bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture risk and bone health in adrenal adenomas with mild autonomous cortisol secretion/subclinical hypercortisolism: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Pal Rimesh , Banerjee Mainak , Prasad Trupti N , Walia Rama , Bhadada Tushar , Singh Jasbir , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar
Published: May 2024

Adrenal adenomas/incidentalomas with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS)/subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) are often associated with metabolic syndrome, glucocorticoid–induced osteoporosis, and fractures. In this background, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to collate the available evidence and provide a summary of the effect of MACS/SH on bone health in terms of fractures, osteoporosis/osteopenia, microarchitecture, and bone turnover. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for observational studies reporting prevalence of fractures, osteoporosis/osteopenia or data on bone microarchitecture/bone turnover markers (BTMs). Following literature search, 16 observational studies were included. Pooled prevalence of any fractures (vertebral and non–vertebral), vertebral fractures, and osteoporosis/osteopenia in MACS/SH were 43% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 23%, 62%], 45% (95% CI: 22%, 68%) and 50% (95% CI: 33%, 66%), respectively. On meta-regression, age, sex, 24-hour urinary free cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate did not predict fracture risk. The likelihood of any fractures [odds ratio (OR) 1.61; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.20; P = 0.0026], vertebral fractures (OR 2.10; 95% CI: 1.28, 3.45; P = 0.0035), and osteoporosis/osteopenia (OR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.85; P = 0.0018) was significantly higher in adrenal adenomas and MACS/SH than non–functional adrenal adenomas. Subjects with MACS/SH had significantly lower bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine [mean difference (MD) −0.07 g/cm2; 95% CI: −0.11, −0.03; P = 0.0004) and femoral neck (MD -0.05 g/cm2; 95% CI: -0.08, −0.02; P = 0.0045) than their non–functional counterparts. Limited data showed no significant difference in BTMs. Publication bias was observed in the pooled prevalence of any fractures, vertebral fractures and pooled MD of femoral neck BMD. To conclude, people with adrenal adenomas/incidentalomas and MACS/SH are at a 1.5- to 2-fold higher likelihood of fractures and osteoporosis/osteopenia compared to non–functional adrenal adenomas and should routinely be screened for bone disease. Nevertheless, considering the modest sample size of studies and evidence of publication bias, larger and high–quality studies are required (CRD42023471045).
Worldwide revision of synanthropic silverfish (Insecta: Zygentoma: Lepismatidae) combining morphological and molecular data
Authors: Molero-Baltanás Rafael , Mitchell Andrew , Gaju-Ricart Miquel , Robla Jairo
Published: May 2024

Synanthropic silverfish are the best-known and most widely distributed insects of the order Zygentoma. However, there is a great gap in the knowledge and confusion about the geographic distribution and the diagnostic characteristics that allow their identification. In this work, we provide an exhaustive and deep analysis of the most common 9 synanthropic silverfish of the world, combining previously published and newly derived morphological and molecular data. Updated descriptions of Ctenolepisma calvum (Ritter, 1910) and Ctenolepisma (Sceletolepisma) villosum (Fabricius, 1775) are included, and morphological remarks, illustrations, and photographs of the remaining synanthropic species are provided to clarify their diagnosis and differentiation among them and from other free-living species. In addition, Ctenolepisma targionii (Grassi and Rovelli, 1889) is synonymized with C. villosum. A molecular phylogeny is presented based on the COI sequences of all the synanthropic species deposited in BOLD and GenBank, with 15 new sequences provided by this study. This has allowed us to detect and correct a series of identification errors based on the lack of morphological knowledge of several species. Moreover, 2 different lineages of Ctenolepisma longicaudatum  Escherich, 1905 have also been detected. To help future studies, we also provide a taxonomic interpretation guide for the most important diagnostic characters of the order Zygentoma, as well as an identification key for all the Synanthropic studied species. Finally, an approximation of the global distribution of synanthropic silverfish is discussed. Several new records indicate that the expansion of these species, generally associated with the transport of goods and people, is still far from over.
Seasonal fluctuation and alternative host plants of vegetable crop-infesting tephritids in non-vegetable growing areas in South Sudanese zone of Burkina Faso
Authors: Zida Issaka , Sawadogo Alizèta , Nacro Souleymane
Published: May 2024

This study was carried out in 3 types of biotopes where vegetable crops are not grown to highlight their contribution to the dynamics of vegetable-infesting flies. To this end, a trapping system based on a sexual attractant, the Cuelure associated with an insecticide was set up in 18 biotopes (6 natural areas, 6 mango orchards, and 6 agroforestry parks) in the regions of Hauts Bassins and Cascades in the South-West of Burkina Faso. During the trapping monitoring, which was done every 2 wk to collect insects captured, fruits present in 3 types of biotopes were sampled and incubated for insect emergence. Ten Dacus (Fabricius) [Diptera: Tephritidae] species and Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) [Diptera: Tephritidae] were trapped in the study area. The predominant species captured was Z. cucurbitae (52.93%) followed by Dacus punctatifrons (Karsch) [Diptera: Tephritidae] (29.89%) and Dacus humeralis (Bezzi) (12.71%). Six tephritid species were emerged from 6 wild fruit species belonging to Cucurbitaceae, Apocynaceae, and Passifloraceae families. Fruit flies were more abundant from Jul to Nov with peaks observed in Aug or Oct depending on the species. Citrullus colocynthis L. (Cucurbitaceae), Lagenaria sp. (Cucurbitaceae), Passiflora foetida L. (Passifloraceae), and Passiflora sp. acted as reservoir host plants of Dacus ciliatus (Loew), Dacus bivittatus (Bigot), Dacus vertebratus (Bezzi) [Diptera: Tephritidae], D. punctatifrons, and Z. cucurbitae, the major vegetable insect pests in West Africa. The 3 types of biotopes acted as suitable refuge areas of vegetable crop-infesting fruit flies either for the favorable microclimate or for the alternative host plants.
A comprehensive examination of mental health in patients with head and neck cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jimenez-Labaig Pablo , Aymerich Claudia , Braña Irene , Rullan Antonio , Cacicedo Jon , González-Torres Miguel Ángel , Harrington Kevin J , Catalan Ana
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients with head and neck cancer present particularly considerable levels of emotional distress. However, the actual rates of clinically relevant mental health symptoms and disorders among this population remain unknown.

Methods

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses and Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology–compliant systematic review and quantitative random-effects meta-analysis was performed to determine suicide incidence and the prevalence of depression, anxiety, distress, posttraumatic stress, and insomnia in this population. MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register, KCI Korean Journal database, SciELO, Russian Science Citation Index, and Ovid-PsycINFO databases were searched from database inception to August 1, 2023 (PROSPERO: CRD42023441432). Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to investigate the effect of clinical, therapeutical, and methodological factors.

Results

A total of 208 studies (n = 654 413; median age = 60.7 years; 25.5% women) were identified. Among the patients, 19.5% reported depressive symptoms (95% confidence interval [CI] = 17% to 21%), 17.8% anxiety symptoms (95% CI = 14% to 21%), 34.3% distress (95% CI = 29% to 39%), 17.7% posttraumatic symptoms (95% CI = 6% to 41%), and 43.8% insomnia symptoms (95% CI = 35% to 52%). Diagnostic criteria assessments revealed lower prevalence of disorders: 10.3% depression (95% CI = 7% to 13%), 5.6% anxiety (95% CI = 2% to 10%), 9.6% insomnia (95% CI = 1% to 40%), and 1% posttraumatic stress (95% CI = 0% to 84.5%). Suicide pooled incidence was 161.16 per 100 000 individuals per year (95% CI = 82 to 239). Meta-regressions found a statistically significant higher prevalence of anxiety in patients undergoing primary chemoradiation compared with surgery and increased distress in smokers and advanced tumor staging. European samples exhibited lower prevalence of distress.

Conclusions

Patients with head and neck cancer presented notable prevalence of mental health concerns in all domains. Suicide remains a highly relevant concern. The prevalence of criteria-meeting disorders is significantly lower than clinically relevant symptoms. Investigating the effectiveness of targeted assessments for disorders in highly symptomatic patients is essential.
Engaged interorganizational networks and resilience in the humanitarian sector
Authors: Kim Minkyung , Doerfel Marya L
Published: May 2024

This study extends the communication theory of resilience (CTR) by examining social networks that facilitate resilience for refugee-oriented humanitarian organizations (ROHOs). This study draws on a network survey and interviews from ROHOs in the United States and South Korea during the height of coronavirus disease 2019. Results illuminate how refugees, generally seen as the subject of concern, become engaged in networks with organizations to facilitate organizational resilience. A close inspection of the nature of interorganizational relationships revealed that resilience was a function of ties that involved engaged communication and not simply transactional relationships. This article shows how organizational resilience is facilitated when the people are engaged as part of organizational networks: networks cutting across systems to organizations to the vulnerable constituents, themselves. The study advances prior research on organizational resilience by specifying what it means to leverage social networks for organizational stability, which has direct implications for the policy and organizational systems.
Price Effects of Horizontal Mergers: A Retrospective on Retrospectives
Authors: Stöhr Annika
Published: May 2024

This comprehensive review of ex post merger studies assesses the price effects of horizontal transactions to determine whether there are common post-merger price effects, both overall and in specific markets. The aim is to derive implications for policy makers and competition authorities in terms of effective merger enforcement and competition policy. By combining and further analysing the results of 52 retrospective studies on 82 mergers or horizontal transactions, it can be shown that the sector in which the respective transaction takes place alone is not a strong indicator of the direction of price-related merger effects. In contrast, the ‘size’ or ‘importance’ of a transaction as well as market concentration seem to be correlated with post-transaction price increases, especially in already highly concentrated markets. Overall, this meta-study shows the importance of ex post case studies for improving ex ante merger control: although generalizations can only be made with caution, the subsequent analysis of a case and its ex post observable outcome can provide useful information for future merger enforcement in general, either in the same industry and/or with similar case characteristics, as well as for competition policy regulators.
Ten-Year Response of Riparian-Associated Songbirds to Implementation of Streamside Management Zones in Watershed-Scale Harvests in the Appalachian Mountains
Authors: Hackworth Zachary J , Cox John J , Larkin Jeffery L , Leuenberger Wendy , Felch Joshua M , Davis Allison G , Barton Christopher D
Published: May 2024

Streamside management zones (SMZs) are regulated components of actively managed forests in the eastern United States, but width and overstory retention requirements vary widely among states. Within watershed-scale harvests, we evaluated the relative abundances of three riparian-associated songbirds (Acadian flycatcher, Empidonax virescens; blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius; and Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla) near Appalachian headwater streams receiving three SMZ treatments representative of a range of current state SMZ regulations in the eastern United States. Prior to harvest, all species were relatively abundant near all stream types, including ephemerals. Abundances of all species were largely similar among SMZ treatments at 3 years and 10 years postharvest and were higher along streams with greater residual canopy cover within 100 m. Forested SMZs as prescribed by current regulations can sustain these species in managed forests up to 10 years postharvest, but abundance appears to be driven largely by canopy cover retention in adjacent stands. Managing habitat for riparian-associated songbirds in harvested watersheds will require expanding the extent of focus beyond the local stream corridor to include consideration of silvicultural systems that retain greater canopy cover in surrounding forests. Where conservation of riparian-associated songbirds is a management objective, SMZ protection should be extended to all streams.

Study Implications: The results of this study suggest that forested streamside management zones (SMZs) mandated by contemporary best management practices (BMPs) in Kentucky and other eastern US states can sustain similar abundances of three riparian-associated songbirds in managed watersheds up to 10 years after harvest. Overstory retention in SMZs along perennial and intermittent streams is common across the eastern United States, but state BMPs rarely require retention along ephemeral streams. Target songbird species occupied forests along all stream types prior to harvest, and their postharvest abundances were positively associated with canopy retention within 100 m of streams. If long-term occupancy of managed stands by riparian-associated songbirds is an objective, we recommend using SMZs around all streams, including ephemerals, and implementing at least moderate-retention silvicultural systems in areas within 100 m of streams.
A rare case of carpal boss lesion with an overlying ganglion cyst: case report and literature review
Authors: Bo Eissa Ahmad Nasser , Almulhum Ahmed Khalid , Alsaeed Mohammed Nooh , Buanq Ali Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Carpal boss is a bony protrusion on the dorsal aspect of wrist quadrangular joint. The exact cause and prevalence are not well understood. Most of the patients are asymptomatic, although some experience pain, bony prominence, restricted mobility, and joint instability in sever neglected cases. We are presenting a case of a 24-year-old male had chronic dorsal wrist pain with bony prominence appearance underwent surgical excision of a carpal boss lesion in concomitant with soft tissue ganglion cyst over the carpal boss after failed conservative management, resulting in significant symptom improvement and restored range of motion. Carpal boss lesion is a common condition that can be undiagnosed due to asymptomatic presentation or the presence of overlying soft tissue pathology as ganglion cyst. Although conservative treatment is helpful in some patients, most symptomatic carpal boss lesion patients eventually need surgical excision.
The separate effect of halo mass and stellar mass on the evolution of massive disc galaxies
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Aragón-Salamanca Alfonso , Merrifield Michael
Published: May 2024

We analyse a sample of massive disc galaxies selected from the fourth-generation Sloan Digital Sky Survey/Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory survey to investigate how the evolution of these galaxies depends on their stellar and halo masses. We applied a semi-analytic spectral fitting approach to the data from different regions in the galaxies to derive several of their key physical properties. From the best-fitting model results, together with direct observables such as morphology, colour, and the Mgb/〈Fe〉 index ratio measured within 1Re, we find that for central galaxies both their stellar and halo masses have a significant influence in their evolution. For a given halo mass, galaxies with higher stellar mass accumulate their stellar mass and become chemically enriched earlier than those with smaller stellar mass. Furthermore, at a given stellar mass, galaxies living in more massive haloes have longer star formation time-scales and are delayed in becoming chemically enriched. In contrast, the evolution of massive satellite galaxies is mostly determined by their stellar mass. The results indicate that both the assembled halo mass and the halo assembly history impact the evolution of central galaxies. Our spatially resolved analysis indicates that only the galaxy properties in the central region (0.0–0.5Re) show the dependencies described above. This fact supports a halo-driven formation scenario since the galaxies’ central regions are more likely to contain old stars formed along with the halo itself, keeping a memory of the halo formation process.
Resolving the vicinity of supermassive black holes with gravitational microlensing
Authors: Best Henry , Fagin Joshua , Vernardos Georgios , O’Dowd Matthew
Published: May 2024

Upcoming wide-field surveys will discover thousands of new strongly lensed quasars which will be monitored with unprecedented cadence by the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). Many of these quasars will undergo caustic-crossing events over the 10-yr LSST survey, during which the quasar’s inner accretion disc crosses a caustic feature produced by an ensemble of microlenses. Such caustic-crossing events offer the unique opportunity to probe the vicinity of the central supermassive black hole, especially when combined with high cadence, multi-instrument follow-up triggered by LSST monitoring. To simulate the high-cadence optical monitoring of caustic-crossing events, we use relativistic accretion disc models which leads to strong asymmetric features. We develop analysis methods to measure the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) crossing time of isolated caustic-crossing events and benchmark their performance on our simulations. We also use our simulations to train a convolutional neural network (CNN) to infer the black hole mass, inclination angle, and impact angle directly from these light curves. As a pilot application of our methods, we used archival caustic-crossings of QSO 2237+0305 to estimate the black hole mass and inclination angle. From these data, two of these methods called the second derivative and wavelet methods measure an ISCO crossing time of 48.5 and 49.5 d, corresponding to a Kerr black hole mass of MBH = (1.5 ± 1.2) × 109 and (1.5 ± 1.3) × 109  M⊙, respectively. The CNN inferred log10(MBH/M⊙) = 8.35 ± 0.30 when trained on Schwarzschild black hole simulations, and a moderate inclination of i = 45 ± 23°. These measurements are found to be consistent with previous estimates.
X-ray spectral properties of dust-obscured galaxies in the XMM-SERVS coverage of the XMM-LSS field
Authors: Kayal Abhijit , Singh Veeresh
Published: May 2024

With an aim to unveil the population of obscured active galactic nuclei (AGN) hosted in high-z dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs), we performed X-ray spectral study of 34 DOGs (0.59 ≤ z ≤ 4.65) lying within 5.3 square degrees of the XMM-Spitzer Extragalactic Representative Volume Survey (XMM-SERVS) coverage in the XMM-Large Scale Structure (XMM-LSS) field. To improve the spectral quality of individual sources, we combined all the existing XMM−Newton data and also included Chandra/Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) data, whenever available. We find that the X-ray spectra of our DOGs can be fitted with a simple absorbed power law or with a physically motivated borus02 model. The line-of-sight column densities (NH) in our sources span across a wide range (1.02 × 1022 cm−2 ≤ NH ≤ 1.21 × 1024 cm−2), with a substantial fraction (∼17.6 per cent) of them being heavily obscured (NH ≥ 1023 cm−2). We also identified one new Compton-thick (CT)-AGN candidate, yielding the CT-AGN fraction in our sample to be only 3 per cent. The absorption-corrected 2.0–10 keV X-ray luminosities of our sources (2.00 × 1043 erg s−1 ≤ $L_{\rm 2-10~keV}^{\rm int}$ ≤ 6.17 ×  1045 erg s−1) suggest them to be luminous quasars. The NH versus Eddington ratio diagnostic plot infers that our sample consists of a heterogeneous population that includes a small fraction (∼12 per cent) of DOGs belonging to an early phase (Hot DOGs) during which accretion and obscuration peaks, while the remaining DOGs belong to an intermediate or late phase during which radiative feedback from the dominant AGN blows away surrounding obscuring material.
Scalable hierarchical BayeSN inference: investigating dependence of SN Ia host galaxy dust properties on stellar mass and redshift
Authors: Grayling Matthew , Thorp Stephen , Mandel Kaisey S , Dhawan Suhail , Uzsoy Ana Sofia M , Boyd Benjamin M , Hayes Erin E , Ward Sam M
Published: May 2024

We apply the hierarchical probabilistic spectral energy distribution (SED) model bayesn to analyse a sample of 475 type Ia supernovae (0.015 < z < 0.4) from Foundation, DES3YR and PS1MD to investigate the properties of dust in their host galaxies. We jointly infer the dust law RV population distributions at the SED level in high- and low-mass galaxies simultaneously with dust-independent, intrinsic differences. We find an intrinsic mass step of −0.049 ± 0.016 mag, at a significance of 3.1σ, when allowing for a constant intrinsic, achromatic magnitude offset. We additionally apply a model allowing for time- and wavelength-dependent intrinsic differences between SNe Ia in different mass bins, finding ∼2σ differences in magnitude and colour around peak and 4.5σ differences at later times. These intrinsic differences are inferred simultaneously with a difference in population mean RV of ∼2σ significance, demonstrating that both intrinsic and extrinsic differences may play a role in causing the host galaxy mass step. We also consider a model which allows the mean of the RV distribution to linearly evolve with redshift but find no evidence for any evolution – we infer the gradient of this relation ηR = −0.38 ± 0.70. In addition, we discuss in brief a new, GPU-accelerated python implementation of bayesn suitable for application to large surveys which is publicly available and can be used for future cosmological analyses; this code can be found here: https://github.com/bayesn/bayesn.
Radioligand therapies in meningioma: Evidence and future directions
Authors: Mair Maximilian J , Tabouret Emeline , Johnson Derek R , Sulman Erik P , Wen Patrick Y , Preusser Matthias , Albert Nathalie L
Published: May 2024

Meningiomas are the most common intracranial neoplasms in adults. While most meningiomas are cured by resection, further treatment by radiotherapy may be needed, particularly in WHO grades 2 and 3 tumors which have an increased risk of recurrence, even after conventional therapies. Still, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies after the exhaustion of local treatment approaches. Radionuclide therapies combine the specificity of tumor-specific antibodies or ligands with the cytotoxic activity of radioactive emitters. Alongside this, integrated molecular imaging allows for a noninvasive assessment of predictive biomarkers as treatment targets. Whereas the concept of “theranostics” has initially evolved in extracranial tumors such as thyroid diseases, neuroendocrine tumors, and prostate cancer, data from retrospective case series and early phase trials underscore the potential of this strategy in meningioma. This review aims to explore the available evidence of radionuclide treatments and ongoing clinical trial initiatives in meningioma. Moreover, we discuss optimal clinical trial design and future perspectives in the field, including compound- and host-specific determinants of the efficacy of “theranostic” treatment approaches.
Unusual hard metal lung disease: bronchiolocentric interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Hsu J-Y , Chu F-Y , Wang P-H , Wu M-L
Published: May 2024

A 38-year-old woman experienced a persistent dry cough and progressively worsening dyspnoea for 2 years. Spirometry testing revealed a moderate-to-severe restrictive abnormality. High-resolution chest computed tomography showed diffuse reticulonodular opacities. A lung biopsy disclosed alveolar parenchymal inflammation and fibrosis with bronchiolocentric features, prompting consideration of interstitial pneumonia. Following a thorough investigation of her occupational history and an on-site inspection, it was discovered that the patient had been grinding drill bits designed for printed circuit boards for 8 years, exposing her to hard metals. Mineralogical analyses confirmed excessive tungsten in urine, serum and hair, leading to a diagnosis of hard metal lung disease due to tungsten carbide–cobalt exposure. After discontinuing exposure and commencing corticosteroid therapy, her symptoms, pulmonary function and imaging showed modest improvement. This case highlights the significance of assessing occupational history in patients with interstitial pneumonia and understanding industrial hazards for accurate diagnosis and care.
Public Health Ethics Issues Arising in Relation to the COVID-19 Mask Debate in Japan
Authors: Akabayashi Akira , Zion Deborah
Published: May 2024

Debates concerning mask wearing continue in Japan. Here we critically examine the reasons for relaxing these regulations from a public health ethics perspective. We focus on three issues: government responsibility, political motivation, and cultural orientation, also discussing how these issues might have broader application in other parts of the world.
Tensor modeling of MRSA bacteremia cytokine and transcriptional patterns reveals coordinated, outcome-associated immunological programs
Authors: Chin Jackson L , Tan Zhixin Cyrillus , Chan Liana C , Ruffin Felicia , Parmar Rajesh , Ahn Richard , Taylor Scott D , Bayer Arnold S , Hoffmann Alexander , Fowler Vance G , Reed Elaine F , Yeaman Michael R , Meyer Aaron S ,   with the MRSA Systems Immunobiology Group, Rajesh Parmar , Ahn Richard , Bayer Arnold S , Chan Liana , Chang Yu-Ling , Filler Scott G , Fowler Vance G , Gjertson David , Hoffmann Alexander , Medie Felix , Mitchell Simon , Reed Elaine F , Rossetti Maura , Ruffin Felicia , Qin Yan , Sharma Batu , Sheu Katherine , Thaden Joshua , Waring Alan J , Xiong Yan Q , Zheng Ying , Yeaman Michael R
Published: May 2024

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia is a common and life-threatening infection that imposes up to 30% mortality even when appropriate therapy is used. Despite in vitro efficacy determined by minimum inhibitory concentration breakpoints, antibiotics often fail to resolve these infections in vivo, resulting in persistent MRSA bacteremia. Recently, several genetic, epigenetic, and proteomic correlates of persistent outcomes have been identified. However, the extent to which single variables or their composite patterns operate as independent predictors of outcome or reflect shared underlying mechanisms of persistence is unknown. To explore this question, we employed a tensor-based integration of host transcriptional and cytokine datasets across a well-characterized cohort of patients with persistent or resolving MRSA bacteremia outcomes. This method yielded high correlative accuracy with outcomes and immunologic signatures united by transcriptomic and cytokine datasets. Results reveal that patients with persistent MRSA bacteremia (PB) exhibit signals of granulocyte dysfunction, suppressed antigen presentation, and deviated lymphocyte polarization. In contrast, patients with resolving bacteremia (RB) heterogeneously exhibit correlates of robust antigen-presenting cell trafficking and enhanced neutrophil maturation corresponding to appropriate T lymphocyte polarization and B lymphocyte response. These results suggest that transcriptional and cytokine correlates of PB vs. RB outcomes are complex and may not be disclosed by conventional modeling. In this respect, a tensor-based integration approach may help to reveal consensus molecular and cellular mechanisms and their biological interpretation.
Exercise referral schemes in the UK: mapping provision and aims
Authors: Jane Ben , Downey John
Published: May 2024

Background

Exercise Referral Schemes (ERS) are designed so health professionals can refer certain patients to a supervised programme of physical activity. However, evaluations have questioned the effectiveness of these schemes/programmes. The aim of this study was to systematically review the provision of ERS in England and analyse related promotional material.

Methods

Content analysis methods were used to analyse scheme websites and promotional material. A coding scheme was used to analyse the data, which included information on the programme’s aims, inclusion criteria, type of activities, accessibility and cost.

Results

The study identified 625 sites offering ERS across 168 geographic areas. Findings highlighted a lack of clarity in what constitutes a scheme. Over a third of schemes did not explicitly state their aims, but of those that did, the focus was mainly on notions of physical and mental health benefits.

Conclusions

This study is the first to review the scope and offer of ERS in the UK by examining promotional material and highlights issues around the stated aims of ERS. More clarity on aims is needed in the material that promotes the schemes and most likely within the schemes themselves. Such improvements could make a difference when considering engagement with delivery stakeholders and potential participants.
The impact of earthquakes on women: assessing women's mental health in aftermath of the Kahramanmaraş-centred earthquake in Türkiye
Authors: Kaplan Veysel , Alkasaby Muhammad , Düken Mehmet Emin , Kaçkin Özlem , Riad Abanoub
Published: May 2024

Background

Earthquakes disproportionately affect women and exacerbate gender and social inequalities. This study aims to investigate the psychological impact of the earthquake in Türkiye on women and the associated factors.

Methods

This is a survey-based study. We collected data from 498 women residing in cities most affected by the earthquake.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 27.72 ± 5.4. Over 78% of the participants lost at least one family member, and 43.7% lost at least one child due to the earthquake. The mean average of Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) scores was 100.8 (SD = 8.37), and the Global Severity Index was 1.9 (SD = 0.16). Regression analysis showed that higher education levels predicted poor outcomes across most BSI dimensions. Losing a family member and shelter and injury status were also predictors for several mental health outcomes of the BSI subscales.

Conclusions

Earthquakes significantly impact women’s well-being and may have a broader impact on the whole family. There is an urgent need to provide psycho-social interventions in the response and recovery phases of the crisis to meet the affected women’s needs. This includes providing basic needs with attention to women-specific needs, restoring social networks, addressing gender-based violence and providing gender-sensitive specialized interventions for those who need further support.
Relationship between children’s eating behavior (1–6 years) and body mass index: a cross-sectional study in French maternal–infant protection centers within the Parisian region
Authors: Serhal Laudy , Fardet Anthony , Obeid Dalia
Published: May 2024

Background

Early detection of obesity-promoting dietary behavior patterns improves the identification of at-risk families and the implementation of interventions. This is accomplished through the use of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). No study has been conducted using the CEBQ in children followed in Essonne’s Maternal–Infant Protection (PMI) centers. We investigated, in a cross-sectional design, the differences in children’s eating behavior with PMI follow-up according to their weight status.

Methods

A questionnaire addressed to parents was collected in PMI centers. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis was used to investigate the predictability of the child’s CEBQ on body mass index (BMI).

Results

From January to April 2022, 850 children were selected, from which 500 (aged 1–6 years) were included, and of whom 10.6% were obese. There was a significant positive association between ‘Food Responsiveness’, ‘Enjoyment of Food’ and BMI. In contrast, there was a significant negative association between ‘Satiety Responsiveness’, ‘Slowness in Eating’ and BMI. Besides, ‘Food approach’ and ‘food avoidance’ behaviors were positively and negatively related to BMI z-scores, respectively.

Conclusion

Due to significant differences in children’s eating behavior according to their weight, it is needed to raise awareness among parents about their impact on them.
A longitudinal study combining the Double Diamond framework and Behavior Change Wheel to co-create a sedentary behavior intervention in police control rooms
Authors: Oliver Helen , Thomas Owen , Neil Rich , Copeland Robert J , Moll Tjerk , Chadd Kathryn , Jukes Matthew J , Quartermaine Alisa
Published: May 2024

Background

Police work can be sedentary and stressful, negatively impacting health and wellbeing. In a novel co-creation approach, we used the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) and Double Diamond (DD) design framework to guide the collaborative design and development of a sedentary behavior intervention in the control rooms of two British police forces.

Methods

Multiple stakeholders participated in four phases of research. In Phase 1, a literature review, focus groups (n = 20) and interviews (n = 10) were conducted to ‘discover’ the relationship between physical activity and wellbeing in the police. In Phase 2, a steering group consolidated Phase 1 findings to ‘define’ a specific behavior for intervention. Phases 3 and 4 ‘developed’ the intervention across six workshops with control room workers and six steering group workshops.

Results

The co-creation process identified contextual sedentary behavior as the target behavior, driven by behavioral regulation, social influence and social norms. The sedentary behavior intervention targeted these drivers and aimed to engage control room workers in short bursts of physical activity throughout their shifts. Key intervention features targeted involvement of staff in decision-making and embedding physical activity into work practices.

Conclusions

The BCW and DD can be combined to co-create evidence-based and participant-informed interventions and translate science into action.
High-radiation-exposure tasks in Korean pressurized heavy-water reactors
Authors: Song Changju , Kong Tae Young , Kim Seongjun , Son Jinho , Kim Jiung , Park Jaeok , Kim Hee Geun , Kim Yongkwon
Published: May 2024

This study analysed the occupational dose in Korean pressurized heavy-water reactors (PHWRs) and identified tasks involving high radiation exposure. The average individual dose was sufficiently low to be below the annual effective dose limit for radiation workers and is even lower than the dose limit for the general public. However, some workers received relatively higher doses than others. Furthermore, most PHWR workers are exposed to radiation during planned maintenance periods. In this study, the radiation dose was normalized (radiation dose per unit time) to determine the high-radiation-exposure tasks in Korean PHWRs. Consequently, end-fitting lapping, delayed neutron tube work and fuel channel fixed-end change tasks were identified as high-radiation-exposure tasks in Korean PHWRs. If appropriate radiation protection measures are prioritized for the identified high-dose exposure tasks, optimization of radiological protection will be effectively achieved by reducing the dose that is relatively higher than the average.
Outcomes of Aggression and Victimization in Social Welfare Services
Authors: Hadar Keren , Enosh Guy , Tzafrir Shay S
Published: May 2024

This study examined two significant phenomena that occur in the workplace, aggression and victimization, and their outcomes. The study’s participants were 470 social workers employed by social welfare services in Israel. The examined outcomes were stress symptoms, emotional exhumation, and decline in quality of service climate. The associations between aggression, victimization, and their outcomes were examined via linear regression during Stata 14. The study found that the similar outcomes of aggression and victimization are stress symptoms and emotional exhaustion, while service climate (decline in quality) was associated only with victimization. While most studies have examined mainly victimization outcomes, the current study examined both aggression and victimization outcomes. This article sheds light on the similarities and the difference of outcomes between aggression and victimization and explicates the phenomena of workplace aggression from two important and complementary aspects of aggression and victimization. It is important to refer to either aggression or victimization while considering workplace aggression. Authors recommend for further studies to continue to investigate both aggression and victimization while researching workplace aggression outcomes.
Lessons learned from using wild-caught and captive-reared lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) in captive experiments
Authors: Beach Cheyenne R , Jacques Christopher N , Lancaster Joseph D , Osborne Douglas C , Yetter Aaron P , Cole Rebecca A , Hagy Heath M , Fournier Auriel M V
Published: May 2024

Waterfowl are housed in captivity for research studies that are infeasible in the wild. Accommodating the unique requirements of semi-aquatic species in captivity while meeting experimental design criteria for research questions can be challenging and may have unknown effects on animal health. Thus, testing and standardizing best husbandry and care practices for waterfowl is necessary to facilitate proper husbandry and humane care while ensuring reliable and repeatable research results. To inform husbandry practices for captive-reared and wild-caught lesser scaup (Aythya affinis; hereafter, scaup), we assessed body mass and fat composition across two different aspects of husbandry, source population (captive-reared or wild caught), and housing densities (birds/m2). Our results suggest that housing scaup at low densities (≤0.6 m2/bird, P = 0.049) relative to other species can minimize negative health effects. Captive-reared scaup were heavier (P = 0.027) with greater body fat (P < 0.001) and exhibited fewer signs of stress during handling than wild-caught scaup. In our experience, scaup which are captive-reared from eggs collected in the wild were better for long-term captivity studies as they maintained body mass between and recovered lost body mass following trials. Researchers would benefit from carefully evaluating the tradeoffs of using short- and long-term captive methods on their research question before designing projects, husbandry practices, and housing facilities for waterfowl.
Association of T-cell receptor repertoires and arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Ma Xiaoxiang , Zhuo Yue , Zhang Zhixin , Yang Yanhua , He Pengming , Zeng Yi , Huang Yan , Wen Xueping
Published: May 2024

Background:

Abnormal immune responses, particularly T-cell activity, are linked to vascular complications in hypertension, but mechanisms remain unknown. Our study aims to explore the association between arterial stiffness, assessed by brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires in essential hypertension patients, focusing on understanding the role of T cells in the development of arterial stiffness in this population.

Methods:

The study included 301 essential hypertension patients and 48 age-matched normotensive controls. Essential hypertension patients were stratified into high (baPWV ≥1400 cm/s, n = 213) and low (baPWV <1400 cm/s, n = 88) baPWV groups. High-throughput sequencing analyzed peripheral TCRβ repertoires.

Results:

Significant TCRβ repertoire differences were observed between essential hypertension and normotensive groups, as well as between high and low baPWV essential hypertension subgroups. Specifically, patients in the high baPWV group exhibited notable variations in the utilization of specific TCR beta joining (TRBJ) and variable (TRBV) genes compared to the low baPWV group. These alterations were accompanied by reduced TCRβ diversity (represented by diversity 50 s), increased percentages of the largest TCRβ clones, and a higher number of TCRβ clones exceeding 0.1%. The presence of specific TCRβ clones was detected in both groups. Furthermore, reduced diversity 50s and elevated percentages of the largest TCRβ clones were independently correlated with baPWV, emerging as potential risk factors for increased baPWV in essential hypertension patients.

Conclusion:

TCR repertoires were independently associated with arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension, implicating a potential role for dysregulated T-cell responses in the pathogenesis of arterial stiffness in this patient population.

Trial registration: ChiCTR2100054414.
Is this an adenocarcinoma? A case report of extragenital endometriosis with hydroureteronephrosis
Authors: Adhikari Prawesh , Rana Aakanksha , Karki Gaurav , Shah Kunda Bikram
Published: May 2024

Introduction and importance:

Endometriosis is a prevalent condition within the female reproductive age group, but its presentation and diagnosis still pose a challenge as it mimics other diseases and affects multiple organ systems.

Case presentation:

A 24-year-old nulliparous female presented with complaints of menorrhagia, lower abdominal pain, post-coital bleeding, and significant weight loss for 7 months.

Clinical discussion:

The case highlights the challenge of diagnosing endometriosis due to its ability to mimic other conditions, such as carcinoma cervix and rectum. The presence of elevated Cancer Antigen-125 (CA-125), typically associated with malignancy, underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation to differentiate between endometriosis and other pathologies. Furthermore, the involvement of multiple organ systems emphasizes the systemic nature of endometriosis and the importance of considering it in the differential diagnosis of pelvic masses and symptoms in young women.

Conclusion:

Endometriosis, although a common disease among females of reproductive age its variation in presentation causes significant misdiagnosis and undertreatment. Multi-modal diagnosis and early treatment are necessary for proper outcomes.
Acute coronary syndrome in young (≤45 years) patients: a multi-centre observational study
Authors: Shrateh Oadi N. , Al-Tawil Mohammed , Awad Areej , Zeer Zahraa M.M. , Owais Tarek A. , Sinokrot Amro , Zuaiter Bashar , Thraiee Yazan , Ahmed Amani , abo Jheasha Amal , Alrojoub Saba , Hour Shayma , Mtour Ali , Arda Yasmin , Zuaiter Kareem , Jamee Amal , Mtour Sameer , Nassr Mohammed , Neirat Shaker
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young individuals (≤45 years) is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern, yet research in this demographic remains limited, particularly within the Palestinian context. This study aims to bridge this gap by comprehensively investigating the clinical characteristics, age-specific profiles, gender disparities, treatment modalities, and angiographic patterns of ACS in young patients compared to their older counterparts.

Materials and methods:

A multi-centre observational study was conducted, enroling 468 participants aged 18–55 diagnosed with ACS and admitted to three prominent Palestinian hospitals. Data were collected from medical records, and statistical analysis was performed to assess demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, risk factors, treatment strategies, and outcomes.

Results:

The majority of participants were male (87%), with a higher proportion in the older age group (>45 years). Clinical presentations varied, with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) being the most common diagnosis (48%). Risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and diabetes were prevalent, with notable gender and age-specific differences. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was the predominant treatment strategy (83%), with consistent medication use across age groups.

Conclusion:

ACS in young patients poses a significant public health challenge in Palestine, necessitating tailored preventive strategies and comprehensive management approaches. Understanding the unique demographic and clinical characteristics of young ACS patients is crucial for informing targeted interventions and policies aimed at reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in this population. These findings contribute valuable insights to the existing literature and underscore the importance of further research in this area to improve outcomes and mitigate the impact of ACS in young individuals globally.
Denosumab and metatarsal fracture healing: potential benefits with delayed remodeling: a case report
Authors: Aldhilan Mansour M. , Almahamed Mousaed H. , Abdel-Wanis Mohamed E.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Denosumab is known to enhance callus formation while delaying remodeling. However, its effects on fracture healing are scarcely reported in the literature. This case report, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to report the potential effect of denosumab on a metatarsal fracture in an older adult patient, 4 months after administration, resulting in a favorable clinical course with early weight-bearing 17 days after the fracture.

Presentation of case:

A 73-year-old female sustained a right-foot second metatarsal fracture due to the fall of a heavy object. She has a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Prior to sustaining the fracture, she received seven doses of denosumab spaced 6 months apart, with the last dose administered 4 months earlier. Furthermore, the patient was treated with a backsplint for 6 weeks. After 17 days, follow-up radiographs showed a large callus formation, with no pain and the ability to bear weight. Subsequent radiographs revealed a large callus with delayed remodeling.

Discussion:

This case report suggests that denosumab remains effective for promoting rapid callus formation even 4 months after administration for osteoporosis, despite delayed remodeling. This delay did not seem to have negative effects on the clinical outcomes, as the patient achieved weight-bearing within 17 days after sustaining the fracture.

Conclusion:

Denosumab may positively influence fracture healing in older adults with metatarsal fractures, potentially leading to delayed remodeling. However, further studies are needed to confirm these observations.