bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between visceral adipose tissue and osteoarthritis among older adults: evidence from the NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Huang Wei , Xiao Yin-sheng , Zou Yu-hang , Zhong Lu-qun , Huang Gui-qiong
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to assess any possible links between visceral fat accumulation and an elevated prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) in the elderly.

Methods

3,779 subjects aged 65 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018 were finally included, of whom 516 had OA. The identification of patients diagnosed with OA was conducted using questionnaire data. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) was computed utilizing body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). To investigate the relationship between VAI and OA, weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS), subgroup analyses, and interaction tests were carried out.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in VAI is accompanied by an increased prevalence of OA after fully correcting for variables. The top quartile of VAI had a prevalence that was 110% higher than the lowest quartile. A non-linear positive correlation between VAI and OA was found in the RCS.

Conclusion

This study suggests a potential correlation between elevated VAI and increased prevalence of OA in older adults, and that lowering VAI may have an impact on the prevalence of OA.
Geriatric nutritional risk index as a predictor of 30-day and 365-day mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a retrospective cohort study using the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Zheng Xiaolong , Zheng Xin , Zhang Changgui , Liu Minghua
Published: February 2025

Background

The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a clinical indicator for evaluating the nutritional status of patients, but its role in the short-term prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction is still not fully understood. This study aims to explore the correlation between the GNRI and the overall mortality within 30 days and 365 days in those with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed utilizing the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The study included 895 patients diagnosed with AMI and identified through ICD9 and ICD10 codes (410, I21, I23) who were hospitalized for the first time due to AMI. Subjects were classified into four groups according to GNRI: high (GNRI <82, n = 110), moderate (82 ≤ GNRI <92, n = 205), low (92 ≤ GNRI <98, n = 225), and no nutritional risk (GNRI ≥98, n = 355). Restricted cubic splines (RCS) and threshold effect analyses were applied to explore the non-linear relationship between GNRI and mortality. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on gender, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, hyperlipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and age. A mediation study was conducted to investigate the impact of lymphocytes on the association between GNRI and mortality.

Results

In an overall sample of 895 patients, an elevated GNRI correlated with reduced 30-day (HR = 0.937, 95% CI: 0.917–0.957, p < 0.001) and 365-day mortality (HR = 0.937, 95% CI: 0.923–0.950, p < 0.001). The trend analysis for GNRI categories indicated a significant decline in mortality associated with rising GNRI (P for trend <0.001). Subgroup analysis validated the consistency of such results throughout diverse patient characteristics. The lymphocytes significantly mediated the relationship between GNRI and 30-day mortality (ACME: 0.022, 95% CI: 0.003–0.180, p < 0.001). A landmark analysis at 20 days after admission further demonstrated the impact of GNRI on mortality during different phases of recovery.

Conclusion

This study highlights the prognostic value of GNRI in predicting short-term and long-term mortality in AMI patients, emphasizing the significance of nutritional status and inflammatory indicators in the therapy and risk assessment of these individuals.
Efficacy and safety of massage for postoperative stress in colorectal cancer patients: a randomized, controlled, three-arm trial
Authors: Werthmann Paul G. , Cysarz Dirk , Jungbluth Melanie , Lederer Ann-Kathrin , Nenova Gergana , Huber Roman , van Dijk Monique , Kienle Gunver S.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rhythmic embrocation (RE), a massage technique, on postoperative stress levels (measured by heart rate variability) in colorectal cancer surgery patients compared to empathic conversation.

Methods

The study included 68 patients who were randomized into three groups: one received RE from professionals, another from students, and the third received empathic conversations. Stress was quantified using heart rate variability before and after the interventions.

Results

The standard deviation of the heartbeat intervals (SDNN) increased more in the professional RE group 9.12 ms (IQR 3.59-12.3 ms) than in the other groups: student RE group 5.68 ms (-0.66-7.5 ms), empathic conversation group 6.64 ms (-1.49-7.38 ms); hence stress decreased more in the professional RE group, although not statistically significant (p= 0.21). Other factors like sleep quality, nausea, pain, and mood did not differ significantly between the groups. No complications were associated with the interventions.

Conclusion

RE was safe and a statistically significant superiority of RE on postoperative stress compared to empathic conversations could not be found. Due to high inter- and intraindividual variability a clear pattern of response of the secondary outcomes to RE in comparison to empathic conversations could not be found. The study was limited by a small sample size, high patient variability, effective co-interventions for sleep, pain and nausea, and by an imbalance between groups. The study indicates that future research on RE should focus on a more narrowly defined patient population, increase the sample size, and select comparison groups that are clearly distinct from each other as well as a clinical context with fewer confounding factors. Furthermore, the patient’s preferences and previous experiences with massage therapy should be considered.

Clinical trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (www.drks.de), identifier DRKS00023407.
Analysis of the correlation between the dose exposure intensity and apatinib in advanced gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ma Xiao , Gao Lan , Che Siying , Tao Chaofeng
Published: February 2025

Background

Apatinib is a small molecule anti-angiogenesis targeted drug that has demonstrated significant efficacy as a late-line treatment in advanced gastric cancer in phase 3 clinical trials. This study amid to evaluate the correlation between dose exposure intensity and efficacy and safety of apatinib in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

We conducted an observational, retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced gastric cancer who received apatinib targeted therapy in Beijing Friendship Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University between June 1, 2018, and June 30, 2021. Dose exposure intensity (DEI) was defined as the product of dose and continuous medication time. Patients were assigned to high-dose exposure intensity (HDEI) and low-dose exposure intensity (LDEI) cohorts. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and safety. The relationship between HDEI and LDEI and clinical outcomes was analyzed by using the Kaplan-Meier curve and χ2 test.

Results

61 patients were enrolled and assigned into two retrospective cohorts. The median PFS (mPFS) were 6.50 months (95% confidence interval (CI) [4.80-9.20]) and 4.10 months (95% CI [3.70-5.20]), and the median OS (mOS) were 10.70 months (95% CI [9.20-18.50]) and 7.50 months (95% CI [6.80-9.30]) for the HDEI and LDEI cohorts, respectively. The mPFS were 5.85 months (95% CI [5.00-7.00]) and 4.60 months (95% CI [4.10-5.90]), and mOS were 9.60 months (95% CI [9.10-12.40]) and 7.60 months (95% CI [7.20-10.20]) the for the 250 mg cohort and 500 mg cohorts. The mPFS were 6.65 months (95% CI [5.90-9.20]) and 4.10 months (95% CI [3.90-5.20]), and the mOS were 11.20 months (95% CI [9.20-18.50]) and 7.60 months (95% CI [7.20-9.60])for the long medication time and short medication time cohorts, respectively. The most common TRAEs of any grade were hypertension, proteinuria, and neutrophil count decreased. The incidence of grade 3-4 adverse reactions in the 500 mg cohort was higher than the 250 mg cohort (P=0.0016).

Conclusion

The efficacy of apatinib in advanced gastric cancer was significantly positively correlated with dose exposure intensity, and HDEI can prolong PFS and OS. Early application of low-dose apatinib (250 mg/d) can improve patients’ tolerability, and the adverse reactions are controllable.
Preclinical research models for endometrial cancer: development and selection of animal models
Authors: Xue Yang , Shi Wei , Lun Bing , Kan Meilin , Jia Mengling , Wu Yuelin , Yang Li
Published: February 2025

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy in developed countries, with rising incidence in recent years. Experimental animal models are crucial for studying the pathogenesis, advancing diagnostic methods, and developing new treatments. We review five main EC animal models. The use of spontaneous and chemically-induced models has decreased, with transgenic mouse and xenograft models becoming the most widely used. These models better simulate tumor molecular mechanisms and treatments, with the organoid-based patient-derived xenograft model (O-PDX) showing great promise in drug screening and personalized therapy. The application of humanized models remains limited due to technical challenges and high costs. In this review, we highlight the strengths and limitations of each model to guide researchers in their selection.
Anatomical and physiological contributions of nasal turbinate vessels and lymphatics to the pathogenesis of nasal congestion in recurrent headaches: a pilot study
Authors: Chmielecki Jacob M. , Vemula Aishwarya , Schwartz Joyce G. , Gelfond Jonathan A. , Phillips William T.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine if specific anatomical changes were present in patients with recurrent headaches including patients with chronic migraines, chronic tension-type headaches, and daily persistent headaches. A retrospective study of 200 patients was performed to evaluate the potential of measuring the amount of nasal blood pool activity (nasal congestion) as a predictive marker for recurrent headaches.

Methods

A cohort analysis was performed involving patients who had been referred to the Nuclear Medicine Clinic over a 3-year period for whole-body blood pool scans. The scans were evaluated by region of interest (ROI) analysis of nasal and heart max pixel count ratios (NHMRs) to determine an association between nasal blood pooling activity and recurrent headaches at the time of the initial scan and in follow-up evaluations over a period of 3–6 years.

Results

Significantly greater NHMRs were observed in 122 patients with chronic headaches at the time of referral for their initial whole-body blood pool scan when compared with those patients without recurrent headaches (p = 0.004; OR 10.5; 95% CI 2.22–56.7). An additional 15 patients, for a total of 137, developed recurrent headaches following their initial scan and before their follow-up evaluation. NHMRs were also significantly increased in the additional patients when compared to those without recurrent headaches (p = 0.004; OR 12.3; 95% CI 2.34–75.5).

Conclusion

Patients with recurrent headaches have significantly increased nasal activity as observed on 99mTc-MDP whole-body blood pool scans, supporting the hypothesis that nasal lymphatic dysfunction plays a role in the etiology of recurrent headaches. This research highlights a novel diagnostic use of the whole-body blood pool scan for the assessment of nasal turbinate vasodilation as well as a possible new target for the treatment of recurrent headaches.
Exploring the anti-inflammatory effects of phytochemicals in attenuating interstitial cystitis-a literature review
Authors: Anjum Irfan , Nasir Ayesha , Naseer Faiza , Ibrahim Ahsan , Rehman Bisma , Bashir Fawad , Tul Ain Qura
Published: February 2025

Interstitial cystitis is a fierce syndrome affecting the quality of life of thousands of individuals around the globe. It causes immense pain in the bladder and associated viscera along with inflammation-like lesions. The current medicinal and pharmacological research focuses on the protective and curative effects of phytochemicals in several ailments. Phytochemicals derived from many medicinal plants have shown potent outcomes in protection against various pathological conditions including interstitial cystitis. This review has summarized the insights of in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the effects of phytochemicals in fading the inflammation in bladder tissue and exhibiting a protective effect on the urothelium. Hemorrhagic cystitis is a common manifestation in patients undergoing chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and related alkylating agents. Sodium 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (Mesna) has traditionally been employed in clinical practice to counter cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis in humans. However, cyclophosphamide has been employed in developing animal models of interstitial cystitis in in vivo studies. Phytochemicals including quercetin, beta-caryophyllene, curcumol, boswellic acid, caftaric acid, some flavonoids and other secondary metabolites being a consequential component of numerous medicinal plants, have displayed a significant reduction in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, NFĸB, IL-1β, NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-6, IL-2, matrix metalloproteinases etc. Uroprotective outcomes of these phytochemicals have been found to result in diminished oxidative stress and restoration of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and related proteins in the inflamed bladder tissue. Many in vivo studies involving cyclophosphamide-induced interstitial cystitis have confirmed these findings. The coupling of phytotherapy with novel drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, liposomes, nanotubes, quantum dots, etc. can help translate these beneficial effects of phytochemicals into clinical practice. Further investigations of these phytochemicals can provide intuition regarding the development of newer drug molecules having exclusive activity for attenuating interstitial cystitis.
A review of optical gas sensing technology for dissolved gas analysis in transformer oil
Authors: Dai Jialiang , Luo Bing , Shen Xiaowen , Han Wenfei , Cui Ruyue , Wu Jintao , Zhang Haofeng , Xiao Wei , Zhong Zheng , Dong Lei , Wu Hongpeng
Published: February 2025

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of transformer oil can deeply understand the operation status of oil-immersed transformers, and detect early transformer failures as early as possible, thus achieving the purpose of preventing further damage to the transformer. It is a highly reliable method for identifying early-stage faults in transformers. This paper reviews the commonly used sensing technologies for analyzing dissolved gases in transformer oil, including Raman spectroscopy (RS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS). The progress of research on these four gas sensing technologies is reviewed, with a detailed analysis of their respective principles and characteristics. This work provides guidance for the selection of appropriate online gas preliminary sensing technology, which is essential for the assessment of transformer operating conditions to ensure the stable operation of power systems.
Effect of self-paced sprint interval training and low-volume HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness: the role of heart rate and power output
Authors: Hesketh Katie L. , Shepherd Sam O. , Wagenmakers Anton J. M. , Cocks Matthew , Strauss Juliette A.
Published: February 2025

Aim

The primary aim was to assess the efficacy of self-paced sprint interval training (SIT) with low-volume high-intensity interval training (LV-HIIT) when performed without encouragement on improving cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). A secondary aim was to explore whether the effort exerted during protocols [power output (PO) and heart rate (HR)] influenced the change in CRF.

Methods

In a randomised cross-over design, 82 previously inactive adults (m/f: 26/56, 28 ± 10 years, BMI 25 ± 3 kg m−2) undertook 6-weeks of self-paced SIT (4–8 × 30 s with 120 s recovery) or LV-HIIT (6–10 × 1 min with 1 min recovery) separated by a 4-week washout period. Sessions were completed 3×/week using WattBikes, and a target of >80% HRmax was suggested during the intervals. Markers of cardio-metabolic health were assessed before and after each intervention.

Results

Training increased VO2peak (SIT +3.1 ± 0.4 mL kg−1 min−1, LV-HIIT +2.7 ± 1.2 mL kg−1 min−1, P < 0.001) and decreased body fat % (P = 0.002), aortic pulse wave velocity (P = 0.002) and glucose tolerance 120 min following an oral glucose tolerance test (P = 0.024), with no difference between protocols (P > 0.05). When grouping participants into tertiles based on HR and PO responses (n = 27), those achieving a low HR had similar changes in VO2peak compared to the high HR group in both interventions (P > 0.05). For LV-HIIT, participants in the highest tertile for peak PO had a greater change in VO2peak compared to all other participants (Low 1.8 ± 4.1 mL kg−1 min−1, Medium 1.9 ± 3.3 mL kg−1 min−1, High 4.3 ± 3.6 ml kg−1 min−1, P = 0.020).

Discussion

Six-weeks of self-paced SIT and LV-HIIT induce comparable improvements in CRF, body composition, arterial stiffness and glucose tolerance. Importantly, higher HR did not elicit superior changes in CRF, but PO achieved during LV-HIIT may influence improvements.
Constitutional court attitudes and the COVID-19 pandemic—case studies of Hungary, Serbia, and Croatia
Authors: Beretka Katinka , Ősze Áron
Published: February 2025

The paper analyses the practice of the constitutional courts of Hungary, Serbia and Croatia, in terms of the constitutionality and legality of the normative responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in the countries examined. The goal is to critically present the arguments along which the constitutional courts ensured (or attempted to achieve) the balance between the protection of fundamental rights and the preservation of the public interest and public health in their decisions related to the COVID-19 pandemic; and to deduce whether any similarities can be discovered in the reasoning of the courts or they have adopted a completely different approach from each other. According to the results of the legislative research, regional experience of the examined neighbouring countries with similar legal and political traditions, constitutional court structures, and political leadership styles shows that even in circumstances of a global, uniform health crisis, distinct national reactions might be expected. However, on the other side, the case law research gave a completely different conclusion, supporting the highly similar reasoning of the constitutional courts that almost without exception have given priority to public interest in combating the epidemic over fundamental rights.
Depressive symptomatology in Brazil: perspectives of statistical and psychometrics analyses of the PHQ-9 at four time-points (2020–2023) in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Faro Andre , Nunes Daiane , Falk Derek
Published: February 2025

The present research assessed the psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) through an examination of its internal structure, invariance analysis, and standardization. Social distribution analyses of the measure were conducted using linear and binomial logistic regression. The sample consisted of 10,069 adults from all 27 states in Brazil. The data were obtained through four collections across different years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023), using independent samples. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) indicated that the measure is unidimensional with satisfactory fit indices. The model was invariant in relation to the variables investigated at four different levels (configural, metric, scalar, and strict). The standardization supported hypothetical cut scores indicating the severity of depressive symptoms, categorized as very low (0 to 6), low (7 to 13), moderate (14 to 19), high (20 to 23), and very high (≥ 24). We found that sex/gender, skin color/ethnicity, age, education level, and year of the pandemic were predictors of depressive symptoms in the adjusted linear regression analysis. The logistic regression showed variables with higher chances for a positive screening diagnosis of depression, with adjusted Odds Ratio as follows: years 2021 (ORadj = 1.275) and 2023 (ORadj = 1.409), women (ORadj = 1.900), Pardos individuals (ORadj = 1.252), education up to high school (ORadj = 1.272), being a northeast region resident (ORadj = 2.127), and younger people (ORadj = 1.716). The findings of this study indicate the suitability of the PHQ-9 for assessing depression in the population and recommend its use for monitoring depressive symptoms in the coming years in Brazil. Clinical implications include developing interventions to address the psychological impact of this and any future health crises.
The association between perceived social support and self-management behaviors in adolescents and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease: the chain mediating role of basic psychological needs and anxiety/depression
Authors: Zhu Yangfan , Chen Yueyue , Tang Yuman , Zhang Xin , Shen Qiao , Li Fei , Wang Hao , Zheng Xianlan
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been increasing, with adolescents and young adults being the peak age of onset. Self-management behaviors were demonstrated to enhance remission and quality of life, yet the mechanisms influencing self-management behaviors remained under-explored. Perceived social support is crucial to self-management behaviors, alongside the roles of basic psychological needs, anxiety, and depression.

Methods

We conducted a two-center cross-sectional survey in China from July to August 2024 via convenience and snowball sampling to investigate how these variables influence self-management behaviors. Data were collected utilizing the structured self-report questionnaires. Mediating effects were analyzed using the bootstrap method.

Results

A total of 183 adolescents and young adults with IBD (male: 71.58%), aged 13 to 24 years old (M = 20.33, SD = 3.03), were included in the analysis. The research findings include the following points: (1) perceived social support positively predicted self-management behaviors (β = 0.767, P < 0.001); (2) perceived social support affected self-management behaviors through chain mediation involving basic psychological needs and anxiety/depression.

Conclusion

Clinical practitioners should enhance social support for adolescents and young adults with IBD and improve their perceptions of such support, fulfill basic psychological needs, and alleviate anxiety and depression to promote effective self-management behaviors.
The recovery and retraction of memories of abuse: a scoping review
Authors: Otgaar Henry , Mangiulli Ivan , Li Chunlin , Jelicic Marko , Muris Peter
Published: February 2025

People who claim to have been abused sometimes retract these claims at a later point in time. Research on these so-called ‘retractors’ might provide critical insights into the processes involved in the recovery and retraction of traumatic memories. However, the literature on this topic is highly diverse in terms of, for example, methodology. Hence, the aim of the current scoping review was to amass the available literature on retractors and identify key themes. We identified 17 articles on the topic of retractors ranging from empirical studies to critical commentaries. A central theme that arose from the literature was the influence of therapy in the recovery of potentially false memories. That is, retractors noted that therapists frequently believed that they harboured unconscious repressed memories of abuse which had to be recovered during therapy. Furthermore, retractors repudiated their claims of abuse for various reasons such as physical evidence implying that their memory was false. Also, retraction took longer that the initial recovery of memories of abuse. Finally, after recantation, retractors’ memories varied considerably in terms of belief and recollection of the traumatic event with some accounts qualifying as nonbelieved memories. This review offers critical knowledge of a rather understudied population providing further insight in how traumatic events can sometimes be misremembered.
Inclusive leadership and work-family enrichment: the roles of relational energy and power distance
Authors: Zhang Junlin , Liu Zongrui , Wang Jianli
Published: February 2025

Few studies have systematically examined how inclusive leadership affects employee work-family enrichment. Based on social contagion theory and the resource model of work-family enrichment, this research examined how and when inclusive leadership influences employees’ relational energy and subsequent work-family enrichment. Additionally, we examined whether power distance might influence the positive effect of inclusive leadership on relational energy. The results from a cross-sectional survey of 673 Chinese participants in Study 1 showed that inclusive leadership is positively related to work-family enrichment, and relational energy mediates the relationship between inclusive leadership and work-family enrichment. We also found that the positive effect of inclusive leadership on relational energy was greater under lower levels of power distance, as was the indirect effect of inclusive leadership on work-family enrichment via relational energy. Study 2, using three-wave data collected from 241 Chinese employees, verified the results that relational energy mediates the relationship between inclusive leadership and work-family enrichment.
The impact of emotional abuse on Internet addiction in Chinese children: the sequential mediation roles of emotional dysregulation and regulatory emotional self-efficacy
Authors: Liu Wang , Huang Jie , Li Yu-Ling , Gao Xiang , Xu Zi-Yi , Li Yong-Hui
Published: February 2025

Background

In China, emotional abuse and Internet addiction are increasingly prevalent among children, with significant negative effects on their development. Previous research has identified childhood emotional abuse as a major risk factor for Internet addiction in both adolescents and adults. However, the immediate impact of emotional abuse on children’s Internet addiction within Chinese culture remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the impact of emotional abuse on Internet addiction through emotional dysregulation and regulatory emotional self-efficacy in Chinese children.

Methods

A sample of 556 fourth to sixth grade primary school students (girls, 46.6%) with an average age of 10.30 ± 0.93 years were recruited from a central province in China. Participants completed the paper-and-pencil survey on emotional abuse, emotional dysregulation, regulatory emotional self-efficacy, and Internet addiction. The hypothesized model was tested using Mplus 8.3 with 5,000 bootstrap samples.

Results

Emotional abuse positively predicts Internet addiction in children; emotional dysregulation and regulatory emotional self-efficacy mediate this relationship independently, and have chain-mediating effects in this relationship.

Conclusion

Emotional abuse impacts children’s Internet addiction through the development of emotional regulation and self-perception of their abilities in emotional regulation. The findings offer potential strategies for preventing children’s Internet addiction.
A transdiagnostic approach to investigate of the relationships between anxiety sensitivity and health anxiety: the mediated roles of distress tolerance and emotion regulation
Authors: Mohsenabadi Hamid , Pirmoradi Mohammadreza , Zahedi Tajrishi Komeil , Gharraee Banafsheh
Published: February 2025

Background

Emotion regulation (ER) and distress tolerance (DT) are considered transdiagnostic risk factors for a range of anxiety disorders. This study investigated the relationship between anxiety sensitivity (AS) and health anxiety (HA) in the general population, focusing on the mediating roles of DT and ER.

Methods

The study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey from October to December 2023 in Tehran Province, Iran. A total of 971 individuals participated in this study (52.8% female; mean age 39.04 years, SD=10.64). Participants completed self-report questionnaires to assess HA (The Short Health Anxiety Inventory), AS (The Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3), DT (The 15-item Distress Tolerance Scale) and ER (The 10-item Emotion Regulation Questionnaire). We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the hypothesis that DT and ER would mediate the relationship between AS and the HA.

Results

AS was modestly related to all measures (r from -0.40 to 0.55). According to the SEM analysis, AS (β = 0.45, 95%CI [0.34, 0.56]) had a significant direct effect on HA. However, the analysis of the indirect effects revealed that both DT (β = 0.10, 95% CI [0.06, 0.16]) and emotion regulation strategies—cognitive reappraisal (β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01, 0.11]) and expressive suppression (β = 0.11, 95% CI [0.06, 0.18])—act as partial mediators in the relationship between AS and HA.

Conclusions

AS plays a crucial role in predisposing individuals to HA. The mediating roles of DT and ER provide insight into the link between AS and HA. Nevertheless, the study’s cross-sectional design and reliance on a non-clinical sample limit the applicability of the results. Further research involving different samples and intervention studies is needed to validate and expand upon these findings.
Healthcare assessment tools—a valid source of data for pre-hospital care? Usability for ensuring medical care in the event of a disaster
Authors: Konrad Robert , Schuster Denise , Heppner HJ
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Providing care for vulnerable population groups in the event of a disaster or evacuation is in the interests of those affected, of local authorities, health insurance companies, other insurance companies and the responsible authorities and organizations with security tasks (BOS). Evacuation and supply planning is currently mostly carried out using regionally or locally adapted so-called “isolated or individual solutions” or by means of an individual, time-consuming and usually manual and direct personal data query. Can existing medical health data from healthcare assessment tools provide valid information for the planning of care and care needs in disaster and civil protection?

Methods

Research and analysis of suitable and regularly used care assessment tools in the care sector in Germany.

Results

The healthcare assessment tools cannot be simply combined. Without adaptation they cannot be used at all or only after concerted efforts to interpret the needs for the care of vulnerable groups in a non-clinical context.

Discussion

An improved use of individual medical data in disaster and civil protection offers many advantages in prevention, diagnostics, therapy and care in the context of disaster medicine, and not only from an ethical point of view. Due to the different tactical procedures and care strategies in disaster medicine, the field of acute care must be clearly separated from the area of evacuation and care of vulnerable groups. Currently, only the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) offer an internally secured infrastructure that allows all those involved in the care of soldiers to access all important medical data quickly and easily from any location.
Exploring body mass index and gender-based self-esteem differences in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Algamdi Maaidah
Published: February 2025

Background

Self-esteem (SE) and obesity have been associated in various studies. This study investigates this relationship among adults in Saudi Arabia. The objectives of this study are to investigate the relationships between SE and body mass index (BMI) and to examine the interactions between sociodemographic-related factors.

Methods

We designed a cross-sectional study using an online survey that included sociodemographics, a BMI measure, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

Results

Levels of SE did not change substantially between the various age groups, as indicated by the Chi-Square test X2 (12, N = 332, = 5.278, p-value = 0.948). The results for males reveal that there is a variation in the levels of SE across the different BMI categories. This suggests that the BMI categories have a major influence on the levels of SE among males. In both genders, the results indicate a negative association between variables, with a higher BMI being associated with a lower level of SE. The significance of this association stands for both genders (p-value <0.001). For males, the association has a greater influence (Estimate = −0.110, p-value <0.001) than it does for females (Estimate = −0.099, p-value <0.001). In females, the negative link is larger for education (−0.273) and highly impactful (p-value <0.001) in comparison to men (Estimate = −0.157, p-value <0.001). Higher education levels are associated with a lower BMI (p-value = 0.018). For men, the indirect effects show that education (Estimate = 0.0173*) and marital status (Estimate = −0.0405*) significantly influence SE, with other factors mediating these effects. Both genders experience significant and detrimental impacts from BMI on SE, with males experiencing a more pronounced impact. There are considerable disparities in the ways in which these parameters impact SE in both genders, as revealed by the comparisons of the nested models.

Conclusion

There is a negative correlation between BMI and SE in both genders, with a more pronounced impact in men. Gender-specific differences in the relationship between BMI and SE underscore the importance of considering distinct pathways for males and females in future analyses.
Effects of physical exercise in reducing caregivers burden: a systematic review
Authors: Cardoso Carla , Lumini Maria José , Martins Teresa
Published: February 2025

Background and aim

Caring for someone can be physically and psychologically demanding, predisposing caregivers to muscle injuries, fatigue, exhaustion, depression, anxiety, and burnout. The literature suggests several approaches to reducing caregiver burden, one of which is physical exercise. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the effectiveness of exercise-based programs or muscle relaxation in reducing caregiver burden and stress among family caregivers.

Method

A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was performed in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases and through the EBSCOhost aggregator (CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, and SportDiscus). Studies were selected based on the PICOD acronym.

Results

Eleven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two other experimental studies were included. The reviewed programs encompassed aerobics, strengthening, and muscle relaxation exercises, delivered by various professionals in diverse settings, such as caregivers' homes, gyms, and hospital environments. Although the programs varied in type, duration, and structure, the majority of the studies demonstrated positive effects on caregivers' physical and psychological well-being, along with reductions in burden and stress.

Conclusion

The results suggest that physical exercise interventions are effective in reducing caregiver burden and stress, while also enhancing overall well-being. Future strategies should emphasize the importance of raising awareness among caregivers about adopting healthy lifestyles, with a particular focus on regular physical activity, as a means of relaxation and self-care. To maximize the effectiveness of these interventions, incorporating flexible, home-based components and engaging multidisciplinary teams could enhance accessibility, adherence, and impact.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023446129, PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023446129.
Advances in the application of human-machine collaboration in healthcare: insights from China
Authors: Wang Wuzhen , Liu Liangji
Published: February 2025

In the context of the technological revolution and the digital intelligence era, the contradiction between the rising incidence of diseases and the uneven distribution of quality medical resources is highlighted, and the diagnosis and prevention of diseases, and the prognosis and management of diseases are particularly important in the current society of aging population. “Human–machine collaboration” is based on an intelligent algorithmic system that utilizes the complementary strengths of humans and machines for data exchange, task allocation, decision making and collaborative work to provide more decision support. The traditional healthcare model is highly dependent on the unified management of hospitals, which further increases the burden on the healthcare system and often makes it difficult to formulate and implement personalized and precise rehabilitation programs for patients, which seriously affects their prognosis and quality of life, and increases the risk of re-admission to hospitals. In view of this, human-computer collaboration, an innovation-driven technology, is a groundbreaking solution to the outstanding healthcare issues of today. We use the subject words “Human–machine collaboration” OR “Human-Computer Interaction” OR “HCI” AND “chronic disease” OR “Health management” OR ”Precision medicine “were searched for CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Library and other Chinese and English databases to identify all relevant studies and compare their results, and finally include 68 relevant literature articles, we identified the broad application of HCI in five main areas: disease screening and treatment, health management, medical education, traditional medicine, and the integration and processing of medical data. The aim is to review the concept of human-computer collaboration, its application in global healthcare environments, and the challenges it faces, with a view to continually driving innovation in healthcare models, optimizing the allocation of healthcare resources, and providing new paradigms for the development and application of innovative technologies in healthcare.
Geospatial evaluation of San Francisco, California’s homeless encampment sweeps injunction
Authors: Young Sean G. , Truong Vincent , Watson William P. , Bogulski Cari A.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Homelessness remains a pervasive issue in many communities within the United States (US). “Sit-lie” policies restrict where individuals can sit or lie down in public places and are frequently passed and cited to forcibly re-locate individuals experiencing homelessness. In December 2022, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction of San Francisco, California’s sit-lie policy, due to a pending lawsuit arguing that the enforcement of such policies when shelter cannot be offered is a violation of the Eighth Amendment of the US Constitution.

Methods

To examine the effects of this preliminary injunction, we spatially examined data from San Francisco’s 311 reporting system to identify encampment report hot spots.

Results and discussion

Overall, we found spatial shifting of encampment reporting, but fewer reports overall during the preliminary injunction period, relative to 1 year prior. Future work should examine the effect of the reversal of the injunction following a recent Supreme Court decision and subsequent ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
A mediation analysis of meteorological factors on the association between ambient carbon monoxide and tuberculosis outpatients visits
Authors: He Tianfeng , Qian Xujun , Huang Jing , Li Guoxing , Guo Xinbiao
Published: February 2025

Background

Ambient carbon monoxide (CO) exposure has been identified as an emerging environmental risk factor contributing to the progression of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). However, the epidemiological evidence remains inconsistent. This study aims to investigate the short-term association between low-level CO exposure and PTB outpatient visits in a developing region.

Methods

We conducted a time-series study utilizing a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) combined with mediating effect analysis, based on daily CO and PTB cases from 2011 to 2020 in Ningbo, China.

Results

Among all patients with PTB, a 0.1 mg/m3 increase in CO concentration was associated with an increased risk of PTB outpatient visits in the single-pollutant model, particularly at lag days 2–6. The maximum relative risk (RR) was 1.091 (95%CI, 1.020–1.168, lag 0–2 days). Similarly, the maximum cumulative lag effect of CO exposure was 1.781 (RR = 1.781, 95%CI: 1.157–2.742, lag 0–15 days). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant effect of CO exposure in males (RR = 1.090, 95%CI: 1.009–1.777, lag 0–3 days), females (RR = 1.101, 95%CI: 1.014–1.195, lag 0–3 days), younger individuals (RR = 1.097, 95%CI: 1.022–1.178, lag 0–2 days), and during the warm season (RR = 1.012, 95%CI: 1.002–1.022, lag 0–4 days). Mediation analysis indicated that temperature had an indirect mediating effect on association between CO and PTB (−0.0065, 95%CI: −0.0130 to −0.0004), while air pressure, visibility, and humidity showed no significant mediating effects.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that ambient CO exposure, even at low levels, has a short-term impact on PTB in developing regions. Temperature plays a partial mediating role in this relationship. Consequently, it is critical to enhance environmental monitoring and early warning systems to effectively address the prevalence of PTB and the delays in health-seeking behavior.
Clinical efficacy of THA with dual mobility cup vs. hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture: a retrospective study
Authors: Xiao Kai , Liu Songyang , Liang Boran , Li Shuming , Liu Xinyan , Chen Jing
Published: February 2025

Objective

To compare the clinical efficacy of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with or without dual mobility cup (DMC) vs. hemiarthroplasty (HA) in elderly Asian patients with acute femoral neck fracture (FNF).

Methods

Data of 284 elderly FNF patients treated at our institution from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into the DMC-THA group (THA with DMC, n = 102), C-THA group (conventional THA without DMC, n = 88), and HA group (n = 94). The study assessed perioperative outcomes, hip functional recovery, treatment satisfaction, long-term prognosis, and quality of life.

Results

The Harris Hip Scores in the DMC-THA group were significantly higher than those in the C-THA and HA groups at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively (P < 0.05). The satisfaction rate in the DMC-THA group (92.2%) was significantly higher compared to the C-THA (81.8%) and HA groups (80.9%) (P < 0.05). At 1 year post-surgery, the DMC-THA group demonstrated a significantly lower dislocation rate (2.0% vs. 9.1%) and superior mobility compared to the C-THA group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the DMC-THA group exhibited significantly better mobility and reduced pain/discomfort compared to the HA group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

THA with DMC offers superior joint function recovery, a lower dislocation rate, and improved quality of life compared to conventional THA and HA, positioning it as a preferred surgical option for elderly patients with acute FNF.
A low-protein soybean-free diet improves carcass traits and meat quality and modulates the colonic microbiota in Daweizi pigs
Authors: Fu Haohua , Yang Taoming , Ni Hengjia , Li Jing , Liu Fenfen , Liu Jingbo , Yin Yulong
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Soybean meal is an excellent protein source and is widely used in pig feed. However, the Americas account for more than 80% of global soybean production, so European and Asia swine production largely depends on soybean imports. The use of safe and functional unconventional feed sources can effectively alleviate worldwide protein shortage problems.

Methods

Here, we formulated a low-protein soybean-free diet (LPNS) for growing and fattening pigs using rice, potatoes, tea, and other unconventional feed sources. Thirty-six healthy Daweizi pigs (average body weight 23.60 ± 1.34 kg) were raised under the same conditions and randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: (1) Con group, corn-soybean base meal; (2) LPNS group. When the average weight of pigs in the group reached 85 kg, two pigs per pen were randomly selected and euthanized for collection of the colonic digesta and carcass traits and for meat quality determination.

Results

Compared with the corn-soybean based diet, the LPNS diet decreased the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of Daweizi pigs but had a lower cost per kilogram of gain. In addition, the LPNS diet significantly increased leanness and decreased the fat-skin rate and bone rate of Daweizi pigs. The cooking loss of meat decreased, and unsaturated fatty acids such as C22:6 and n−3 PUFA significantly increased in the LPNS group. Moreover, the purine content in the meat substantially decreased with the LPNS diet. The 16S rDNA analysis revealed that the LPNS diet greatly modified the composition of the colonic microbiota community, with a decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp.

Discussion

The use of functional herbs along with a low-protein diet helped to regulate fat and purine metabolism in fatty-type pigs. The LPNS diet formulated with unconventional-feed sources not only helps reduce the feed cost in swine production but also improves the carcass traits and meat quality of pigs, which is more suitable for small-scale pig farming.
Current status of recombinant duck enteritis virus vector vaccine research
Authors: Jia Wen-Feng , Wang An-Ping , Wu Zhi , Lei Xin-Nuo , Cheng Yu-Ting , Zhu Shan-Yuan
Published: February 2025

Duck enteritis virus (DEV), the pathogen of duck viral enteritis, belongs to the α-herpesvirus subfamily. Like other herpesviruses, it has a large genome with multiple non-coding and non-essential regions for viral replication. It is suitable as a live virus vector for inserting and expressing antigenic genes from other pathogens to develop multivalent vaccines. With the advancement of molecular biology research and experimental technology, genetic modification of the DEV genome has matured, leading to the successful construction of recombinant DEV live vector vaccines. These vaccines have demonstrated the ability to resist DEV and other pathogens, showing potential as recombinant viral vaccine vectors and playing a crucial role in the development of new avian vaccines. This article provides an overview of the progress of research on recombinant vaccines using DEV as the vector. It includes the biological characteristics of DEV and its advantages and limitations as a vaccine vector, methods for constructing recombinant DEV, the technical platform for efficiently building recombinant DEV, factors affecting the immune protection efficacy of recombinant DEV, and the application of recombinant DEV in vaccine development. Aiming to provide a reference for the development of duck enteritis virus vector-based vaccines.