bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peimine Alleviated Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice Through Reducing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress and Regulating Host Metabolism
Authors: Li Xiaojuan , Zhang Feng , Shen Aijuan , Hu Jian , Chen Minjin , Yang Huiqun
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Peimine (PM), derived from Fritillaria thunbergii Miq, has been demonstrated with protective effects on pulmonary fibrosis (PF). However, the detailed mechanisms of PM on PF remain unknown. The aim of current study was to assess the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of PM on PF.

Methods

In this study, mice received bleomycin (BLM) injection to induce PF and then received the treatment of PM orally. The therapeutic effects of PM on PF were firstly assessed through histopathological staining (hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining) and measuring hydroxyproline (HYP) level in lung. Then, we measured the levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers (vimentin and E-cadherin), pro-inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]), and oxidative stress-related indicators (superoxide dismutase[SOD], malondialdehyde [MDA] and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]) in lung. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics were employed to explore the effects of PM on metabolites in lung.

Results

PM treatment improved the pathological changes including reducing the infiltration of inflammatory cells and decreasing collagen deposition, and decreasing the HYP level in lung in PF mice. Moreover, PM treatment up-regulated E-cadherin and down-regulated vimentin, decreased IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α expression, increased SOD and GSH-Px activities, and decreased MDA level in lung. Untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that PM altered the metabolites in lung of mice with BLM-induced PF. The differential metabolites were mainly associated with tryptophan metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism.

Conclusion

PM exhibited therapeutic effects on BLM-induced PF mice including reducing collagen deposition, inhibiting EMT and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. The mechanism of PM on PF may be associated with regulating tryptophan metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism in lung.
The Association of Cavovarus Foot Deformity With an Os Peroneum
Authors: Zingas Nicolas H. , King Brandon W.
Published: November 2023

Objective

We sought to assess whether the presence of an os peroneum is correlated with cavovarus foot alignment in patients without a neurologic explanation for their foot shape. We hypothesized that a large os peroneum would increase the power of the peroneus longus and lead to a forefoot-driven, hindfoot varus deformity.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a single institution and reviewed patients with 3 weightbearing views of the foot on plain radiography. Patients were characterized into having either no os peroneum (235), a small os peroneum (18), or a large os peroneum (23). The control group included the first 101 of the 235 patients without an os peroneum based on a power analysis of the primary outcome, which was the difference in the mean Meary’s angle (lateral talo-first metatarsal angle) between groups. The kite angle (anterior-posterior [AP] talocalcaneal angle), as well as 4 other angles were measured as secondary outcomes.

Results

Those with a large os peroneum had on a mean 7.7° (P < .01) more apex dorsal angulation of Meary’s angle than controls, and a kite angle 4.2° varus to that of the control group. There were no differences between the small os peroneum and control groups.

Conclusion

These findings add to the existing literature surrounding the etiology of cavovarus foot shape and link the presence of an ossified os peroneum, an oftentimes incidental radiographic finding, to cavovarus foot deformity in those without an underlying neurologic diagnosis.

Levels of Evidence:

Therapeutic, Level III: Retrospective Case-Control
Differences in Abdominal Muscle Thickness, Strength, and Endurance in Persons Who Are Runners, Active, and Inactive
Authors: Schaeffer Beth H. , Anemaet Wendy K. , Arnold Allyson L. , Brabham Autumn B. , Groom Nancy K. , Moore Cassidee R.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Core musculature is important for efficiency during activities including running. Both abdominal muscle strength and endurance contribute to this efficiency. The purpose of this study is to determine what differences and relationships exist in abdominal muscle thickness, strength, and endurance among persons who are runners, active, and inactive.

Hypothesis:

Persons in the running group would show significantly greater abdominal muscle thickness, muscle strength, and muscle endurance compared with those in the nonrunning groups.

Study Design:

Quantitative cohort design.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2b.

Methods:

A total of 78 subjects aged 18 to 27 years were divided into 3 groups: runners, active, and inactive. Assessment included abdominal muscle thickness via diagnostic ultrasound (Mindray North America), strength using a static Isotrack dynamometer (JTech Medical), and abdominal muscle endurance using a side plank. Statistical analysis using analysis of variance, t tests, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients and partial correlations was performed using SPSS Version 26 with a significance level of P < 0.05.

Results:

Significantly greater muscle thickness of internal obliques (IOs) at rest and during contraction was found in the running group compared with the active group, the active group compared with the inactive group, and the running group compared with the inactive group. There were no statistically significant differences in overall strength measured by dynamometry among the 3 groups. Plank time was significantly greater for the running group compared with the other 2 groups. Male participants were greater in all areas: strength, plank time as a measure of muscle endurance, and muscle thickness. Body mass index was significantly correlated with resting thickness, muscle endurance, and muscle strength.

Conclusion:

Persons who run, are active, and are inactive use their abdominal muscles differently. Runners have thicker IOs and better abdominal muscle endurance than the other 2 groups. Focusing on endurance training of the obliques may be beneficial for persons who run.

Clinical Relevance:

This research could contribute to developing core training programs to ensure runners target the correct abdominal muscles with the best type of training.
Advancements in cell-based therapies for the treatment of pressure injuries: A systematic review of interventional studies
Authors: Camesi Alianda , Wettstein Reto , Valido Ezra , Nyfeler Nicole , Stojic Stevan , Glisic Marija , Stoyanov Jivko , Bertolo Alessandro
Published: November 2023

The high recurrence and complications associated with severe pressure injuries (PI) necessitate the exploration of advanced treatments, such as cell-based therapies, to facilitate wound healing. Such techniques harness the ability of different cell types to promote angiogenesis, re-epithelialization of the skin, and tissue regeneration. This systematic review explores the efficacy of cell-based therapies and tissue engineering in treating deep PI. We searched for interventional studies using cells in the treatment of PI in adults in four online libraries (PubMed, Embase, Ovid Medline, and Cochrane; latest search 10th June 2023). We found one randomized clinical trial (RCT), two non-RCT, and three pre-post studies, comprising 481 study participants with PI (253 intervention/228 controls). The risk of bias was categorized as moderate due to minimal bias in outcome measurements, or high owing to unclear patient randomization methods, as assessed by the ROBINS-I, NIH, and RoB-2 tools. Four cell types were identified in the context of cell-based therapies of PI: bone marrow mononuclear stem cells (BM-MNCs, n = 2); hematopoietic derived stem cells (HSC, n = 1); macrophages and activated macrophage suspensions (AMS, n = 2); and cryopreserved placental membrane containing viable cells (vCPM, n = 1). Wound healing outcomes were observed in patients undergoing cell-based therapies, including complete wound closure (AMS, vCPM; n = 142), faster healing rate (BM-MNCs, AMS; n = 146), improved granulation tissue formation (HSC, n = 3) and shorter hospitalization time (BM-MNCs; n = 108) compared to standard of care, with no adverse reactions. PI healing rate decreased only in one study with BM-MNC therapy, compared to control ( n = 86). Based on the available data, though with limited evidence, it seems that macrophage deployment showed the most favorable outcomes. The results indicate that cell-based therapies offer a potential avenue for enhancing wound healing and tissue repair in PI; however, more extensive research is needed in this domain.
A case of erythromelalgia with gastrointestinal dysautonomia treated with immunoglobulin: A case report
Authors: Bourkas Adrienn N , Geng Ryan , Sibbald Matthew , Sibbald R Gary
Published: November 2023

An 18-year-old female with a history of atopic march, hyperhidrosis, and eosinophilic esophagitis was diagnosed with erythromelalgia and gastrointestinal dysautonomia secondary to presumed autoimmune small fiber neuropathy. The patient experienced significant clinical improvements after the initiation of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, supporting an underlying autoimmune disorder.
Can ayahuasca reduce inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity? A pilot study
Authors: Tsang WaiFung , Ruffell Simon GD , Netzband Nigel , Jong Angelina , Rucker James , Deeley Quinton , Hollingdale Jack
Published: November 2023

Background

The potential benefits of ayahuasca on mental health conditions are well documented. This pilot study is the first to explore whether there is an association with ayahuasca use and reductions in inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, the core features of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Methods

In this exploratory, observational pilot study, the Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale was administered to 49 adults (23 males, 24 females, two participants did not report their sex) prior to and following the completion of ayahuasca retreats facilitated by the Ayahuasca Foundation in Iquitos, Peru. Only four participants self-reported having a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Participants attended either an 8-day (four to five ceremonies), 2-week (six ceremonies), 3-week (eight ceremonies) or 4-week (three to 11 ceremonies) retreat.

Results

Inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity and total scores significantly reduced following an ayahuasca retreat, irrespective of the length of that retreat and the number of ceremonies participants attended.

Conclusions

This pilot study is the first to find reductions in self-reported inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in a sample of mostly non-attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder adults following the use of ayahuasca. However controlled trials are required to determine causality. Research and clinical implications are considered.
Investigating the effect of an mHealth coaching intervention on health beliefs, adherence and blood pressure of patients with hypertension: A longitudinal single group pilot study
Authors: Zahed Karim , Markert Carl , Dunn Patrick , Sasangohar Farzan
Published: November 2023

Background

Mobile health technologies have shown promise as delivery platforms for digital health coaching for chronic conditions. However, the impacts of such strategies on users’ health beliefs, intentions and ultimately clinical outcomes are understudied.

Objective

This study sought (1) to evaluate the effects of a digital health coaching intervention on participants’ belief constructs; and (2) to assess relationships between these belief constructs and intentions to utilize the technological intervention, actual adherence metrics and clinical outcomes related to hypertension.

Methods

Thirty-four participants with hypertension were recruited from a university community from January to May 2021. They self-measured weight and blood pressure (BP) for 30 days followed by digital coaching delivered via a mobile application for 30 days. Surveys assessed constructs from the Health Belief Model and Technology Acceptance Model, compared to intention, health belief, BP self-monitoring adherence and BP outcomes. A path analysis model was used to assess the relationships between constructs and intention, adherence metrics and clinical outcomes. A Kruskal–Wallis test was used to identify changes in beliefs.

Results

Participant health beliefs significantly improved after coaching, including self-efficacy ( H(1) = 15.12, p < 0.001), cues to action ( H(1) = 5.33, p =  0.02), attitude ( H(1) = 10.35, p = 0.002), perceived usefulness ( H(1) = 15.02, p < 0.001) and decreased resistance to change ( H(1) = 4.05, p = 0.04). Adherence to BP measurements positively correlated with perceived health threat ( β = .033, p = 0.007) and perceived ease of use ( β = .0277, p < 0.001). Self-efficacy ( β = −2.92, p = 0.02) and perceived usefulness ( β = −3.75, p = 0.01) were linked with a decrease in diastolic BP.

Conclusions

A mobile health coaching intervention may help participants improve beliefs regarding hypertension self-management.
Emission Reduction Effect, Influencing Factors and Economic Impact of China’s Carbon Market: An Empirical Test Based on a Multi-Period DID Model
Authors: Zhang Heng , Zhang Ziwei , Sun Keyuan , Zou Yutong
Published: November 2023

The carbon emission trading market (carbon market) is an important policy tool for China to achieve the goal of “carbon peak and carbon neutrality” through market mechanism. This paper uses panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2019 to examine the emission reduction effect (ERE) of China’s carbon market pilots using multi-period Difference-in-Differences (DID)method, and then analyzes the factors influencing ERE and the economic impact of carbon market. According to the Bacon decomposition and a series of robustness tests, the results reveal that China’s carbon market pilots have significant ERE. Both the expansion of the carbon market scale and the improvement of market activity level can significantly boost the carbon market’s ERE. Meanwhile, the establishment of carbon market has no negative impact on the economic growth. Therefore, we propose to accelerate the construction of the national carbon market, incorporating more industries in a systematic manner, expand the scale of the carbon market, steadily promote the innovation of carbon financial instruments, improve the activity of the carbon market, so as to promote the transformation of China’s green and low-carbon economy and achieve the emission reduction target as scheduled.
Perceptions of Preservice English Teachers Regarding Peer Reaction Video Feedback on Their Microteaching
Authors: Murphy Odo Dennis
Published: November 2023

Video recordings have been used in pre-service teacher preparation programs to facilitate greater self-reflection through pre-service teachers’ observation of their own and their peers’ microteaching. Few studies have, however, examined the perceptions of pre-service teachers regarding the use of peer feedback reaction videos on their microteaching. Therefore, video-recorded microteaching lessons were taught by preservice English teachers and then they were given video recordings of their peer’s reaction and feedback to their microteaching video. Qualitative data about their perceptions of microteaching and feedback they received were collected and analyzed. Participants indicated that the peer reaction video feedback helped them to discern their strengths and weaknesses as teachers, and learn more about how to teach from observing others. They also said it allowed them to view themselves through others’ eyes, provided detailed feedback, encouraged honest feedback, and allowed them to analyze and reflect on their own practice. Among the criticisms they raised were feeling like they were unprepared, concerns about technical difficulties, and reacting emotionally to negative feedback. Recommendations made to improve the peer reaction video feedback experience were to provide more detail in the feedback using more detailed feedback guidelines and sample lesson activities beforehand. Implications for practice are also discussed.
Feasibility of a Circadian Lighting Intervention to Promote Sleep in College Students
Authors: Sanders Martha
Published: November 2023

College students report poor sleep quality that impacts class attendance, productivity, and overall success in college. Circadian lighting has helped to regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality in populations who traditionally experience poor sleep. A feasibility study was conducted to determine the practicality of conducting a study in which a circadian lighting intervention would be implemented in college students’ dorms to study the effect on sleep, mood, and productivity. This study examined the process, resources, data management, and preliminary efficacy of a 4-wk, daily, one-hour lightbox exposure. Results indicated the lightbox was well-received by students. Recommendations to facilitate the study include improved recruitment efforts, data management, use of a research-grade activity tracker, modification of data collection days, and utilization of research associates to assist in data collection. Preliminary outcomes showed improved sleep quality and productivity for schoolwork in this sample of college students.
Effects of Opioid-Limiting Legislation in the State of Ohio on Opioid Prescriptions After Shoulder Arthroscopy
Authors: Strony John T. , Raji Yazdan , Trivedi Nikunj N. , McMellen Christopher J. , Yu Jiao , Calcei Jacob G. , Voos James E. , Gillespie Robert J.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Recent studies have shown that legislation regulating opioid prescriptions in the United States has been successful in reducing the morphine milligram equivalent (MME) prescribed after certain orthopaedic procedures.

Purpose:

To (1) determine the effect of Ohio’s legislation limiting opioid prescriptions after shoulder arthroscopy and (2) identify risk factors associated with prolonged opioid use and increased postoperative opioid dosing.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We reviewed the data of patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy between January 1, 2016, and March 31, 2020. Patients were classified according to the date of legislation passage (August 31, 2017) as before legislation (PRE) or on/after legislation (POST). Patients were also classified based on the number of opioid prescriptions filled within 30 days of surgery as opioid-tolerant (at least 1 prescription) or opioid-naïve (zero prescriptions). We recorded patient characteristics, medical comorbidities, and surgical details, as well as the number of opioid prescriptions, MME per prescription from 30 days preoperatively to 90 days postoperatively, and the number of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogues and benzodiazepine prescriptions from 30 days preoperatively to the date of surgery. Differences between cohorts were compared with the Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon test. A covariate-adjusted regression analysis was used to evaluate risk factors associated with increased postoperative opioid dosing.

Results:

Overall, 279 patients (n = 97 PRE; n = 182 POST; n = 42 opioid-tolerant; n = 237 opioid-naïve) were included in the final analysis. There was a significant reduction in the cumulative MME prescribed in the immediate (0-7 days) postoperative period (PRE, 450 MME vs POST, 315 MME), the first 30 postoperative days (PRE, 590 MME vs POST, 375 MME), and the first 90 postoperative days (PRE, 600 MME vs POST, 420 MME) ( P < .001 for all). The opioid-tolerant cohort had higher MME at every time point in the postoperative period ( P < .001). Consumption of preoperative opioid (β = 1682.5; P < .001), benzodiazepine (β = 468.09; P < .001), and GABA analogue (β = 251.37; P = .04) was associated with an increase in the cumulative MME prescribed.

Conclusion:

Opioid prescription–limiting legislation in Ohio significantly reduced the cumulative MME prescribed in the first 30 days postoperatively for both opioid-naïve and opioid-tolerant patients after shoulder arthroscopy. Consumption of opioids, benzodiazepines, and GABA analogues preoperatively was associated with increased postoperative opioid dosage.
Sleep duration and Framingham´s cardiovascular risk score: results from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study (HCS)
Authors: Cheraghian Bahman , Heybar Habib , Saki Nader , Raeisizadeh Maedeh , Hashemi Seyed Jalal , Bitaraf Saeid
Published: November 2023

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of global deaths. So, it is necessary to know the possible risk factors for each region. We aimed to assess the relationship between the risk of CVDs and sleep duration in the Iranian Arab population.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data from 8362 participants aged between 35 and 70 from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study enrollment phase between 2016 and 2018 was analyzed. This study evaluated the association between ten-year CVD risk using the Framingham risk score and sleep duration. Self-reported sleep duration was categorized as short duration (equal to or less than 5 h), standard duration (6–8 h), or prolonged duration (equal to or greater than 9 h). Multivariable logistic regression to adjust for conventional CVD risks was used.

Results

Among the assessed participants, 4892 (58.50%) were female, and the mean age was 47.93 (9.01). The average sleep duration was 7.59 (1.56) hours. The low, intermediate-to-high, and high CVD risk individuals were 6461 (77.27%), 1185 (14.17%), and 716 (8.56%), respectively. There was a significant relationship between prolonged sleep duration and lower odds of intermediate-to-high CVD risk in males (OR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49–0.87, P-value: 0.004).

Conclusion

The results of our study showed that longer sleep duration has a protective association with the intermediate to high risk of cardiovascular diseases in males. However, long and short sleep durations have no significant relationship with females’ risk of cardiovascular disease.
Tumor segmentation via enhanced area growth algorithm for lung CT images
Authors: Khorshidi Abdollah
Published: November 2023

Background

Since lung tumors are in dynamic conditions, the study of tumor growth and its changes is of great importance in primary diagnosis.

Methods

Enhanced area growth (EAG) algorithm is introduced to segment the lung tumor in 2D and 3D modes on 60 patients CT images from four different databases by MATLAB software. The contrast augmentation, color intensity and maximum primary tumor radius determination, thresholding, start and neighbor points’ designation in an array, and then modifying the points in the braid on average are the early steps of the proposed algorithm. To determine the new tumor boundaries, the maximum distance from the color-intensity center point of the primary tumor to the modified points is appointed via considering a larger target region and new threshold. The tumor center is divided into different subsections and then all previous stages are repeated from new designated points to define diverse boundaries for the tumor. An interpolation between these boundaries creates a new tumor boundary. The intersections with the tumor boundaries are firmed for edge correction phase, after drawing diverse lines from the tumor center at relevant angles. Each of the new regions is annexed to the core region to achieve a segmented tumor surface by meeting certain conditions.

Results

The multipoint-growth-starting-point grouping fashioned a desired consequence in the precise delineation of the tumor. The proposed algorithm enhanced tumor identification by more than 16% with a reasonable accuracy acceptance rate. At the same time, it largely assurances the independence of the last outcome from the starting point. By significance difference of p < 0.05, the dice coefficients were 0.80 ± 0.02 and 0.92 ± 0.03, respectively, for primary and enhanced algorithms. Lung area determination alongside automatic thresholding and also starting from several points along with edge improvement may reduce human errors in radiologists’ interpretation of tumor areas and selection of the algorithm’s starting point.

Conclusions

The proposed algorithm enhanced tumor detection by more than 18% with a sufficient acceptance ratio of accuracy. Since the enhanced algorithm is independent of matrix size and image thickness, it is very likely that it can be easily applied to other contiguous tumor images.

Trial registration

PAZHOUHAN, PAZHOUHAN98000032. Registered 4 January 2021, http://pazhouhan.gerums.ac.ir/webreclist/view.action?webreclist_code=19300
Hospitalizations for congenital syphilis in children under one year old in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon: ecological study
Authors: Neri Débora Talitha , da Costa Miranda Amanda Loyse , Botelho Eliã Pinheiro , Valois Rubenilson Caldas , Dias Geyse Aline Rodrigues , Parente Andressa Tavares , da Cunha Araújo Eliete , Ferreira Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff
Published: November 2023

Background

The high incidence of congenital syphilis shows flaws in the resolution of primary health care, being a predictor of greater use of hospital services, whose regional differences in access to health actions and services may be reflected in health inequalities.

Objective

to investigate hospitalizations due to congenital syphilis in children under one year of age, in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon.

Methods

an ecological study was carried out, using hospitalization, lethality and mortality rates related to congenital syphilis in children under one year of age. Temporal analysis and mapping of hospitalization flows were carried out using Joinpoint®, version 4.7.0.0, Terraview 4.2.2, Tabwin 4.1.5.

Results

A total of 6,487 hospitalizations were recorded. For the ten years of the study period (2009 to 2018), the lethality rate showed a decreasing trend of – 13.5% (p = 0.01). The crude hospitalization rate showed an increasing trend of 12.8% (p < 0.000. The regression analysis demonstrated that there was a change point in the trend with a significant growth of 12.8% until 2016 (p = 0.0006). In the mortality rate the trend was stable (p = 0.56). The analysis of hospitalization care flows made it possible to identify that most hospitalizations due to congenital syphilis occurred in the municipalities of residence, but 1,378 (21.2%) had to move. Two large care gaps were highlighted in Metropolitan health regions II and III, belonging to macroregion II. The hospitalizations of residents of these regions were carried out by the assistance networks of Belém (capital) and Marituba, both of which are part of Metropolitana I. Residents of macroregions III and IV had the greatest distances traveled to access hospital care.

Conclusions

The increase in the rate of hospitalizations with an increasing trend demonstrates the impact that syphilis still causes in Brazil, not being resolved even after national government interventions in primary health care, but there was a decreasing trend in the fatality rate. The results demonstrate a heterogeneous organization of health care networks in the state’s health regions and macroregions.
Association between diet soft drink consumption and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: findings from the NHANES
Authors: Wu Yanrui , Tan Zongbiao , Zhen Junhai , Liu Chuan , Zhang Jixiang , Liao Fei , Dong Weiguo
Published: November 2023

Background

Lifestyle change plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In recent years, diet soft drinks that emphasize “zero sugar and zero calories” have become all the rage, but whether diet soft drink consumption is associated with MASLD is not clear.

Methods

This study included data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) in 2003–2006. The assessment of MASLD status primarily relied on the Fatty Liver Index (FLI). Weighted multiple Logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association between diet soft drink consumption and MASLD. Additionally, mediation analysis was performed to examine the mediating effect of body mass index (BMI).

Results

A total of 2,378 participants were included in the study, among which 1,089 individuals had MASLD, and the weighted prevalence rate was 43.64%. After adjusting for variables related to demographic, lifestyle, and metabolic syndrome, excessive diet soft drink consumption (the “always” frequency) remained significantly associated with the occurrence of MASLD (OR = 1.98, 95%CI = 1.36–2.89, P = 0.003). It was estimated that 84.7% of the total association between diet soft drink consumption and MASLD was mediated by BMI (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Excessive diet soft drink consumption was associated with the occurrence of MASLD. BMI may play a mediating role in the association between diet soft drink consumption and MASLD.
Association of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) with thyroid nodules in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study
Authors: Cao Can , Li Chunyao , Li Xiaoting , Sun Weiwei , Wang Yaoxian
Published: November 2023

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the association between TNs and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and the aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) in patients with T2DM.

Methods

A total of 370 T2DM patients, who were admitted to Dongzhimen Hospital between January 2020 and March 2023, were included in this retrospective study. Binary logistic regression models with multivariable adjustment were employed to assess the relationship between SII, AISI quartiles, and TNs. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of SII and AISI in identifying T2DM patients with TNs.

Results

Age, diabetes duration, diabetic nephropathy (DN), SII, and AISI demonstrated significant positive associations with TNs. Compared to the first quartile of SII, the second, third, and fourth quartiles showed increased risks of TNs with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.578 (0.883–2.820), 2.279 (1.257–4.131), and 3.626 (1.931–6.810), respectively (P < 0.001). Similar results were observed for AISI and TNs. ROC curve analysis revealed that SII and AISI exhibited a high discriminatory capability for identifying TNs in the overall and male participant group, whereas the significance among females was not discernible.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that SII and AISI are independent risk factors for TNs, suggesting that elevated SII and AISI levels may contribute to the development of TNs in patients with T2DM particularly among male individuals.
Assessing the competency of pharmacists in writing effective curriculum vitae for job applications: a cross-sectional study and readability index evaluation
Authors: Odeh Mohanad , Oqal Muna , AlDroubi Hanan , Al-Omari Basem
Published: November 2023

Background

In today’s competitive job market, pharmacists must have a well-crafted curriculum vitae (CV), cover letter, and personal statement. However, non-native English speakers may face challenges in crafting effective job application documents. Jordan is one such country where English is a second language for many, and little is known about the CV/job application writing skills of Jordanian pharmacists. Therefore, this study examined Jordanian pharmacists’ ability to write job applications cover letters, and personal statements in English and investigated the association between several demographics and professional variables and the readability index of cover letters and personal statements.

Methods

This study aimed to investigate Jordanian pharmacists’ ability to write job applications cover letters, and personal statements in English and evaluate the readability of their personal statements and cover letters. The data were blindly and independently reviewed by two researchers. The readability of the cover letters and personal statements was assessed using an online calculator that assigns a readability index score. A readability score of 7–12 was considered “target”, while scores above 12 or below 7 were considered “complicated” or “simple”, respectively. The relationship between readability index scores and other variables was analyzed using the chi-square test with a statistical significance level of 0.05.

Results

The study recruited 592 pharmacists. Most applicants, specifically 62.3%, were female, and 60.0% of them graduated more than six months before submitting their job applications. While 78.2% of the applications included a personal statement, only 34.8% included a cover letter, and 27.2% provided both. Of the 206 cover letters written in English, 43.2% were tailored, and 80.6% were structured. The study also found that the provision of an official photo was associated with providing a cover letter (P < 0.001, Phi(φ) = 0.14) while providing a structured cover letter was associated with including a personal statement (P < 0.001, Phi (φ) = 0.24). Only 102 cover letters and 65 personal statements had readability index scores within the target range.

Conclusion

In this study, most Jordanian pharmacists undervalue the importance of cover letters and personal statements and lack job application writing skills. The study also highlighted the need for improved pharmacists’ English proficiency to write effective job application documents in Jordan.
Interpretable prediction of 3-year all-cause mortality in patients with chronic heart failure based on machine learning
Authors: Xu Chenggong , Li Hongxia , Yang Jianping , Peng Yunzhu , Cai Hongyan , Zhou Jing , Gu Wenyi , Chen Lixing
Published: November 2023

Background

The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of machine learning models and create an interpretable machine learning model that adequately explained 3-year all-cause mortality in patients with chronic heart failure.

Methods

The data in this paper were selected from patients with chronic heart failure who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, from 2017 to 2019 with cardiac function class III-IV. The dataset was explored using six different machine learning models, including logistic regression, naive Bayes, random forest classifier, extreme gradient boost, K-nearest neighbor, and decision tree. Finally, interpretable methods based on machine learning, such as SHAP value, permutation importance, and partial dependence plots, were used to estimate the 3-year all-cause mortality risk and produce individual interpretations of the model's conclusions.

Result

In this paper, random forest was identified as the optimal aools lgorithm for this dataset. We also incorporated relevant machine learning interpretable tand techniques to improve disease prognosis, including permutation importance, PDP plots and SHAP values for analysis. From this study, we can see that the number of hospitalizations, age, glomerular filtration rate, BNP, NYHA cardiac function classification, lymphocyte absolute value, serum albumin, hemoglobin, total cholesterol, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and so on were important for providing an optimal risk assessment and were important predictive factors of chronic heart failure.

Conclusion

The machine learning-based cardiovascular risk models could be used to accurately assess and stratify the 3-year risk of all-cause mortality among CHF patients. Machine learning in combination with permutation importance, PDP plots, and the SHAP value could offer a clear explanation of individual risk prediction and give doctors an intuitive knowledge of the functions of important model components.
Nursing students’ emotional empathy, emotional intelligence and higher education-related stress: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Jiashuang , Zhang Lin , Ji Qiqi , Ji Pengjuan , Chen Yian , Song Miaojing , Guo Leilei
Published: November 2023

Background

Nursing is one of the critically important disciplines in healthcare. Due to its complexity and specificity, nursing students often face additional higher education-related stress. However, there is less research on higher education-related stress among nursing students. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of emotional empathy and emotional intelligence on the dimensions of higher education-related stress among nursing students.

Methods

This study utilized a multi-stage sampling design and was completed within the March-June 2023 period. A total of 1126 nursing students were recruited to complete the questionnaire. The self-administered questionnaire included the basic characteristics of the subjects, an emotional empathy scale, an emotional intelligence scale, and a higher education-related stress scale. One-way ANOVA/t-tests, correlation coefficients, and hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to explore the factors affecting higher education-related stress and the relationship between emotional empathy and emotional intelligence with the dimensions of higher education-related stress.

Results

The mean (SD) scores of challenges and dissatisfaction dimensions of higher education-related stress among nursing students were 30.052 (7.466) and 8.270 (2.205), respectively. Emotional empathy was significantly and positively related to the challenges and dissatisfaction dimensions of higher education-related stress. Emotional intelligence was negatively correlated with the challenges dimension of higher education-related stress and positively correlated with the dissatisfaction dimension. Stratified multiple regression analyses revealed that nursing students' emotional empathy and emotional intelligence were significant predictors of the dimensions of higher education-related stress.

Conclusion

Overall, emotional empathy and emotional intelligence were significantly correlated with all dimensions of higher education-related stress. Consequently, in future interventions, the Chinese government and education sector can develop nursing students' ability to use emotional empathy and emotional intelligence rationally through emotional regulation strategies and emotional intelligence courses, to reduce the higher education-related stress they experience.
Tissue-specific temperature dependence of RNA editing levels in zebrafish
Authors: Li Wenhao , Bu Mengdi , Hu Ruiqin , Jiang Shouwen , Chen Liangbiao , Somero George N.
Published: November 2023

Background

RNA editing by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) occurs in all metazoans and fulfils several functions. Here, we examined effects of acclimation temperature (27 °C, 18 °C,13 °C) on editing patterns in six tissues of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Results

Sites and total amounts of editing differed among tissues. Brain showed the highest levels, followed by gill and skin. In these highly edited tissues, decreases in temperatures led to large increases in total amounts of editing and changes in specific edited sites. Gene ontology analysis showed both similarities (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum stress response) and differences in editing among tissues. The majority of edited sites were in transcripts of transposable elements and the 3′UTR regions of protein coding genes. By experimental validation, translation efficiency was directly related to extent of editing of the 3′UTR region of an mRNA.

Conclusions

RNA editing increases 3′UTR polymorphism and affects efficiency of translation. Such editing may lead to temperature-adaptive changes in the proteome through altering relative amounts of synthesis of different proteins.
Genome-wide expression QTL mapping reveals the highly dynamic regulatory landscape of a major wheat pathogen
Authors: Abraham Leen Nanchira , Croll Daniel
Published: November 2023

Background

In agricultural ecosystems, outbreaks of diseases are frequent and pose a significant threat to food security. A successful pathogen undergoes a complex and well-timed sequence of regulatory changes to avoid detection by the host immune system; hence, well-tuned gene regulation is essential for survival. However, the extent to which the regulatory polymorphisms in a pathogen population provide an adaptive advantage is poorly understood.

Results

We used Zymoseptoria tritici, one of the most important pathogens of wheat, to generate a genome-wide map of regulatory polymorphism governing gene expression. We investigated genome-wide transcription levels of 146 strains grown under nutrient starvation and performed expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping. We identified cis-eQTLs for 65.3% of all genes and the majority of all eQTL loci are within 2kb upstream and downstream of the transcription start site (TSS). We also show that polymorphism in different gene elements contributes disproportionally to gene expression variation. Investigating regulatory polymorphism in gene categories, we found an enrichment of regulatory variants for genes predicted to be important for fungal pathogenesis but with comparatively low effect size, suggesting a separate layer of gene regulation involving epigenetics. We also show that previously reported trait-associated SNPs in pathogen populations are frequently cis-regulatory variants of neighboring genes with implications for the trait architecture.

Conclusions

Overall, our study provides extensive evidence that single populations segregate large-scale regulatory variation and are likely to fuel rapid adaptation to resistant hosts and environmental change.
Cellular reprogramming is driven by widespread rewiring of promoter-enhancer interactions
Authors: Wang Miao , He Bing , Hao Yueling , Srinivasan Divyaa , Shrinet Jatin , Fraser Peter
Published: November 2023

Background

Long-range interactions between promoters and cis-regulatory elements, such as enhancers, play critical roles in gene regulation. However, the role of three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structure in orchestrating changes in transcriptional regulation during direct cell reprogramming is not fully understood.

Results

Here, we performed integrated analyses of chromosomal architecture, epigenetics, and gene expression using Hi-C, promoter Capture Hi-C (PCHi-C), ChIP-seq, and RNA-seq during trans-differentiation of Pre-B cells into macrophages with a β-estradiol inducible C/EBPαER transgene. Within 1h of β-estradiol induction, C/EBPα translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, binding to thousands of promoters and putative regulatory elements, resulting in the downregulation of Pre-B cell-specific genes and induction of macrophage-specific genes. Hi-C results were remarkably consistent throughout trans-differentiation, revealing only a small number of TAD boundary location changes, and A/B compartment switches despite significant changes in the expression of thousands of genes. PCHi-C revealed widespread changes in promoter-anchored loops with decreased interactions in parallel with decreased gene expression, and new and increased promoter-anchored interactions in parallel with increased expression of macrophage-specific genes.

Conclusions

Overall, our data demonstrate that C/EBPα-induced trans-differentiation involves few changes in genome architecture at the level of TADs and A/B compartments, in contrast with widespread reorganization of thousands of promoter-anchored loops in association with changes in gene expression and cell identity.
Recent advances on high-efficiency of microRNAs in different types of lung cancer: a comprehensive review
Authors: Sadeghi Mohammad Saleh , lotfi Mohadeseh , Soltani Narges , Farmani Elahe , Fernandez Jaime Humberto Ortiz , Akhlaghitehrani Sheida , Mohammed Safaa Hallol , Yasamineh Saman , Kalajahi Hesam Ghafouri , Gholizadeh Omid
Published: November 2023

Carcinoma of the lung is among the most common types of cancer globally. Concerning its histology, it is categorized as a non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) and a small cell cancer (SCLC) subtype. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a member of non-coding RNA whose nucleotides range from 19 to 25. They are known to be critical regulators of cancer via epigenetic control of oncogenes expression and by regulating tumor suppressor genes. miRNAs have an essential function in a tumorous microenvironment via modulating cancer cell growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, metabolism, and apoptosis. Moreover, a wide range of information produced via several investigations indicates their tumor-suppressing, oncogenic, diagnostic assessment, and predictive marker functions in different types of lung malignancy. miRNA mimics or anti-miRNAs can be transferred into a lung cancer cell, with possible curative implications. As a result, miRNAs hold promise as targets for lung cancer treatment and detection. In this study, we investigate the different functions of various miRNAs in different types of lung malignancy, which have been achieved in recent years that show the lung cancer-associated regulation of miRNAs expression, concerning their function in lung cancer beginning, development, and resistance to chemotherapy, also the probability to utilize miRNAs as predictive biomarkers for therapy reaction.

Graphical abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection as a model to study the effect of cinnamaldehyde as adjuvant therapy for viral pneumonia
Authors: Vezzani Bianca , Perrone Mariasole , Carinci Marianna , Palumbo Laura , Tombolato Alberto , Tombolato Denis , Daminato Claudio , Gentili Valentina , Rizzo Roberta , Campo Gianluca , Morandi Luca , Papi Alberto , Spadaro Savino , Casolari Paolo , Contoli Marco , Pinton Paolo , Giorgi Carlotta
Published: November 2023

Background

The recent pandemic outbursts, due to SARS-CoV-2, have highlighted once more the central role of the inflammatory process in the propagation of viral infection. The main consequence of COVID-19 is the induction of a diffuse pro-inflammatory state, also defined as a cytokine storm, which affects different organs, but mostly the lungs. We aimed to prove the efficacy of cinnamaldehyde, the active compound of cinnamon, as an anti-inflammatory compound, able to reduce SARS-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm.

Results

We enrolled 53 COVID-19 patients hospitalized for respiratory failure. The cohort was composed by 39 males and 13 females, aged 65.0 ± 9.8 years. We reported that COVID-19 patients have significantly higher IL-1β and IL-6 plasma levels compared to non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients. In addition, human mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients are significantly more prone to release pro-inflammatory cytokines upon stimuli. We demonstrated, using in vitro cell models, that macrophages are responsible for mediating the pro-inflammatory cytokine storm while lung cells support SARS-CoV-2 replication upon viral infection. In this context, cinnamaldehyde administration significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2-related inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 mediated IL-1β release in both PBMCs and THP-1 macrophages, as well as viral replication in CaLu-3 epithelial cells. Lastly, aerosol-administered cinnamaldehyde was able to significantly reduce IL-1β release in an in vivo lung-inflammatory model.

Conclusion

The obtained results suggest the possible use of cinnamaldehyde as a co-adjuvant preventive treatment for COVID-19 disease together with vaccination, but also as a promising dietary supplement to reduce, more broadly, viral induced inflammation.