bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro comparison of manual and robotic endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Kaneko Naoki , Beaman Charles , Imahori Taichiro , Takayanagi Ariel , Saber Hamidreza , Tateshima Satoshi
Published: October 2023

Background

Robotic endovascular systems have the potential to reduce radiation exposure to physicians and expand timely neurointerventional access to patients in remote areas. The goal of the study was to determine the feasibility of robotic endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in an in vitro model.

Methods

In vitro procedures were conducted manually and robotically using the Corpath GRX robotic system in a human vascular simulator with an elastic ovine clot in the M1 segment of the left middle cerebral artery. Due to the limited device compatibility of the CorPath GRX, a simple technique with a stent retriever and guiding catheter without a balloon was used in the study. Seven robotic EVT and manual EVT were carried out in each group. Metrics including procedural time, success rate, and radiation dose were compared between the two groups.

Results

In robotic EVT, the mean total preparation and procedural time was 892 s, which was significantly longer than manual operation at 357 (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the success rate between the two approaches (robotic: 28.6% vs. manual 42.9%, p = 0.577). The mean radiation exposure to operating physicians was significantly lower during robotic operation compared to manual operation (0.02 μSv vs. 0.22 μSv, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Robotic EVT was feasible in our human vascular simulator with significantly reduced radiation exposure to the operating physicians, despite an increased length of procedure when compared to manual procedures. Future technological advancement is warranted for reducing procedural length using endovascular robotic techniques.
Clinical utility of colon capsule endoscopy: a moving target?
Authors: Jalayeri Nia Gohar , Arasaradnam Ramesh P. , Koulaouzidis Anastasios
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of white light colon capsule endoscopy’s current clinical application, concentrating on its most recent developments. Second-generation colon capsule endoscopy (CCE2) is approved by the FDA for use as an adjunctive test in patients with incomplete colonoscopy and within Europe in patients at average risk, those with incomplete colonoscopies or those unwilling to undergo conventional colonoscopies. Since the publication of European Society of GI Endoscopy guidelines on the use of CCE, there has been a significant increase in comparative studies on the diagnostic yield of CCE. This paper discusses CCE2 in further detail. It explains newly developed colon capsule system and the current status on the use of CCE, it also provides a comprehensive summary of systematic reviews on the implementation of CCE in colorectal cancer screening from a methodological perspective. Patients with ulcerative colitis can benefit from CCE2 in terms of assessing mucosal inflammation. As part of this review, performance of CCE2 for assessing disease severity in ulcerative colitis is compared with colonoscopy. Finally, an assessment if CCE can become a cost-effective clinical service overall.
Health literacy and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance worldwide: A systematic review
Authors: Fenta Eneyew Talie , Tiruneh Misganaw Guadie , Delie Amare Mebrate , Kidie Atitegeb Abera , Ayal Birtukan Gizachew , Limenh Liknaw Workie , Astatkie Beselam Gizachew , Workie Nigus Kassie , yigzaw Zeamanuel Anteneh , Bogale Eyob ketema , Anagaw Tadele Fentabil
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Health literacy helps an individual to have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information to make appropriate health decisions. This study aimed to review the association between health literacy and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

Method:

This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses steps. Databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, World Health Organization libraries, and Google Scholar were used to search all published articles in the area of health literacy and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance until August 1, 2022.

Result:

In this review, 1348 articles were retrieved. Finally, 13 articles were included in the review after the removal of duplicates that did not meet our inclusion criteria. In all, 10 articles showed that health literacy was significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. This review also showed that positive perception of the vaccine, vaccine hesitancy, adverse reaction from vaccines, residence, socioeconomic status, level of education, younger age, being a health worker, and positive belief have associations with health literacy and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. There was significant heterogeneity in the study population and measurement tools used for health literacy and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

Conclusion:

This systematic review provides comprehensive evidence on health literacy and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance globally. There was significant heterogeneity in the study population and measurement tools used for health literacy and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Most studies reported that health literacy is significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Therefore, investing in health literacy using different vaccine promotion strategies may improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and health decision-making to decrease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exploring the effectiveness of artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning in trauma triage: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Adebayo Oluwasemilore , Bhuiyan Zunira Areeba , Ahmed Zubair
Published: October 2023

Background

The development of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) has advanced rapidly in the medical field, notably in trauma medicine. We aimed to systematically appraise the efficacy of AI, ML and DL models for predicting outcomes in trauma triage compared to conventional triage tools.

Methods

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, ProQuest, Embase and reference lists for studies published from 1 January 2010 to 9 June 2022. We included studies which analysed the use of AI, ML and DL models for trauma triage in human subjects. Reviews and AI/ML/DL models used for other purposes such as teaching, or diagnosis were excluded. Data was extracted on AI/ML/DL model type, comparison tools, primary outcomes and secondary outcomes. We performed meta-analysis on studies reporting our main outcomes of mortality, hospitalisation and critical care admission.

Results

One hundred and fourteen studies were identified in our search, of which 14 studies were included in the systematic review and 10 were included in the meta-analysis. All studies performed external validation. The best-performing AI/ML/DL models outperformed conventional trauma triage tools for all outcomes in all studies except two. For mortality, the mean area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) score difference between AI/ML/DL models and conventional trauma triage was 0.09, 95% CI (0.02, 0.15), favouring AI/ML/DL models ( p = 0.008). The mean AUROC score difference for hospitalisation was 0.11, 95% CI (0.10, 0.13), favouring AI/ML/DL models ( p = 0.0001). For critical care admission, the mean AUROC score difference was 0.09, 95% CI (0.08, 0.10) favouring AI/ML/DL models ( p = 0.00001).

Conclusions

This review demonstrates that the predictive ability of AI/ML/DL models is significantly better than conventional trauma triage tools for outcomes of mortality, hospitalisation and critical care admission. However, further research and in particular randomised controlled trials are required to evaluate the clinical and economic impacts of using AI/ML/DL models in trauma medicine.
Measuring everyday experiences with the police in the Netherlands: An experience sampling pilot study
Authors: Nivette Amy , Op de Weegh Amina , Nägel Christof
Published: October 2023

Survey research typically measures contact and experiences with police cross-sectionally and retrospectively. These retrospective measures may suffer from recall biases and are relatively limited in capturing the variety of experiences that may occur in daily life. The current study explores the feasibility and application of experience sampling techniques to measure day-to-day experiences with the police and variation in attitudes towards the police. Data for the study were collected over a period of 21 days from a convenience sample of 206 young people (aged 18–30 years) living in the Netherlands. After completing a baseline questionnaire, participants completed daily questionnaires measuring attitudes towards the police and any experiences with the police or other authorities that have occurred. A total of 3042 daily questionnaires were completed out of a possible 4389 (69% response rate). An analysis of participation and attrition suggests that individuals with more positive views of the police are more likely to complete most or all of the daily surveys. The descriptive results show that the number and type of experiences can vary substantially across individuals and time and that overall experiences with the police are prevalent in everyday life. The most prevalent reported experiences were observing the police ‘on the job’ and through the media. In addition, while attitudes towards the police were largely stable across the study period, there was still a non-negligible amount of variation over time. These pilot results raise questions about how we measure experiences with the police, and what role different experiences have in shaping individual attitudes. Experience sampling techniques may help to capture these other forms of exposure and understand how these experiences might influence attitudes towards police.
Impact of stroke on people that receive rehabilitation and are living in Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Aran Orkun Tahir , Köse Barkın , Erikson Gunilla , Guidetti Susanne
Published: October 2023

Background:

Clinical guidelines for stroke rehabilitation and practices vary between high and low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Knowledge of the perceived impact of stroke in Turkey is limited. Understanding these perceptions can serve as a basis for developing rehabilitation.

Design and methods:

The aim was to investigate and compare the perceived impact of stroke in two groups of people living in Ankara. A cross-sectional study with 150 participants divided by stroke onset (Group I: stroke onset <12 months; Group II: >12 months) was conducted. The Barthel Index was used to describe the level of independence in daily living activities and stroke severity. The Stroke Impact Scale (SIS 3.0) was used to investigate the perceived impact of stroke.

Results:

The proportion of mild strokes was 78 and 82%, respectively, and 46% of participants in the total sample were moderately dependent. The impact of stroke was high; mean domain scores were below 50 in six of the eight SIS domains.

Conclusions:

Turkish stroke survivors perceived a higher impact of stroke regardless of the time passed since stroke onset, compared to survivors from other countries, including other LMICs. The high impact among survivors with mostly mild stroke indicates that Turkish survivors might not receive adequate rehabilitation. The content of rehabilitation services needs to be developed, and an evaluation of individually tailored interventions, preferably with a multidisciplinary approach, is warranted to find ways to decrease the perceived impact of stroke among Turkish stroke survivors.
Biomedical properties and hemostatic efficacy of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based hydrogel in experimental rat liver injury model
Authors: Dorkhani Erfan , Faryabi Ali , noorafkan Yasmin , Heirani Asieh , Behboudi Behnam , Fazeli Mohammad Sadegh , Kazemeini Alireza , Keramati Mohammad Reza , Keshvari Amir , Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Mohsen
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

Bleeding is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the trauma and surgery field, using effective hemostatic agents can help us reduce bleeding especially in parenchymal hemorrhage. Nowadays polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is known as a safe candidate for wound dressing and maybe a hemostatic agent. PVA-based hydrogel is a popular biocompatible material in the biomedical field especially when it has high water absorption. In this study, we investigated the PVA hydrogel’s mechanical and biological properties as well as its hemostatic potential in parenchymal bleeding.

Methods:

PVA hydrogel had made by the freeze-thawing approach, we used PVA hydrogel in comparison to standard treatment to investigate hemostatic potency. Also, we performed MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) tests to survey PVA cellular toxicity. After an acute liver injury, two groups of 12 rats were treated with PVA hydrogel or standard treatment with sterile gauze. The results including the time and volume of bleeding, and the time and survival rate of the rats were measured and compared.

Results:

We saw that PVA hydrogel was safe with no cellular toxicity in the MTT assay. Regarding efficacy, PVA hydrogel increased rats’ survival after bleeding from 75% to 91.7%, and decreased bleeding time ( p: 0.015), and bleeding volume ( p: 0.03) compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

Polyvinyl alcohol is safe. It has good biological properties with no cellular toxicity and has a significant hemostatic effect and can be regarded in control of parenchymal hemorrhage.
Portal Venous Thrombosis in Alcoholic Hepatitis: A Relatively Unknown Association
Authors: Perabattula Shanmukhaswetha , Quraishi Sameera , Kichloo Asim , Dahiya Dushyant Singh
Published: October 2023

Portal venous thrombosis (PVT) is a rare diagnosis in the general population. However, it is seen in patients with liver cirrhosis with an estimated prevalence ranging from 0.6% to 26%. Literature reports that about one-third of PVT cases have an unknown etiology. Identifying the precipitating factors implicated in the development of PVT is imperative as it may help guide therapy. Although the association between liver cirrhosis and PVT has been well established in current literature, there continues to be a relative lack of awareness of alcoholic hepatitis (AH) as a risk factor for PVT. Identifying AH as a trigger for thrombosis can help avoid extended anticoagulation and its complications. In the following case report and brief review, we discuss an uncommon case of a 33-year-old male who came to the hospital emergency department with complaints of nauseousness, abdominal discomfort, and yellow discoloration. Lab investigations showed transaminitis. The diagnosis of AH was established, and an abdominal duplex ultrasound revealed PVT. Heparin drip was started as a part of treatment, which improved his abdominal discomfort. He was eventually discharged on apixaban 5 mg twice daily for 3 months and a repeat abdominal duplex ultrasound in 3 months to check for the resolution of the PVT.
Long-Term Outcomes of Primary Hip Arthroscopy With Labral Repair for Femoroacetabular Impingement: Results at Minimum 9-Year Follow-up
Authors: Wang Allen S. , Lamba Abhinav , Okoroha Kelechi R. , Levy Bruce A. , Krych Aaron J. , Hevesi Mario
Published: October 2023

Background:

Hip arthroscopy continues to advance and become increasingly commonly performed. With the evolution of techniques and instrumentation, labral repair rather than debridement has emerged as the treatment of choice for labral pathology. There remains a lack of data on long-term outcomes after labral repair.

Purpose:

To (1) evaluate long-term patient-reported outcomes of primary hip arthroscopy with labral repair for femoroacetabular impingement, (2) report achievement rates of Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and (3) investigate rates of reoperation and progression to total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Prospectively collected data were reviewed for patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy with labral repair between 2010 and 2013. Patients’ medical records were reviewed for demographic characteristics, intraoperative findings, reoperation, and progression to THA. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the following scales: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain; Tegner activity scale; modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS); 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12); Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL); HOS–Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS); and Non-Arthritic Hip Score. Patients were also surveyed for satisfaction, subjective improvement, and level of function.

Results:

A total of 32 patients (n = 24 women; n = 8 men) with a mean age of 27.7 years (range, 13.6-51 years) were evaluated for a mean of 9.4 years (range, 9-12.1 years). Patients achieved significant mean improvements in VAS pain at rest of 2 points, VAS pain with use of 1.9, mHHS of 19.9 points, iHOT-12 of 33.5 points, HOS-ADL of 17.4 points, and HOS-SSS of 29.5 points ( P≤ .015 for all). Eleven patients (34.4%) underwent reoperation and 4 (12.5%) progressed to THA during the study period. At the final follow-up, the MCID achievement rate was ≥68%, the PASS achievement rates ranged from 39% to 65%, and the mean patient satisfaction was 8.1 on a 1 to 10 scale, with 10 denoting most satisfied.

Conclusion:

Patients demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in pain, mHHS, iHOT-12, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SSS scores at 9 years postoperatively. The all-cause reoperation rate was 34.4%, and 12.5% of patients progressed to THA.
Letnikovite-(Ce), (Na□)Ca2Ce2[Si7O17(OH)]F4(H2O)4, a new mineral from the Darai-Pioz alkaline massif, Tajikistan: mineral description, crystal structure and a new single [Si7O17(OH)] sheet
Authors: Agakhanov Atali A. , Sokolova Elena , Cámara Fernando , Karpenko Vladimir Yu. , Hawthorne Frank C. , Pautov Leonid A. , Kasatkin Anatoly V. , Pekov Igor V. , Agakhanova Vitaliya A.
Published: October 2023

Letnikovite-(Ce), ideally (Na□)Ca2Ce2[Si7O17(OH)]F4(H2O)4, is a new mineral with no natural or synthetic analogues (IMA2022–132). The mineral occurs at the Darai-Pioz alkaline massif, Tien-Shan mountains, Tajikistan, in a silexite-like peralkaline pegmatite. Letnikovite-(Ce) occurs as isolated prismatic grains up to 0.03 × 0.1 mm in a quartz–pectolite aggregate. Associated minerals are quartz, fluorite, pectolite, baratovite, aegirine, leucosphenite, neptunite, reedmergnerite, orlovite, sokolovaite, mendeleevite-(Ce), odigitriaite, pekovite, zeravshanite, kirchhoffite and garmite. The mineral is colourless with a vitreous lustre and a white streak, and Dcalc. is 2.847 g/cm3. Letnikovite-(Ce) is monoclinic, C2/m, a = 7.4726(3), b = 22.9196(9), c = 13.9360(6) Å, β = 105.550(5)° and V = 2299.43(17) Å3. The chemical composition of letnikovite-(Ce) is SiO2 42.38, Gd2O3 0.16, Eu2O3 0.28, Sm2O3 0.07, Nd2O3 5.64, Pr2O3 1.69, Ce2O3 11.73, La2O3 2.24, PbO 1.22, SrO 5.77, FeO 0.32, CaO 11.87, MgO 1.14, Cs2O 0.57, K2O 0.65, Na2O 2.24, H2O 7.79, F 7.29, O = F –3.07, total 99.98 wt.%. The empirical formula calculated on 7 Si apfu is Na0.72K0.14Cs0.04Ca2.10Sr0.55Mg0.28Pb0.05Fe0.04(Ce0.71Nd0.33La0.14Pr0.10Eu0.02Gd0.01)Σ1.31Si7O21.84F3.81H8.58 for Z = 4. The structural formula is (Na0.72Ca0.16□1.12)Σ2(Cs0.04□0.96)Σ1(Ca1.83□0.17)Σ2(Mg0.28Fe0.04□0.68)Σ1(Ln3+1.31Sr0.55Ca0.09Pb0.05)Σ2[Si7O17(OH)]F3.81(H2O)3.79, where Ln3+1.31 = (Ce0.71Nd0.33La0.14Pr0.10Eu0.02Gd0.01)Σ1.31. The simplified formula is (Na,□)2Ca2(Ln3+,Sr)2[Si7O17(OH)]F4(H2O)4, where Ce is the dominant lanthanoid. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods and refined to an R1 index of 4.2%. In letnikovite-(Ce), the main structural unit is a layer which consists of the central heteropolyhedral Ca–Ce sheet and two adjacent single [Si7O17(OH)] sheets parallel to (001). In the Si–O–OH sheet, the Si tetrahedra form five-membered and ten-membered rings. This is the first occurrence of a single [Si7O17(OH)]7– sheet in a mineral. The layers connect via Na and Cs at the interstitial A(1,2) sites, H2O groups and hydrogen bonding. The mineral is named in honour of Felix Artem'evich Letnikov (born October 3rd,1934) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of petrology and geochemistry of Precambrian rocks.
Terpene produced by coexpression of the TPS and P450 genes from Lavandula angustifolia protects plants from herbivore attacks during budding stages
Authors: Ling Zhengyi , Li Jingrui , Dong Yanmei , Zhang Wenying , Bai Hongtong , Li Shu , Wang Su , Li Hui , Shi Lei
Published: October 2023

To deter herbivore attacks, plants employ a diverse array of volatile compounds, particularly during the early developmental stages. The highly expressed genes LaTPS7, LaTPS8, and LaCYP71D582 were identified during the budding phases of Lavandula angustifolia. In vitro studies revealed that LaTPS7 generated nine distinct compounds, including camphene, myrcene, and limonene. LaTPS8 enzymatically converted eight volatiles by utilizing geranyl diphosphate and nerolidyl diphosphate as substrates. Overexpression of plastid-localized LaTPS7 in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in the production of limonene. Furthermore, the endoplasmic reticulum-associated enzyme LaCYP71D582 potentially converted limonene into carveol. In N. benthamiana, LaTPS8 is responsible for the synthesis of α-pinene and sylvestrene. Furthermore, leaves transfected with LaTPS7 and leaves cotransfected with LaTPS7 and LaCYP71D582 exhibited a repellent effect on aphids, with an approximate rate of 70%. In comparison, leaves with an empty vector displayed a repellent rate of approximately 20%. Conversely, tobacco leaves expressing LaTPS7 attracted ladybugs at a rate of 48.33%, while leaves coexpressing LaTPS7 and LaCYP71D582 attracted ladybugs at a slightly higher rate of 58.33%. Subsequent authentic standard tests confirmed that limonene and carveol repel Myzus persicae while attracting Harmonia axyridis. The promoter activity of LaTPS7 and LaCYP71D582 was evaluated in Arabidopsis thaliana using GUS staining, and it was observed that wounding stimulated the expression of LaTPS7. The volatile compounds produced by LaTPS7, LaTPS8, and LaCYP71D582 play a crucial role in plant defence mechanisms. In practical applications, employing biological control measures based on plant-based approaches can promote human and environmental health.
Association between ankle-brachial blood pressure index with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adults without arterial stiffness
Authors: Meng Zhe , Jiang Yaohui , Xu Chang , Zheng Huifen , Li Haiyu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To explore the relationship between ankle-brachial blood pressure index (ABPI) and all-cause or cardiovascular mortality in adults without arterial stiffness.

Methods

A total of 6784 participants without arterial stiffness were enrolled from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of ABPI associating with the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was calculated by Cox proportional regression models adjusted for demographic and traditional risk factors. Dose-response relationship was explored with restricted cubic spines.

Results

After an average follow-up of 12.1 years, 1844 all-cause deaths and 299 cardiovascular deaths occurred. Compared with the lowest ABPI quartile, the second quartile was associated with the lowest risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.89, 95%CI 0.79–0.98; p = 0.036) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.75, 95%CI 0.56–0.98; p = 0.048). Besides, dose-response analysis revealed that ABPI was nonlinearly correlated to all-cause mortality (p for nonlinearity < 0.001) and linearly correlated to cardiovascular mortality (p for nonlinearity = 0.459).

Conclusions

The relationship between ABPI and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality followed a L-shape curve. A lower ABPI was independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adults without arterial stiffness.
A nomogram for predicting mild cognitive impairment in older adults with hypertension
Authors: Jingyu Lu , Wen Ding , Liping Zhang , Xiaoling Liu
Published: October 2023

Background

Hyper- and hypotension increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction. As effective control of blood pressure can reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early risk assessment is necessary to identify MCI in senile hypertension as soon as possible and reduce the risk of developing dementia. No perfect risk-prediction model or nomogram has been developed to evaluate the risk of MCI in older adults with hypertension. We aimed to develop a nomogram model for predicting MCI in older patients with hypertension.

Methods

We selected 345 older patients with hypertension in Xixiangtang District, Nanning City, as the modeling group and divided into the MCI (n = 197) and non-MCI groups (n = 148). Comparing the general conditions, lifestyle, disease factors, psychosocial and other indicators. Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for MCI in older hypertensive patients, and R Programming Language was used to draw the nomogram. We selected 146 older patients with hypertension in Qingxiu District, Nanning City, as the verification group. The effectiveness and discrimination ability of the nomogram was evaluated through internal and external verification.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 11 factors, including hypertension grade, education level, complicated diabetes, hypertension years, stress history, smoking, physical exercise, reading, social support, sleep disorders, and medication compliance, as risk factors for MCI in older patients with hypertension. To develop a nomogram model, the validity of the prediction model was evaluated by fitting the curve, which revealed a good fit for both the modeling (P = 0.98) and verification groups (P = 0.96). The discrimination of the nomogram model was evaluated in the modeling group using a receiver operating characteristic curve. The area under the curve was 0.795, and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test yielded P = 0.703. In the validation group, the area under the curve was 0.765, and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test yielded P = 0.234.

Conclusions

We developed a nomogram to help clinicians identify high-risk groups for MCI among older patients with hypertension. This model demonstrated good discrimination and validity, providing a scientific basis for community medical staff to evaluate and identify the risk of MCI in these patients at an early stage.
MiR-205-3p suppresses bladder cancer progression via GLO1 mediated P38/ERK activation
Authors: Zhenhai Zou , Qi Cheng , Shuchao Zhang , Zhongqi Wang , Xue Song , Zhijun Geng , Zhijie Mei , Jianmin Liu , Beibei Liu , Yuanyuan Guo
Published: October 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to serve as potential biomarkers in bladder cancer and play important roles in cancer progression. This study aimed to investigate the biological role of miR-205-3p in bladder cancer. We showed that miR-205-3p was significantly down-regulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-205-3p inhibited bladder cancer progression in vitro. Then we confirmed that GLO1, a downstream target of miR-205-3p, mediated the effect of miR-205-3p on bladder cancer cells. In addition, we found that miR-205-3p inhibits P38/ERK activation through repressing GLO1. Eventually, we confirmed that miR-205-3p inhibits the occurrence and progress of bladder cancer by targeting GLO1 in vivo by nude mouse tumorigenesis and immunohistochemistry. In a word, miR-205-3p inhibits proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer cells by activating the GLO1 mediated P38/ERK signaling pathway and that may be a potential therapeutic target for bladder cancer.
CADM1 impairs the effect of miR-1246 on promoting cell cycle progression in chemo-resistant leukemia cells
Authors: Xie Bei , Zhao Lei , Zhang Zhewen , Zhou Cunmin , Tian Ye , Kang Yingying , Chen Jing , Wei Hulai , Li Linjing
Published: October 2023

The interruption of normal cell cycle execution acts as an important part to the development of leukemia. It was reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) were closely related to tumorigenesis and progression, and their aberrant expression had been demonstrated to play a crucial role in numerous types of cancer. Our previous study showed that miR-1246 was preferentially overexpressed in chemo-resistant leukemia cell lines, and participated in process of cell cycle progression and multidrug resistant regulation. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In present study, bioinformatics prediction and dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that CADM1 was a direct target of miR-1246. Evidently decreased expression of CADM1 was observed in relapsed primary leukemia patients and chemo-resistant cell lines. Our results furtherly proved that inhibition of miR-1246 could significantly enhance drug sensitivity to Adriamycin (ADM), induce cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, promote cell apoptosis, and relieve its suppression on CADM1 in K562/ADM and HL-60/RS cells. Interference with CADM1 could reduce the increased drug sensitivity induced by miR-1246 inhibition, and notably restore drug resistance by promoting cell cycle progression and cell survival via regulating CDKs/Cyclins complexes in chemo-resistant leukemia cells. Above all, our results demonstrated that CADM1 attenuated the role of miR-1246 in promoting cell cycle progression and cell survival, thus influencing multidrug resistance within chemo-resistant leukemia cells via CDKs/Cyclins. Higher expression of miR-1246 and lower expression of CADM1 might be risk factors for leukemia.
Long-term exposures to ambient particulate matter and ozone pollution with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis after surgical operations: a retrospective case-control study in Beijing, China
Authors: Xiong Qin , Wang Wanzhou , Wang Yong , Zhang Min , Rao Benqiang , Ji Xuezhao , Xu Zhihu , Wu Shaowei , Deng Furong
Published: October 2023

Background

Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT) after surgical operations is a common and fatal disease leading to unfavorable outcomes including death. Nevertheless, there has been insufficient evidence on the associations between ambient air pollution and LEDVT, particularly studies from developing regions.

Methods

Based on 302 LEDVT cases and 302 controls in a general hospital in Beijing, China, this unmatched retrospective case-control study investigated the associations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM10), and ozone (O3) with odds of LEDVT.

Results

Per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, and O3 at 3-month, 6-month, and 2-year average was associated with increased LEDVT odds [odds ratios (ORs) for PM2.5: 1.10 (95%CI: 1.05, 1.14), 1.14 (95%CI: 1.09, 1.18), and 1.30 (95%CI: 1.06, 1.61); ORs for PM10: 1.06 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.10), 1.12 (95%CI: 1.08, 1.16), and 1.29 (95%CI: 1.03, 1.61); ORs for O3: 1.00 (95%CI: 0.96, 1.04), 1.16 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.31), and 2.08 (95%CI: 1.03, 4.18), respectively]. The stratified analyses, exposure-responses curves, and sensitivity analyses further highlighted the robustness of our findings.

Conclusions

Long-term exposures to ambient PM2.5, PM10, and O3 may increase the risk of LEDVT in patients after surgical operations. The results may be implicated in the prevention and control of adverse clinical outcomes of surgical patients associated with ambient air pollution.
Effects of low-level laser therapy on burning pain and quality of life in patients with burning mouth syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Chenghui , Yang Chenglong , Li Xin , Du Guanhuan , Zhou Xuan , Luo Wenhai , Du Qing , Tang Guoyao
Published: October 2023

Background

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a complex chronic pain disorder that significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses infrared or near-infrared light to produce analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and biological stimulation effects. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effect of LLLT on burning pain, quality of life, and negative emotions in patients with BMS.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched up January 2023 to identify relevant articles. All randomized controlled trials that were published in English and examined the use of LLLT treatment for BMS were included. The methodological quality of the included trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate burning pain, quality of life, and negative emotions. Sensitivity, subgroup, and funnel plot analyses were also carried out.

Results

Fourteen RCTs involving a total of 550 patients with BMS met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that LLLT (measured by the Visual Analog Scale; SMD: -0.87, 95% CI: -1.29 to -0.45,P < 0.001) was more effective for reducing burning pain than placebo LLLT or clonazepam. LLLT improved quality of life (evaluated by the Oral Health Impact Profile-14; SMD: 0.01, 95% CI: -0.58 to 0.60,P = 0.97) and negative emotions (evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; SMD: -0.12, 95% CI: -0.54 to 0.30,P = 0.59), but these effects were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The meta-analysis revealed that LLLT may be an effective therapy for improving burning pain in patients with BMS, and producing a positive influence on quality of life and negative emotions. A long-term course of intervention, a larger sample size, and a multidisciplinary intervention design are urgently needed in future research.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022308770.
Cultural competence and associated factors among nurses working in public health institutions in the Assosa zone, Benishangul Gumuz regional state, Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Birhanu Mulualem , Getnet Asmamaw , Alem Girma
Published: October 2023

Background

Cultural competence is one of the principal foundations of clinical nursing. In Ethiopia, nurses in nursing care still focus more on physical needs, the healing process, and treatment and less on the cultural aspects of the patient.

Objective

This study aims to assess the cultural competence and associated factors among nurses working in public health institutions found in the Assosa Zone, West Ethiopia, in 2022.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 362 nurses who were selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered English version of the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale Questionnaire for Nurses. The data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25. Linear regression analysis was used to identify factors statistically significantly associated with the cultural competence of nurses at a p-value < 0.05.

Result

Overall The mean score of cultural competence of participants was 113 (CI, 111.7–115.7), with a mean item score of 3.2 (CI, 3.15–3.26).

Nurse-to-patient ratio (B;.93, CI;.59_1.3), experience with previously working in a primary hospital than the current health institution (B; -11.1, CI; -18_-4.2), and experience with previously working in a health center than the current health institution (B; -11.5, C;-18.5_-4.8), being diploma education level (B; -23.2, CL;-32_-14.8), being BSC education level (B;-20.3, CI;-28_-12.3), and the presence of a feedback system in a health facility (B; 13.5, CI; 9.5_17.5) were identified as predicted factors of cultural competences.

Conclusion

The overall mean score of the cultural competencies of the participants was moderate. To improve the cultural competence of nurses, it is typically necessary to provide educational opportunities to raise their educational level and establish a feedback system in all health institutions across the nation.
CmNAC25 targets CmMYB6 to positively regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis during the post-flowering stage in chrysanthemum
Authors: Wang Yuxi , Wang Yiguang , Zhou Li-Jie , Peng Jialin , Chen Chuwen , Liu Shenhui , Song Aiping , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi
Published: October 2023

Background

Anthocyanin is a class of important secondary metabolites that determines colorful petals in chrysanthemum, a famous cut flower. ‘Arctic Queen’ is a white chrysanthemum cultivar that does not accumulate anthocyanin during the flowering stage. During the post-flowering stage, the petals of ‘Arctic Queen’ accumulate anthocyanin and turn red. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this flower color change remains unclear.

Results

In this study, by using transcriptome analysis, we identified CmNAC25 as a candidate gene promoting anthocyanin accumulation in the post-flowering stage of ‘Arctic Queen’. CmNAC25 is directly bound to the promoter of CmMYB6, a core member of the MBW protein complex that promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis in chrysanthemum, to activate its expression. CmNAC25 also directly activates the promoter of CmDFR, which encodes the key enzyme in anthocyanin biosynthesis. CmNAC25 was highly expressed during the post-flowering stage, while the expression level of CmMYB#7, a known R3 MYB transcription factor interfering with the formation of the CmMYB6–CmbHLH2 complex, significantly decreased. Genetic transformation of both chrysanthemum and Nicotiana tabacum verified that CmNAC25 was a positive regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Another two cultivars that turned red during the post-flowering stages also demonstrated a similar mechanism.

Conclusions

Altogether, our data revealed that CmNAC25 positively regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in chrysanthemum petals during the post-flowering stages by directly activating CmMYB6 and CmDFR. Our results thus revealed a crucial role of CmNAC25 in regulating flower color change during petal senescence and provided a target gene for molecular design breeding of flower color in chrysanthemum.
Assessment of causal effects of physical activity on the risk of osteoarthritis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Yang , Zhang Yao-Chen , Han Zi-Yi , Hou Jia-Lin , Chen Shuai , Xiang Chuan
Published: October 2023

Background

Growing evidence supports an association between physical activity (PA) and the risk of osteoarthritis (OA), but this may be influenced by confounding and reverse causality. Therefore, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to reveal the causal relationship between PA and OA.

Methods

MR was performed to explore the causation of PA and OA with genetic variants as instrumental variables. The genetic variants were derived from the summary statistics of a large genome-wide association study meta-analysis based on the European population (n = 661,399), including self-reported leisure screen time (LST) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and Arthritis Research UK Osteoarthritis Genetics Consortium cohorts (417,596, 393,873 and 403,124 for overall, hip and knee OA, respectively). The major MR analysis used in this work was the inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach, and sensitivity, pleiotropy, and heterogeneity studies were performed to evaluate the validity of the findings.

Results

IVW estimates indicated that LST had a risk effect on overall OA (odds ratio (OR) = 1.309, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.198–1.430, P = 2.330 × 10-9), hip OA (OR = 1.132, 95% CI: 1.009–1.269, P = 0.034) and knee OA (OR = 1.435. 95% CI: 1.286–1.602, P = 1.225 × 10-10). In contrast, no causal relationship was found between MVPA and OA (overall OA: OR = 0.895, 95% CI: 0.664–1.205, P = 0.465; hip OA: OR = 1.189, 95% CI: 0.792–1.786, P = 0.404; knee OA: OR = 0.707, 95% CI: 0.490 -1.021, P = 0.064). In addition, we observed significant heterogeneity in instrumental variables, but no horizontal pleiotropy was detected.

Conclusions

Recent findings demonstrated a protective impact of reducing LST on OA, independent of MVPA. This provides valuable insights into the role of physical activity in OA and offers lifestyle recommendations, such as reducing recreational sedentary behaviors and promoting appropriate exercise, for individuals at risk of OA.
Translation and validation of the multiple sclerosis walking scale 12 for the German population – the MSWS-12/D
Authors: Chorschew Anna , Kesgin Firat , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Flachenecker Peter , Schiffmann Insa , Rosenthal Friederike , Althoff Patrick , Drebinger Daniel , Arsenova Radina , Rasche Ludwig , Dorsch Eva-Maria , Heesen Christoph , Paul Friedemann , Stellmann Jan-Patrick , Schmitz-Hübsch Tanja
Published: October 2023

Background

Gait impairment is a relevant problem in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale 12 (MSWS-12) is a valid Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) to evaluate walking ability in pwMS. The aim of this study was to provide a linguistically valid translation of MSWS-12 into German language (MSWS-12/D) and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

Methods

The MSWS-12 was translated in a process modified from guidelines for the cross-cultural adaption of PROMs, and a pre-test was applied in a small sample of 20 pwMS to evaluate comprehensibility and acceptance. Psychometric properties (floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, construct validity) were then assessed in 124 pwMS seen at academic MS centers. Construct validity was evaluated against Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and maximum gait speed in the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW).

Results

Although the sample covered a wide spectrum of symptom severity, the majority had rather low levels of disability (EDSS median 2.0) and 6.5% scored EDSS of 0. In this sample, MSWS-12/D showed floor effects (36% with score 0) and for internal consistency, a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.98 was calculated. MSWS-12/D score showed a relevant correlation to EDSS (ρ = 0.73) and T25FW speed (r=-0.72).

Conclusion

We provide MSWS-12/D as a linguistically valid German version of MSWS-12. Psychometric properties (acceptance, floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency and construct validity) in pwMS were similar to those described for the original version. This indicates that MSWS-12/D can be applied as equivalent to the original version in German speaking pwMS. Results support the relevance of PROMs to capture patient perception of walking ability in addition to performance-based assessments such as maximum walking speed or maximum walking distance.
Agenda-setting in policies related to high-risk sexual behaviours, stimulants, and alcohol abuse in Iranian adolescents
Authors: Mirzaei Saeid , Mehrolhassani Mohammad Hossein , Yazdi-Feyzabadi Vahid , Haghdoost AliAkbar , Oroomiei Nadia
Published: October 2023

Background

This research article retrospectively analyses the agenda-setting approach of policies concerning high-risk sexual behaviours, stimulant and alcohol abuse among Iranian adolescents.

Methods

This qualitative case study policy analysis involved analysing 51 national documents and conducting interviews with 49 policy-makers and executives. Purposive sampling with a snowball strategy and semi-structured interviews were used. The data was analysed using the framework analysis method, with Kingdon’s multiple streams framework serving as the analytical framework.

Results

The study has identified the confluence of several factors, including the problem stream, the policy stream and the political stream. Within the problem stream, several factors contributed, such as the prevalence of high-risk behaviours, strong scientific evidence on these behaviours, changes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission patterns, increased statistics of poisoning and deaths related to alcohol abuse, and the visit of Iran’s supreme leader to the slums of Mashhad city. The policy stream has two periods of denial and acceptance. The denial period includes considering these high-risk behaviours to be the consequences of western culture, emphasis on the religious aspects and sinfulness of these behaviours, resisting the prevalence of anomalous behavioural patterns, abstinence and religious obligation of chastity, and avoiding ethical corruption. The acceptance period includes adolescents training, fear messages, promotional and cultural activities, parent training, school staff training, providing psychiatric services for withdrawal, counselling and reference to receive specialized services. The political stream involves global attention towards non-communicable diseases and high-risk behaviours, and the significant impact of preventing these behaviours during adolescence on the health status of society. Also, the supreme leader’s attention to social harms, and the establishment of the National Committee for Prevention and Control of Alcohol, have played significant roles.

Conclusions

While the problem stream helped to highlight the problem and increase policy-makers’ attention, the politics stream played a significant role. Despite international evidence on the effectiveness of training in sexual issues in reducing high-risk behaviours, it did not succeed in being added to the agenda. The policy stream was heavily influenced by ideology and the political parties in power, affecting evidence-based policy-making. In countries with an ideological approach, the political stream plays a vital role in setting problems on the agenda.
The use of cost-effectiveness analysis for health benefit package design – should countries follow a sectoral, incremental or hybrid approach?
Authors: Baltussen Rob , Surgey Gavin , Vassall Anna , Norheim Ole F. , Chalkidou Kalipso , Siddiqi Sameen , Nouhi Mojtaba , Youngkong Sitaporn , Jansen Maarten , Bijlmakers Leon , Oortwijn Wija
Published: October 2023

Background

Countries around the world are increasingly rethinking the design of their health benefit package to achieve universal health coverage. Countries can periodically revise their packages on the basis of sectoral cost-effectiveness analyses, i.e. by evaluating a broad set of services against a ‘doing nothing’ scenario using a budget constraint. Alternatively, they can use incremental cost-effectiveness analyses, i.e. to evaluate specific services against current practice using a threshold. In addition, countries may employ hybrid approaches which combines elements of sectoral and incremental cost-effectiveness analysis - a country may e.g. not evaluate the comprehensive set of all services but rather relatively small sets of services targeting a certain condition. However, there is little practical guidance for countries as to which kind of approach they should follow.

Methods

The present study was based on expert consultation. We refined the typology of approaches of cost-effectiveness analysis for benefit package design, identified factors that should be considered in the choice of approach, and developed recommendations. We reached consensus among experts over the course of several review rounds.

Results

Sectoral cost-effectiveness analysis is especially suited in contexts with large allocative inefficiencies in current service provision and can, in theory, realize large efficiency gains. However, it may be challenging to implement a comprehensive redesign of the package in practice. Incremental cost-effectiveness analysis is especially relevant in contexts where specific new services may impact the sustainability of the health system. It may potentially support efficiency improvement, but its focus has typically been on new services while existing inefficiencies remain unchallenged. The use of hybrid approach may be a way forward to address the strengths and weaknesses of sectoral and incremental analysis areas. Such analysis may be especially useful to target disease areas with suspected high inefficiencies in service provision, and would then make good use of the available research capacity and be politically rewarding. However, disease-specific analyses bear the risk of not addressing resource allocation inefficiencies across disease areas.

Conclusions

Countries should carefully select their approach of cost-effectiveness analyses for benefit package design, based on their decision-making context.