bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational exposure to fine particulate matter in the reinforced concrete production and its association with respiratory symptoms and lung function
Authors: Vinnikov Denis , Abenova Anel , Raushanova Aizhan , Rapisarda Venerando
Published: September 2023

Background

Reinforced concrete production is widespread, but little is known about the occupational exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) in such workplaces, including from metalworking and concrete processing. Therefore, the aim was to characterize exposure to fine PM in the typical workplaces of the whole production cycle and to quantify the risk of respiratory symptoms and lung function in a cohort of reinforced concrete parts production industry.

Methods

At a reinforced concrete parts producing facility in Almaty, we collected 50 personal PM2.5 samples from the main exposure sites and the measured mass concentrations using gravimetric method. Workers also completed questionnaires on a detailed working history, respiratory symptoms (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Assessment Tool (CAT)), followed by spirometry. The association of cumulative dose with CAT score and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) was tested with multiple regression.

Results

The highest PM2.5 concentrations were found in the concrete-mixing unit (median 1180 µg/m3), followed by metalworking (510 µg/m3), armature workshop (375 µg/m3) and molding site (245 µg/m3), different from the concentrations in the office (29.5 µg/m3), Kruskall-Wallis p < 0.001. Cumulative PM2.5 dose, mg/m3-year (beta 0.10 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05; 0.15)) was strongly associated with CAT score, whereas production with FEV1/FVC (beta -4.96 (-8.31; -1.61)), independent of smoking and chronic bronchitis and sex.

Conclusions

Mixing concrete and metalworks pose the greatest risk for worker’s health in the reinforced concrete production from the inhalational exposure to aerosol, adversely affecting respiratory health.
How can we reduce the ischemic time for forearm replantation? Tips to simplify the bone fixation
Authors: Kim Dong Hee , Jang Hyo Seok , Kwak Sang Ho , Jung Sung Yoon , Jeon Jongmin , Kim Hak Sang , Lee Sang Hyun
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Ischemic time is a key factor in satisfactory functional results after forearm replantation. In this study, we provide a detailed description of our surgical technique, the temporary screw plate fixation technique, which aims to reduce ischemic time.

Methods

From June 2007 to June 2017, we performed a retrospective study of 20 patients who underwent forearm replantation. Eighteen cases involved male patients, and their mean age was 46 years. The mechanism of injury was roller injuries in 5 cases, power saw injuries in 3 cases, traffic accident in 7 cases, rope injuries in 2 cases, machinery injuries in 2 cases, and crushing injuries by rebar beam in 1 case.

Results

A total of 20 replantation patients survived. According to injury level, there were 3 cases of the proximal type, 11 cases of the middle type, and 6 cases of the distal type. The average time to revascularization was 331 min. The total operation time was, on average, 5.73 h. In the rest of the 18 cases, the temporary screw plate fixation technique was performed, and the average time required for bone shortening and plate fixation was 38.3 min.

Conclusions

To reduce ischemic time, we need a plan that progressively reduces time at each stage. Among our tips, temporary screw plate fixation can reduce the initial bone surgical operation to < 40 min, does not have many complications, and can be used as definitive surgery. This method for bone fixation should be considered as a strategy to actively reduce operation time during forearm replantation.

Level of evidence

Retrospective study, Level III.
Influence of long -term thermal cycling and masticatory loading simulation on bond strength of roots filled with epoxy resin and calcium silicate based sealers
Authors: Smran Ahlam , Abdullah Mariam , Ahmad Norasmatul Akma , Alrahlah Ali , AL-Maflehi Nassr , Samran Abdulaziz
Published: September 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal and mechanical cyclic aging using a mastication simulator on push-out bond strength of mandibular premolars obturated with AH Plus and BioRoot RCS root canal sealers.

Methods

With REVO-S files up to SU/0.06 taper, 48 single-rooted premolar teeth were instrumented. The teeth were randomly divided into two main groups (n = 24) based on the two root canal sealers used (AH Plus and BioRoot RCS). All teeth were obturated with h matched-taper single-cone. Each main group was then subdivided into three subgroups (A, B, and C) (n = 8). Group A served as the negative control group (no-thermocycling aging). While groups B and C were subjected to thermal changes in a thermocycler machine (15,000 and 30,000 thermal cycles, respectively), followed by two different dynamic loading periods, 3 × 105 and 6 × 105 in a masticatory simulator with a nominal load of 5 kg at 1.2 Hz which represent roughly 1½ and 3 years of clinical function respectively. 2 mm slice at 3 levels, apical, middle, and coronal, to obtain 3 sections were prepared and subjected to push-out test using a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a Tukey post hoc comparisons test and an independent T-test. A significance level of 5% was used.

Results

After thermal–mechanical cyclic aging, the two root canal sealers showed a significantly decreased in push-out bond strength (p < 0.05), however, AH Plus had significantly higher bond strength values than BioRoot RCS after cycling aging.

Conclusions

It could be concluded that thermal–mechanical cyclic aging had a significant impact on the outcome of the dislodgment resistance of AH Plus and BioRoot RCS.
Understanding underperformance in a high-stakes clinical-based simulation assessment in physiotherapy: a descriptive analysis
Authors: Flew Brooke , Judd Belinda , Lange Belinda , Lee Darren , Blackstock Felicity , Tai Joanna , Tognon Kathryn , Chipchase Lucy
Published: September 2023

Background

High-stakes assessments are often used as a ‘gate-keeper’ activity for entry into the health professions by ensuring that the minimum core competency thresholds of the profession are met. The aim of the study was to explore if common areas of underperformance existed in international candidates assessed with a high-stakes clinical-based simulation assessment for entry into the physiotherapy profession in Australia.

Methods

A retrospective mixed methods analysis of the clinical assessments completed by international candidates over a one-month period in 2021 that were deemed as not meeting competency. The clinical assessments were completed in one of the three practice areas: cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, or neurological rehabilitation. Each assessment was scored by two independent assessors, who discussed the performance and then completed a moderated assessment form. The assessment form used to score competency included seven domains such as initial assessment, effective treatment, communication skills, and risk management.

Results

Fifty-one clinical assessments graded as not competent were analysed. Across the practice areas, a high failure rate was found in domains related to interpreting assessment findings and developing a treatment plan. This trend was also observed in the qualitative data, suggesting candidates struggled to meet competency in areas of planning and prioritisation, interpretation and implementation of the information gathered, and selection and evaluation of effective treatment.

Conclusion

These findings align with published data on the underperformance of Australian physiotherapy students in clinical placement settings, suggesting these issues are not specific to high stakes assessment of overseas physiotherapists, and that education needs to focus on improving these skills within the profession at all levels. With the identified areas of underperformance aligning with the ability to use higher order thinking and skills integral to clinical reasoning, improvements in the education and implementation of clinical reasoning may be a place to start.
Assessment of real-time electrocardiogram effects on interpretation quality by emergency physicians
Authors: Perrichot Alice , Vaittinada Ayar Pradeebane , Taboulet Pierre , Choquet Christophe , Gay Matthieu , Casalino Enrique , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Curac Sonja , Vaittinada Ayar Prabakar
Published: September 2023

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most commonly performed examinations in emergency medicine. The literature suggests that one-third of ECG interpretations contain errors and can lead to clinical adverse outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of real-time ECG interpretation by senior emergency physicians compared to cardiologists and an ECG expert.

Methods

This was a prospective study in two university emergency departments and one emergency medical service. All ECGs were performed and interpreted over five weeks by a senior emergency physician (EP) and then by a cardiologist using the same questionnaire. In case of mismatch between EP and the cardiologist our expert had the final word. The ratio of agreement between both interpretations and the kappa (k) coefficient characterizing the identification of major abnormalities defined the reading ability of the emergency physicians.

Results

A total of 905 ECGs were analyzed, of which 705 (78%) resulted in a similar interpretation between emergency physicians and cardiologists/expert. However, the interpretations of emergency physicians and cardiologists for the identification of major abnormalities coincided in only 66% (k: 0.59 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54–0.65); P-value = 1.64e-92). ECGs were correctly classified by emergency physicians according to their emergency level in 82% of cases (k: 0.73 (95% CI: 0.70–0.77); P-value ≈ 0). Emergency physicians correctly recognized normal ECGs (sensitivity = 0.91).

Conclusion

Our study suggested gaps in the identification of major abnormalities among emergency physicians. The initial and ongoing training of emergency physicians in ECG reading deserves to be improved.
Supporting learners in prison healthcare work-integrated learning settings through simulation: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Needham Judith , Beggs Rhonda , van de Mortel Thea F.
Published: September 2023

Background

Nursing students and nurse preceptors indicate that a comprehensive orientation is vital to successful work-integrated learning placements in Prison Health Services. The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate a Prison Health Service orientation package that included innovative asynchronous online video simulations with branched decision-making and feedback opportunities to stimulate learning and improve students’ feelings of preparedness for a placement in this setting.

Methods

A cross-sectional pre and post design was used to evaluate the resource. Students were given access to the package and invited to complete a pre-placement survey evaluating the resource and their feelings of preparedness for placement. Following placement, they re-evaluated the resource in terms of how well it prepared them for the placement and how well prepared they felt. Third year Australian undergraduate nursing students from one university who completed a Prison Health Service work-integrated learning placement in 2018, 2021, and 2022 were invited to participate. Placements were unavailable in 2019 and 2020. Independent t-tests were used to determine differences in scale means and level of preparedness between pre- and post-survey responses.

Results

Twenty-three of 40 (57.5%) eligible nursing students completed the pre-placement survey and 13 (32.5%) completed the post placement survey. All respondents to the pre-placement survey indicated that they felt satisfactorily, well, or very well prepared after completing the orientation package prior to their clinical placement. Students were significantly more likely to consider themselves well prepared by the package after they had attended placement (p < .001). All students post placement indicated that overall, the simulation resources and the specific simulation scenario about personal boundaries and management of manipulative behaviours was useful for their placement. The majority of students would recommend the orientation package to other students. Suggestions for improvement included streamlining the resource to reduce the time to complete it.

Conclusions

Asynchronous online simulation with the capacity for branched decision making and feedback along with a comprehensive online orientation package were perceived as useful to prepare undergraduate students for placement in the Prison Health Service work-integrated learning setting.
Health spillover studies of long-term care insurance in China: evidence from spousal caregivers from disabled families
Authors: Jiang Wenjing , Yang Hongyan
Published: September 2023

Background

To alleviate the shortage of caregivers associated with disabled persons, China has implemented a pilot policy for long-term care insurance. This policy has the characteristics of "familialization" and "de-familialization" policy orientation, and it is indeed essential to clarify whether the policy has a positive spillover effect on the health of family caregivers, which is of great value to the pilot from local practice to national institutional arrangement.

Methods

Based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study microdata and time-varying DID method, our study used the implementation of the pilot policy as a "quasi-natural experiment" to assess the health spillover effects of the pilot policy on family spousal caregivers.

Results

This policy significantly improved the health of spousal caregivers, increasing self-rated health and life satisfaction, and reducing depression; Compared with female, urban and central-western spousal caregivers, male, rural and eastern spousal caregivers were "beneficiaries" in more dimensional health.

Conclusions

Our research indicated that spousal caregivers of disabled people, particularly male, rural and eastern spousal caregivers, experienced positive health spillovers after implementing long-term care insurance. These results suggest that the imbalance between supply and demand of nursing staff could be solved in terms of de-familialization and familialization, spousal caregivers should be promoted to equally enjoy the policy benefits on gender, urban–rural and regions.
Cultural adaptations and methodological innovations to group model building for the systems actions to reduce malnutrition in all its forms in Southeast Asian countries and China (SYSTAM CHINA-SEACS International Consortium) project
Authors: Li Bai , He Zouyan , Peters Remco , Allender Steven , Zou Yunfeng , Zhou Weiwen , Lao Jianfeng , Poh Bee Koon , Swinburn Boyd
Published: September 2023

Background

Group Model Building (GMB) is a participatory system dynamics method increasingly used to address complex public health issues like obesity. GMB represents a set of well-defined steps to engage key stakeholders to identify shared drivers and solutions of a given problem. However, GMB has not yet been applied specifically to develop multi-duty interventions that address multiple inter-related issues such as malnutrition in all its forms (MIAIF). Moreover, a recent systematic review of empirical applications of a systems approach to developing obesity interventions found no published work from non-western, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this paper we describe adaptations and innovations to a common GMB process to co-develop systemic MIAIF interventions with Chinese decision-makers.

Methods

We developed, piloted and implemented multiple cultural adaptations and two methodological innovations to the commonly used GMB process in Fang Cheng Gang city, China. We included formal, ceremonial and policy maker engagement events before and between GMB workshops, and incorporated culturally tailored arrangements during participant recruitment (officials of the same seniority level joined the same workshop) and workshop activities (e.g., use of individual scoring activities and hand boards). We made changes to the commonly used GMB activities which enabled mapping of shared drivers of multiple health issues (in our case MIAIF) in a single causal loop diagram. We developed and used a ‘hybrid’ GMB format combining online and in person facilitation to reduce travel and associated climate impact.

Results

Our innovative GMB process led to high engagement and support from decision-makers representing diverse governmental departments across the whole food systems. We co-identified and prioritised systemic drivers and intervention themes of MIAIF. The city government established an official Local Action Group for long-term, inter-departmental implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the co-developed interventions. The ‘hybrid’ GMB format enabled great interactions while reducing international travel and mitigating limitations of fully online GMB process.

Conclusions

Cultural and methodological adaptations to the common GMB process for an Asian LMIC setting were successful. The ‘hybrid’ GMB format is feasible, cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly. These cultural adaptations could be considered for other Asian settings and beyond to address inter-related, complex issues such as MIAIF.
Identification of novel first-trimester serum biomarkers for early prediction of preeclampsia
Authors: Liu Mingxi , Niu Yue , Ma Kongyang , Leung Peter C. K. , Chen Zi-Jiang , Wei Daimin , Li Yan
Published: September 2023

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, but effective early prediction remains a challenge due to the lack of reliable biomarkers.

Methods

Based on the extensive human biobank of our large-scale assisted reproductive cohort platform, the first-trimester serum levels of 48 cytokines, total immunoglobulins (Igs), anti-phosphatidylserine (aPS) antibodies, and several previously reported PE biomarkers [including placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), and activin A] were measured in 34 women diagnosed with PE and 34 matched normotensive controls.

Results

The PE group has significantly higher first-trimester serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2Rα, IL-9, tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β), RANTES, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), total IgM, and total IgG, and aPS IgG optical density (OD) value, as well as lower first-trimester serum levels of PlGF and total IgA and aPS-IgG immune complexes (IC) OD value than the control group. Combining top five first-trimester serum biomarkers (total IgM, total IgG, PlGF, aPS IgG, and total IgA) achieved superior predictive value [area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.983 (0.952–1.000), with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94.1%] for PE development compared to PlGF and PlGF/sFlt-1 independently [AUC and 95% CI 0.825 (0.726–0.924) and 0.670 (0.539–0.800), respectively].

Conclusion

We identified novel first-trimester serum biomarkers and developed an effective first-trimester prediction model using immune-related factors and PlGF for PE, which could facilitate the development of early diagnostic strategies and provide immunological insight into the further mechanistic exploration of PE.
Registering transparency: the making of the international clinical trial registry platform by the world health organization (2004–2006)
Authors: Fernández-González Loreto
Published: September 2023

Background

This paper examines the events and conditions that led to the creation of the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) in 2006 by the World Health Organization (WHO), and how the WHO addressed the issue of transparency in global pharmaceutical research. Using historical textual analysis, I trace the scientific debates that advocated for the establishment of official clinical trial registries in medical journals, and the sequence of actions following the GSK Paxil scandal in 2004, identifying the major ethical and scientific arguments that led to the involvement of the WHO as a key actor in trial registration in the context of the Big Pharma business model.

Results

Through the questions “Why register?” and “Why registries?” as a roadmap, I examine the issues of publication bias and selective reporting by the industry, scrutinizing two ways in which the practice of publication bias damaged transparency in industry-sponsored research. The first involved ethical concerns regarding human subject exploitation and concealing of negative results. The second addresses the deterioration of the certainty of evidence due to incomplete access to trials results. By reviewing the series of events that occurred between 2004 and 2006 –between the Paxil scandal and the launch of the ICTRP—, I analyze the actions taken by the different actors involved: (1) the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the creation of the Ottawa Group; (2) the WHO, beginning with the Ministerial Summit on Health Research held in November of 2004, and (3) the responses of the pharmaceutical industry and specifically GSK to the call for transparency and trial registration.

Conclusions

The history of trial registration through the ICTRP as a dataveillance apparatus shows the difficulty of regulating a health enterprise turned into a global business. Moreover, it shows the challenges of globalization and how easier and faster it is to globalize business compared to good practices, raising the question of why it has been so hard to undo these trends. Indeed, the history of the movement for trial registration is not a history of regulation success, or at least not yet.
Expressions of mitochondria-related genes in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism, and expressions of miRNAs in maternal and cord blood
Authors: Stryhn Julie Kristine Guldberg , Larsen Jacob , Pedersen Palle Lyngsie , Gæde Peter Haulund
Published: September 2023

Background

Subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy and definition by upper thyrotropin (TSH) cutoff are controversial. As mitochondria are influenced by thyroid hormones, the purpose in this study was to measure expression of mitochondria-related genes in euthyroid and subclinical hypothyroid pregnant women to obtain more knowledge of potential metabolic consequences of maternal subclinical hypothyroidism. In addition, we wished to test if applied TSH-cutoff significantly changed our results of expressed gene-levels. Moreover, we aimed to identify potential microRNA-biomarkers for subclinical hypothyroidism – markers that could be traced to offspring as well.

Methods

From a cohort of at-term pregnant women undergoing planned cesarean section, 77 women had expression levels of the mitochondria-related genes Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-γ coactivator-1β (PGC-1β), mitochondrial Transcription Factor A (TFAM), Superoxide Dismutase 2 (SOD2) and Nuclear Respiratory Factor 2 (NRF-2) determined by qPCR from blood sampled in prior to delivery. Two TSH-cutoff levels defining subclinical hypothyroidism (> 3.0 and > 3.7 mIU/L) were applied for the procession of results, generating two data analyses of the same cohort. In 22 pairwise maternal-cord samples (subclinical hypothyroid/euthyroid-rate 0.5, TSH-cutoff > 3.0 mIU/L), microRNA-expressions (miRNA) were analyzed.

Results

All gene expressions were lower in the subclinical hypothyroid group regardless of applied TSH-cutoff, but insignificant except for PGC-1β at TSH cutoff > 3.0 mIU/L. Two miRNAs (hsa-let-7d-3p and hsa-miR-345-5p) were upregulated in blood from women and offspring (cord blood) with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Conclusions

A trend towards decreased mitochondrial gene expressions in subclinical hypothyroidism were demonstrated. The miRNAs hsa-let-7d-3p and hsa-miR-345-5p might be potential markers of maternal subclinical hypothyroidism. However, larger studies are needed to verify the findings.
Nitric oxide-dependent immunosuppressive function of thymus-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells
Authors: Su Xiao , Li Xiaolei , Wang Shiqing , Xue Xiaotong , Liu Rui , Bai Xiaojing , Gong Pixia , Feng Chao , Cao Lijuan , Wang Tingting , Ding Yayun , Jiang Junjie , Chen Yongjing , Shi Yufang , Shao Changshun
Published: September 2023

Background

The thymus is required for T cell development and the formation of the adaptive immunity. Stromal cells, which include thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), are essential for thymic function. However, the immunomodulatory function of thymus-derived MSCs (T-MSCs) has not been fully explored.

Methods

MSCs were isolated from mouse thymus and their general characteristics including surface markers and multi-differentiation potential were characterized. The immunomodulatory function of T-MSCs stimulated by IFN-γ and TNF-α was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of MSCs in the thymus was interrogated by using tdTomato-flox mice corssed to various MSC lineage Cre recombinase lines.

Results

A subset of T-MSCs express Nestin, and are mainly distributed in the thymic medulla region and cortical-medulla junction, but not in the capsule. The Nestin-positive T-MSCs exhibit typical immunophenotypic characteristics and differentiation potential. Additionally, when stimulated with IFN-γ and TNF-α, they can inhibit activated T lymphocytes as efficiently as BM-MSCs, and this function is dependent on the production of nitric oxide (NO). Additionally, the T-MSCs exhibit a remarkable therapeutic efficacy in acute liver injury and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Conclusions

Nestin-positive MSCs are mainly distributed in medulla and cortical-medulla junction in thymus and possess immunosuppressive ability upon stimulation by inflammatory cytokines. The findings have implications in understanding the physiological function of MSCs in thymus.
Assessing the robustness of composite indicators: the case of the Global Innovation Index
Authors: Alqararah Khatab
Published: September 2023

This research paper introduces a methodology to assess the robustness of the Global Innovation Index (GII), by comparing the rankings provided in it with those achieved using alternative data-driven methodologies such as data envelopment analysis (DEA) and principal component analysis (PCA). With it, the paper aims to reduce the level of subjectivity in the construction of composite indicators regarding weight generation and indicator aggregation. The paper relies on PCA as a weighting-aggregation scheme to reproduce the 21 sub-pillars of the GII before the application of DEA to calculate the relative efficiency score for every country. By using the PCA-DEA model, a final ranking is produced for all countries. The random forests (RF) classification is used examine the robustness of the new rank. The comparison between the new rank and that of the GII suggests that the countries positioned at the top or the bottom of the GII rank are less sensitive toward the modification than those in the middle of the GII, the rank of which is not robust against the modification of the construction method. The PCA-DEA model introduced in this paper provides policymakers with an effective tool to monitor the performance of national innovation policies from the perspective of their relative efficiency. Ultimately, the contribution made in this paper could be instrumental to enhance the effectiveness and the efficiency of the practice of innovation management at the national level.
Use of screens and intake of unhealthy food among children and adolescents: association with physical activity in a cross-sectional study
Authors: Barros Anna Karolina Cerqueira , de Jesus Gilmar Mercês , Vieira Graciete Oliveira , Dias Lizziane Andrade
Published: September 2023

Background

The intake of unhealthy food taken on very regular basis may bring even further negative impact on health if associated with excessive time using of screen-based electronic devices.

Objective

To estimate the association between the use of different types of screen-based devices and the intake of unhealthy foods amongst children and adolescents and to determine whether daily physical activity (DPA) has a moderating effect on the association.

Methods

Cross-sectional study carried out with a probabilistic sample of students from second to fifth grade of public elementary schools in Feira de Santana, Bahia (n = 2,477; girls: 53.2%; age: 9.1 ± 1.38 years; BMI z-score 0.37 ± 4.19 Kg/m²). Food intake, screen use, and physical activity were assessed using an online questionnaire based on previous day recall (Web-CAAFE). Prevalence Ratios (PR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI) were estimated via multiple zero-inflated negative binomial regression, with adjustments for sex, age, and weekly frequency of school meal intake. The moderating effect of DPA was verified by inserting interaction terms with each screen-based device individually and with the daily sum of screen-based device exposure (∑ Screens).

Results

The majority of students (72.2%) reported using screens. The intake of unhealthy foods was positively associated with the use of cell phones (PR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.13–1.30), computers (PR = 1.33; 95%CI = 1.22–1.46), and video games (PR = 1.36; 95%CI = 1.22–1.52). TV use was inversely associated with intake of unhealthy foods (PR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.87–0.99). DPA moderated the effect of video game use on intake of unhealthy foods, that is, among students with DPA ≥ 4 who used video games, the intake of unhealthy foods was 21% lower (PR = 0.79; 95%CI = 0. 65-0.97). Overall, ∑ Screen-based devices were associated with a 20% increase in intake of unhealthy foods.

Conclusion

The intake of unhealthy foods was positively associated with the use of cell phones, computers, and video games. In addition, a frequency of four or more DPA attenuated the effect of video game exposure on intake of unhealthy foods. Upcoming investigations on the use of screen-based devices and the intake of unhealthy foods among schoolchildren should consider the exposure to different types of screen-based devices, as well as the influence of DPA.
3D simulation of interosseous interference in sagittal split ramus osteotomy for mandibular asymmetry
Authors: Udayakumar Santhiya Iswarya Vinothini , Kim Dohyoung , Choi So-Young , Kwon Tae-Geon
Published: September 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern of predicted interosseous interference and to determine the influencing factor to volume of bony interference using a computer-assisted simulation system. This retrospective study recruited 116 patients with mandibular prognathism who had undergone sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) with or without maxillary osteotomy. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the amount of menton (Me) deviation: less than 2 mm (Group 1), 2–4 mm (Group 2), and more than 4 mm (Group 3). Changes in the distal segments following BSSRO and the volume of the interosseous interference between the proximal and distal segments were simulated after matching preoperative occlusion and postoperative expected occlusion with the cone-beam computed tomography data. Ramal inclinations and other skeletal measurements were analyzed before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at least 6 months after surgery.

Results

The anticipated interosseous interference was more frequently noted on the contralateral side of chin deviation (long side) than the deviated site (short side) in Groups 2 and 3. More interference volume was predicted at the long side (186 ± 343.9 mm3) rather than the short side (54.4 ± 124.4 mm3) in Group 3 (p = 0.033). The bilateral difference in the volume of the interosseous interference of the osteotomized mandible was significantly correlated with the Me deviation (r =  − 0.257, p = 0.009) and bilateral ramal inclination (r = 0.361, p < 0.001). The predictor variable that affected the volume of the osseous interference at each side was the amount of Me deviation (p = 0.010).

Conclusion

By using the 3D simulation system, the potential site of bony collision could be visualized and successfully reduced intraoperatively. Since the osseous interference can be existed on any side, unilaterally or bilaterally, 3D surgical simulation is necessary before surgery to predict the osseous interference and improve the ramal inclination.
A new optimal allocation of DGs in distribution networks by using coot bird optimization method
Authors: Memarzadeh Gholamreza , Arabzadeh Mohammadreza , Keynia Farshid
Published: September 2023

Energy is one of the most important topics in the world today and is considered as one of the most effective factors for the development of countries. Due to the limitation of non-renewable energy sources and undesirable effects of consuming these resources on the environment, the strategy of countries has changed towards the use of renewable energy. Renewable energy sources do not decrease over time and operate independently of price fluctuations and are more available, thus being able to play a greater role in modern power systems. Therefore, the optimal location and use of these resources will have an impact on modifying the parameters of the power grid. In this paper an analytical approach for optimal placement and sizing of distributed generation (DG) in power distribution networks to minimize the power loss, bus voltage limits, DG capacity limits, current limits, and DG penetration limit. In the first step, determines the DG capacity causing maximum benefit at different buses, and then selects the best location for DG placement which corresponds to highest benefit in the buses. This method is applicable for sizing and siting of single as well as multiple DG units. The coot bird optimization method (CBOM) is proposed for solving optimal placement, size, and power factor (PF) of DG in distribution network. The suggested method is tested on the IEEE 33-bus, 69-bus, Distribution Networks. The proposed CBOM method has good performance to find optimal placement, size, and PF of DG and it can be applied for various distribution system.
Adult ADHD in the Republic of Ireland: the evolving response
Authors: Raaj Shaeraine , Wrigley Margo , Farrelly Richard
Published: September 2023

Historically, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was conceptualised as a disorder of childhood that gradually improved and diminished as individuals transitioned to adulthood. Over the past decade, several studies have been published describing a cohort of adolescents with a childhood diagnosis of ADHD experiencing a continuity of ADHD symptoms into adulthood. Untreated ADHD in adults is associated with personal relationship difficulties, educational and occupational underachievement, comorbid mental health problems, substance misuse, and increased rates of road traffic accidents and criminality. These result in an increased economic burden and broader public health challenges. This review outlines the current framework and stage of development of ADHD services for adults in the Republic of Ireland.
Multi-Institutional Analysis of Cancer Patient Exposure, Perceptions, and Trust in Information Sources Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Authors: Hutten Ryan J. , Weil Christopher R. , King Andy J. , Barney Brandon , Bylund Carma L. , Fagerlin Angela , Gaffney David K. , Gill David , Scherer Laura , Suneja Gita , Tward Jonathan D. , Warner Echo L. , Werner Theresa L. , Whipple Gary , Evans Jaden , Johnson Skyler B.
Published: September 2023

New research from @DrHut10 and @sky__john reveals high rates of complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with cancer and characterizes trust in various sources of information regarding CAM—physicians are critically needed to combat misinformation.
Feenin
Authors: Weheliye Alexander Ghedi
Published: September 2023

In Feenin, Alexander Ghedi Weheliye traces R&B music’s continuing centrality in Black life since the late 1970s. Focusing on various musical production and reproduction technologies such as auto-tune and the materiality of the BlackFem singing voice, Weheliye counteracts the widespread popular and scholarly narratives of the genre’s decline and death. He shows how R&B remains a thriving venue for the expression of Black thought and life and a primary archive of the contemporary moment. Among other topics, Weheliye discusses the postdisco evolution of house music in Chicago and techno in Detroit, Prince and David Bowie in relation to appropriations of Blackness and Euro-whiteness in the 1980s, how the BlackFem voice functions as a repository of Black knowledge, the methods contemporary R&B musicians use to bring attention to Black Lives Matter, and the ways vocal distortion technologies such as the vocoder demonstrate Black music’s relevance to discussions of humanism and posthumanism. Ultimately, Feenin represents Weheliye’s capacious thinking about R&B as the site through which to consider questions of Blackness, technology, history, humanity, community, diaspora, and nationhood.
Phosphorylation of axin within biomolecular condensates counteracts its tankyrase-mediated degradation
Authors: Klement Katharina , Brückner Martina , Bernkopf Dominic B.
Published: September 2023

Axin (also known as AXIN1) is a central negative regulator of the proto-oncogenic Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, as axin condensates provide a scaffold for the assembly of a multiprotein complex degrading β-catenin. Axin, in turn, is degraded through tankyrase. Consequently, tankyrase small-molecule inhibitors block Wnt signaling by stabilizing axin, revealing potential for cancer therapy. Here, we discovered that axin is phosphorylated by casein kinase 1 alpha 1 (CSNK1A1, also known as CK1α) at an N-terminal casein kinase 1 consensus motif, and that this phosphorylation is antagonized by the catalytic subunit alpha of protein phosphatase 1 (PPP1CA, hereafter referred to as PP1). Axin condensates promoted phosphorylation by enriching CK1α over PP1. Importantly, the phosphorylation took place within the tankyrase-binding site, electrostatically and/or sterically hindering axin–tankyrase interaction, and counteracting tankyrase-mediated degradation of axin. Thus, the presented data propose a novel mechanism regulating axin stability, with implications for Wnt signaling, cancer therapy and self-organization of biomolecular condensates.
Physiological responses to acute warming at the agitation temperature in a temperate shark
Authors: Bouyoucos Ian A. , Weinrauch Alyssa M. , Jeffries Ken M. , Anderson W. Gary
Published: September 2023

Thermal tolerance and associated mechanisms are often tested via the critical thermal maximum (CTmax). The agitation temperature is a recently described thermal limit in fishes that has received little mechanistic evaluation. The present study used a temperate elasmobranch fish to test the hypothesis that this thermal tolerance trait is partially set by the onset of declining cardiorespiratory performance and the cellular stress response. Pacific spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi) were screened for cardiorespiratory and whole-organism thermal limits to test for associations between thermal performance and tolerance. Then, biochemical markers of secondary stress, aerobic and anaerobic enzyme activities, and molecular markers of cellular stress were determined for various tissues at the agitation temperature and secondary stress markers were determined at CTmax. In dogfish, the agitation temperature was characterised by increased turning activity within experimental chambers and was equal to the temperature at which dogfish exhibited maximum heart rate. Citrate synthase activity increased at the agitation temperature in white muscle relative to unmanipulated dogfish. Furthermore, lactate dehydrogenase activity and accumulated lactate in the plasma and muscle were not affected by acute warming. Cellular stress was apparent in hypothalamus, gill filament and ventricle, denoted by elevated transcript abundance of the stress response gene hsp70 but not the oxygen homeostasis gene hif1α. Conversely, CTmax was characterised by metabolic acidosis driven by anaerobic lactate production, signifying an increased reliance on anaerobic metabolism between the agitation temperature and CTmax. Together, these data provide partial support for our hypothesis, in that cellular stress, but not declining thermal performance, occurred at the agitation temperature.
Human muscle–tendon unit mechanobiological responses to consecutive high strain cyclic loading
Authors: Epro Gaspar , Suhr Frank , Karamanidis Kiros
Published: September 2023

In response to a mechanical stimulus, tendons have a slower tissue renewal rate compared with muscles. This could, over time, lead to a higher mechanical demand (experienced strain) for the tendon, especially when a high strain magnitude exercise is repeated without sufficient recovery. The current study investigated the adaptive responses of the human triceps surae (TS) muscle–tendon unit (MTU) and extracellular matrix turnover-related biomarkers to repetitive high tendon strain cyclic loading. Eleven young adult males performed a progressive resistance exercise over 12 consecutive days, consisting of high Achilles tendon (AT) strain cyclic loading (90% MVC) with one leg once a day (LegT1) and the alternate leg three times a day (LegT3). Exercise-related changes in TS MTU mechanical properties and serum concentrations of extracellular matrix turnover-related biomarkers were analysed over the intervention period. Both legs demonstrated similar increases in maximal AT force (∼10%) over the 12 day period of exercise. A ∼20% increase in maximal AT strain was found for LegT3 (P<0.05) after 8 consecutive exercise days, along with a corresponding decrease in AT stiffness. These effects were maintained even after a 48 h rest period. The AT mechanical properties for LegT1 were unaltered. Biomarker analysis revealed no sign of inflammation but there was altered collagen turnover and a delay in collagen type I synthesis. Accordingly, we suggest that tendon is vulnerable to frequent high magnitude cyclic mechanical loading as accumulation of micro-damage can potentially exceed the rate of biological repair, leading to increased maximal tendon strain.
Redução da taxa de filtração glomerular em pacientes críticos em uso de vancomicina: um estudo transversal
Authors: Andrade Junior Arnon de Melo , Sanches Cristina , Moreira Francisca Sueli Monte , Guerra Diana Mendonça Silva , Bezerra Valéria Santos , De Santana Davi Pereira , Bedor Danilo César Galindo
Published: September 2023

Objetivo: o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os fatores clínicos e medicamentosos relacionados com a redução da Taxa de Filtração Glomerular (TFG) em pacientes críticos em uso de vancomicina. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal em que pacientes em uso de vancomicina, maiores de 18 anos, hospitalizados em terapia intensiva, foram selecionados no período de agosto a dezembro de 2019. Foram excluídos os pacientes que tiveram permanência inferior a 48h na unidade, aqueles com doença renal crônica e/ou que tiveram antimicrobiano suspenso nas primeiras 48h. Os dados clínicos e laboratoriais foram coletados do prontuário nas mesmas datas das coletas de amostras sanguíneas. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas no vale a partir do terceiro dia de tratamento. Os níveis de vancomicina foram medidos usando VANC VITROS ®. Os dados foram analisados através do software R. Resultados: 54 pacientes foram incluídos, sendo 68,5% do sexo masculino, 98,1% em ventilação mecânica, com foco respiratório (51,2%) e isolado Acinetobacter baumanni (38,0%). As concentrações de vancomicina variaram entre 5,0 e 50,0μg/mL, média 21,6 (DP: 10,6) μg/mL; 50% dos pacientes apresentaram concentração acima de 20μg/mL e 66,7% piora da TFG após o tratamento. A concentração de vancomicina foi a única variável diretamente relacionada com o desenvolvimento da alteração na função renal (p=0.0037). Não foi possível estabelecer a influência da comedicação na redução da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG). Conclusão: as doses usuais de vancomicina ajustadas por meio da função renal não atingiram os níveis séricos terapêuticos recomendados de vancomicina, sendo relacionados à nefrotoxicidade.
Οργανοκατάλυση
Authors: Σπηλιοπούλου Νικολέτα
Published: September 2023

Η Οργανοκατάλυση, η χρήση μικρών οργανικών μορίων για την επιτάχυνση οργανικών μετασχηματισμών, αποτελεί τα τελευταία χρόνια έναν μοντέρνο τομέα, που σήμερα θεωρείται ο τρίτος πυλώνας της ασύμμετρης κατάλυσης, μαζί με την κατάλυση όπου γίνεται χρήση μετάλλων μεταπτώσεως και τη Βιοκατάλυση. Ειδικότερα, η χρήση της Οργανοκατάλυσης σε οξειδωτικούς μετασχηματισμούς έρχεται δυναμικά τα τελευταία χρόνια να δώσει λύσεις σε προβλήματα που αδυνατούν να λύσουν οι άλλες κατηγορίες κατάλυσης. Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής γίνεται μία εισαγωγή στις πιο σημαντικές βιβλιογραφικές αναφορές οργανοκαταλυτικής οξείδωσης αλκενίων προς εποξείδια και σιλανίων προς σιλανόλες, καθώς και των κυριότερων οξειδωτικών μέσων. Η χρήση της Φωτοχημείας στην Οργανική Χημεία έχει εισάγει νέες δυνατότητες στην ανάπτυξη νέων και πράσινων καταλυτικών μεθόδων. Η χρήση μικρών οργανικών μορίων που επάγουν φωτοχημικούς μετασχηματισμούς αξιοποιείται ευρέως από την ερευνητική κοινότητα, μέσω του πεδίου της Φωτοοργανοκατάλυσης. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής, γίνεται εισαγωγή στους μηχανισμούς δράσης της Φωτοκατάλυσης και τρόπους ενεργοποίησης των μορίων. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο, γίνεται μία εκτενής αναφορά του τρόπου δράσης του φαινυλογλυοξυλικού οξέος ως φωτοεκκινητή, ενώ στο τέταρτο κεφάλαιο, αναλύεται ο τρόπος δράσης άλλων οργανικών μορίων ως φωτοκαταλύτες. Στο πέμπτο κεφάλαιο, γνωστοποιείται ο σκοπός της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής. Στο έκτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζονται πειραματικές μελέτες στην οργανοκαταλυτική σύνθεση εποξειδίων και σιλανολών με χρήση του υπεροξειδίου του υδρογόνου ως οξειδωτικό μέσο, καθώς και στη χειρόμορφη σύνθεση αυτών. Επιπλέον, γίνεται αναφορά στην προσπάθεια ανάπτυξης οργανοκαταλυτικού Linchpin πρωτοκόλλου. Στο έβδομο κεφάλαιο, παρουσιάζονται οι πειραματικές μελέτες από τη χρήση του φαινυλογλυοξυλικού οξέος σε μία σειρά αντιδράσεων, καθώς και η μελέτη της καταλυτικής δράσης του. Επίσης, παρουσιάζονται πειραματικές μελέτες σχετικά με φωτοχημικές αντιδράσεις που πραγματοποιούνται με χρήση φωτοοξέων και αντιδράσεων που πραγματοποιούνται μέσω ενεργοποίησης των μορίων με δεσμούς υδρογόνου. Στο όγδοο κεφάλαιο, παρουσιάζονται τα γενικά συμπεράσματα των πειραματικών μελετών, ενώ στο τελευταίο κεφάλαιο τα πειραματικά δεδομένα.