bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Mendelian randomization to explore the genetic association between drinking habits of different beverages and sleep disorder
Authors: Zhang Chao , Du Xiaoxun
Published: November 2023

Purpose
To provide genetic evidence for the relationship between drinking habits of various beverages (DHDB) and sleep disorders (SDL) and inform potential clinical treatments for lifestyle improvements.
Methods
We used a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach to investigate the genetic links between DHDB and SDL. DHDB variables included alcohol intake (ALI), alcohol intake frequency (ALF), high-frequency drinking with meals (HAL), tea intake (TEAI), coffee intake (COFI), and red wine intake (RWI). SDL variables included insomnia (INS), inhibit excitability (IE), and sleep duration (SD).
Results
The Mendelian randomization analysis revealed genetic associations between ALI and INS, ALF and IE, ALF and SD, HAL and INS, HAL and IE, HAL and SD, TEAI and IE, TEAI and SD, COFI and IE (P(IVW) < 0.05). However, no significant genetic associations were found between ALI and IE, ALI and SD, ALF and INS, TEAI and INS, COFI and INS, COFI and SD, RWI and INS, RWI and IE, RWI and SD (P(IVW) > 0.05).
Conclusions
It indicates that: (1) Alcohol may increase insomnia risk but not affect daytime sleepiness or sleep duration; (2) Frequent alcohol consumption may lead to daytime sleepiness and shorter sleep but doesn't raise insomnia risk; (3) Alcohol with meals may reduce insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and increase total sleep time; (4) Tea consumption isn't an insomnia risk and can reduce daytime drowsiness; (5) Coffee can reduce daytime drowsiness without causing insomnia; (6) Red wine isn't significantly linked to insomnia or daytime sleepiness. Reverse MR analysis suggests associations between sleep disturbances and alcohol and caffeine intake.
Biomechanical Role of Bone Grafting for Calcaneal Fracture Fixation in the Presence of Bone Defect: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Su Zhihao , Ding Ming , Zhu Ning , Cheung James Chung-Wai , Wong Duo Wai-Chi , Sun Wanju , Ni Ming
Published: November 2023

Background
The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical stress and stability of calcaneal fixations with and without bone defect, before and after bone grafting, through a computational approach.
Methods
A finite element model of foot-ankle complex was reconstructed, impoverished with a Sanders III calcaneal fracture without bone defect and with moderate and severe bone defects. Plate fixations with and without bone grafting were introduced with walking stance simulated. The stress and fragment displacement of the calcaneus were evaluated.
Results
Moderate and severe defect increased the calcaneus stress by 16.11% and 32.51%, respectively and subsequently decreased by 10.76% and 20.78% after bone grafting. The total displacement was increased by 3.99% and 24.26%, respectively by moderate and severe defect, while that of posterior joint facet displacement was 86.66% and 104.44%. The former was decreased by 25.73% and 35.96% after grafting, while that of the latter was reduced by 88.09% and 84.78% for moderate and severe defect, respectively.
Conclusions
Our FE prediction supported that bone grafting for fixation could enhance the stability and reduce the risk of secondary stress fracture in cases of bone defect in calcaneal fracture.
Comparison of Anxiety and Depression Levels in Caregivers of Patients with Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy for Home Enteral Tube Feeding Against Other Enteral Nutrition Methods
Authors: Özceylan Gökmen , Fındık İnahet
Published: November 2023

Background
This study aims to measure and compare the anxiety and depression status of caregivers of patients nourished through Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) and other enteral nutrition methods, thereby assessing the psychological burden created by these two groups.
Methods
A comparison was made of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores among caregivers of patients receiving PEG and other enteral nutrition, focusing on changes between hospital admission and discharge. These changes were analyzed based on the caregiver's age, gender, and the duration of the patient's hospital stay.
Results
Hospital stay duration for patients receiving PEG was significantly longer than for those receiving other enteral nutrition methods (p = 0.017). Despite longer hospital stays, a decrease in anxiety and depression was observed in caregivers of patients receiving PEG compared to the other group (p = 0.078). It was found that the decrease in anxiety and depression levels was less pronounced with increasing age of the caregiver (r=-0.202, p = 0.038).
Conclusions
We believe that PEG should be the preferred method for long-term enteral nutrition, as it enables caregivers to feed and medicate their patients effectively and conveniently. Providing effective care training at PEG centers, along with interdisciplinary team psychosocial support and supervision by home care technicians, will reduce caregivers' anxieties and psychological problems, thereby lessening their care burden.
Mass effect on an elliptic PDE involving two Hardy-Sobolev critical exponents
Authors: THIAM El Hadji Abdoulaye
Published: November 2023

We let $\Omega$ be a bounded domain of $\mathbb{R}^3$ and $\Gamma$ be a closed curve contained in $\Omega$. We study existence of positive solutions $u \in H^1_0\left(\Omega\right)$ to the equation where $h$ is a continuous function and $\rho_\Gamma$ is the distance function to $\Gamma$. We prove existence of solutions depending on the regular part of the Green function of linear operator. We prove the existence of positive mountain pass solutions for this Euler-Lagrange equation depending on the mass which is the regular part of the Green function of the linear operator $-\Delta+h$.
AMS Mathematics Subject Classification: 35J08, 35A23, 35J60.
Prevalence of Frailty Syndrome in Colombian Population Aged Over 65 Scheduled for Non-Cardiac Elective Surgery
Authors: Ríos-Barbosa Fernando , Muñoz Rodrigo , Roa Mateo , González Gina , Jauregui Ilia M. , Bastidas-Goyes Alirio , Tuta-Quintero Eduardo
Published: November 2023

Background: Frailty syndrome (FS) has gained increasing importance due to its association with adverse perioperative outcomes. It is relevant to ascertain the prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidities associated with this syndrome. The objective of the article was to determine the prevalence of FS in the Colombian population aged over 65 scheduled for non-cardiac elective surgery.
Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out in two high-complexity hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. Frailty was defined by applying two scales: Fried's frailty phenotype and SHARE-FI. Prevalence was calculated both globally and stratified by sex, based on the number of subjects classified as frail according to each scale, in relation to the total number of subjects evaluated.
Results: In the final analysis of the study, a total of 359 patients were included. A prevalence of FS was determined to be 12.8% (95% CI 9.2%-16.4%) using Fried's frailty phenotype and 16.7% (95% CI 12.7%-20.7%) using the SHARE-FIscale. The average age of patients with frailty syndrome (FS) was 77.5 years (SD 6.31), compared to 74.5 years (SD 6.22) in the control group (p=0.003). A higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction (17.4% vs. 8.3%; p=0.049), chronic heart failure (19.6% vs. 6.7%; p=0.003), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (32.6% vs. 9.6%; p<0.001) was observed in patients with FS compared to the control group.
Conclusión: A prevalence of frailty was identified in patients aged 65 and older scheduled for elective surgery in Colombia, ranging between 12.8% and 16.7%. Acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and COPD were more frequently related in patients with frailty
The social problems of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Nabi Somaye , Zandieh Zhale , Bahadori Farzaneh , Bakhshandeh Razieh , Bagheri Roghie , Niksolat Maryam
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the healthcare system by exhausting all the available and reserved resources, leading to a global apocalypse menacing the lives of vulnerable human populations. The elderly proved their vulnerability since the chance of infection, developing severe symptoms, and the risk of death in case of virus exposure was considerably higher. Not only were senior citizens at higher risk of being physically affected by COVID, but they also faced more social and mental problems in the COVID-19 era. Social distancing and the COVID lockdown brought about unprecedented social isolation for one and all, but the consequences were more severe for older adults than others. During the pandemic, older people, more than other age groups, reported a feeling of loneliness, symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as sleep problems. They, more than ever, faced ageism, discrimination, and elder abuse; however, it has been more severe for those living alone or in a nursing home or suffering from chronic conditions and dementia, as well as gender minorities. Moreover, not all elderly individuals can cope with technology and virtual communication as a replacement for their connections and relationships with others. In contrast, other generations are more digitally literate and more welcoming to technology. In essence, social isolation and its consequences are more severe for senior citizens; thus, policymakers must find practical plans to meet older adults’ needs by considering these characteristics.
DIMENSIONING OF VINYLSULFONIC SUPPORTS FROM CASHEW APPLE BAGASSE BIOMASS IN THE IMMOBILIZATION OF LIPASES
Authors: Lima Paula , Silva Jouciane , Melo Rafael , Neto Francisco , Fechine Pierre , Rocha Maria , Gonçalves Luciana , dos Santos José
Published: November 2023

In this work, the support, cashew apple bagasse (CAB), was chemically modified with divinyl sulfone (DVS), and it was evaluated to immobilize Candida antarctica lipase A (CAL-A). The best activation conditions of CAB support were defined by an advanced experimental design using the Taguchi method, assessing five factors at four levels (concentration of DVS, ionic strength, pH, temperature, and time). The support and biocatalyst (CAB-DVS-CAL-A) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental analysis, thermogravimetry (TGA), scanning microscopy (SEM), fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and electrophoresis. The optimal conditions to activate the support were DVS concentration of 1.4 mol L-1 (3 mL of DVS in 20 mL of reaction volume), a concentration of sodium bicarbonate buffer at 5 mmol L-1, pH 3.0 at 30 °C for 12 h. The immobilization on CAB-DVS promoted increased thermal stability at 70 °C and different pHs of CAL-A. Therefore, the selected conditions allowed for a catalyst with a catalytic activity of 6.8 U g-1 and more stable than the free enzyme (CAL-A). This demonstrates that pretreated and DVS-activated CAB is a promising support for enzyme immobilization.
Progression of flood risk assessment in India at a decadal scale: a critical review
Authors: Pakhale Gaurav , Nale Jyoti
Published: November 2023

Floods are a recurrent natural phenomenon in India, including perennial occurrences in some parts of the country. Progressively, floods are transformed into flood hazards because of the anthropogenic activities in the flood plains and adjoining catchments, causing injuries, loss of lives, and property damage. Flood hazards, when considered in relation to vulnerability and exposure limits, describe the associated flood risk. This article aims to discuss the progression in flood risk assessment through several government policies and actions in India at a decadal scale from 1951 to 2020. While doing this, some important extreme flood events witnessed in those decades that shaped the perspectives, measures, action plans, and policies in the subsequent years are discussed. The review confirms that with the changing patterns of floods, associated hazards, and risks over the years, improvements in risk assessment approaches are noticeable on dual fronts. Technical advancements in flood risk assessment have corroborated the policy reforms. Albeit these developments, the issues related to the scale of study, data sources and resolutions, climatic variability, urban development, complex population dynamics, and their interrelationships in the context of flood risk need to be resolved with serious efforts. Addressing these issues through multidimensional strategies is imperative to aver robust flood risk assessment.
La incorporación de estudiantes venezolanos al sistema educativo colombiano en Cúcuta (2015-2020)
Authors: López Castro Eder Orlando , Vargas Valle Eunice D.
Published: November 2023

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la incorporación de los estudiantes venezolanos al sistema educativo colombiano en Cúcuta, municipio fronterizo del Norte de Santander, en el periodo 2015-2020. El estudio se basa en metodología mixta que incluye una encuesta en cinco colegios de educación secundaria, entrevistas a rectores de colegios y a familias con hijos venezolanos, así como grupos de discusión con docentes. La encuesta mostró que los estudiantes venezolanos entrevistados tuvieron un acceso más lento y difícil al colegio que los estudiantes colombianos, aunque con cierta mejoría a partir del despliegue de políticas migratorias para los venezolanos en Colombia. Los datos cualitativos muestran algunas barreras específicas enfrentadas durante la incorporación escolar entre las que destacan la falta de documentación o apostillas, la burocracia, la inexistencia de redes sociales, los prejuicios sociales y la discrecionalidad en los procesos de admisión.
Investigaciones Biométricas en la Merluza de la Costa Central de Chile (Merluccius gayi gayi)
Authors: De Buen Fernando
Published: November 2023

En comunicación precedente (2) resumíamos los conocimientos logrados hasta entonces sobre la biología de la pescada, pesca o merluza, refiriéndonos exclusivamente a una de las dos especies pobladoras de aguas chilenas, al Merluccius gayi gayi (Guichenot).Procuraremos aprovechar, en estás páginas, las observaciones realizadas a bordo de barcos pesqueros desde enero de 1958 hasta septiembre de 1959; contamos con medidas (longitud total del pez dada en centímetros) de un total de 9.499 ejemplares, y en parte de ellos está anotado el sexo a que pertenecían y el estado sexual en que se encontraban.
The Link between miRNAs and PCKS9 in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Macvanin Mirjana T. , Gluvic Zoran M. , Klisic Aleksandra N. , Manojlovic Mia S. , Suri Jasjit S. , Rizzo Manfredi , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: November 2023

:

Cardiovascular disease (CDV) represents the major cause of death globally.
Atherosclerosis, as the primary cause of CVD, is a chronic immune-inflammatory
disorder with complex multifactorial pathophysiology encompassing oxidative stress, enhanced
immune-inflammatory cascade, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombosis. An initiating
event in atherosclerosis is the subendothelial accumulation of low-density lipoprotein
(LDL), followed by the localization of macrophages to fatty deposits on blood vessel
walls, forming lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells) that secrete compounds involved
in plaque formation. Given the fact that foam cells are one of the key culprits
that underlie the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, special attention has been paid to
the investigation of the efficient therapeutic approach to overcome the dysregulation of
metabolism of cholesterol in macrophages, decrease the foam cell formation and/or to
force its degradation. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a secretory
serine proteinase that has emerged as a significant regulator of the lipid metabolism
pathway. PCSK9 activation leads to the degradation of LDL receptors (LDLRs), increasing
LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the circulation. PCSK9 pathway dysregulation
has been identified as one of the mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis. In addition, microRNAs
(miRNAs) are investigated as important epigenetic factors in the pathophysiology
of atherosclerosis and dysregulation of lipid metabolism. This review article summarizes
the recent findings connecting the role of PCSK9 in atherosclerosis and the involvement
of various miRNAs in regulating the expression of PCSK9-related genes. We
also discuss PCSK9 pathway-targeting therapeutic interventions based on PCSK9 inhibition,
and miRNA levels manipulation by therapeutic agents.
High Level of Adropin Promotes the Progression of Pancreatic Ductal
Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hu Jilong , Wu Qinrong , Ding Qunhua , Wu Weibo , Li Qiyun , Zheng Zhinan
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective:

Preliminary experiments have revealed the abnormally
high expression level of adropin in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). This study investigated
the role of adropin in the progression of PDA.

Methods::

The paraffin-embedded samples of 20 patients with PDA were obtained from the hospital
biobank, and immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate adropin expression. PDA cell lines
were cultured and treated with recombinant adropin or adropin knockdown. Cell behavior was assessed,
and the expression of phospho-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (p-VEGFR2)
and other related proteins was detected. The cell-derived xenograft (CDX) of PDA was established,
and the effects of adropin or adropin knockdown on tumor growth were observed.

Results::

The PDA cancer tissues exhibited elevated adropin protein expression compared with the
paracancerous tissues, and the expression was positively correlated with carbohydrate antigen
19-9 levels in patients. Adropin significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of PDA
cells and upregulated the expression of p-VEGFR2, Ki67, cyclin D1, and matrix metalloprotein 2
(MMP2). After the knockdown of adropin expression or blockade of VEGFR2, the above effects
of adropin were significantly reversed. Adropin supplementation significantly accelerated tumor
growth in PDA CDX; upregulated the expression of p-VEGFR2, Ki67, cyclin D1, and MMP2;
and promoted angiogenesis in tumor tissue microenvironment. However, CDX inoculated with
adropin knockdown cells produced the opposite results.

Conclusion::

Adropin overexpression in PDA promotes cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis
in tumor microenvironment by continuously activating VEGFR2 signaling, thereby creating conditions
for tumor progression. Thus, targeting adropin may be an effective anti-PDA strategy.
Metformin (The Miracle Drug) Kinetics in Different Diseases such as Cancer
Authors: Tolou-Ghamari Zahra
Published: November 2023

:

Metformin, a miracle drug that was introduced a century ago, could be considered for various
aspects of diseases such as diabetes (type 1 and 2), cancer prevention or chemotherapy, metabolic
and neurodegenerative disease. It is well known that the frequency of cancer is higher in patients
with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review aims to provide updated information regarding clinical
pharmacokinetics and the mechanism of action of Metformin in different diseases such as cancer.
Diabetes type 1 is another chronic autoimmune disease detected usually in early childhood due to
immune-mediated devastation of insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells. Because of the lack of effective
therapeutic approaches, its prevalence is increasing. Regarding cancer, an estimated 19.3 million
new cancer cases and almost 10.0 million cancer deaths were reported in 2020 worldwide. By
50-60% bioavailability, the main route of metformin excretion is through urine. Its mechanism of
action is based on 1) initiation of adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase, 2) block proinflammatory
paths in perivascular adipose tissue, 3) decrease in monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation
in vascular tissues, and 4) improvement in endothelial function. Metformin induces adenosine
monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling and suppresses gluconeogenesis. Antitumor properties
of Metformin include a decrease in reactive oxygen species generation and inducing autophagy.
In addition to glucose-lowering effects, Metformin has moderate anti-inflammatory and antioxidative
effects. It could improve lipid profile and reduce overweight individuals' body mass and
arterial blood pressure. In type 1 diabetes, Metformin reduces the requirement for daily insulin and
improves glycemia. Its long-term use decreases cardiovascular events. In addition to inhibiting the
synthesis of lipids via a reduction in oxidative stress, Metformin inhibits inflammation and increases
energy metabolism. Finally, by reducing micro- and macro-vascular consequences, mortality-related
diabetes and cancer decline by metformin administration. Therefore, in addition to diabetes, Metformin
could reduce the proliferation of cancer cells and the possibility of malignancies in different
types of cancer.
Effect of Exercise Therapy on Incident Admission in Patients with Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Inpatient Diabetes Self-manageme nt
Education and Support
Authors: Masuda Hiroaki , Iwashima Fumiko , Ishiyama Daisuke , Nakajima Hideki , Kimura Yosuke , Otobe Yuhei , Suzuki Mizue , Koyama Shingo , Tanaka Shu , Kojima Iwao , Yamada Minoru
Published: November 2023

Background:

Exercise therapy is the key to preventing admission of patients with type
2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, a few studies have examined the effects of exercise
therapy on patients with T2DM undergoing inpatient diabetes self-management education and
support (IDSMES).

Objective:

This study investigated whether exercise therapy influenced the incidence of admission
after discharge in patients with T2DM undergoing IDSMES.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included patients with T2DM who underwent
IDSMES between June 2011 and May 2015. Overall, 258 patients were included in this study.
The exercise therapy program was implemented in June 2013. Accordingly, patients diagnosed
between June 2011 and May 2013 were categorized as the non-exercise therapy program group,
while those diagnosed between June 2013 and May 2015 were categorized as the exercise therapy
program group. Outcomes were incident diabetes-related and all-cause admissions within 1
year of discharge. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios
(ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the exercise therapy program’s impact on the outcomes.

Results:

Within 1 year of discharge, 27 (10.5%) patients underwent diabetes-related admissions
and 62 (24.0%) underwent all-cause admissions. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed a
significant association of the exercise therapy program with incident diabetes-related and allcause
admissions [OR: 0.22 (95% CI: 0.08–0.59) and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.22–0.86), respectively].

Conclusion:

Exercise therapy programs significantly lowered the incidences of diabetes-related
and all-cause admissions. This indicates that implementing exercise therapy during hospitalization
may be important for preventing admissions of patients with T2DM receiving IDSMES.
Chemical Composition and Therapeutic Potential of Syngonium podophyllum
L. Leaves against Hypercholesterolemia in Rats: Liver, Kidney, and Heart
Crosstalk
Authors: Ahmed Yomna R. , El-Hagrassi Ali M. , Nasr Noha N. , Abdallah Walid E. , Hamed Manal A.
Published: November 2023

Background:

One of the main risk factors for atherosclerosis is hypercholesterolemia

Objective:

This study aimed to assess hypercholesterolemia's effect on the liver, heart, and kidney
and the impact of Syngonium podophyllum L. leaves methanolic extract as a treating agent in a rat
model.

Methods:

Flavonoid components were isolated and identified from the methanolic extract of
Syngonium podophyllum L. leaves. Total serum leptin, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG),
aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT), urea, and creatinine levels were all
measured as part of the biochemical evaluation. The liver tissue was tested for levels of
malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and DNA fragmentation.

Results:

Thirty-nine compounds were identified by GC/MS profiling of the n-hexane fraction of
Syngonium podophyllum L leaves. The major volatile constituents were decane, 4-methyl, decane, N-acetyl 3-pentenyl, 1-amine, 2-methyl, 1-hexene, and 3-hydroxy, propanenitrile, while the
major phenolic compounds isolated from methanolic extract were luteolin-7- α-L rhamnoside-4'-
O-β-glucopyranoside (1), apigenin 6, 8-di-C-β-glucopyranoside (vicenin 2) (2), quercetin-3-Oα-L-rhamnoside (3), quercetin-7-O-β-glucoside compound (4), luteolin-7-O-β-glucoside (5), 5-
hydroxy-6,7,8,4'-tetramethoxy flavone (6), gallic acid (7) and quercetin (8). Hypercholesterolemic rats revealed significant alterations (p ≤ 0.05) in the lipid profile, liver and kidney function,
DNA fragmentation pattern and antioxidant indices. With oral cholesterol administration of 30
mg/0.3 mL, 0.7% tween/rats fed a high-fat diet for nine weeks, treatment with leaves extract (250
mg/kg body weight) was able to restore all biochemical parameters as well as the architectures of
the liver and heart.

Conclusion:

Due to its abundance in physiologically active phenolic and flavonoid components,
the methanolic extract of Syngonium podophyllum L. leaves successfully served as a hypolipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, and antioxidant therapeutic agent.
CRD-BP as a Tumor Marker of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Fen-Xu  , Jiang Liang-Hong , Chen-Fu  , Feng Wei-Wei , Zhou Chang-Jiang
Published: November 2023

The National Cancer Center published a comparative report on cancer data between China and the
United States in the Chinese Medical Journal, which shows that colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks second in China
and fourth in the United States. It is worth noting that since 2000, the case fatality rate of CRC in China has skyrocketed,
while the United States has gradually declined. Finding tumor markers with high sensitivity and specificity
is our primary goal to reduce the case fatality rate of CRC. Studies have shown that CRD-BP (Insulin-like
growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1)can affect a variety of signaling pathways, such as Wnt、nuclear factor
KB (NF-κB), and Hedgehog, and has good biological effects as a therapeutic target for CRC. CRD-BP is expected
to become a tumor marker with high sensitivity and specificity of CRC. This paper reviews the research on
CRD-BP as a tumor marker of CRC.
Nutritional Status in Leprosy Patients: A Systematic Review and
Meta-analysis
Authors: Velmurugan Hemasri , Thangaraju Pugazhenthan
Published: November 2023

Background:

Leprosy, a chronic mycobacterial disease, is frequently accompanied by
malnutrition. However, it is important to regularly assess the nutritional state of leprosy patients in a
resource-poor nation like India, where undernutrition is widespread.

Objectives:

This study aimed to compare the nutritional status of leprosy patients to that of normal
individuals using the body mass index.

Methods:

The electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase were used to conduct an
open literature search. From 1st January 2000 to 31st January 2023, all articles were screened using
the following MeSH terms: (nutrition OR body mass index OR body weight) AND (leprosy OR
lepra) to find possibly relevant articles.

Results:

This meta-analysis includes five research studies with a total of 1173 individuals (363 patients in the leprosy group and 810 patients in the non-leprosy group). The weighted mean difference
(WMD) for BMI studies was -17.88 (95% CI -27.65 to -8.12), showing that there was a significant
difference in BMI < 18.5 between leprosy patients and non-leprosy patients. There was a significant
difference in DDS score and HFIAS score between patients with leprosy and non-leprosy. In a total
of 342 leprosy patients, 206 developed deformities.

Conclusion:

This research increases our understanding of nutrition and leprosy. The results found
that people with leprosy are nutritionally at a distinct disadvantage when compared to non-leprosy
patients. It emphasises the several ways in which diet may generate circumstances that increase the
risk of leprosy.
A Risk Assessment Method of New-type Power System Based on TabRAM
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Li Yuancheng , Yuan Jiexuan , Luo Hao
Published: November 2023

Background::

Under the "Dual Carbon" strategy, the new-type power system integrates
various complex equipment, especially the addition of wind power, photovoltaic power generation,
distributed energy storage and other systems, which not only brings clean and efficient energy
to the power system, but also leads to potential risks in the power grid.

Objective::

Traditional methods for assessing the risks of power systems mainly focus on the characteristics
of traditional power grids. With the emergence of new features in the new power system,
these traditional assessment methods are no longer effective, which could affect the safe and
stable operation of the power system. To address this issue, this article proposes a new vulnerability
index system for power systems. It also introduces the analytic hierarchy based on Moody's
order graph (MAHP) quantification analysis method, and develops the Tabular data risk assessment
methodology(TabRAM) risk assessment model based on an improved Transformer method.

Method::

MAHP is a comprehensive evaluation method combining Moody's Chart and Analytic
Hierarchy (AHP), which has high comprehensiveness and operability. TabRAM uses Bayesian
neural networks (BNN) to complete prior data fitting and model complex feature dependencies
and potential causal mechanisms on tabular data. The network is trained using an improved Transformer,
and after pre-training, it can approximate new prior probabilistic inference in a forward
pass to achieve prediction and classification tasks for new datasets.

Results::

After multiple rounds of iterations and parameter adjustments, the model achieved the
desired performance and was successfully applied to the risk assessment of the new power system.

Conclusion::

According to the experimental results, the proposed TabRAM model demonstrates
superior performance in the field of risk assessment for the new-type power system, as compared
to traditional deep learning and machine learning algorithms.
SCV Filter: A Hybrid Deep Learning Model for SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Classification
Authors: Wang Han , Gao Jingyang
Published: November 2023

Background:

The high mutability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
2(SARS-CoV-2) makes it easy for mutations to occur during transmission. As the epidemic continues to
develop, several mutated strains have been produced. Researchers worldwide are working on the effective identification of SARS-CoV-2.

Objective:

In this paper, we propose a new deep learning method that can effectively identify SARSCoV-2 Variant sequences, called SCVfilter, which is a deep hybrid model with embedding, attention
residual network, and long short-term memory as components.

Methods:

Deep learning is effective in extracting rich features from sequence data, which has significant implications for the study of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has become prevalent
in recent years. In this paper, we propose a new deep learning method that can effectively identify
SARS-CoV-2 Variant sequences, called SCVfilter, which is a deep hybrid model with embedding, attention residual network, and long short-term memory as components.

Results:

The accuracy of the SCVfilter is 93.833% on Dataset-I consisting of different variant strains;
90.367% on Dataset-II consisting of data collected from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong; and 79.701%
on Dataset-III consisting of data collected from six continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America,
Oceania, and South America).

Conclusion:

When using the SCV filter to process lengthy and high-homology SARS-CoV-2 data, it
can automatically select features and accurately detect different variant strains of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the SCV filter is sufficiently robust to handle the problems caused by sample imbalance and sequence incompleteness.

Other:

The SCVfilter is an open-source method available at https://github.com/deconvolutionw/SCVfilter.
Cultura Inclusiva Para Educar en Sexalidad e Igualdad
Authors: Franco Bejarano Maria Teresa , Martínez Martín Irene
Published: November 2023

La nueva Ley Educativa española propone un modelo de escuela basado en el Diseño Universal para el Aprendizaje para fomentar la cultura inclusiva. Este artículo tiene como objetivo revisar el modelo desde la perspectiva del género (s) para verificar que considera las identidades genéricas de sexo y / o corporales dentro de esta cultura inclusiva. Se ha segui un método de análisis crítica-interpretativo para concluir que, si bien se ha avanzado en el reconocimiento de las diversidades, ello no va acompañado de una mejor formación inicial docente. Se proponen experiencias de formación del profesorado en clave de inclusión y feminismos para avanzar en educar en identidades y corporalidades diversas como complemento al modelo propuesto por la nueva normativa. En las conclusiones, se exponen los procesos de cambio epistémicos y aplicados, necesarios para posibilitar avances desde el modelo tomar como referencia el marco de las pedagogías feministas que apuestan por una educación en sexualidad integral.
Produção Acadêmica Educacional sobre Docentes Lésbicas e Trans
Authors: Vicente da Silva Jonathan , Rocha Azevedo Ferreira Isabella , Dal'Igna Maria Cláudia
Published: November 2023

O artigo articula duas pesquisas que analisam a produção acadêmica educacional brasileira sobre docentes lésbicas e trans. Tais estudos utilizam, para compor o corpus empírico, prioritariamente, pesquisas de mestrado e doutorado apresentadas em eventos científicos e/ou elaboradas em programas de pós-graduação stricto sensu. A primeira, sobre docentes lésbicas, examina o período de 2014 a 2020. A segunda, sobre docentes trans, analisa a década de 2009 a 2019. Ambas as pesquisas estão sustentadas por uma agenda de pesquisa que investiga trabalho docente, gênero e sexualidade em um programa de pós-graduação da região sul do país, mobilizando conceitos dos campos dos Estudos em Docência e dos Estudos de Gênero em uma perspectiva pós-estruturalista. Neste artigo, são analisados os processos de regulação da docência, a partir de uma matriz cisheteronormativa; e, os movimentos de resistência e reexistência numa perspectiva do que é nomeado de queerização da docência.
Eu me Fiz Pesquisador Antes de me Fazer Trans
Authors: Teixeira Mello Yasmin , Corpes Magalhães Joanalira
Published: November 2023

Historicamente, as pessoas trans têm sua presença inviabilizada nos mais variados espaços, como é caso do campo científico. Partindo desta constatação, o presente artigo apresenta um recorte de uma pesquisa de mestrado, que objetiva tecer interlocuções com a narrativa de um pesquisador trans, relacionada à sua trajetória de constituição enquanto pesquisador. Para isso, realizou-se uma entrevista on-line, com auxílio de um roteiro semiestruturado, em que as narrativas foram entendidas enquanto uma modalidade discursiva. As narrativas foram organizadas em: Eixo narrativo 1: Produção do gênero e a constituição como pesquisador; e Eixo narrativo 2: Dificuldades, preconceitos e resistências. Ao dialogar com a narrativa do pesquisador, possibilitou-se pensar em relação às marcas que o processo de transição de gênero promoveu na sua constituição no campo da pesquisa, assim como as dificuldades, preconceitos e resistências presentes ao longo da sua trajetória profissional e acadêmica.
Intergeracionalidade, Gênero e Sexualidade
Authors: Ramirez Meza Eduardo , Victor da Rosa Marcelo
Published: November 2023

O estudo foi realizado com pessoas idosas e jovens que experimentaram a convivência em disciplinas de graduação da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul. Partimos da intergeracionalidade e das intersecções com gênero e sexualidade. Foram sujeitos da pesquisa 15 pessoas idosas e 15 jovens que responderam a um questionário com dados de perfil e participaram de entrevista com roteiro semiestruturado. Para a análise do perfil sociológico e dos discursos utilizamos a abordagem interseccional construcionista e a perspectiva foucaultiana. A maior parte dos sujeitos (86,67% das pessoas idosas e 60% dos/as jovens) foi formada por mulheres cisgênero. Somente entre jovens encontramos pessoas pretas e pluralidade de orientação sexual. Encontramos enunciados que articulam dispositivos de aliança e de sexualidade. As reflexões oferecem contribuições para (re)pensar e lidar com os marcadores sociais da diferença, na perspectiva original da interseccionalidade: compromisso com a justiça social.
“Me Sinto na Obrigação de Fazer com que Homens Heteros Respeitem Homens que não Sejam Héteros”
Authors: Teofilo de Brito Leandro
Published: November 2023

Este artigo buscou discutir a participação política de jovens estudantes-ativistas que se identificavam com o gênero masculino nos grêmios e coletivos do Colégio Pedro II, instituto federal localizado no estado do Rio de Janeiro e reconhecido historicamente pelo seu forte ativismo estudantil. Para problematizar as enunciações sobre as masculinidades na pesquisa, são utilizadas as teorizações de Judith Butler, Sirma Bilge, Ernesto Laclau, Chantal Mouffe, entre outros, como também a noção de narrativas de Leonor Arfuch para operacionalizar entrevistas coletivas. Entre os resultados, se fez presente nas enunciações significações que apontavam para hegemonizações parciais e contingentes nas performatizações das masculinidades dos jovens estudantes-ativistas em suas experiências de participação política no colégio, interpretadas pelas úbiquas disputas de sentidos do masculino no social contemporâneo, sobretudo pelas afetações nas intersecções com as categorias raça e orientação sexual.
Adoption of Electronic Health Record Among Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Frimpong Jemima A , Liu Xun , Liu Lingrui , Zhang Ruoqiuyan
Published: November 2023

Background

Electronic health record (EHR) systems have been shown to be associated with improvements in care processes, quality of care, and patient outcomes. EHR also has a crucial role in the delivery of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and is considered important for addressing SUD crises, including the opioid epidemic. However, little is known about the adoption of EHR in SUD treatment programs or the organizational-level factors associated with the adoption of EHR in SUD treatment.

Objective

We examined the adoption of EHR in SUD programs, with a focus on changes in adoption from 2014 to 2017, and identified organizational-level factors associated with EHR adoption.

Methods

We used data from the 2014 and 2017 National Drug Abuse Treatment System Surveys. Our analysis included 1027 SUD programs (531 in 2014 and 496 in 2017). We used chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively, to assess changes in EHR adoption, technology use, program, and client characteristics. We also investigated differences in characteristics and barriers to adoption by EHR adoption status (adopted EHR vs had not adopted or were planning to adopt EHR). We then conducted multivariate logistic regressions to examine internal and external factors associated with EHR adoption.

Results

The adoption of EHR increased significantly from 57.6% (306/531) in 2014 to 69.2% (343/496) in 2017 (P<.001), showing that nearly one-third (153/496, 30.8%) of SUD programs had not yet adopted an EHR system by 2017. We identified a significant increase in technology use and ownership by a parent company (P=.01 and P<.001) and a decrease in the percentage of uninsured patients in 2017 (P<.001), compared to 2014. Our analysis further showed significant differences by adoption status for three major barriers to adoption: (1) start-up costs, (2) ongoing financial costs, and (3) privacy or security concerns (P<.001). Programs that used computerized scheduling (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.02, 95% CI 2.23-4.09) and billing systems (AOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.62-3.25) were more likely to adopt EHR. Similarly, ownership type, such as private nonprofit (AOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.31-2.65) and public (AOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.27-3.67), or interest in participating in a patient-centered medical home (AOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.29-2.92), were associated with an increased likelihood to adopt EHR. Overall, SUD programs were more likely to adopt an EHR system in 2017 compared to 2014 (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.07-1.94).

Conclusions

Our findings highlighted that SUD programs may be on track to achieve widespread EHR adoption. However, there is a need for focused strategies, resources, and policies explicitly designed to systematically address barriers and tackle obstacles to expanding the adoption of EHR systems. These efforts must be holistic and address factors at multiple organizational levels.
The Roles of Electronic Health Records for Clinical Trials in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Scoping Review
Authors: Ye Jiancheng , Xiong Shangzhi , Wang Tengyi , Li Jingyi , Cheng Nan , Tian Maoyi , Yang Yang
Published: November 2023

Background

Clinical trials are a crucial element in advancing medical knowledge and developing new treatments by establishing the evidence base for safety and therapeutic efficacy. However, the success of these trials depends on various factors, including trial design, project planning, research staff training, and adequate sample size. It is also crucial to recruit participants efficiently and retain them throughout the trial to ensure timely completion.

Objective

There is an increasing interest in using electronic health records (EHRs)—a widely adopted tool in clinical practice—for clinical trials. This scoping review aims to understand the use of EHR in supporting the conduct of clinical trials in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to identify its strengths and limitations.

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed using 5 databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. We followed the latest version of the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guideline to conduct this review. We included clinical trials that used EHR at any step, conducted a narrative synthesis of the included studies, and mapped the roles of EHRs into the life cycle of a clinical trial.

Results

A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria: 13 were randomized controlled trials, 3 were cluster randomized controlled trials, 12 were quasi-experimental studies, and 2 were feasibility pilot studies. Most of the studies addressed infectious diseases (15/30, 50%), with 80% (12/15) of them about HIV or AIDS and another 40% (12/30) focused on noncommunicable diseases. Our synthesis divided the roles of EHRs into 7 major categories: participant identification and recruitment (12/30, 40%), baseline information collection (6/30, 20%), intervention (8/30, 27%), fidelity assessment (2/30, 7%), primary outcome assessment (24/30, 80%), nonprimary outcome assessment (13/30, 43%), and extended follow-up (2/30, 7%). None of the studies used EHR for participant consent and randomization.

Conclusions

Despite the enormous potential of EHRs to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of conducting clinical trials in LMICs, challenges remain. Continued exploration of the appropriate uses of EHRs by navigating their strengths and limitations to ensure fitness for use is necessary to better understand the most optimal uses of EHRs for conducting clinical trials in LMICs.
A Device for Prehabilitation of Total Knee Replacement Surgery (Slider): Usability Study
Authors: Islam Riasat , Gooch Daniel , Karlakki Sudheer , Price Blaine
Published: November 2023

Background

Rehabilitation, or “prehabilitation,” is essential in preparing for and recovering from knee replacement surgery. The recent demand for these services has surpassed available resources, a situation further strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a pivot toward digital solutions such as web- or app-based videos and wearables. These solutions, however, face challenges with user engagement, calibration requirements, and skin contact issues. This study evaluated the practicality of a low-contact, gamified device designed to assist with prehabilitation exercises.

Objective

The study aimed to assess the practicality and user-friendliness of a newly designed physiotherapy device (Slider) that enables exercise monitoring without the need for direct contact with the skin.

Methods

A total of 17 patients awaiting knee replacement surgery at a UK National Health Service (NHS) hospital participated in this study. They used the device over a 2-week period and subsequently provided feedback through a usability and acceptability questionnaire.

Results

The study was completed by all participants, with a majority (13/17, 76%) finding the device intuitive and easy to use. The majority of patients were satisfied with the device’s ability to meet their presurgery physiotherapy requirements (16/17, 94%) and expressed a willingness to continue using it (17/17, 100%). No safety issues or adverse effects were reported by the participants.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the device was found to be a feasible option for patients to conduct presurgery physiotherapy exercises independently, away from a clinical setting. Further research involving a larger and more diverse group of participants is recommended to validate these findings more robustly.
Structural Validation and Measurement Invariance Testing of the Chinese Version of the eHealth Literacy Scale Among Undergraduates: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Long Chen , Zheng Lin , Liu Runhua , Duan Zhongxian
Published: November 2023

Background

The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) was introduced in China in 2013 as one of the most important electronic health literacy measurement instruments. After a decade of development in China, it has received widespread attention, although its theoretical underpinnings have been challenged, thus demanding more robust research evidence of factorial validity and multigroup measurement properties.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the Chinese version of the eHEALS in terms of its measurement properties.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a university setting in China. Item statistics were checked for response distributions and floor and ceiling effects. Internal consistency reliability was confirmed with Cronbach α, split-half reliability, Cronbach α if an item was deleted, and item-total correlation. A total of 5 representative eHEALS factor structures were examined and contrasted using confirmatory factor analysis. The study used the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) and the average of the I-CVI scores of all items on the scale to assess the content validity of the dominance model. Furthermore, the validated dominance model was subsequently used to evaluate the relevance and representation of elements in the instrument and to assess measurement invariance across genders.

Results

A total of 972 respondents were identified, with a Cronbach α of .92, split-half reliability of 0.88, and item-total score correlation coefficients ranging from 0.715 to 0.781. Cronbach α if an item was deleted showed that all items should be retained. Acceptable content validity was supported by I-CVIs ≥0.80. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the 3-factor model was acceptable. The measurement model met all relevant fit indices: average variance extracted from 0.663 to 0.680, composite reliability from 0.810 to 0.857, chi-square divided by the df of 4.768, root mean square error of approximation of 0.062, standardized root mean squared residual of 0.020, comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.987, and Tucker-Lewis index of 0.979. In addition, the scale demonstrated error variance invariance (Δnormed fit index=−0.016, Δincremental fit index=−0.012, ΔTucker-Lewis index=0.005, Δcomparative fit index=−0.012, Δrelative fit index=0.005, and Δroot mean square error of approximation=0.005).

Conclusions

A 3-factor model of the Chinese version of the eHEALS fits best, and our findings provide evidence for the strict measurement invariance of the instrument regarding gender.