bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The psychometrics of rating facial attractiveness using different response scales
Authors: Kramer Robin S.S. , Ritchie Kay L. , Flack Tessa R. , Mireku Michael O. , Jones Alex L.
Published: May 2024

Perceiving facial attractiveness is an important behaviour across psychological science due to these judgments having real-world consequences. However, there is little consensus on the measurement of this behaviour, and practices differ widely. Research typically asks participants to provide ratings of attractiveness across a multitude of different response scales, with little consideration of the psychometric properties of these scales. Here, we make psychometric comparisons across nine different response scales. Specifically, we analysed the psychometric properties of a binary response, a 0–100 scale, a visual analogue scale, and a set of Likert scales (1–3, 1–5, 1–7, 1–8, 1–9, 1–10) as tools to measure attractiveness, calculating a range of commonly used statistics for each. While certain properties suggested researchers might choose to favour the 1–5, 1–7 and 1–8 scales, we generally found little evidence of an advantage for one scale over any other. Taken together, our investigation provides consideration of currently used techniques for measuring facial attractiveness and makes recommendations for researchers in this field.
A multilevel system cross-game dynamics approach for carbon emission governance strategy
Authors: Ding Yi , Yin Jian , Jiang Hongtao
Published: May 2024

The relationships within the carbon emissions game are diverse and intricate, encompassing both horizontal games between regions and vertical games involving governments, enterprises, and the public. To explore the complex game relationships among carbon emission entities, this study integrated horizontal and vertical games and applied the system dynamics method to construct a multilevel and multiagent cross-game model, analyzing the changing trends of strategies among different regional governments, enterprises, and the public. The research reveals that there is free-riding behavior in the governance of carbon emissions among regions. However, this free-riding behavior can lead to a virtuous cycle. The attitude of the government plays a crucial role in determining whether businesses engage in carbon emission management. Increasing government regulatory efficiency does not alter the outcome of the game, but it can reduce the time required to reach Nash equilibrium. The study enhances the simulation of carbon emission game theory and provides a reliable reference for government regulation and low-carbon development in businesses.
Trends, Sociodemographic and Hospital-Level Factors Associated with Palliative Care Utilization Among Metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Olafimihan Ayobami , Jackson Inimfon , Nwachukwu Chiamaka , Ozogbo Stanley , Oh Youjin , George Lina , Fawehinmi Praise , Abdullahi Abubakar , Mullane Michael
Published: May 2024

Background: Several factors are reported to be associated with palliative care utilization among patients with various cancers, but literature is lacking on metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) specific factors. Early integration of palliative care in management of MPC patients could increase their quality of life and overall outcomes. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal analyses were conducted using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data (2010 – 2019). Prevalence trends in palliative care utilization were assessed, and sociodemographic and hospital-level factors associated with palliative care utilization in MPC patients were examined. Results: The overall prevalence of palliative care utilization was 13.1% with an increasing trend from 8490 to 15,231 per 100,000 MPC admissions (p-trend <.001). MPC patients aged 65 years and above had similar odds of receiving palliative care compared to younger patients. Relative to non-Hispanic Whites, other racial groups had similar likelihood to utilize palliative care services. Patients in higher median household national income quartiles had greater odds of utilizing palliative care relative to those in the first income quartile. Patients on Medicaid, private insurance and other insurance types had greater odds of palliative care use in comparison to those on Medicare. Other factors identified were hospital region, location and teaching status, patient disposition, admission type, length of stay, and number of comorbidities. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the significance of enhanced government policies and institutional support in improving palliative care use among hospitalized MPC patients. Health systems must be proactive in addressing barriers to optimization of palliative care utilization in this population.
Are the Kids Alright? Helping Children Thrive Through Divorce Using Narrative Therapy
Authors: Bonner Allison J. , Smith Nathan B. , Torres Demi B. , Bradshaw Jesse R.
Published: May 2024

While there are negative stereotypes against children who have been through divorce, research indicates that there are a wide range of potential outcomes children can experience after their parents’ divorce. Research indicates that there are at least four protective factors that lead to positive mental health and social outcomes for children of divorce: (a) external social support, (b) self-reliance and grit, (c) positive relationships with parents, and (d) resilience and self-compassion. These protective factors are then illustrated through a narrative therapy framework, which focuses on multiple possible realities, meaning making, perception of the client as the expert of their own experience, and the role of dominant discourses in the client's life and clinical intervention. A clinical vignette is then presented, depicting a teenage girl whose parents have divorced after an especially turbulent marriage. Narrative therapy's strength is that it helps the client develop cognitive distance between their sense of self and the problems they are experiencing. However, some limitations to this presentation are that it is highly theoretical and requires further quantitative research to explore the effects of narrative therapy on clients whose parents are divorced. Further research is required to explore the wide spectrum of outcomes children can experience after divorce and how clinicians can help children reach more positive outcomes.
Removal of impurities accumulated on the surface of nanosecond laser-treated Titanium
Authors: Sha Kun , Lin Yue , Chen Zhenhui , Feng Daolun
Published: May 2024

Due to the efficient utilization of thermal energy by the interfacial evaporation, more and more research is attempting to apply it to concentrate wastewater. However, photothermal materials tend to accumulate impurities on their surface during the concentration process, which affects their subsequent use and requires periodic removal. Acidic, ultrasonic, and heated water cleansing methods are used to remove impurities from the surface of nanosecond laser-treated titanium (NLTI). Both acidic and ultrasonic cleansing are effective in removing impurities without damaging the micro-nano structure on the surface. After undergoing acidic cleansing, NLTI exhibits an evaporation rate of 1.25 kg/m2/h, which is 86.2% of its original performance. Similarly, after ultrasonic cleansing, NLTI exhibits an evaporation rate of 1.24 kg/m2/h, which is 82.6% of its original performance. It is worth noting that even after undergoing multiple cleansing cycles, both acidic, and ultrasonic cleansing maintain stable evaporation rates. Additionally, these cleaning methods are straightforward to implement, offering safeguard for the engineering application of solar thermal materials.
Beyond Universal Research Design: Lessons for Developing Accessible Virtual Focus Group Research
Authors: Fischbein Rebecca , Bracken Rachel , Bhambra Raman , Congeni Dominic , Hameed Omar
Published: May 2024

People with disabilities (PWD) face significant health disparities, yet they have largely been excluded from health research and clinical trials, including in-person and virtual focus group research. The lack of clear protocols for recruiting research participants with disabilities and designing fully accessible online focus groups may contribute to their exclusion. Additionally, barriers to screening, consent, and hosting focus groups with PWD have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with planning, flexibility, and creativity, researchers can anticipate and overcome barriers to inclusion and conduct critical research that is accessible to PWD. This article presents a concrete example and lessons learned from the application of principles of accessible research design to a project utilizing virtual focus groups. The examples shared demonstrate how to approach research with PWD by outlining universal principles to hosting focus groups and encouraging project-specific measures to make the research more accessible to the participants involved. We argue that accessible research design should prioritize inclusion and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of participants. Community engagement, financial resources for necessary accommodations and modifications, and a commitment to disability justice principles are all necessary components for successful research that fully includes PWD. By adopting disability humility and embracing universal research design that allows for accommodations and modifications, researchers can maximize the potential for inclusive and impactful research.
Data as environment, environment as data: One Health in collaborative data-intensive science
Authors: Barchetta Lucilla , Raffaetà Roberta
Published: May 2024

This article analyses the operationalization of One Health in the context of data-intensive science in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Building on ethnographic field research and revisiting the lives of a knowledge infrastructure of interdisciplinary collaboration set up online in the early phase of the COVID-19 health emergency, the article develops the notion of “data as environment.” This environment is a contact structure that entangles knowledge systems, subjects, processing tools, and mediated bio-socialities in processes of data-intensive knowledge co-production. Claims for new collaborative approaches between the biomedical, environmental, and social sciences are increasingly marked by the emergence of digital knowledge-making infrastructure that leverages data, knowledge, and expertise from different disciplines and sectors to increase scientific productivity via data-sharing technologies. Yet, digital knowledge-making infrastructures appear self-evident when they are in place, while data are often conceived as inert and disembodied information units separated from social relations of research. The argument that data are an environment expands anthropological thinking on data and digital knowledge-making infrastructures by enlightening political-ethical questions that are at stake in the emerging technoscientific worlds of the Anthropocene.
Why we need to discuss statistical significance and p-values (again): Addressing the underlying issue of different probability interpretations and actionable recommendations
Authors: Holmberg Christopher
Published: May 2024

Nursing practices must be evidence-based, yet grappling with statistics proves challenging, hampering the integration of research into patient care. Statistics, a branch of mathematics, is often viewed solely as a method across various disciplines, including nursing, focusing on analyzing and inferring from measurable data. As with other methods, it is easy to overlook underlying assumptions. Statistical significance and p-values are commonly used and misused concepts in statistics. While extensively discussed, these issues receive less attention in nursing. Papers addressing them often adopt practical approaches, overlooking the root cause: a misunderstanding of their meaning. To address this, I aim to clarify the fundamental concept underpinning these issues – probability – by defining its two main types, each carrying implications for statistical significance and p-values. In conclusion, I advocate for the continued use of p-values in nursing but emphasize the need for critical considerations in doing so.
Uncovering the Connections Among Rural Science Teachers: A Social Network Analysis
Authors: Poulsen Tracy , Leary Heather , Daly Alan , Sansom Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Using social network analysis, we sought to characterize the professional collaboration and advice networks among rural science teachers. Furthermore, we explored how the characteristics of individual teachers and distance between teachers affected the likelihood of forming connections. Science teachers in publicly funded rural schools were asked whom they collaborate with and seek advice from and the mode and frequency of their communications. Results were analyzed using UCINET to calculate statistical significance of tie formation. Ties among rural teachers were sparse, with a quarter of teachers having no connections within the bounded network. In contrast to other social network studies, characteristics of individual teachers were not a significant predictor of tie formation in our population, but geographic proximity was a strong predictor. Our findings suggest that districts can support teachers in forming supportive ties by providing time, funding, and/or technology tools and training.
New Anatomic Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Used in a Complex Revision ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Tollefson Luke V. , Kennedy Nicholas I. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLRs) are performed to restore knee biomechanics, increase knee stability, and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. After ACLRs, many patients still have residual anterolateral instability which is a risk factor for ACL graft failure. An anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) attempts to restore the native function of the anterolateral complex to augment the ACL. Performing an ALLR with an ACLR has been reported to reduce symptoms of instability and improve clinical outcomes.

Indications:

While no definitive indication for an ALLR has been set, current considerations include high posterior tibial slope >12°, revision ACLR, high-grade pivot shift, skeletally immature patients, hyperlaxity, and patients in high-level sports.

Technique Description:

The preoperative assessment includes a thorough physical examination with special attention paid to rotational laxity assessed via the pivot-shift examination. Imaging should include standard radiographic series (anteroposterior, posteroanterior flexion, lateral, and sunrise views), long-leg mechanical axis views to assess coronal plane alignment and standing lateral ACL stress radiographs to assess sagittal alignment and objective instability. The iliotibial band ALLR graft is harvested first. An 8-cm long by 1-cm wide strip of the inferior iliotibial band is harvested in a standard fashion, leaving the distal aspect attached to Gerdy’s tubercle. An anchor is placed centered upon the native ALL distal tibial insertion. The native ALL femoral origin is identified at 4.7 mm posterior and proximal to the fibular collateral ligament, and a second suture anchor is placed at this point. Final fixation is performed after the final fixation of the ACLR graft.

Results:

A study by Pioger et al reported that patients with ACLR and ALLR had significantly less reoperation rate than patients with isolated ACLR, 8.9% versus 20.5% respectively. Lee et al found that a revision ACLR in combination with an ALLR was effective in reducing rotational laxity, which was assessed by the pivot-shift test.

Discussion:

We describe a technique for a new anatomic ALLR using the iliotibial band that attempts to restore the native ALL anatomy. This surgical technique effectively restores rotational laxity and improves knee stability.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
A word to the wise
Authors: Stam Henderikus J.
Published: May 2024

Heinz Streib’s appeal for a wisdom that takes seriously the deep problem of “the other” is not only profound but timely. In my comments I ask if this question might even benefit from a research agenda or if that is a distraction and then I suggest an additional point of view, based on the work of the late John Shotter, that might assist us in understanding how we come to know from within our activities rather than “about” our activities. Will this lead us to be wiser? I don’t have an answer to this but I provide a plea for a psychology that is focused on the everyday.
Non-arterial line cardiac output calculation misclassifies exercise pulmonary hypertension and increases risk of data loss particularly in black, scleroderma and Raynaud's patients during invasive exercise testing
Authors: Campedelli Luiz , Nouraie S. Mehdi , Risbano Michael G.
Published: May 2024

Background

The direct Fick principle is the standard for calculating cardiac output (CO) to detect CO-dependent conditions like exercise pulmonary hypertension (ePH). Fick COarterialincorporates arterial haemoglobin (Hba) and oxygen saturation (SaO2) with oxygen consumption from exercise testing, while Fick COnon-arterialsubstitutes mixed venous haemoglobin (Hbmv) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the absence of an arterial line. The decision to employ an arterial catheter for exercise testing varies, and discrepancies in oxygen saturation and haemoglobin between arterial and non-arterial methods may lead to differences in Fick CO, potentially affecting ePH classification.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 296 consecutive invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (iCPET) studies comparing oxygen saturation from pulse oximetry (SpO2) and radial arterial (SaO2), Hbaand Hbmv, and CO calculated with arterial (COarterial) and non-arterial (COnon-arterial) values. We assessed the risk of misclassification of pre- and post-capillary ePH and data loss due to inaccurateSpO2.

Results

When considering all stages from rest to peak exercise, Hbaand Hbmvdemonstrated high correlation, whileSpO2andSaO2as well as COarterialand COnon-arterialdemonstrated low correlation. Data loss was significantly higher across all stages of exercise forSpO2(n=346/1926 (18%)) compared toSaO2(n=17/1923 (0.88%)). We found that pre- and post-capillary ePH were misclassified as COnon-arterialdata (n=7/41 (17.1%) and n=2/23 (8.7%), respectively). Patients with scleroderma and/or Raynaud's (n=11/33 (33.3%)) and black patients (n=6/19 (31.6%)) had moreSpO2data loss.

Conclusion

Reliance uponSpO2during invasive exercise testing results in the misclassification of pre- and post-capillary ePH, and unmeasurableSpO2for black, scleroderma and Raynaud's patients can preclude accurate exercise calculations, thus limiting the diagnostic and prognostic value of invasive exercise testing without an arterial line.
Impact of outpatient adaptation to home mechanical ventilation on health-related quality of life in patients with COPD: the OutVent study
Authors: Ribeiro Carla , Jácome Cristina , Oliveira Pedro , Luján Manuel , Conde Sara
Published: May 2024

Background

Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is indicated in patients with severe hypercapnic COPD. Initiation of HMV commonly occurs during an inpatient period, but there has been increasing interest for outpatient adaptation. This study aimed to evaluate the outpatient initiation and adaptation of HMV and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with severe COPD.

Methods

A single-group pre-test–post-test study was conducted in an outpatient ventilation clinic of a tertiary hospital in Portugal. Patients with severe COPD and symptoms of chronic respiratory failure with daytime partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) ≥50 mmHg in a stable condition or with persistent hypercapnia ≥53 mmHg >14 days following an exacerbation with mechanical ventilation were included. After 3 months of HMV, patients completed the severe respiratory insufficiency (SRI), the S3-noninvasive ventilation (S3-NIV) and a patient experience questionnaire.

Results

53 patients (73.6% male, median 71 (p25–p75 61–77) years), with a median forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 35 (29–40)% and a median baselinePCO2of 53.5 (51.9–56.5) mmHg completed the study. At 3 months patients had a median HMV usage of 6.5 h and decreased theirPCO2by 6.0 mmHg. After 3 months, there was a significant improvement in the SRI summary scale (+5.7), above the minimal clinically import difference of five. Patients who used HMV for more than 5 h had higher S3-NIV total score (6.8versus5.7, p=0.04) and S3-NIV sleep and NIV-related side effects subscore (7.1versus5.7, p=0.03).

Conclusion

Our findings might indicate that outpatient initiation and adaptation of HMV has a positive impact in short-term HRQoL in patients with COPD and that this approach is perceived as a positive experience by the patients.
Telemedical management of symptomatic COVID-19 outpatients
Authors: von Falkenhausen Aenne S. , Geipel Scott , Gail Antonia , Scherer Clemens , Stockhausen Sven , Sams Lauren E. , Becker Finn , Doldi Philipp M. , Lemmermöhle Eric , de Villèle Paul , Schleef Michael , Becker Marc , Lauterbach Moritz , Massberg Steffen , Kääb Stefan , Sinner Moritz F.
Published: May 2024

Background

COVID-19 remains a challenge to individual health and healthcare resources worldwide. Telemedical surveillance might minimise hospitalisation and direct patient–physician contacts. Yet, randomised clinical trials evaluating telemedical management of COVID-19 patients are lacking.

Methods

COVID-SMART is a randomised, open-label, controlled clinical trial investigating whether telemedicine reduces the primary end-point of hospitalisation or any unscheduled utilisation of an emergency medical service within 30 days of follow-up. Key secondary end-points included mortality and primary end-point components. We enrolled acutely infected SARS-CoV-2 patients suitable for outpatient care. All presented with ≥1 risk factor for an adverse COVID-19 course. Patients were randomised 1:1 into a control group receiving standard of care and an intervention group receiving smartphone-based assessment of oxygen saturation, heart rate and electrocardiogram, and telemedical counsellingviaa 24/7 emergency hotline.

Results

Of 607 enrolled patients (mean±sdage 46.7±13.5 years), 304 were randomised into the intervention and 303 into the control group. The primary end-point occurred in 6.9% (n=21) of the intervention and in 9.6% (n=29) of the control group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41–1.26; p=0.24). No deaths occurred during follow-up. Fewer intervention group participants utilised outpatient-based emergency medical services (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.90; p=0.03).

Conclusions

COVID-SMART is the first randomised clinical trial assessing the benefit of telemedicine in an acute respiratory infectious disease. Whereas telemedical management did not reduce the primary end-point of hospitalisation, fewer intervention group patients used outpatient-based emergency services, suggesting a potential benefit for less-acutely infected individuals.
When, at what speed, and how? Resilient transformation of the Vesdre river basin (Belgium) following the 2021 floods
Authors: de Goër de Herve Mathilde , Pot Wieke D.
Published: May 2024

Background

Dual crises happen when an acute shock unfolds in the context of a creeping crisis. The July 2021 floods in the Vesdre river basin (Wallonia, Belgium) is a typical case of such dual crises in the context of climate change. This study is based on 16 semi-structured interviews (conducted in Spring 2023) with 10 mayors, 4 representatives of the Public Service of Wallonia, 1 person working for the federal government, and 4 project managers, coupled with a document analysis (n = 13). It investigates the temporal strategies that connect short and long-term considerations in the aftermath of this disaster (timing, futuring, pacing, cyclical adaptation, and determining time horizons), at two different governmental levels: river basin and municipal level.

Results

In general, the window of opportunity to improve disaster resilience has been seized. Several studies were initiated by the Walloon region that shape the idea of an ideal future for the river basin and give recommendations for how to reach it. Unfortunately, those recommendations still come late compared to the temporal reality of the reconstruction process. Municipalities wish to strengthen disaster resilience as soon as possible, but they have to prioritize certain actions over others because of limited resources. The recommendations are considered flexible enough to adapt strategies to future contexts, but no monitoring and evaluation system for doing so has been implemented so far. In addition, clear policy agendas with transformational goals are scarce, and they diverge between the river basin and the municipalities. All these temporal strategies are shaped by elements of the institutional policy arrangement: resources, which affect them all, as well as actors, power, and formal rules, which affect some. These policy dimensions notably slow down the implementation of disaster resilience strategies and limit the determination of consensual time horizons.

Conclusions

The temporal strategies are passively shaped by the policy arrangement dimensions to a greater extent than actively chosen by the stakeholders. A structural transformation of the institutional policy arrangement is therefore needed to enable more coherent temporal strategies between different governance levels and to facilitate the consideration of long-term resilience during the recovery process from disasters.
Genome sequence of two novel virulent clinical strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei isolated from acute melioidosis cases imported to Israel from India and Thailand
Authors: Cohen-Gihon Inbar , Zaide Galia , Amit Sharon , Zohar Iris , Schwartz Orna , Maor Yasmin , Israeli Ofir , Bilinsky Gal , Israeli Ma’ayan , Lazar Shirley , Gur David , Aftalion Moshe , Zvi Anat , Beth-Din Adi , Bar-Haim Erez , Elia Uri , Cohen Ofer , Mamroud Emanuelle , Chitlaru Theodor
Published: May 2024

Objective

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiological cause of melioidosis, is a soil saprophyte endemic in South-East Asia, where it constitutes a public health concern of high-priority. Melioidosis cases are sporadically identified in nonendemic areas, usually associated with travelers or import of goods from endemic regions. Due to extensive intercontinental traveling and the anticipated climate change-associated alterations of the soil bacterial flora, there is an increasing concern for inadvertent establishment of novel endemic areas, which may expand the global burden of melioidosis. Rapid diagnosis, isolation and characterization of B. pseudomallei isolates is therefore of utmost importance particularly in non-endemic locations.

Data description

We report the genome sequences of two novel clinical isolates (MWH2021 and MST2022) of B. pseudomallei identified in distinct acute cases of melioidosis diagnosed in two individuals arriving to Israel from India and Thailand, respectively. The data includes preliminary genetic analysis of the genomes determining their phylogenetic classification in rapport to the genomes of 131 B. pseudomallei strains documented in the NCBI database. Inspection of the genomic data revealed the presence or absence of loci encoding for several documented virulence determinants involved in the molecular pathogenesis of melioidosis. Virulence analysis in murine models of acute or chronic melioidosis established that both strains belong to the highly virulent class of B. pseudomalleii.
Diversity and evolution of transposable elements in the plant-parasitic nematodes
Authors: Dayi Mehmet
Published: May 2024

Background

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that propagate within genomes, occupying a significant portion of eukaryotic genomes and serving as a source of genetic variation and innovation. TEs can impact genome dynamics through their repetitive nature and mobility. Nematodes are incredibly versatile organisms, capable of thriving in a wide range of environments. The plant-parasitic nematodes are able to infect nearly all vascular plants, leading to significant crop losses and management expenses worldwide. It is worth noting that plant parasitism has evolved independently at least three times within this nematode group. Furthermore, the genome size of plant-parasitic nematodes can vary substantially, spanning from 41.5 Mbp to 235 Mbp. To investigate genome size variation and evolution in plant-parasitic nematodes, TE composition, diversity, and evolution were analysed in 26 plant-parasitic nematodes from 9 distinct genera in Clade IV.

Results

Interestingly, despite certain species lacking specific types of DNA transposons or retrotransposon superfamilies, they still exhibit a diverse range of TE content. Identification of species-specific TE repertoire in nematode genomes provides a deeper understanding of genome evolution in plant-parasitic nematodes. An intriguing observation is that plant-parasitic nematodes possess extensive DNA transposons and retrotransposon insertions, including recent sightings of LTR/Gypsy and LTR/Pao superfamilies. Among them, the Gypsy superfamilies were found to encode Aspartic proteases in the plant-parasitic nematodes.

Conclusions

The study of the transposable element (TE) composition in plant-parasitic nematodes has yielded insightful discoveries. The findings revealed that certain species exhibit lineage-specific variations in their TE makeup. Discovering the species-specific TE repertoire in nematode genomes is a crucial element in understanding the evolution of genomes in plant-parasitic nematodes. It allows us to gain a deeper insight into the intricate workings of these organisms and their genetic makeup. With this knowledge, we are gaining a fundamental piece in the puzzle of understanding the evolution of these parasites. Moreover, recent transpositions have led to the acquisition of new TE superfamilies, especially Gypsy and Pao retrotransposons, further expanding the diversity of TEs in these nematodes. Significantly, the widely distributed Gypsy superfamily possesses proteases that are exclusively associated with parasitism during nematode-host interactions.

These discoveries provide a deeper understanding of the TE landscape within plant-parasitic nematodes.
End-organ damage from neonatal invasive fungal infection: a 14-year retrospective study from a tertiary center in China
Authors: Han Tao , Qiu Meng , Niu Xinxin , wang Shumei , Wang Feng , Cao Jingke , Tang Shanghong , Cheng Liping , Mei Yabo , Liang Huayu , Feng Zhichun , Chen Geyu , Li Qiuping
Published: May 2024

Background

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) has become an increasing problem in NICU neonates, and end-organ damage (EOD) from IFI is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates. This study was conducted to summarize clinical data on epidemiology, risk factors, causative pathogens, and clinical outcomes of IFI-associated EOD among neonates in a center in China for the sake of providing references for prevention and treatment of fungal infections in neonates in future.

Methods

The clinical data of IFI neonates who received treatment in a tertiary NICU of China from January 2009 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including causative pathogens and the incidence of EOD. The neonates were divided into EOD group and non-EOD (NEOD) group. The general characteristics, risk factors and clinical outcomes of the two groups were compared.

Results

Included in this study were 223 IFI neonates (137 male and 86 female) with a median gestational age (GA) of 30.71 (29,35) weeks and a median birth weight (BW) of 1470 (1120,2150) g. Of them, 79.4% were preterm infants and 50.2% were born at a GA of ≥ 28, <32 weeks, and 37.7% with BW of 1000–1499 g. Candida albicans (C. albicans) was the most common Candida spp. in these neonates, accounting for 41.3% of all cases, followed by C. parapsilosis (30.5%) and C. glabrata (7.2%). EOD occurred in 40 (17.9%) of the 223 cases. Fungal meningitis was the most common EOD, accounting for 13.5% of the 40 EOD cases. There was no significant difference in the premature birth rate, delivery mode, GA and BW between EOD and NEOD groups, but the proportion of male infants with EOD was higher than that without. There was no significant difference in antenatal corticosteroid use, endotracheal intubation, invasive procedures, use of antibiotics, total parenteral nutrition, blood transfusion, postnatal corticosteroid use, fungal prophylaxis and the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis between the two groups, but the proportion of C. albicans infection cases in EOD group was higher than that in NEOD group (57.5% vs. 37.7%). Compared with NEOD group, the proportion of cured or improved infants in EOD group was significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the number of infants who died or withdrew from treatment was larger (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our retrospective study showed that preterm infants were prone to fungal infection, especially very preterm infants. C. albicans was the most common Candida spp. for IFI, and was a high-risk factor for EOD. EOD can occur in both full-term and premature infants, so the possibility of EOD should be considered in all infants with IFI.
Understanding the impact of congenital infections and perinatal viral exposures on the developing brain using white matter magnetic resonance imaging: a scoping review
Authors: Nyakonda Charmaine Natasha , Wedderburn Catherine J , Williams Simone R , Stein Dan J , Donald Kirsten A
Published: May 2024

Background

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based imaging techniques are useful for assessing white matter (WM) structural and microstructural integrity in the context of infection and inflammation. The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the range of work on the use of WM neuroimaging approaches to understand the impact of congenital and perinatal viral infections or exposures on the developing brain.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted according to the Arksey and O’ Malley framework. A literature search was performed in Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed for primary research articles published from database conception up to January 2022. Studies evaluating the use of MRI-based WM imaging techniques in congenital and perinatal viral infections or exposures were included. Results were grouped by age and infection.

Results

A total of 826 articles were identified for screening and 28 final articles were included. Congenital and perinatal infections represented in the included studies were cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (n = 12), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (n = 11) or exposure (n = 2) or combined (n = 2), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection (n = 1). The represented MRI-based WM imaging methods included structural MRI and diffusion-weighted and diffusion tensor MRI (DWI/ DTI). Regions with the most frequently reported diffusion metric group differences included the cerebellar region, corticospinal tract and association fibre WM tracts in both children with HIV infection and children who are HIV-exposed uninfected. In qualitative imaging studies, WM hyperintensities were the most frequently reported brain abnormality in children with CMV infection and children with HSV infection.

Conclusion

There was evidence that WM imaging techniques can play a role as diagnostic and evaluation tools assessing the impact of congenital infections and perinatal viral exposures on the developing brain. The high sensitivity for identifying WM hyperintensities suggests structural brain MRI is a useful neurodiagnostic modality in assessing children with congenital CMV infection, while the DTI changes associated with HIV suggest metrics such as fractional anisotropy have the potential to be specific markers of subtle impairment or WM damage in neuroHIV.
Prospective associations of leucocyte subtypes and obesity with the risk of developing cutaneous malignant melanoma in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Christakoudi Sofia , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Riboli Elio
Published: May 2024

Background

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which is linked to cancer development. Abdominal obesity (a body mass index, ABSI), however, has unusually been associated inversely with cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), while general obesity (body mass index, BMI) is associated positively. Leucocytes participate in inflammation and are higher in obesity, but prospective associations of leucocytes with cutaneous malignant melanoma are unclear.

Methods

We examined the prospective associations of neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts (each individually), as well as the prospective associations of ABSI and BMI, with cutaneous malignant melanoma in UK Biobank. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and explored heterogeneity according to sex, menopausal status, age (≥ 50 years at recruitment), smoking status, ABSI (dichotomised at the median: ≥73.5 women; ≥79.8 men), BMI (normal weight, overweight, obese), and time to diagnosis.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 10.2 years, 2174 CMM cases were ascertained in 398,450 participants. There was little evidence for associations with neutrophil or lymphocyte counts. Monocyte count, however, was associated inversely in participants overall (HR = 0.928; 95%CI: 0.888–0.971; per one standard deviation increase; SD = 0.144*109/L women; SD = 0.169*109/L men), specifically in older participants (HR = 0.906; 95%CI: 0.862–0.951), and more clearly in participants with low ABSI (HR = 0.880; 95%CI: 0.824–0.939), or with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (HR = 0.895; 95%CI: 0.837–0.958 for overweight; HR = 0.923; 95%CI: 0.848–1.005 for obese). ABSI was associated inversely in pre-menopausal women (HR = 0.810; 95%CI: 0.702–0.935; SD = 4.95) and men (HR = 0.925; 95%CI: 0.867–0.986; SD = 4.11). BMI was associated positively in men (HR = 1.148; 95%CI: 1.078–1.222; SD = 4.04 kg/m2). There was little evidence for heterogeneity according to smoking status. The associations with monocyte count and BMI were retained to at least 8 years prior to diagnosis, but the association with ABSI was observed up to 4 years prior to diagnosis and not for longer follow-up time.

Conclusions

Monocyte count is associated prospectively inversely with the risk of developing CMM in older individuals, while BMI is associated positively in men, suggesting a mechanistic involvement of factors related to monocytes and subcutaneous adipose tissue in melanoma development. An inverse association with ABSI closer to diagnosis may reflect reverse causality or glucocorticoid resistance.
Predicting CBT modality, treatment participation, and reliable improvements for individuals with anxiety and depression in a specialized mental health centre: a retrospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Roshanghalb Afsaneh , Hansen Bojay , Rudoler David , Best Michael W
Published: May 2024

Background

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most successful therapeutic approaches for treating anxiety and depression. Clinical trials show that for some clients, internet-based CBT (eCBT) is as effective as other CBT delivery modes. However, the fidelity of these effects may be weakened in real-world settings where clients and providers have the freedom to choose a CBT delivery mode and switch treatments at any time. The purpose of this study is to measure the CBT attendance rate and identify client-level characteristics associated with delivery mode selection and having reliable and clinically significant improvement (RCSI) of treatment in each delivery mode in a real-world CBT outpatient program.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort analysis of electronic medical records collected between May 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022, at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Regression models were used to investigate the impact of individual client characteristics on participation and achieving RCSI of different CBT delivery modes.

Results

Our data show a high attendance rate for two and more CBT sessions across all modalities (98% of electronic, 94% of group, 100% of individual, and 99% of mixed CBT). Individuals were more likely to enter mixed and group CBT modality if they were younger, reported being employed, and reported higher depression severity at the baseline. Among the four modalities of CBT delivery, group CBT clients were least likely to have RCSI. Of those who started sessions, clients were significantly more likely to experience RCSI on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7 if they were employed, reported more severe symptoms at baseline, and were living in the most deprived neighborhoods.

Conclusions

This study will contribute to the body of knowledge about the implementation and treatment planning of different CBT delivery modes in real-world settings. With the changing clinical environment, it is possible to advocate for the adoption of the eCBT intervention to improve therapy practices and achieve better treatment success. The findings can help guide future CBT program planning based on client socio-demographic characteristics, allowing the optimal therapy type to be targeted to the right client at the right time.
A cohort study of self-perception of ageing and all-cause mortality among older adults in China: a multiple mediators analysis
Authors: Gao Junling , Chen Huashuai , Chen Hao , Chen Yingwei , Xu Jixiang , Wang Yujie , Wang Zhizhong
Published: May 2024

Background

Positive self-perception of aging (SPA) is a well-known predictor of longevity, while how and to what extent SPA is linked with all-cause mortality among older adults is still unclear. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between positive SPA and all-cause mortality and its potential mediators among Chinese older adults.

Methods

This is a 20-year dynamic cohort study conducted among 22,957 older adults aged ≥ 65 years old from a nationally representative sample. Positive SPA was measured using a validated 7-item scale. Potential mediators including health behaviors and social participation were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted to examine the association between positive SPA and all-cause mortality. A mediation analysis was conducted to determine whether health behaviors and social participation mediated the association between SPA and all-cause mortality.

Results

Throughout follow-up (median [interquartile range], 46 [21–84] months), all-cause mortality was 87.4%. Compared with older adults with the lowest quartile positive SPA, hazard ratio(HR) of all-cause mortality among older adults with the second, third, and fourth quartile of positive SPA was 0.96(95%CI:0.93-1.00), 0.93(95%CI:0.90–0.99), and 0.92(95%CI:0.87–0.96) respectively after controlling for all potential mediators and covariates. The mediation analysis showed that regular daily vegetable intake, physical activity, and high social participation explained 41.1-48.5% of the variance in the association between positive SPA and all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

In this cohort study, we found that high positive SPA was associated with decreased all-cause mortality directly, and indirectly through healthy lifestyle behaviors and social participation. These findings suggest that interventions targeted at promoting or maintaining positive SPA may contribute to healthy ageing among older adults in China.
Bone fracture is associated with incident myocardial infarction in long-term follow-up
Authors: Zheng Mei-Liang , Du Xiang-Peng , Yang Xin-Chun , Zheng Mei-Li
Published: May 2024

Background

The association between bone fracture and cardiovascular diseases is examined in this study. While basic research has established a connection between fractures and heart attacks through the linkage between bones and arteries, population studies have not provided clear evidence. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association between bone fracture and the occurrence of myocardial infarction in a natural population during long-term follow-up.

Methods

A total of 13,196 adult participants with bone fracture history at baseline from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) prospective cohort were included in this study. Baseline investigation was performed in 1997–2009 and the outcome was followed up till 2015. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

From 1997 to 2015, a total of 329 incident myocardial infarction cases were identified. In univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, a history of bone fracture was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction incidence in the total population (for the crude model: HR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.83–3.53, P < 0.001; for the multivariate model: HR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.02–1.99, P = 0.036). In the stratified analysis, bone fracture was not associated with an increased risk of incident myocardial infarction in subjects with age < 50 years (HR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.34–1.47, P = 0.356), but significantly associated with an increased risk of incident myocardial infarction in subjects with age ≥ 50 years (HR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.23–2.63, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

It is suggested by the present study that bone fracture may be associated with an increased risk of incident myocardial infarction in the elderly population during long-term follow-up.
Risk factors of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis after neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy for resectable NSCLC
Authors: Mao Zhirong , Pang Guanchao , Huang Xiaojie , Chen Xiuxiu , Wu Jiaji , Xu Xia , Teng Zhihua , Tan Yanbin , Wang Pingli
Published: May 2024

Background

The incidence of checkpoint inhibitor-associated pneumonitis (CIP) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been substantiated through large-scale clinical trials or real-world studies. However, reports on CIP incidence within the context of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for resectable NSCLC remain scarce. This study endeavors to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of CIP in patients with resectable NSCLC receiving neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective, case-control study was conducted on patients diagnosed with NSCLC stages IIA–IIIB who received neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy between January 2018 and September 2022. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence or absence of CIP, facilitating a comparative analysis of clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, physiological indicators, and prognostic outcomes .

Results

The study cohort comprised 245 patients, with 11.4% (28/245) experiencing CIP. The median period of CIP onset was 70 (range, 40–221) days. The incidence of severe CIP (grade 3–4) was 3.7% (9/245). Patients with CIP showed a higher all-cause mortality rate of 21.4% (6/28) compared to that of patients without CIP. Those who developed CIP exhibited elevated body mass index (BMI) values (p = 0.028) and increased fibrinogen (FIB) levels (p < 0.001), alongside a significant decrease in both diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO)% pred (p = 0.001) and DLCO/VA% pred (p = 0.021) after neoadjuvant therapy compared to pre-indicators. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve of three assessed variables (FIB levels, BMI, DLCO) reached 0.806 in predicting CIP occurrence at an early stage.

Conclusions

This cohort demonstrated that elevated BMI, increased FIB levels, and decreased pulmonary diffusion function after neoadjuvant therapy are risk factors of CIP occurrence. Early assessment and continuous monitoring of these indicators are imperative for the predictive identification of CIP, enhancing patient management and outcomes.