achieved a latency period of 8 h, an ovulation rate of 87.25%, a fertilization rate of 89.33%, a hatching rate of 88.85%, and an incubation period of 16 h. In comparison, Ovaprim and Easy-spawn had incubation periods of 18 h and 24 h, respectively. In Ovaprim-induced individuals, the latency period was approximately 8.30 h, with an ovulation rate of 82.08%, a fertilization rate of 86.75%, and a hatching rate of 85.97%. In contrast, the Easy-spawn-induced individuals had a latency period of 9 h, an ovulation rate of 27.50%, a fertilization rate of 27.10%, and a hatching rate of 26.15%. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among the treatments in both the ovulation rate, fertilization rate, latency period incubation period, and hatching rate. The findings suggest that Wova-FH is a superior alternative to Ovaprim and Easy-spawn for GnRH analogs in the induced breeding programs of H. fossilis, offering optimal yield.
Thyroid scintigraphy of healthy cats using small-field-of-view gamma cameras
Authors: Cha Sijin , Chae Yeon , Yun Taesik , Kim Hakhyun , Kang Byeong-Teck
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Small-field-of-view (SFOV) gamma cameras can offer higher sensitivities than conventional gamma cameras. However, there are currently no reports on the efficacy and safety of thyroid scintigraphy using SFOV gamma cameras in veterinary medicine. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and radiation safety of an SFOV gamma camera for feline thyroid scintigraphy.

Materials and methods

Three veterinary staff members (operator, staff 1, and staff 2) performed thyroid scintigraphy on 10 healthy cats in this study. The operator administered either 2 or 4 mCi of technetium-99m pertechnetate (99mTcO−4) through the cephalic vein. At 20, 40, and 60 min after injection, thyroid images were obtained using a SFOV gamma camera under various acquisition conditions (100,000, 150,000, and 200,000 counts and 30 and 60 s). Thyroid scintigraphy images were analyzed by calculating the thyroid-to-salivary ratios (TSR) and thyroid-to-background ratios (TBR). Surface and ambient radiation were measured hourly from immediately after injection to 6 h. The cumulative occupational radiation doses were measured during the procedure.

Results

The TSR and TBR median values aligned with the previously reported normal range obtained using a large-field-of-view gamma camera. There were no notable differences in TSR and TBR between the two doses of 99mTcO−4, nor across acquisition conditions and timelines. The 4-mCi group consistently emitted more ambient (p < 0.05) and surface (p < 0.05) radiation than did the 2-mCi group. Staff 1 consistently received higher cumulative radiation doses than did staff 2 and the operator (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The SFOV gamma camera demonstrated adequate image quality for thyroid scintigraphy in healthy cats even with relatively low doses and short acquisition conditions. Radiation exposure during the procedure posed minimal safety concerns. Therefore, the SFOV gamma camera could be a valuable tool for evaluating thyroid glands in cats.
Promising Results of Kidney Transplantation From Donors Following Euthanasia During 10-Year Follow-Up: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Susanna Charlotte , van Dijk Nathalie , de Jongh Wim , Verberght Hanne , van Mook Walther , Bollen Jan , van Bussel Bas
Published: October 2024

The outcome of kidneys transplanted following organ donation after euthanasia (ODE) remains unclear. This study analyzed all kidney transplantations in the Netherlands from January 2012 to December 2021, comparing the outcomes following ODE, donation after circulatory death (DCD-III), and donation after brain death (DBD). 9,208 kidney transplantations were performed: 148 ODE, 2118 DCD-III, and 1845 DBD. Initial graft function was compared between these categories. Immediate graft function, delayed graft function and primary non-function in ODE kidney recipients were 76%, 22%, and 2%, respectively, 47%, 50% and 3% in DCD-III kidney recipients and 73%, 25%, and 2% in DBD kidney recipients (overall p-value: p < 0.001). The number of kidneys transplanted over a median follow-up period of 4.0 years (IQR 2.0–6.6), was 1810, including 72 ODE, 958 DCD-III and 780 DBD kidneys. In this period, 213 grafts (11.8%) failed [7 grafts (9.7%) from ODE donors, 93 grafts (9.7%) from DCD-III donors, and 113 grafts (14.5%) from DBD donors]. Kidneys transplanted after euthanasia have a good immediate graft function, a comparable longitudinal 10 years eGFR, and similar graft failure hazard to kidneys from DCD-III and DBD. Kidney transplantation following ODE is a valuable and safe contribution to the donor pool.
A Composite Control Method Based on Model Predictive Control and a Disturbance Observer for the Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing System
Authors: Xie Xin , Zheng Jieji , Zhang Lianchao
Published: October 2024

Nonlinear disturbances, such as friction, backlash, and base vibration, are the main factors restricting the further improvement of the dynamic performance of the Acquisition, Tracking and Pointing (ATP) system. However, the modeling and compensation of the time-varying nonlinearities are still challenging. In this paper, a compound control algorithm based on model predictive control (MPC) and a Proportional Multiple-Integral State-Augmented Kalman Filter (PMISAKF) disturbance observer is proposed to improve the disturbance rejection performance. Specifically, a PMISAKF is used to estimate the system’s state and external disturbances in real-time. These observed disturbances are then treated as known external inputs at the current or future time points and incorporated into the predictive model of MPC. This allows the optimization process to take these external factors into consideration, enabling the calculation of an optimal control strategy and achieving high pointing and tracking accuracy for nonlinear time-varying disturbances. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the system’s anti-interference ability and tracking accuracy.
A Pneumatic Fingerless Soft Gripper for Envelope Gripping
Authors: Xu Shuman , Du Hongmei , Zhang Shangsheng , Lei Ruicheng , Wang Jian , Li Yulian , Zhang Zengzhi
Published: October 2024

In grasping operations, when facing unstructured environments, the use of soft-body grippers can be a good solution to the problem of grasping objects that are inconvenient to grasp due to their fragility and irregularity. However, as the soft-body gripper is composed of soft-body material, there are problems such as insufficient gripping power. The envelope-gripping method using a fingerless structure of the soft gripper has high gripping capacity. In this paper, a new type of pneumatic, soft-body, fingerless gripper (SFLG) is proposed based on envelope-type grasping. With its rigid connectors, it forms a soft-body gripper. By changing the air pressure and structure of the internal air cavity of the fingerless gripper, the degree of deformation can be controlled to achieve grasping of the object by the soft-body gripper. Experiments show that the soft-body gripper can grasp objects of different shapes and sizes. The SFLG can grasp objects up to 6 times higher than itself, and the soft gripper of this size can grasp objects up to 13 times heavier than itself. A pneumatic, fingerless, soft gripper has been designed to grasp small and heavy or tall objects in contrast to other fingerless soft grippers.
Research on Air Cushion Flow Field and Bearing Characteristics of Single Row Hole Air Cushion Belt Conveyor
Authors: Wang Yahu , Wu Lei , Kou Ziming , Tian Liqiang
Published: October 2024

In order to obtain information regarding changes in the air cushion flow field and load-bearing characteristics of a single row hole air cushion belt conveyor, a structural model of the air cushion of the belt conveyor was established, with the single row hole air cushion belt conveyor as the research object. Firstly, according to the theory of fluid lubrication, a mathematical model of the air cushion was established. Then, the effects of air cushion thickness, pore velocity, and belt velocity on the pressure and bearing characteristics of the air cushion flow field were studied using FLUENT software. In addition, the equivalent stress, displacement, and pressure curves between the air cushion flow field and the conveyor belt and the material were analyzed using the two-way fluid–solid coupling method. Finally, the experimental platform of a single row hole air cushion belt conveyor was built, and the flow field and bearing characteristics of the belt were verified through experiments. The results show that reducing the thickness of the air cushion and increasing the pore flow rate can improve the pressure and bearing characteristics of the air cushion, while speed has little effect at lower belt speeds.
A Two-Finger Gripper Actuated by Shape Memory Alloy for Applications in Automation Technology with Minimized Installation Space
Authors: Schmelter Tobias , Bade Lukas , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: October 2024

The increasing demand for innovative grippers and actuators for the automation sector encourages the development of new and innovative functional principles. Intelligent materials are particularly suitable for this purpose based on their high energy density. In this study, a two-finger gripper driven by shape memory alloys (SMA) for use in automation technology is presented. Previous grippers driven by SMA can only be found in the field of micro gripping due to the limited stroke generated by SMA. Based on a methodical product development, a new type of gripper was developed and is presented in this study, which can achieve an opening width comparable to conventional grippers based on transmission mechanisms. Two different variants of the gripper are shown and compared aiming to minimize the installation space and weight of the gripper. In addition to the design presentation, a prototype is built, and the functionality is demonstrated through various test series.
Research on Thickness Error Optimization Method of Rolling System Based on Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm–Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network–Attention
Authors: Wu Qingyun , Li Xinchen , Ji Jiafei , Xing Bowen
Published: October 2024

With the development of technology, the working processes of rolling equipment have become more and more complex, and the traditional rolling model encounters difficulties in meeting current demands for accuracy. To reduce the thickness error of the rolling system, we propose a high-precision rolling force prediction method based on SSA–Bilstm–Attention, which reduces the thickness error of the rolling system by predicting the high-precision rolling force. Firstly, a mechanical model is established, and the parameters involved are analyzed to extract suitable parameters as inputs to the network to reduce the feature loss of the network inputs. Secondly, an improved sparrow search algorithm is used to search for the hyperparameters of the network to obtain better training results. Finally, the attention mechanism is introduced to increase the network’s training accuracy. A stochastic small-batch gradient descent method is used to improve the training speed of the network. In addition, this paper establishes a web-based host computer, which provides an effective data source for the experimental analysis. The experimental results show that the optimized model has a mean square error of 1.22%, which is more accurate than other models, and has good generalization ability. The experiments confirm the method’s effectiveness in improving the thickness accuracy of the rolling system and provide a new optimization scheme for the industry.