bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of C-X-C motif chemokine 12 in the spinal cord alleviated the symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats
Authors: Lin Dahe , Liu Hongjuan , Song Honglu , Chen Biyue , Fu Junxia , Sun Mingming , Zhou Huanfen , Bai Wenhao , Wei Shihui , Li Hongen
Published: March 2023

Background

C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) is a chemokine that performs many functions. Studies have shown that CXCL12 can aggravate inflammatory symptoms in the central nervous system (CNS). Evidence also indicates that CXCL12 can promote the repair of myelin sheaths in the CNS in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here, we investigated the function of CXCL12 in CNS inflammation by upregulating CXCL12 in the spinal cord and subsequently inducing EAE.

Materials and methods

CXCL12 upregulation in the spinal cords of Lewis rats was induced by the injection of adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)/eGFP-P2A-CXCL12 after intrathecal catheter implantation. Twenty-one days after AAV injection, EAE was induced and clinical score was collected; Immunofluorescence staining, WB and LFB-PAS staining were used to evaluate the effect of CXCL12 upregulation. In the in vitro study, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) were harvested, cultured with CXCL12 and AMD3100, and subjected to immunofluorescence staining for functional assessment.

Results

CXCL12 was upregulated in the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord by AAV injection. In each stage of EAE, upregulation of CXCL12 significantly alleviated clinical scores by inhibiting leukocyte infiltration and promoting remyelination. In contrast, the addition of AMD3100, which is a CXCR4 antagonist, inhibited the effect of CXCL12. In vitro, 10 ng/ml CXCL12 promoted the differentiation of OPCs into oligodendrocytes.

Conclusion

AAV-mediated upregulation of CXCL12 in the CNS can alleviate the clinical signs and symptoms of EAE and significantly decrease the infiltration of leukocytes in the peak stage of EAE. CXCL12 can promote the maturation and differentiation of OPCs into oligodendrocytes in vitro. These data indicate that CXCL12 effectively promotes remyelination in the spinal cord and decreases the signs and symptoms of EAE.
Abnormal dynamic functional connectivity changes correlated with non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Cao Yuanyan , Si Qian , Tong Renjie , Zhang Xu , Li Chunlin , Mao Shanhong
Published: March 2023

Background

Non-motor symptoms are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, decreasing quality of life and having no specific treatments. This research investigates dynamic functional connectivity (FC) changes during PD duration and its correlations with non-motor symptoms.

Methods

Twenty PD patients and 19 healthy controls (HC) from PPMI dataset were collected and used in this study. Independent component analysis (ICA) was performed to select significant components from the entire brain. Components were grouped into seven resting-state intrinsic networks. Static and dynamic FC changes during resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were calculated based on selected components and resting state networks (RSN).

Results

Static FC analysis results showed that there was no difference between PD-baseline (PD-BL) and HC group. Network averaged connection between frontoparietal network and sensorimotor network (SMN) of PD-follow up (PD-FU) was lower than PD-BL. Dynamic FC analysis results suggested four distinct states, and each state’s temporal characteristics, such as fractional windows and mean dwell time, were calculated. The state 2 of our study showed positive coupling within and between SMN and visual network, while the state 3 showed hypo-coupling through all RSN. The fractional windows and mean dwell time of PD-FU state 2 (positive coupling state) were statistically lower than PD-BL. Fractional windows and mean dwell time of PD-FU state 3 (hypo-coupling state) were statistically higher than PD-BL. Outcome scales in Parkinson’s disease–autonomic dysfunction scores of PD-FU positively correlated with mean dwell time of state 3 of PD-FU.

Conclusion

Overall, our finding indicated that PD-FU patients spent more time in hypo-coupling state than PD-BL. The increase of hypo-coupling state and decrease of positive coupling state might correlate with the worsening of non-motor symptoms in PD patients. Dynamic FC analysis of resting-state fMRI can be used as monitoring tool for PD progression.
The spectral profile of cortical activation during a visuospatial mental rotation task and its correlation with working memory
Authors: Anomal Renata Figueiredo , Brandão Daniel Soares , Souza Rafaela Faustino Lacerda de , Oliveira Sóstenes Silva de , Porto Silvia Beltrame , Hazin Pires Izabel Augusta , Pereira Antonio
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The search for a cortical signature of intelligent behavior has been a longtime motivation in Neuroscience. One noticeable characteristic of intelligence is its association with visuospatial skills. This has led to a steady focus on the functional and structural characteristics of the frontoparietal network (FPN) of areas involved with higher cognition and spatial behavior in humans, including the question of whether intelligence is correlated with larger or smaller activity in this important cortical circuit. This question has broad significance, including speculations about the evolution of human cognition. One way to indirectly measure cortical activity with millisecond precision is to evaluate the event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) of alpha power (alpha ERSP) during cognitive tasks. Mental rotation, or the ability to transform a mental representation of an object to accurately predict how the object would look from a different angle, is an important feature of everyday activities and has been shown in previous work by our group to be positively correlated with intelligence. In the present work, we evaluate whether alpha ERSP recorded over the parietal, frontal, temporal, and occipital regions of adolescents performing easy and difficult trials of the Shepard–Metzler’s mental rotation task, correlates or are predicted by intelligence measures of the Weschler’s intelligence scale.

Methods

We used a database obtained from a previous study of intellectually gifted (N = 15) and average intelligence (N = 15) adolescents.

Results

Our findings suggest that in challenging task conditions, there is a notable difference in the prominence of alpha event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) activity between various cortical regions. Specifically, we found that alpha ERSP in the parietal region was less prominent relative to those in the frontal, temporal and occipital regions. Working memory scores predict alpha ERSP values in the frontal and parietal regions. In the frontal cortex, alpha ERSP of difficult trials was negatively correlated with working memory scores.

Discussion

Thus, our results suggest that even though the FPN is task-relevant during mental rotation tasks, only the frontal alpha ERSP is correlated with working memory score in mental rotation tasks.
Brain system segregation and pain catastrophizing in chronic pain progression
Authors: Delgado-Gallén Selma , Soler MD , Cabello-Toscano María , Abellaneda-Pérez Kilian , Solana-Sánchez Javier , España-Irla Goretti , Roca-Ventura Alba , Bartrés-Faz David , Tormos Josep M. , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Cattaneo Gabriele
Published: March 2023

Pain processing involves emotional and cognitive factors that can modify pain perception. Increasing evidence suggests that pain catastrophizing (PC) is implicated, through pain-related self-thoughts, in the maladaptive plastic changes related to the maintenance of chronic pain (CP). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown an association between CP and two main networks: default mode (DMN) and dorsoattentional (DAN). Brain system segregation degree (SyS), an fMRI framework used to quantify the extent to which functional networks are segregated from each other, is associated with cognitive abilities in both healthy individuals and neurological patients. We hypothesized that individuals suffering from CP would show worst health-related status compared to healthy individuals and that, within CP individuals, longitudinal changes in pain experience (pain intensity and affective interference), could be predicted by SyS and PC subdomains (rumination, magnification, and helplessness). To assess the longitudinal progression of CP, two pain surveys were taken before and after an in-person assessment (physical evaluation and fMRI). We first compared the sociodemographic, health-related, and SyS data in the whole sample (no pain and pain groups). Secondly, we ran linear regression and a moderation model only in the pain group, to see the predictive and moderator values of PC and SyS in pain progression. From our sample of 347 individuals (mean age = 53.84, 55.2% women), 133 responded to having CP, and 214 denied having CP. When comparing groups, results showed significant differences in health-related questionnaires, but no differences in SyS. Within the pain group, helplessness (β = 0.325; p = 0.003), higher DMN (β = 0.193; p = 0.037), and lower DAN segregation (β = 0.215; p = 0.014) were strongly associated with a worsening in pain experience over time. Moreover, helplessness moderated the association between DMN segregation and pain experience progression (p = 0.003). Our findings indicate that the efficient functioning of these networks and catastrophizing could be used as predictors of pain progression, bringing new light to the influence of the interplay between psychological aspects and brain networks. Consequently, approaches focusing on these factors could minimize the impact on daily life activities.
Impact of nutritional guidance on various clinical parameters in patients with moderate obesity: A retrospective study
Authors: Oda Kayoko , Anno Takatoshi , Ogawa Nozomi , Kimura Yukiko , Kawasaki Fumiko , Kaku Kohei , Kaneto Hideaki , Takemasa Mutsuko , Sasano Miyori
Published: March 2023

Context

This study aims to investigate whether there is adequate provision of nutritional guidance through interventions by registered dietitians, especially for patients with moderate obesity. This is particularly important as such interventions may prove to be more effective for Japanese patients.

Methods

In Japan, since there is a system of nutritional guidance with a registered dietitian for patients with a BMI over 30 kg/m2, we recruited 636 patients with obesity who had a BMI over 30 kg/m2 admitted to the Kawasaki Medical School General Medical Center between April 2018 and March 2020 through a review of their medical records. Second, we recruited 153 patients who underwent a blood examination before receiving nutritional guidance and at least one time every 3 to 6 months thereafter after receiving it. We aimed to evaluate whether continued nutritional guidance and follow-up interventions for patients with obesity were effective. We compared the BMI and metabolic markers of the patients who received nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian against those who did not.

Results

A total of 636 patients with obesity who have a BMI over 30 kg/m2 were included in this study. A total of 164 patients with obesity received nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian at least one time, but 472 patients did not. Most interventions on nutritional guidance conducted by a registered dietitian were ordered from internal medicine (81.1%). However, internal medicine was the most common department that did not perform these interventions; however, less than half of the (49.2%) received them. In the second analysis, we compared two groups of patients with obesity. The first group (n = 70) who underwent blood examinations received nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian, while the second group (n = 54) did not receive such guidance. We found that there was no significant difference in body weight and BMI between the two groups of patients. We observed a significant decrease in dyslipidemia-associated metabolic markers among the patients who received nutritional guidance compared to those who did not [total cholesterol, −9.7 ± 29.3 vs. 2.3 ± 22.0 mg/dL (p = 0.0208); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, −10.4 ± 30.5 vs. −2.0 ± 51.0 mg/dL (p = 0.0147), respectively]. Other metabolic markers also tended to decrease, although they did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

It is rare for patients with only obesity to receive nutritional guidance. However, when nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian is provided, improvements in BMI and metabolic parameters can be expected.
Cuproplasia characterization in colon cancer assists to predict prognosis and immunotherapeutic response
Authors: Zhang Bomiao , Li Yien , Song Liqiang , Xi Hua , Wang Shaoke , Yu Chenfeng , Cui Binbin
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Colon cancer is the 3rd most prevalent cancer worldwide, with more than 900,000 deaths annually. Chemotherapy, targeted treatment, and immunotherapeutic treatment are the three cornerstones of colon cancer treatment; however, the occurrence of immune therapy resistance is the most pressing problem to solve. Copper is a mineral nutrient that is both beneficial and potentially toxic to cells and is increasingly implicated in cell proliferation and death pathways. Cuproplasia is characterized by copper-dependent cell growth and proliferation. This term encompasses both neoplasia and hyperplasia and describes the primary and secondary effects of copper. The connection between copper and cancer has been noted for decades. However, the relationship between cuproplasia and colon cancer prognosis remains unclear.

Method

In this study, we applied bioinformatics approaches including WGCNA, GSEA and etc. to delineate cuproplasia characterization of colon cancer, set up a robust Cu_riskScore model based on cuproplasia-relevant genes and found its relevant biological processes use qRT-pCR to validate our results on our cohort.

Result

The Cu_riskScore is found to be relevant to Stage and MSI-H subtype, and some biological processes including MYOGENESIS and MYC TARGETS. The Cu_riskScore high and low groups also showed different immune infiltration pattern and genomic traits. Finally, the result of our cohort showed the Cu_riskScore gene RNF113A has a marked effect in predicting immunotherapy response.

Discussion

In conclusion, we identified a cuproplasia-related gene expression signature consisting of six genes and studied the landscape of the clinical and biological characterization of this model in Colon Cancer. Furthermore, the Cu_riskScore was demonstrated to be a robust prognostic indicator and predictive factor for the benefits of immunotherapy.
Impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts on survival of patients with ampullary carcinoma
Authors: Takagi Kosei , Noma Kazuhiro , Nagai Yasuo , Kikuchi Satoru , Umeda Yuzo , Yoshida Ryuichi , Fuji Tomokazu , Yasui Kazuya , Tanaka Takehiro , Kashima Hajime , Yagi Takahito , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: March 2023

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) reportedly enhance the progression of gastrointestinal surgery; however, the role of CAFs in ampullary carcinomas remains poorly examined. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CAFs on the survival of patients with ampullary carcinoma.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of 67 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy between January 2000 and December 2021 was performed. CAFs were defined as spindle-shaped cells that expressed α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The impact of CAFs on survival, including recurrence-free (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS), as well as prognostic factors associated with survival, was analyzed.

Results

The high-α-SMA group had significantly worse 5-year RFS (47.6% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.003) and 5-year DSS (67.5% vs. 93.3%, p = 0.01) than the low-α-SMA group. RFS (p = 0.04) and DSS (p = 0.02) in the high-FAP group were significantly worse than those in the low-FAP group. Multivariable analyses found that high α-SMA expression was an independent predictor of RFS [hazard ratio (HR): 3.68; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.21–12.4; p = 0.02] and DSS (HR: 8.54; 95% CI: 1.21–170; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

CAFs, particularly α-SMA, can be useful predictors of survival in patients undergoing radical resection for ampullary carcinomas.
Predicting the efficacy of radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on enhanced computed tomography radiomics and combined models
Authors: Liu Jihui , Yang Xiyue , Mao Xin , Wang Tingting , Zheng Xuhai , Feng Gang , Dai Tangzhi , Du Xiaobo
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the ability of enhanced computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics and dosimetric parameters in predicting response to radiotherapy for esophageal cancer.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 147 patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer was performed, and the patients were divided into a training group (104 patients) and a validation group (43 patients). In total, 851 radiomics features were extracted from the primary lesions for analysis. Maximum correlation minimum redundancy and minimum least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were utilized for feature screening of radiomics features, and logistic regression was applied to construct a radiotherapy radiomics model for esophageal cancer. Finally, univariate and multivariate parameters were used to identify significant clinical and dosimetric characteristics for constructing combination models. The area evaluated the predictive performance under the receiver operating characteristics (AUC) curve and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the training and validation cohorts.

Results

Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant differences in clinical parameters of sex (p=0.031) and esophageal cancer thickness (p=0.028) on treatment response, whereas dosimetric parameters did not differ significantly in response to treatment. The combined model demonstrated improved discrimination between the training and validation groups, with AUCs of 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69–0.87) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.65–0.93) in the training and validation groups, respectively.

Conclusion

The combined model has potential application value in predicting the treatment response of patients with esophageal cancer after radiotherapy.
Prospective study: Impact of breast magnetic resonance imaging on oncoplastic surgery and on indications of mastectomy in patients who were previously candidates to breast conserving surgery
Authors: Anselmi Karina Furlan , Urban Cicero , Dória Maíra Teixeira , Urban Linei Augusta Brolini Delle , Sebastião Ana Paula , Kuroda Flávia , Rabinovich Iris , Cordeiro Alessandra Amatuzzi Fornazari , Nissen Leonardo Paese , Schunemann Eduardo , Spautz Cleverton , Pelanda Julia Di Conti , de Lima Rubens Silveira , Rietjens Mario , Loureiro Marcelo de Paula
Published: March 2023

Background

Routine use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the staging of patients with early breast cancer is still controversial. Oncoplastic surgery (OP) allows for wider resections without compromising the aesthetic results. This study aimed to assess the impact of preoperative MRI on surgical planning and on indications of mastectomy.

Methods

Prospective study including T1-T2 breast cancer patients treated between January 2019 and December 2020 in the Breast Unit of the Hospital Nossa Senhora das Graças in Curitiba, Brazil. All patients had indication for breast conserving surgery (BCS) with OP and did a breast MRI after conventional imaging.

Results

131 patients were selected. Indication for BCS was based on clinical examination and conventional imaging (mammography and ultrasound) findings. After undergoing breast MRI, 110 patients (84.0%) underwent BCS with OP and 21 (16.0%) had their surgical procedure changed to mastectomy. Breast MRI revealed additional findings in 52 of 131 patients (38%). Of these additional findings, 47 (90.4%) were confirmed as invasive carcinoma. Of the 21 patients who underwent mastectomies, the mean tumor size was 2.9 cm (± 1,7cm), with all having additional findings on breast MRI (100% of the mastectomies group vs 28.2% of the OP, p<0.01). Of the 110 patients submitted to OP, the mean tumor size was 1,6cm (± 0,8cm), with only 6 (5.4%) presenting positive margins at the final pathology assessment.

Conclusion

Preoperative breast MRI has an impact on the OP scenario, bringing additional information that may help surgical planning. It allowed selecting the group with additional tumor foci or greater extension to convert to mastectomy, with a consequent low reoperation rate of 5.4% in the BCS group. This is the first study to assess the impact of breast MRI in the preoperative planning of patients undergoing OP for the treatment of breast cancer.
High frequency of autoimmune thyroiditis in euthyroid girls with premature adrenarche
Authors: Kyritsi Eleni Magdalini , Vasilakis Ioannis-Anargyros , Kosteria Ioanna , Mantzou Aimilia , Gryparis Alexandros , Kassi Eva , Kaltsas Gregory , Kanaka-Gantenbein Christina
Published: March 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) among euthyroid prepubertal girls presenting with premature adrenarche (PA). We also aimed to identify the clinical, metabolic, and endocrine profile of girls with AT and concurrent PA and compare them to girls with AT without PA, PA alone and healthy controls.

Methods

Ninety-one prepubertal girls aged 5–10 years, who attended our department for AT, PA and normal variants of growth and puberty were recruited for the study: 73 girls had PA, 6 AT without PA and 12 were referred for investigation of growth. All girls underwent clinical examination, detailed biochemical and hormonal screen. Standard dose Synachten stimulation test (SDSST) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed in all girls with PA. The whole study population was divided in 4 groups: Group PA−/AT+ included 6 girls with AT without PA; Group PA+/AT− PA subjects without AT; Group PA+/AT+ girls with PA and concomitant AT; Group PA-/AT- twelve healthy girls without PA nor AT (controls).

Results

Among 73 girls presenting with PA 19 had AT (26%). BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the presence of goiter significantly differed between the four groups (p = 0.016, p = 0.022 and p < 0.001, respectively). When comparing hormonal parameters among the four groups significant differences were found in leptin (p = 0.007), TSH (p = 0.044), anti-TPO (p = 0.002), anti-TG (p = 0.044), IGF-BP1 (p = 0.006), Δ4-Α (p = 0.01), DHEA-S (p = <0.001), IGF-1 (p = 0.012) and IGF-BP3 (p = 0.049) levels. TSH levels were significantly higher in Group PA+/AT+ compared to PA+/AT− and PA−/AT− (p = 0.043 and p = 0.016, respectively). Moreover, girls with AT (Groups PA−/AT+ and PA+/AT+) had higher TSH levels than those in Group PA+/AT- (p = 0.025). Girls in Group PA+/AT + showed higher cortisol response at 60 min post-SDSST than girls in Group PA+/AT− (p = 0.035). During the OGTT, insulin concentrations at 60 min were significantly higher in Group PA+/AT + compared to Group PA+/AT− (p = 0.042).

Conclusion

A high frequency of AT among euthyroid prepubertal girls with PA was observed. The combination of PA with AT even in euthyroid state may be associated with a greater degree of insulin resistance, than PA alone.
Association of proton pump inhibitors with gastric and colorectal cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Huizhu , Zhang Ruiqiu , Zhang Pei , Chen Zhaoyang , Hua Yuqing , Huang Xin , Li Xiao
Published: March 2023

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are generally considered to be one of the well-established prescription drug classes and are commonly used to treat most acid-related diseases. However, a growing body of literature showing an association between gastric and colorectal cancer risk and PPI use continues to raise concerns about the safety of PPI use. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between proton pump inhibitor use and risk of gastric and colorectal cancer.

Methods: We collected relevant articles using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane library from 1 January 1990 to 21 March 2022. The pooled effect sizes were calculated based on the random-effects model. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022351332).

Results: A total of 24 studies (n = 8,066,349) were included in the final analysis in the screening articles. Compared with non-PPI users, PPI users had a significantly higher risk of gastric cancer (RR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.46–2.29), but not colorectal cancer (RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.95–1.55). Subgroup analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between the use of PPI and the risk of non-cardiac cancer (RR = 2.75, 95% CI: 2.09–3.62). There was a significant trend between the duration dependent effect of PPI use and the risk of gastric cancer (<1 year RR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.30–1.86; 1–3 years RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.28–2.37; >3 years RR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.15–4.66), but not colorectal cancer (≤1 year RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.78–1.28; >1 year RR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.91–1.54; ≥5 years RR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.95–1.17).

Conclusion: We found that PPI use increased gastric cancer risk, but not colorectal cancer risk. This result may be biased due to confounding factors. More prospective studies are needed to further validate and support our findings.

Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022351332], identifier [CRD42022351332].
Analysis of ranging biases of BOC signal threat based on non-ideal channel group delay characteristics
Authors: Wenxiang Liu , Wei Xiao , Xiaozhou Ye , Manli Qin , Zukun Lu , Xiangjun Li , Xin Yang
Published: March 2023

Satellite signal threat is an important kind of satellite signal anomaly, which will lead to ranging biases of user receiver. BOC modulation is used more and more widely in the field of satellite navigation system. In the existing literature, there is a shortage that the non-ideal characteristics of the channel are not taken into account in the ranging biases analysis of BOC signal threat. The non-ideal characteristic of the receiving channel is one of the main bias sources of navigation signal reception. In the process of receiving navigation signal, due to the jitter caused by channel noise and the non-ideal phase of the channel, ranging biases will be introduced. To solve this problem, this paper proposes the analysis model of ranging biases of BOC signal threat based on non-ideal channel characteristics, and analyzes the non-ideal group delay characteristics of BOC (1,1) signal incoherent ranging mode. From the analysis results of ranging biases under multiple threated signals, it can be seen that the non-ideal group delay characteristics will worsen the ranging biases of BOC signal threat in most cases. In the sense of minimum ranging biases caused by BOC signal threat, 0.3chip∼0.35chip is the recommended parameter for non-coherent reception of BOC (1,1) early late code.
A simple frequency formulation for fractal–fractional non-linear oscillators: A promising tool and its future challenge
Authors: Niu Jing-Yan , Feng Guang-Qing , Gepreel Khaled A.
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a simple frequency formula developed from He’s frequency formulation for fractal systems. In this approach, the initial guess can be judiciously chosen. Even the simplest initial guess leads to a highly accurate approximate solution. A detailed theoretical development is elucidated, and the solving process is given step by step. The simple calculation and reliable results have been merged into an effective tool for deeply studying fractal vibration systems, and the present approach offers a completely new angle for the fast insight into the physical properties of a non-linear vibration system in a fractal space.
The genealogy of integrationism: Ideational foundations of the politics of immigrant integration
Authors: Dodevska Iva
Published: March 2023

This article traces the idea of (“immigrant”) “integration” from its roots in classical political philosophy and the birth of the modern nation-state, to its current relevance in the European political agenda and, relatedly, its centrality in the newly consolidated field of Migration Studies. I examine the ontological (i.e., philosophical and sociological) and political rationales behind the idea that migrants need to “integrate into society”, and the different varieties of political solutions that are offered in this sense. The paper asks: How did the migrant come at the center of the idea of an integrated society? And how did integrationism become consolidated as the hegemonic idea of governing diverse societies in post-migration contexts in Europe? Employing an extensive list of secondary literature, documentary data, policy analysis of the EU-level Framework on migrant integration, and discourse analysis of integration-related research publications, I attempt a genealogy of the idea of “integration” as it traveled across the North Atlantic West and between academia and government. The paper shows how the production of the subject of integration—the misfit “immigrant” figure—is historically marked by a consensus across the learned and the governing elites that identifies the preservation of a homogenous national social order as a societal goal. I argue that the scientification of integration governance via the “evidence-based policy” paradigm (most notably promoted by EU institutions) normalizes, naturalizes and aims to depoliticize the otherwise highly normative and contested question of migrant integration.
Mapping the ethical aspects in end-of-life care for persons with a severe and persistent mental illness: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Moureau Loïc , Verhofstadt Monica , Liégeois Axel
Published: March 2023

Persons with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) make up a vulnerable group within mental healthcare and society. Not only do they suffer from long-term, serious psychiatric disorders; they often also experience considerable problems in their psychosocial functioning. Research has disclosed that the care needs of this target group are complex, and that the life expectancy of these persons is significantly lower than in the general population. Given (1) the lower life expectancy of persons with SPMI, (2) the higher suicide risk related to mental disorders, and (3) the legalization and practice of medical assistance in dying in an increasing number of countries, it is of utmost importance to map the ethical aspects and challenges of end-of-life care needs in persons with SPMI. Therefore, we charted the way end-of-life care is provided for them by means of a scoping review of the scientific literature, with an emphasis on the ethical aspects surrounding it. We explore existing ethical dilemmas; the underlying ethical values, principles and attitudes; and the locus and stakeholders of ethical dialog regarding end-of-life care in persons with SPMI. The results indicate that the four guiding principles of biomedical ethics can well be identified in the literature, and are each addressed in their own specific way: Autonomy in relation to questions regarding the decision-making capacity of persons with SPMI; Justice in relation to access to quality care and the presence of stigma; and Non-maleficence and Beneficence in relation to the ongoing debate regarding the benefits and obstacles in applying palliative care approaches in the context of psychiatry, and the status of the futility-concept therein. Personal virtues and attitudes in care professionals, like compassion, non-abandonment and upholding dignity are key, as care professionals are the main advocates of persons with SPMI, which often lack an extensive social network. Further, we find that the ethical dialog is mainly focused on care professionals and relatives, rather than the persons with SPMI themselves. This is reflected in the existing research that often had the voices of the latter missing. Future research may benefit from the inclusion of persons with SMPI’s first-hand accounts. End-of-life care for persons with SPMI may benefit from identifying and integrating (locally developed) good practices like cross-sectoral education, specific care models, and ethics support.
Heterogeneity in COVID-19 infection among older persons in South Africa: Evidence from national surveillance data
Authors: Abdelatif Nada , Naidoo Inbarani , Dunn Shanaaz , Mazinu Mikateko , Essack Zaynab , Groenewald Candice , Maharaj Pranitha , Msomi Nokukhanya , Reddy Tarylee , Roberts Benjamin , Zuma Khangelani
Published: March 2023

Background

The 2021 World Health Organization study on the impact of COVID-19 on older people (≥60 years) in the African region highlighted the difficulties they faced as the virus spread across borders and dominated the way of life. These difficulties included disruptions to both essential health care services and social support, as well as disconnections from family and friends. Among those who contracted COVID-19, the risks of severe illness, complications, and mortality were highest among near-old and older persons.

Objective

Recognizing that older persons are a diverse group including younger- and older-aged individuals, a study was conducted to track the epidemic among near-old (50–59 years) and older persons (≥60 years) in South Africa covering the 2 years since the epidemic emerged.

Methods

Using a quantitative secondary research approach, data for near-old and older persons were extracted for comparative purposes. COVID-19 surveillance outcomes (confirmed cases, hospitalizations, and deaths) and vaccination data were compiled up to March 5th, 2022. COVID-19 surveillance outcomes were plotted by epidemiological week and epidemic waves to visualize the overall growth and trajectory of the epidemic. Means for each age-group and by COVID-19 waves, together with age-specific rates, were calculated.

Results

Average numbers of new COVID-19 confirmed cases and hospitalizations were highest among people aged 50–59- and 60–69-years. However, average age-specific infection rates showed that people aged 50–59 years and ≥80 years were most vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. Age-specific hospitalization and death rates increased, with people aged ≥ 70 years most affected. The number of people vaccinated was slightly higher among people aged 50–59 years before Wave Three and during Wave Four, but higher among people aged ≥ 60 years during Wave Three. The findings suggest that uptake of vaccinations stagnated prior to and during Wave Four for both age groups.

Discussion

Health promotion messages and COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance and monitoring are still needed, particularly for older persons living in congregate residential and care facilities. Prompt health-seeking should be encouraged, including testing and diagnosis as well as taking up vaccines and boosters, particularly for high-risk older persons.
Measurement for Change: Reflections from innovators' experiences with monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems for Early Childhood Development
Authors: de Laat Joost , Radner James , Holding Penny , van der Haar Lotte , Slemming Wiedaad , Krapels Joachim , van der Harst Maria , Raikes Abbie , Sanou Anselme Simeon , Dusabe Caroline
Published: March 2023

In this review paper, we explore how on-the-ground Early Childhood Development (ECD) innovators are using monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems to guide the design and implementation of ECD programs, as well as how MEL systems can influence policy and support the achievement of impact at scale. We reflect on articles in theFrontiersseries “Effective delivery of integrated interventions in early childhood: innovations in evidence use, monitoring, evaluation, and learning.” The 31 contributions to the series reflect the breadth and depth of complexity that characterizes ECD, including global geographic spread, with studies from Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Our synthesis finds that integrating MEL processes and systems into the fabric of a program or policy initiative can broaden the underlying value proposition. Specifically, ECD organizations sought to design their MEL systems to ensure programs fit the values, goals, experiences and conceptual frameworks of diverse stakeholders, so that participating makes sense to all. For example, formative, exploratory research identified the priorities and needs of the target population and frontline service providers, and informed the content and delivery of an intervention. ECD organizations also designed their MEL systems to support a shift of accountability toward broader ownership: They included delivery agents and program participants alike assubjectsrather thanobjects, through active participation in data collection, and by providing opportunities for equitable discussion of results and decision-making. Programs collected data to respond to specialized characteristics, priorities and needs, embedding program activities into existing day-to-day routines. Further, papers pointed to the importance of intentionally involving a variety of stakeholders in national and international dialogues to ensure that diverse ECD data collection efforts are aligned and multiple perspectives are considered in the development of national ECD policies. And, several papers illustrate the value of creative methods and measurement tools to integrate MEL into a program or policy initiative. Finally, our synthesis concludes that these findings align with the five aspirations that were formulated as part of theMeasurement for Changedialogue, which motivated the launch of the series.
Preliminary impact of the adoption of the Icelandic Prevention Model in Tarragona City, 2015–2019: A repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Meyers Caine C. A. , Mann Michael J. , Thorisdottir Ingibjorg Eva , Ros Garcia Patricia , Sigfusson Jon , Sigfusdottir Inga Dora , Kristjansson Alfgeir L.
Published: March 2023

Background

There is a great need for effective primary prevention intervention strategies to reduce and delay onset of adolescent substance use. The Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) showed great success in Iceland over the past twenty plus years, however, evidence for the transferability of model is still somewhat limited. Using data collected in Tarragona during regional efforts to begin adoption of the IPM in Catalonia, this study tested the transferability and stability of the core risk and protective factor assumptions of the IPM overtime and examined trends of lifetime smoking, e-cigarette-use, alcohol-use, intoxication, and cannabis-use within the same time period.

Methods

This study includes responses from 15- to 16-years-olds from two region-wide samples taken in 2015 and 2019 in Tarragona (N = 2,867). Survey questions assessed frequency of lifetime: smoking, e-cigarette-use, alcohol-use, intoxication, and cannabis-use, and the core model assumptions. Demographic data were also collected. Logistic regression models of main effects with and without time interaction were used to test assumptions and their stability across time. Chi-square tests and Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare prevalence of substance use and mean scores of primary prevention variables respectively.

Results

Lifetime: smoking (−7%, p < 0.001) and cannabis-use (−4%, p < 0.001) decreased, and e-cigarette-use increased (+33%, p < 0.001) in Tarragona. Lifetime intoxication (−7%, p < 0.001) decreased in a single zone exclusively. Most core model assumptions held in their hypothesised direction across time. The strongest positive association was observed between time spent with parents during weekends and reduced odds of lifetime smoking (OR: 0.62, 95%CI: 0.57–0.67) and the strongest negative association was observed between being outside after midnight and increased odds of lifetime intoxication (OR: 1.41, 95%CI: 1.32–1.51). Mean scores of primary prevention variables also changed disproportionately in Tarragona.

Conclusion

This study confirms that the core IPM assumptions are similar in Tarragona as in Iceland and other contexts previously examined. They also indicate that prevalence of lifetime smoking, intoxication, and cannabis-use decreased disproportionately in Tarragona between 2015 and 2019 during the first phase of regional adoption of the model. Thus, targeting model assumptions represents a viable primary prevention strategy for communities that hope to reduce smoking, alcohol-use, intoxication, and cannabis-use among adolescents.
Risk of ozone exposure-induced fracture
Authors: Lu Shuai , Xu Rongrong , Gong Maoqi , Zha Yejun , Li Ning , Chen Jia , Liu Xuejiao , Jiang Xieyuan
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Ozone (O3) is known to induce oxidative stress that influences various cells and tissues, which may further lead to diminished bone mineral density. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the association between O3 exposure and fractures. Considering the similar growing trends of O3 concentrations and fracture morbidity in recent years, in the present study, we aimed to examine whether O3 exposure is associated with the fracture morbidity.

Methods

Using a retrospective cohort study design, we analyzed the records of 8,075 patients with fracture admitted in the warm season to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from 2014 to 2019 and matched them to the corresponding exposure time and concentration of O3.

Results

The results showed that increased odds of fracture were associated with increased O3 concentrations, presumably because O3 induces oxidative stress (OS) that leads to bone mineral density (BMD) loss.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that O3 exposure is a risk factor for fractures, providing new evidence of the adverse health effect induced by air pollution. We can conclude that more intensive air pollution control is needed for the prevention of fracture occurrence.
Accelerating systems thinking in health: Perspectives from the region of the Americas
Authors: Rocio Saenz , María Paulina Echandi , Karol Rojas , Luis Fernando Solís , Ingrid Gómez
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The Systems Thinking Accelerator (SYSTAC) is a community to engage, connect and collaborate to elevate the field of systems thinking with a focus on low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need to identify existing capacities within research and at the practice level. The study aimed to explore if there is a perceived need for and benefit from the application of Systems Thinking tools for analysis and diagnosis of problem-solving within Healthcare in the Region of the Americas in 2021 and the existing capabilities.

Methods

The identification and deconstruction of the needs, demands, and opportunities regarding systems thinking in the Americas were approached by: (i) adapting the tools and Systems Thinking definition to reflect regional nuances, (ii) identifying stakeholder exercise, (iii) needs assessment survey distribution, (iv) stakeholder mapping analysis, (v) workshop. More information on the adaptation and execution of each tool can be found below.

Results

123 stakeholders were identified, of which 40 participated in the needs assessment survey. 72% of respondents indicated little knowledge of the tools and approaches of systems thinking but a high interest in developing them, as stated by 87% of respondents. Qualitative tools were most frequently used, such as brainstorming, problem trees, and stakeholder mapping. Systems thinking is mainly used when conducting research, implementing, and evaluating projects. A clear need and want for training and developing capacities in health systems thinking were identified. However, in practice, systems thinking faces challenges like resistance to change and to the transformation of health processes, barriers at the institutional level, and other administrative disincentives that hinder its application, being institutional transparency, political will, and the articulation of the actors the main challenges.

Discussion

Strengthening and building personal and institutional capacities in systems thinking theory and practice requires overcoming challenges such as lack of transparency and inter-institutional cooperation, the low political will to implement it, and difficult stakeholders' integration. As a first step, it is crucial to understand further the stakeholder network and the capacity needs of the region, gain buy-in from strategic players to establish the use of system thinking as a priority, and develop a roadmap.
Therapeutic work to enhance parental mentalizing for parents with ACEs to support their children's mental health: A theoretical and clinical review
Authors: Dollberg Daphna G. , Hanetz-Gamliel Keren
Published: March 2023

This review outlines the literature concerning the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on parenting, focusing on how childhood trauma in parents might impede the development of adaptive parental mentalizing skills. Non-adaptive parental mentalizing may lead to non-mentalizing cycles between parents and children, which can put the child's mental health at risk. When parents who have endured ACEs have to cope with their children's mental health problems, they may have to deal with a double dose of parental stress related to their own traumatic history and their children's emotional difficulties. This heightened parental stress may further shake the parents' mentalizing skills. In line with this special issue's topic, we propose the promoting and restoring of parental mentalizing as a treatment goal for parents who have endured ACEs and whose children face mental health difficulties. We review the empirical and clinical evidence regarding the benefits of effective parental mentalizing and the availability of techniques to enhance it. We argue that working therapeutically and focusing on supporting and advancing parental mentalizing is an effective and feasible treatment goal with parents who endured ACEs. We demonstrate how we use these interventions through fictional vignettes from our therapeutic work and offer recommendations for clinical work with parents with traumatic histories.
Pedestrian detection model based on Tiny-Yolov3 architecture for wearable devices to visually impaired assistance
Authors: Maya-Martínez Sergio-Uriel , Argüelles-Cruz Amadeo-José , Guzmán-Zavaleta Zobeida-Jezabel , Ramírez-Cadena Miguel-de-Jesús
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Wearable assistive devices for the visually impaired whose technology is based on video camera devices represent a challenge in rapid evolution, where one of the main problems is to find computer vision algorithms that can be implemented in low-cost embedded devices.

Objectives and Methods: This work presents a Tiny You Only Look Once architecture for pedestrian detection, which can be implemented in low-cost wearable devices as an alternative for the development of assistive technologies for the visually impaired.

Results: The recall results of the proposed refined model represent an improvement of 71% working with four anchor boxes and 66% with six anchor boxes compared to the original model. The accuracy achieved on the same data set shows an increase of 14% and 25%, respectively. The F1 calculation shows a refinement of 57% and 55%. The average accuracy of the models achieved an improvement of 87% and 99%. The number of correctly detected objects was 3098 and 2892 for four and six anchor boxes, respectively, whose performance is better by 77% and 65% compared to the original, which correctly detected 1743 objects.

Discussion: Finally, the model was optimized for the Jetson Nano embedded system, a case study for low-power embedded devices, and in a desktop computer. In both cases, the graphics processing unit (GPU) and central processing unit were tested, and a documented comparison of solutions aimed at serving visually impaired people was performed.

Conclusion: We performed the desktop tests with a RTX 2070S graphics card, and the image processing took about 2.8 ms. The Jetson Nano board could process an image in about 110 ms, offering the opportunity to generate alert notification procedures in support of visually impaired mobility.