bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of the modified creatinine index with quality of life in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Zeng Jie , Wang Yijing , Li Hong , Wen Hongying
Published: September 2024

Aims/Background The evaluation of health-related quality of life in patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis has garnered increasing attention. The modified creatinine index, a surrogate marker for muscle mass, has been linked to various clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between modified creatinine index and health-related quality of life in maintenance haemodialysis patients remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the association between modified creatinine index and health-related quality of life in individuals receiving maintenance haemodialysis.

Methods This cross-sectional study included 217 maintenance haemodialysis patients. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Instrument. Collected data included general patient information, laboratory results, and haemodialysis-related parameters. The modified creatinine index was calculated based on gender, age, single-pool Kt/V (spKt/V), and pre-dialysis serum creatinine levels. Multiple linear regression models and smooth curve fitting were used to investigate the relationship between modified creatinine index and health-related quality of life. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed to identify potential effect modifiers.

Results The 217 maintenance haemodialysis patients had a mean age of 53.66±13.15 years and a median dialysis vintage of 39 (25–84) months; 120 (55.30%) were male. The mean health-related quality of life score was 55.76±10.33, and the mean modified creatinine index was 22.72±2.95 mg/kg/day. After adjusting for confounding factors, an increase in modified creatinine index was associated with an improvement in health-related quality of life (β=0.55, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.06, p = 0.033). No nonlinear relationship was identified between modified creatinine index and health-related quality of life by smooth curve fitting. Subgroup and interaction analyses indicated that the relationship between modified creatinine index and health-related quality of life was stable and not significantly influenced by age, gender, dialysis vintage, diabetes status, or body mass index (p > 0.05).

Conclusion Modified creatinine index is positively correlated with health-related quality of life in maintenance haemodialysis patients, suggesting its potential utility in evaluating patient quality of life. Modified creatinine index could be clinically useful to improve the predictability of health-related quality of life in maintenance haemodialysis patients.
Nurses' attitude toward futile treatment and its relationship with missed care at the end of life
Authors: Hanifi Nasrin , Gholami Zahra , Moqaddam Masoumeh
Published: September 2024

Background:

Avoiding futile treatment for patients at the end of life is among one of the care challenges of nurses in intensive care units (ICUs).

Aims:

This study aimed to determine the attitude of intensive care unit nurses toward futile treatment and its relationship with missed care for patients at the end of life.

Method:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 307 ICU nurses. Eleven teaching hospitals were selected from three Iranian provinces, Zanjan Province, East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan, in 2021. The data were collected using The Attitudes Toward Futile Treatment Scale (ATFTS) and The Missed Nursing Care Survey (MISSCARE Survey) as self-reports.

Results:

According to the obtained results, 94.8% of the nurses agreed that futile treatment should not be performed. However, 97.7% of the nurses reported that missed care occurs less for patients at the end of life. The correlation between the MISSCARE Survey's total scale and the ATFTS's total scale was positive and statistically significant (r =.11).

Conclusion:

This research contributes to understanding nurses' attitudes toward futile treatment. Nurses oppose futile treatment, so obstacles to avoiding it should be eliminated. This attitude does not have a significant impact on nursing care quality or missed care for patients at the end of life, but it can lead to enduring distress for nurses. It is recommended to study the reasons for futile treatment, and its link to nurses' mental and physical health.
Update to UK calf management and housing strategies
Authors: Mahendran Sophie A
Published: September 2024

This article reviews calf-rearing practices and housing on UK dairy farms, with a focus on optimising calf health, welfare and production. Key findings include the continued underfeeding of milk. In terms of housing, there were benefits to pairing, over individual housing, with group housing using automated milk feeders showing potential but requiring careful management of weaning and social interactions. Environmental assessments across different housing types revealed challenges in maintaining optimal conditions, with hutches exhibiting the most extreme temperatures and sheds having higher levels of airborne contaminants. Providing adequate milk, appropriate housing and social conditions, and careful management, particularly during weaning, are crucial for successful calf rearing.
Modeling Mechanical Properties of 2 by 4 and 2 by 6 Southern Pine Lumber Using Longitudinal Vibration and Visual Characteristics
Authors: França F. J. N. , Seale R. D. , Shmulsky R. , França T. S. F. A.
Published: September 2024

The light-frame building construction market is increasingly competitive. To maintain and grow its position in the market, the lumber industry needs to be improved and refined. The identification of the strength-reducing characteristics that affect modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) are keys to improve the grading process of lumber. Herein, nondestructive techniques, visual evaluation, and mechanical testing were used to assess the structural properties of 1,044 samples of southern pine lumber. Linear regression models were constructed for 2 by 4 and 2 by 6 southern pine lumber using the static bending MOE and MOR, both as dependent variables from the destructive test. Nondestructive measurements, visual characteristics, and lumber density were used as independent variables. Linear regression models were constructed to indirectly estimate the MOE and MOR of southern pine lumber. The variables selected to predict MOE were dynamic modulus of elasticity (dMOE) and density. By adding knot diameter ratio to dMOE and density, it was possible to develop a prediction model for MOR. It was possible to improve predictability of strength (MOR) with a combination of nondestructive testing and knot evaluation.
Cellulose Nanofiber as Complete Natural Binder for Particleboard
Authors: Kojima Yoichi , Kato Naho , Ota Kazuaki , Kobori Hikaru , Suzuki Shigehiko , Aoki Kenji , Ito Hirokazu
Published: September 2024

The demand for wood-based materials as an alternative to plywood is increasing, and a synthetic adhesive is typically used for the fabrication of such materials. The identification of replacements for standard adhesives poses a major challenge. In this study, we investigated the mechanical properties of particleboard bonded by cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and compared the mechanical properties of particleboard bonded by CNF with those of particleboard bonded by adhesive. CNF was added together with wood particles during the fabrication process. The target CNF addition amounts were 0, 3, 5, 10, and 20 weight percent. The bending and internal bond strengths of the particleboard with CNF increased, and its water absorption decreased as CNF content increased. The comparison between the boards prepared with adhesives and those with CNF showed that the properties of boards prepared with 20 weight percent CNF were comparable to those of boards prepared with 1 weight percent synthetic adhesive.
Associação do perfil lipídico e da Hiperplasia Prostática Benigna (HPB) em homens na região metropolitana de Feira de Santana, Bahia
Authors: Lucas Neves de Oliveira  , Ricardo Brianezi Tiraboschi
Published: September 2024

A Hiperplasia Prostática Benigna (HPB) é caracterizada pelo aumento do volume prostático acima de 40mL, comum em homens com mais de 45 anos. Histologicamente, observa-se redução da razão epitélio/estroma, o que leva a uma remodelação micronodular, alteração central subjacente à HPB (VIGNOZZI et al., 2014).
Enchanting Images: Magic Mirrors and Moving Portraits in French Fairy Tales
Authors: Claussen Alexander
Published: September 2024

Abstract: This article considers the role of mirrors and portraits in several fairy tales by Charles Perrault, Henriette-Julie de Murat, Marie-Jeanne L'Héritier, and especially Marie-Catherine d'Aulnoy. I examine how these objects, made magical, exert agency in the tales. The depicted image begins to hold power over its subject. Other scholars have seen in the blurred distinction between representation and reality an invitation to critical reflection; here, I show how mirrors and portraits also fuel narrative innovation by troubling the reader's sense of diegetic reality as the objects assert control over characters—and the plot.
The Rewilding Cinderella Project: Exploring the Ecological Multiplicities of the Cinderella Cycle
Authors: Gilar Joanna
Published: September 2024

Abstract: This article discusses the Rewilding Cinderella project, a six-month exploration of the Cinderella cycle with a group of oral storytellers and artists, leading to a co-created eco-concert of stories at a rewilding site in Sussex, UK. The focus was to explore the multiplicity of the story cycle in a diverse, creative community. With an underpinning of theory that explores the ecological capacity of oral storytelling and the potentiality of fairy tales to enhance relationality with the living world, the article outlines the process of the project and reflects on its successes, failures, and fluid complexities.
"The Deadly House"
Authors: Duggan Anne E.
Published: September 2024

Abstract: Published in Contes fasis ( Tales from Fez , 1926), a collection edited by the French orientalist Émile Dermenghem (1892–1971), "The Deadly House" represents a north African variant of "The Kind and Unkind Girls." Many of the tales in the collection were gathered with the assistance of Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd al-Wāḥid Fāsī (1908–1991), also known as Muhamed El Fasi or El Fassi, who issued from a prestigious intellectual family from Fez. The tale itself presents an interesting contrast with european variants, with djinns playing the role of the fairy or witch who tests the good and bad (step)sisters.
Analysis of interference fringes in a long-wave infrared full Stokes polarimeter based on rotating waveplates
Authors: Gao Biyuan , Hou Junfeng , Shen Yuliang , Sun Yingzi , Wang Dongguang , Yang Xiao , Deng Yuanyong
Published: September 2024

In the long-wave infrared (LWIR, 8–15 µm) band, the interference effect of polarization elements becomes an issue in polarimetry due to defects in the anti-reflective coatings. The paper describes an analysis and optimization method for the rotating-waveplates-based Stokes polarimeter, to eliminate interference fringes and improve polarization measurement accuracy in LWIR. An interference model was established based on the theory of polarized light and thin-film optics. Different modulation schemes were simulated and analyzed to obtain an optimized Stokes polarimeter, reducing the instrumental polarization to less than 1E-3. Furthermore, experimental validation was conducted by the Accurate Infrared Magnetic Field Measurements of the Sun (AIMS) telescope. The result shows that the instrumental polarization was less than 2E-3, consistent with the simulation.
Comparative study of spectroscopic properties of Er3+-ion doped K2O/KF-Gd2O3-P2O5 glass systems
Authors: Khan I. , Shoaib M. , Chanthima N. , Intachai N. , Ali Mohamed , Kothan S. , Ullah I. , Mukamil Seema , Rooh G. , Kaewkhao J.
Published: September 2024

The two phosphate glasses with composition 17K2O−17Gd2O3−65P2O5−01Er2O3 and 17KF−17Gd2O3−65P2O5−01Er2O3 composition were synthesized by conventional-melt quenching techniques to study comparatively the spectroscopic, Judd–Ofelt (JO), radiative properties and NIR-luminescent properties. The Urbach energy of K2O−Er and KF-Er samples was 0.3547 and 0.4799 eV. The observed trend is Ω2>Ω4>Ω6 and Ω2>Ω6>Ω4 for JO-intensity-parameters for K2O−Er and KF-Er glasses. Moreover, K2O−Er has higher Ω4 and Ω6 values, thus having more rigidity and viscosity than KF-Er. The measured values of full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) for K2O−Er and KF-Er glasses 54.60 and 58.27, respectively. The measured values of FWHM for K2O−Er and KF-Er glasses were 54.60 and 58.27, respectively. The A
R
values are 417.61 and 3038 for K2O−Er and KF-Er glasses, respectively. The radiative lifetime (τ
R
) for K2O−Er and KF-Er glasses is 2.39 ms and 3.18 ms, respectively. Utilizing McCumber theory the G(λ,β) is positive and population-inversion is more than 0.4 for both glasses. Both samples have flat gain-bandwidth in the range of 1505–1585 nm, which covers the S-, C-, and L-bands of the low-loss optical communication-window. It is evident from all these results that the prepared glass samples have the potential for a low-threshold and high gain NIR laser and optical-fiber amplifier.
Noise-robust and data-efficient compressed ghost imaging via the preconditioned S-matrix method
Authors: Zhu Xiaohui , Tan Wei , Huang Xianwei , Liang Xiaoqian , Zhou Qi , Bai Yanfeng , Fu Xiquan
Published: September 2024

The design of the illumination pattern is crucial for improving imaging quality of ghost imaging (GI). The S-matrix is an ideal binary matrix for use in GI with non-visible light and other particles since there are no uniformly configurable beam-shaping modulators in these GI regimes. However, unlike widely researched GI with visible light, there is relatively little research on the sampling rate and noise resistance of compressed GI based on the S-matrix. In this paper, we investigate the performance of compressed GI using the S-matrix as the illumination pattern (SCSGI) and propose a post-processing method called preconditioned S-matrix compressed GI (PSCSGI) to improve the imaging quality and data efficiency of SCSGI. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that compared with SCSGI, PSCSGI can improve imaging quality in noisy conditions while utilizing only half the amount of data used in SCSGI. Furthermore, better reconstructed results can be obtained even when the sampling rate is as low as 5%. The proposed PSCSGI method is expected to advance the application of binary masks based on the S-matrix in GI.
Color router-based long-wave infrared multispectral imaging
Authors: Xu Nan , Zhuge Zhengyue , Li Haoying , Chen Bingkun , Xu Zhihai , Feng Huajun , Li Qi , Chen Yueting
Published: September 2024

In the field of long-wave infrared multispectral imaging, traditional snapshot techniques often deploy broadband filters in front of the sensor to encode spectral information about the scene. However, this approach causes a significant loss of precious optical energy, especially for the limited radiation energy of the long-wave infrared region. To address this issue, we first propose an imaging strategy that replaces conventional filters with specially designed diffractive elements, which are optimized by a gradient descent algorithm. The diffractive elements enable effective steering of diverse wavelengths to their designated pixels, significantly minimizing the reflection losses throughout light transmission and thereby augmenting the system’s optical energy efficiency. Secondly, we use the MST neural network to reconstruct the spectral information and realize the snapshot computational multispectral imaging. In the experiments, we concentrate the wavelength band within 8-12 μm, simulating and optimizing the design of the diffractive elements. We also discuss how this innovative design can adapt to the field change of image plane that may be encountered in the actual imaging system. Emulation experiments show that our proposed method ensures excellent spectral separation and high imaging quality under different field conditions. This study provides new ideas and practical guidance for the lightweight and efficient development of long-wave infrared multispectral imaging technology.
Weak signal ultrafast interrogation of a micro-nano FBG probe sensor based on the hybrid amplified dispersion Fourier-transform method
Authors: Chen Jiashuo , Chen Na , Liu Zhenmin , Li Shaoying , Liu Yong , Shang Yana , Liu Shupeng , Pang Fufei , Wang Tingyun
Published: September 2024

To elucidate the thermal transport mechanisms at interfaces in micro- and nanoscale electronic devices, real-time monitoring of temperature variations at the microscopic and nanoscopic levels is crucial. Micro-nano fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been demonstrated as effective in-situ optical temperature probes for measuring local temperatures. Time-stretch dispersion Fourier transform (TS-DFT) that enables fast, continuous, single-shot measurements in optical sensing has been integrated with a micro-nano FBG probe (FBGP) for local temperature sensing. However, its temperature sensitivity and interrogation resolution are limited by the detection sensitivity. In this paper, we propose a hybrid amplified dispersion Fourier transform (ADFT) method to achieve ultrafast interrogation of FBGP’s weak signal. Thanks to the combined effect of TS-DFT and hybrid optical amplification, the reflection signal of the FBGP is amplified, and the wavelength shift of the FBGP sensor is converted to a temporal spacing change between two dispersed pulses through dispersion-induced wavelength-to-time mapping. The proposed method uses a homemade dissipative soliton mode-locked laser as the light source. The hybrid optical amplification technique comprises a L-band erbium-doped fiber amplifier and a distributed Raman amplifier. Their noise figure and net gain for the FBGP are 4.81 dB and 15.93 dB, respectively. In addition, the temperature calibration experiments show that a sampling rate of 51.43 MHz and the maximum temperature measurement error of 1.98°C are achieved within the temperature range of 20.3°C to 97°C. The stability of the net gain provided by the hybrid ADFT system is demonstrated by the coefficient of variation, which ranges from 2.22% to 2.95% in the peak voltage signal of the FBGP. This approach applies to scenarios requiring the handling of weak optical signals, particularly in temperature measurement at the micro-nano scale.
Intermittent dynamics identification and prediction from experimental data of discrete-mode semiconductor lasers by reservoir computing
Authors: Feng Shoudi , Zhong Zhuqiang , He Haomiao , Liu Rui , Chen Jianjun , Huang Xingyu , Zhu Yipeng , Hong Yanhua
Published: September 2024

Analysis of intermittent dynamics from experimental data is essential to promote the understanding of practical complex nonlinear systems and their underlying physical mechanisms. In this paper, reservoir computing enabled dynamics prediction, and identification of two types of intermittent switching using experimental data from discrete-mode semiconductor lasers are rigorously studied and demonstrated. The results show that, for the dynamics prediction task, both regular and irregular intermittent switching can be predicted reliably by reservoir computing, achieving the average normalized mean-square error of less than 0.015. Additionally, the impact of the number of virtual nodes in the reservoir layer, as well as the train-test split ratio on prediction performance, is explored. For the dynamic identification task, a 2-class classification test is adopted, and the corresponding binary accuracy is calculated to evaluate the identification performance. The results demonstrate that the accuracy of identifying both regular and irregular intermittent switching exceeds 0.996. Compared with the conventional amplitude threshold identification method, the reservoir computing-driven dynamics identification method exhibits superior accuracy, especially in the intermittent transient transition regions.
Robust phase-coding: a solution to suppress fringe order errors
Authors: Deng Ji , Xiao Yu , Chen Chunjun , Yang Lu
Published: September 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) shape measurements based on code-based fringe projection profilometry have been extensively used for scientific research and industrial applications. However, the fringe order errors always influence the measurement result. Although numerous methods have been proposed to eliminate fringe order errors, they may compromise computational cost, measurement speed, measurement range and the failure to eliminate all types of errors. To address this issue, a comprehensive investigation has been conducted into the formation mechanisms of fringe order errors. This has enabled a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of fringe order errors and the development of a set of guidelines for the design of fringe patterns. Based on these guidelines, this paper proposes a robust measurement technique based on phase-coding for enhanced measurement performance. Unlike traditional methods, shifting the value of the codeword and pre-staggering fringes prevents the occurrence of different types of fringe order errors. The measurement range is subsequently extended by coding fringe order into the sinusoidal fringes. Experimental results successfully demonstrate that the proposed method suppresses fringe order errors and achieves high-quality, efficient 3D shape measurements in complex scenarios.
Safety and immunogenicity after a 30-month boost of a subtype C ALVAC-HIV (vCP2438) vaccine prime plus bivalent subtype C gp120/MF59 vaccine boost (HVTN 100): A phase 1–2 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Naicker Vimla , Laher Fatima , Bekker Linda-Gail , Seaton Kelly E. , Allen Mary , De Rosa Stephen , Yates Nicole L. , Mkhize Nonhlanhla N. , Saunders Kevin , Heptinstall Jack , Malahleha Mookho , Mngadi Kathryn , Daniels Brodie , Innes Craig , Yu Chenchen , Modise Tandile , Bekker Valerie , Grunenberg Nicole , Furch Briana , Miner Maurine D. , Phogat Sanjay , Diazgranados Carlos A. , Gurunathan Sanjay , Koutsoukos Marguerite , Van Der Meeren Olivier , Roxby Alison C. , Ferrari Guido , Morris Lynn , Montefiori David , McElrath M. Juliana , Tomaras Georgia D. , Moodie Zoe
Published: September 2024

Induction of broad, durable immune responses is a challenge in HIV vaccine development. HVTN 100 Part A administered subtype C-containing ALVAC-HIV at months 0 and 1, and ALVAC-HIV with bivalent subtype C gp120/MF59 at months 3, 6 and 12. As IgG binding antibody and T-cell responses were similar or greater at month 12.5 vs. month 6.5, but waned by month 18, we investigated vaccine-elicited immune responses after a month 30 boost in this study, HVTN 100 Part B. From 13 September 2017 to 7 August 2018, a subgroup of vaccinees was randomized to receive intramuscular injections of ALVAC+gp120/MF59 (n = 32) or gp120/MF59 alone (n = 31) and a subgroup of placebo recipients was administered placebo (n = 7) at month 30. Primary outcomes were safety, IgG binding antibodies (bAbs) to vaccine-specific and V1V2 Env proteins and vaccine-specific CD4+ T cells at month 30.5. Secondary outcomes included neutralizing and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity functions and durability at months 30 and 36. Both vaccine groups had an acceptable safety profile. There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence or level of IgG bAbs between the vaccine boost groups for any vaccine-specific or V1V2 antigens. IgG responses were higher to vaccine-matched gp120 than to V1V2. The booster vaccination restored the magnitude-breadth IgG bAb response to V1V2 antigens at month 30.5. However, it rapidly waned by month 36. CD4+ T-cell response rates to the 3 vaccine-matched Env antigens for the combined vaccine groups ranged from 37% at month 30, boosted to as high as 91% at month 30.5, and waned by month 36 to as low as 44%, with no significant differences between the vaccine boost groups. Because these responses waned after 6 months, additional strategies may be needed to maintain the durability of prime-boost vaccine regimens and to generate these or other immune responses that confer protection.

Trial registration: South African National Clinical Trials Register (SANCTR number: DOH—27-0215-4796) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02404311).
“You have to stay in your house…because trouble can come”: The impact of education, policy, and COVID-19 on menstruation experiences in Florence, Italy
Authors: DeMark Meagan R. , Khamis Grace A. , Rach Megan S. , Martinez Jaslin A. , DeMaria Andrea L.
Published: September 2024

Starting from menarche to menopause, menstruators have an overall negative view of menstruation, and there is a prevalent need for community awareness to increase regarding this topic. Menstruators in Italy and Europe arrive at menarche earlier than they have in previous decades, allowing less time for them to receive preparatory knowledge. Some European countries have started employing menstrual policies, yet current menstruation education minimally supports menstruators in terms of recognizing irregular symptoms and learning how to manage them. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic caused menstrual lifestyle patterns and experiences to be altered. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of menstruation-related education and policies accessible to menstruators and the impact COVID-19 had on menstruators. Researchers conducted 28 in-depth interviews in English with menstruators aged 18+ years who lived in or around Florence, Italy. All interviews were transcribed verbatim. Researchers used thematic analysis during coding to explore and understand participants’ menstruation education at menarche, menstrual leave policy opinions, and how COVID-19 impacted their menstruation experiences and the availability of menstrual resources. Participants discussed varying timelines regarding when they were taught about menstruation. Their education sources varied between family, peers, personal experiences, and school. Most participants expressed enthusiastic feelings toward menstrual leave policies. Many participants reported having faced challenges accessing menstrual products during COVID-19. Most participants expressed having positive impacts, while few expressed negative impacts during COVID-19. Results found most menstruators learned about menstruation through their family before menarche but did not consider themselves prepared for their first cycle. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced many menstruators to adopt some lifestyle habits, shedding light on the varying opinions on the need for a menstrual leave policy. Revamped policies related to timing, education type, and personal leave should be considered.
Psychosocial experiences of adolescents with tuberculosis in Cape Town
Authors: Wademan Dillon T. , Mlomzale Mfundo , Marthinus Arlene J. , Jacobs Stephanie , Mcimeli Khanyisa , Zimri Klassina , Seddon James A. , Hoddinott Graeme
Published: September 2024

Adolescents (10-19-years-old) account for almost 10% of the annual global tuberculosis (TB) incidence. Adolescents’ experiences of TB care, TB stigma, and the consequences of TB for their relationships, schooling, and mental health are different, and often more severe, compared to younger children and adults. How TB impacts the lives of adolescents is not well described or understood. We aimed to locate adolescents’ experiences of TB relative to their psychosocial contexts, describe the impact of TB on adolescents’ wellbeing, and describe how TB and its treatment affects their socio-familial contexts. Teen TB was a prospective observational cohort study which recruited 50 adolescents with newly diagnosed TB disease (including both multidrug-resistant TB and drug-susceptible TB) in Cape Town, South Africa. A nested sub-sample of 20 adolescents were purposively sampled for longitudinal qualitative data collection. Nineteen participants completed all qualitative data collection activities between December 2020 and September 2021. Adolescents described their communities as undesirable places to live—rife with violence, poverty, and unemployment. The negative experiences of living in these conditions were exacerbated by TB episodes among adolescents or within their households. TB and its treatment disrupted adolescents’ socio-familial connections; many participants described losing friendships and attachment to family members as people reacted negatively to their TB diagnosis. TB, inclusive of the experience of disease, diagnosis and treatment also negatively impacted adolescents’ mental health. Participants reported feeling depressed, despondent, and at times suicidal. TB also disrupted adolescents’ schooling and employment opportunities as adolescents were absent from school and college for substantial periods of time. Our findings confirm that adolescents’ psychosocial experiences of TB are often highly negative, compounding underlying vulnerability. Future research should prioritize exploring the potential of social protection programmes providing adolescents and their families with psychosocial and economic support.
A multi-centre, tolerability study of a cannabidiol-enriched Cannabis Herbal Extract for chronic headaches in adolescents: The CAN-CHA protocol
Authors: Chhabra Manik , Lewis Evan C. , Balshaw Robert , Stewart Breanne , Zaslawski Zina , Lowthian Trinity , Alidina Zahra , Chesick-Gordis Melila , Xie Wenli , Drögemöller Britt I. , Wright Galen E. B. , Birnie Kathryn A. , Boerner Katelynn E. , Tsang Vivian W. L. , Irwin Samantha Lee , Pohl Daniela , Weil Alexander G. , Sell Erick , Penz Erika , Robson-MacKay Amy , Mbabaali Sophia , Blackman Stephanie , Gordon Shanlea , Alcorn Jane , Huntsman Richard J. , Oberlander Tim F. , Finley G. Allen , Kelly Lauren E.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Cannabis products have been used in the management of headaches in adults and may play a role in pediatric chronic pain. Canadian pediatricians report increasing use of cannabis for the management of chronic headaches, despite no well-controlled studies to inform its dosing, safety, and effectiveness. The aim of our clinical trial is to determine the dosing and safety of a Cannabidiol (CBD)-enriched Cannabis Herbal Extract (CHE) for the treatment of chronic headaches in adolescents.

Methods and analysis

Youth, parents, and an expert steering committee co-designed this tolerability study. Twenty adolescents (aged 14 to 17 years), with a chronic migraine diagnosis for more than 6 months that has not responded to other therapies will be enrolled into an open label, dose escalation study across three Canadian sites. Study participants will receive escalating doses of a CBD-enriched CHE (MPL-001 with a THC:CBD of 1:25), starting at 0.2–0.4 mg/kg of CBD per day and escalating monthly up to 0.8–1.0 mg/kg of CBD per day. The primary objective of this study is to determine the safety and tolerability of CBD-enriched CHE in adolescents with chronic migraine. Secondary objectives of this study will inform the development of subsequent randomized controlled trials and include investigating the relationship between the dose escalation and change in the frequency of headache, impact and intensity of pain, changes in sleep, mood, function, and quality of life. Exploratory outcomes include investigating steady-state trough plasma levels of bioactive cannabinoids and investigating how pharmacogenetic profiles affect cannabinoid metabolism among adolescents receiving CBD-enriched CHE.

Discussion

This protocol was co-designed with youth and describes a tolerability clinical trial of CBD-enriched CHE in adolescents with chronic headaches that have not responded to conventional therapies. This study is the first clinical trial on cannabis products in adolescents with chronic headaches and will inform the development of future comparative effectiveness clinical trials.

Trial registration

CAN-CHA trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov with a number of register NCT05337033.
Mainly heterosexual, bisexual, or other?: The measurement of sexual minority status and its impact on analytic sample, demographic distribution and health outcomes
Authors: Tabor Evangeline , Kneale Dylan , Patalay Praveetha
Published: September 2024

Background

Sexual orientation has been measured in a wide variety of ways which reflect both theoretical and practical considerations. However, choice of sexual orientation measure and recoding strategy can impact analytic sample, as well as demographic and health profiles, in analyses of sexual minority populations. We aimed to examine how choice of sexual orientation dimension and recoding decisions impact estimates in the sexual minority population in two population-based studies in the UK.

Methods

We used data collected at age 17 (2018) in the UK Millennium Cohort Study and at sweep six (2012–13) and eight (2017–18) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the impact of choice of sexual orientation dimension (i.e. identity, attraction and experience) and recoding decisions on achieved analytic sample and composition by selected demographic and health measures within and between datasets.

Results

Dimension choice and recoding decisions resulted in variation in analytic sample. For example, more respondents reported some same-sex sexual attraction than reported a non-heterosexual identity (adolescents: 20.77% vs 8.97%, older adults: 4.77% vs 1.04%). Demographic distributions varied, but not substantially by dimension choice or recoding strategy. Overall, in both datasets sexual minority respondents were more likely to be White and in the highest quintiles for income and education than heterosexual respondents. Health status did not vary substantially by dimension choice or recoding strategy, however sexual minority respondents reported worse health than their heterosexual peers.

Conclusions

This study explores a range of practical and theoretical considerations when analysing sexual minority respondents using survey data. We highlight the impact recoding decisions may have on the numbers of sexual minority respondents identified within a dataset and demographic and health distributions in this understudied population. We also demonstrate the benefits of including multiple dimensions for capturing mechanisms of interest in elucidating ambiguous responses and exploring sexual diversity.
Effects of environmental relevant concentrations of acetochlor on growth, hematology, serum biochemistry and histopathology of Japanese quail
Authors: Arshad Naveed , Alam Sana , Rafay Muhammad , Jabeen Ghazala , Hussain Kashif , Hussain Riaz , Ullah Muhammad Irfan , Iqbal Mujahid , Fouad Dalia , Ataya Farid Shokry
Published: September 2024

Acetochlor is frequently applied to various food crops in agriculture sector, and long-term exposure can cause significant endocrine-disrupting effects in exposed animals including impacts on human health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of acetochlor on the growth, hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathological alterations in Japanese quail. Eighty male quail were obtained and divided into four groups (A-D) and given acetochlor orally for the period of 45 days. Group A was served as the control, while groups B, C, and D received 20mg/kg, 30mg/kg, and 40mg/kg acetochlor, respectively. The study found that Japanese quail administered higher doses of acetochlor exhibited reduced frequency of crowing and foam production. The results showed that increased concentrations of acetochlor led to adverse effects on the growth parameters of Japanese quail. Hematology analysis indicated that birds exposed to higher concentrations of acetochlor experienced a significant decrease in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), along with a significant increase in white blood cell count compared to the control group. Additionally, higher concentrations of acetochlor led to a significant increase in various serological indices including urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), while the values of total proteins, albumin, and plasma proteins declined. The histopathology results of treated Japanese quail exposed to higher concentrations of acetochlor showed a range of pathological lesions in the testes, heart, and brain. The study concluded that even low concentrations of acetochlor can cause slight to significant changes in Japanese quail, affecting their physical, hematological, histopathological and serum biochemical parameters.
MicroRNA-199a-5p attenuates blood-brain barrier disruption following ischemic stroke by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Ni Guangxiao , Kou Lulu , Duan Chunqiao , Meng Ran , Wang Pu
Published: September 2024

Objective

To explore whether miR-199a-5p regulated BBB integrity through PI3K/Akt pathway after ischemia stroke.

Methods

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) were used in experiment. The Ludmila Belayev 12-point scoring was used to measure the neurological function of MCAO rats. The Evans Blue Stain, immunofluorescence staining, western-blotting and RT-PCR were performed to evaluate the effects of miR-199a-5p mimic on BBB integrity in rats following MCAO.

Results

The result suggested that miR-199a-5p mimic treatment possessed the potential to boost proprioception and motor activity of MCAO rats. MiR-199a-5p decreased the expression of PIK3R2 after MCAO, activated Akt signaling pathway, and increased the expression of Claudin-5 and VEGF in the ischemic penumbra. Furthermore, miR-199a-5p alleviated inflammation after cerebral ischemia. BBB leakage and neurocyte apoptosis were cut down in MCAO rats treated with miR-199a-5p mimic.

Conclusions

MiR-199a-5p mimic decreased the expression of PIK3R2 and activated Akt signaling pathway after ischemia stroke, reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and attenuated BBB disruption after ischemic stroke.
Tunnel and underground engineering rock mass water inrush damage and acoustic emission characteristics
Authors: Zeng Jiajun , Pu Chengzhi , Wang Qiyun , Shen Qingqing , Zeng Qiang , Yang Zhicheng
Published: September 2024

To achieve the actual situation of water pressure stabilization during underground and tunnel water inrush disasters, the team independently developed a stable water pressure test system and conducted fracture and failure tests on fissured rock masses under the coupling effect of 1MPa stable water pressure and stress and without water pressure. Combined with data collected by acoustic emission instruments, the mechanical characteristics of fracture and failure, crack propagation mechanism, and acoustic emission response mechanism of fissured rock masses under the coupling effect of stable hydraulic pressure and stress were studied. The results showed that throughout the entire experimental process, the hydraulic pressure remained continuously stable, with a decrease of only 0.14%; The variation pattern of peak strength of fissured rock mass with increasing crack inclination angle under stable hydraulic pressure changes from a decrease and then an increase in the absence of hydraulic pressure to an increasing trend; The crack propagation length of low angle fissured rock mass is generally higher than that of high angle fissured specimens. The longer propagation path increases the range and effect of hydraulic pressure, and the initial crack propagation length of fissured rock mass under hydraulic pressure is also significantly longer than that of specimens without hydraulic pressure; During the loading process, both the acoustic emission ringing count and damage variable can be divided into four stages. From the cumulative total number of acoustic emission ringing counts, it can be seen that during the loading process, the total number of acoustic emission ringing in fissured rock masses subjected to hydraulic pressure is significantly lower than that of specimens without hydraulic pressure, and the trend is also relatively stable.
Identifying symptom cluster in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy-in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hoang Huong Thi Xuan , Le Quyen Thi Le , Do Vi Pham Nhat , Nguyen Anh Thi Hong , Bui Quang Vinh
Published: September 2024

Background

Major cancer treatments can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms that burden oncology patients. Different symptom clusters (SC) among cancer patients have been reported in the literature. This study determined the prevalence of symptoms patients experience during chemotherapy treatment and identified symptom clusters among them.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 213 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in three large hospitals in Vietnam. Symptoms were measured by the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale.

Results

The most prevalent symptoms were lack of appetite (65.3%), difficulty sleeping (62.9%), dry mouth (57.7%), numbness (60.1%), hair loss (43.2%), change in the way food tastes (40.8%), and lack of energy (44.1%). Four symptom clusters were identified. Difficult concentration, pain, cough, and dizziness contributed to the first SC. The second one included lack of energy, numbness, change the food taste, and lack of appetite. Dry mouth, nausea, feeling bloated, problems with urination, hair loss, and constipation made up for the third SC. The final SC consisted of psychological symptoms, which were feeling nervous, feeling drowsy, feeling sad, worrying, problems with sexual interest or activity and difficulty sleeping.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that respondents experienced various symptoms and symptom clusters during chemotherapy. These findings can be used to develop clinical guidelines for symptom assessment and management in oncology patients for healthcare professionals.
Evolution mechanism of industrial network in Yangtze River Delta region from the perspective of link prediction
Authors: Shen Yue , Ren Yixin , Zhang Yiwen
Published: September 2024

The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) is an important engine of national economic development and a leading region in international competition. As economic exchanges and resource flows in the YRD region become closer, the inter-regional industrial linkages continue to grow, resulting in the formation of an industrial network structure characterized by a “complex network”. The strength of the links between industrial sectors and the value and significance of the existence of industries in the network change over time, thus causing the overall evolution of the industrial network in the YRD region. Based on the input-output tables of the YRD region in 2012 and 2017, this paper uses the prediction index of network structure similarity to construct the prediction model of industrial network link between the YRD regions, and calculates the possibility of future links between industries in the Yangtze River Delta region through comparative analysis and selection of the RWR index of random walk similarity with the best effect, and concludes that: (1) the homogeneity of industries among provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Delta region is relatively high, resulting in homogeneous competition; (2) the overall nature of the industrial layout of the YRD is not prominent, and the depth and intensity of cross-regional industrial cooperation are lacking. On the basis of analysis and research, the countermeasures and suggestions for effectively realizing industrial integration are put forward from the macro level of the government and the meso level of the industry, so as to achieve a more complete industrial network in the YRD region and a more extensive length and width of the cross-regional industrial chain.
Cunninghamella echinulata DSM1905 biofilm-based L-asparaginase production in pneumatically-driven bioreactors
Authors: Ramos Romeu Cassiano Pucci da Silva , de Oliveira Nicoly Subtil , Bianchini Luiz Fernando , Azevedo-Alanis Luciana Reis , Pimentel Ida Chapaval , Hardy Ana Maria Trindade Gregio , Murata Ramiro Mendonça , Glassey Jarka , Rosa Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro
Published: September 2024

We evaluated by comparing the performance of three pneumatically-driven bioreactors in the production of L-asparaginase (L-ASNase), an enzyme used to treat leukaemia and lymphoma. A two-step screening process was conducted to detect Cunninghamella spp. strains producing L-ASNase. Cunninghamella echinulata DSM1905 produced the highest levels of L-ASNase during screening assays. Subsequently, fermentations were performed in bubble column (BCR), airlift (ALR), and hybrid fixed-bed airlift (FB-ALR) bioreactors to determine the best upstream bioprocess. Mycelial biomass production was higher in BCR than in ALR and FB-ALR (p ≤ 0.0322). The activity of L-ASNase produced in FB-ALR, in which the fungus grew as a consistent biofilm, was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.022) than that from ALR, which was higher than that of BCR (p = 0.036). The specific activity of ALR and FB-ALR presented no differences (p = 0.073), but it was higher than that of BCR (p ≤ 0.032). In conclusion, C. echinulata DSM1905, grown under the biofilm phenotype, produced the highest levels of L-ASNase, and FB-ALR was the best upstream system for enzyme production.
Modification of childcare’s outdoor setting for toddler physical activity and nature-based play: A mixed methods study
Authors: Kracht Chelsea L. , Staiano Amanda E. , Harris Melissa , Domangue Kristin , Grantham-Caston Michelle
Published: September 2024

Background

Toddler physical activity is critical for child health, but little is known about its applications in early childhood education (ECE) centers. The aims of this study were 1) to determine if pragmatic and nature-based modifications to an ECE center’s outdoor setting were feasible and acceptable, and 2) to identify barriers and facilitators of toddler physical activity at ECE centers.

Methods

A multiphase mixed-methods study (QUANT+QUAL) was conducted. In the QUANT study, a stepped, sequential modification of the outdoor setting, using pragmatic and cost-effective nature-based elements, was conducted with a delayed control group over 10-weeks, with follow-up assessments 3-months later (week-20). Five elements (tree cookies, garden, teacher training, playground stencils, and nature table) were introduced individually. Feasibility was assessed using teacher surveys. Acceptability and engagement were assessed by direct observation of toddler use of outdoor elements. Accelerometers were used to assess toddlers’ physical activity during outdoor sessions. The QUAL study included semi-structured interviews from ECE center directors (n = 27, 55.6% African American, 92.5% female) that were analyzed using content analysis for themes related to 1) toddler physical activity, 2) barriers and facilitators to toddler outdoor environment changes, 3) perspectives on nature-based elements, and 4) provider training. Member check focus groups (n = 2, 7-10/group) were conducted for additional interpretation. All three sources were reviewed for integration.

Results

Toddlers engaged in physical activity for most of the outdoor sessions (>85%). This limited the effect of the intervention, but aligned with directors’ and members’ sentiments that toddlers were already quite active. Across directors, reported barriers to toddler outdoor environment changes were teacher turnover and finances. All nature-based elements, except the stencils, were feasible and acceptable, even at week-20. Directors and members identified additional age-appropriate elements, and desired pragmatic training with technical assistance and funding to implement these changes. Directors and members also desired a curriculum that could be used outdoors.

Conclusions

Nature-based elements were feasible and acceptable to toddlers. Directors were enthusiastic about nature-based elements, but barriers exist in linking directors with these elements. Opportunities to combine toddler-age curricula and pragmatic options for outdoor play may improve ECE centers’ outdoor settings and ultimately toddler health.