bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family-based Interventions of Preventing Substance Use Among Immigrant Youth: A Scoping Review
Authors: Li Yiyan , Maina Geoffrey , Mousavian Ghazal , Fang Yiting , Twum-Antwi Barbara , Sherstobitoff Jordan , Amoyaw Jonathan , Pandey Mamata
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Immigrant youth face heightened risks of substance use due to the stress associated with immigration and acculturation. While parental intervention can have a preventative impact on substance use, parents need to be well-informed about substance use and effective interventions that can prevent substance use among immigrant youth. Such interventions ought to be culturally sensitive, family-based, and targeted at the specific substances that are prevalent in a given context. Identifying and curating interventions that can empower parents in addressing substance use can help mitigate the risks that immigrant youth may face.

Methods:

This scoping review aimed to identify the types, characteristics, and effectiveness of family-based substance use intervention programs. Based on Arksay and O’Malley’s guidelines, interventions included in the review must have met the following criteria: (a) was a family-based intervention aiming to prevent substance use; (b) targeted immigrant teens aged 12 to 17 years old; (c) was published in English; (d) originated from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United States. The pinch table was used to synthesize included articles, after which studies were compared and categorized, and cross-cutting categories were identified.

Results:

After screening 4551 searched literature, 13 studies that utilized family-based interventions were included in the review. All interventions were face-to-face programs, and most interventions involved parents and youth as participants. Eco-developmental theory and active learning strategies were used by multiple interventions. Given immigrant families were target stakeholders, both deep structure and surface structure cultural adaptations were utilized. Interventions increased parents’ knowledge and skills regarding substance use prevention and delayed substance use initiation among youth.

Conclusion:

From the review, it was evident that parents are an essential element in any program aiming to prevent or reduce children’s substance use. Besides information about substance use prevention, the curriculum also involves parenting and communication skills for parents to understand the protective effects of family. Effective family-based interventions for immigrant youth require attention to parenting and immigration stress, while also considering cultural adaptation. Future directions and limitations are also discussed.
Regional-scale fault-to-structure earthquake simulations with the EQSIM framework: Workflow maturation and computational performance on GPU-accelerated exascale platforms
Authors: McCallen David , Pitarka Arben , Tang Houjun , Pankajakshan Ramesh , Petersson N Anders , Miah Mamun , Huang Junfei
Published: May 2024

Continuous advancements in scientific and engineering understanding of earthquake phenomena, combined with the associated development of representative physics-based models, is providing a foundation for high-performance, fault-to-structure earthquake simulations. However, regional-scale applications of high-performance models have been challenged by the computational requirements at the resolutions required for engineering risk assessments. The EarthQuake SIMulation (EQSIM) framework, a software application development under the US Department of Energy (DOE) Exascale Computing Project, is focused on overcoming the existing computational barriers and enabling routine regional-scale simulations at resolutions relevant to a breadth of engineered systems. This multidisciplinary software development—drawing upon expertise in geophysics, engineering, applied math and computer science—is preparing the advanced computational workflow necessary to fully exploit the DOE’s exaflop computer platforms coming online in the 2023 to 2024 timeframe. Achievement of the computational performance required for high-resolution regional models containing upward of hundreds of billions to trillions of model grid points requires numerical efficiency in every phase of a regional simulation. This includes run time start-up and regional model generation, effective distribution of the computational workload across thousands of computer nodes, efficient coupling of regional geophysics and local engineering models, and application-tailored highly efficient transfer, storage, and interrogation of very large volumes of simulation data. This article summarizes the most recent advancements and refinements incorporated in the workflow design for the EQSIM integrated fault-to-structure framework, which are based on extensive numerical testing across multiple graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated platforms, and demonstrates the computational performance achieved on the world’s first exaflop computer platform through representative regional-scale earthquake simulations for the San Francisco Bay Area in California, USA.
Metal-backed or all-poly tibial components: which are better for medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty? A propensity-score-matching retrospective study at the 5-year follow-up
Authors: Piovan Gianluca , De Berardinis Luca , Screpis Daniele , Senarighi Marco , Povegliano Lorenzo , Natali Simone , Gigante Antonio Pompilio , Zorzi Claudio
Published: May 2024

Background

This retrospective medium-term follow-up study compares the outcomes of medial fixed-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (mUKA) using a cemented metal-backed (MB) or an all-polyethylene (AP) tibial component.

Materials and methods

The database of our institution was mined for primary mUKA patients implanted with an MB or an AP tibial component (the MB-UKA and AP-UKA groups, respectively) from 2015 to 2018. We compared patient demographics, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and motion analysis data obtained with the Riablo™ system (CoRehab, Trento, Italy). We conducted propensity-score-matching (PSM) analysis (1:1) using multiple variables.

Results

PSM analysis yielded 77 pairs of MB-UKA and AP-UKA patients. At 5 years, the physical component summary (PCS) score was 52.4 ± 8.3 in MB-UKA and 48.2 ± 8.3 in AP-UKA patients (p < 0.001). The Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12) was 82.9 ± 18.8 in MB-UKAs and 73.4 ± 22.5 in AP-UKAs (p = 0.015). Tibial pain was reported by 7.8% of the MB-UKA and 35.1% of the AP-UKA patients (p < 0.001). Static postural sway was, respectively, 3.9 ± 2.1 cm and 5.4 ± 2.3 (p = 0.0002), and gait symmetry was, respectively, 92.7% ± 3.7 cm and 90.4% ± 5.4 cm (p = 0.006). Patient satisfaction was 9.2 ± 0.8 in the MB-UKA and 8.3 ± 2.0 in the AP-UKA group (p < 0.003).

Conclusions

MB-UKA patients experienced significantly better 5-year static sway and gait symmetry outcomes than AP-UKA patients. Although the PROMs of the two groups overlapped, MB-UKA patients had a lower incidence of tibial pain, better FJS-12 and PCS scores, and were more satisfied.
Biotechnological metabolization system has the potential to improve the predictive ability of the fish embryo acute toxicity (FET) test with the zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Reichstein Inska S. , Becker Alischa H. , Johann Sarah , Braunbeck Thomas , Schiwy Sabrina , Hollert Henner , Schiwy Andreas
Published: May 2024

Background

The fish embryo acute toxicity (FET) test with the zebrafish (Danio rerio) was developed to assess the acute fish toxicity of chemicals or environmental samples as a replacement for the Acute Fish Test (AFT) with juvenile fish. However, the FET is not yet established in the regulatory context. One reason is the (postulated) difference between the biotransformation capacities of embryos and juvenile fish.

The present study was designed to develop a procedure for external metabolization of test substances prior to testing in the FET. The workflow allows simultaneous exposure of the embryos to the maternal substances and their potential metabolites throughout the entire exposure period. After a 2 h incubation of the samples at 37 °C with non-toxic concentrations of a rat liver S9 homogenate or an animal-free (ewoS9R) metabolization system, freshly fertilized zebrafish embryos are added and incubated up to 120 h post-fertilization at 26 °C. Five biotransformable model substances (allyl alcohol, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), chlorpyrifos (CP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) and bisphenol A (BPA)) were evaluated for embryotoxicity with and without external metabolization.

Results

Only for allyl alcohol, external metabolization with both rat S9 and ewoS9R resulted in significantly higher embryotoxicity than under non-premetabolized conditions and, thus, in a better correlation of FET and AFT data. For B[a]P, CP, TDCPP and BPA, there was no relevant difference between data derived from the FET (with and without pre-metabolization) and literature AFT data; even though the FET results with and without pre-metabolization differed significantly for BPA (with rat S9 and ewoS9R) and TDCPP (rat S9 only).

Conclusions

External pre-metabolization appears a promising add-on to the FET protocol to improve the correlation with AFT data of certain biotransformable substances and might help to strengthen the FET as an alternative to the AFT and finally to reduce or replace sentient animals used for acute fish toxicity data in the regulatory context.

Graphical Abstract
Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of oleuropein against Escherichia coli and fluconazole-resistant isolates of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata
Authors: Esfandiary Mohammad Ali , Khosravi Ali Reza , Asadi Sepideh , Nikaein Donya , Hassan Jalal , Sharifzadeh Aghil
Published: May 2024

Background

Side effects associated with antimicrobial drugs, as well as their high cost, have prompted a search for low-cost herbal medicinal substances with fewer side effects. These substances can be used as supplements to medicine or to strengthen their effects. The current study investigated the effect of oleuropein on the inhibition of fungal and bacterial biofilm in-vitro and at the molecular level.

Materials and methods

In this experimental study, antimicrobial properties were evaluated using microbroth dilution method. The effect of oleuropein on the formation and eradication of biofilm was assessed on 96-well flat bottom microtiter plates and their effects were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its effect on key genes (Hwp1, Als3, Epa1, Epa6, LuxS, Pfs) involved in biofilm formation was investigated using the quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method.

Results

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal/bactericidal concentration (MFC/MBC) for oleuropein were found to be 65 mg/ml and 130 mg/ml, respectively. Oleuropein significantly inhibited biofilm formation at MIC/2 (32.5 mg/ml), MIC/4 (16.25 mg/ml), MIC/8 (8.125 mg/ml) and MIC/16 (4.062 mg/ml) (p < 0.0001). The anti-biofilm effect of oleuropein was confirmed by SEM. RT-qPCR indicated significant down regulation of expression genes involved in biofilm formation in Candida albicans (Hwp1, Als3) and Candida glabrata (Epa1, Epa6) as well as Escherichia coli (LuxS, Pfs) genes after culture with a MIC/2 of oleuropein (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The results indicate that oleuropein has antifungal and antibacterial properties that enable it to inhibit or destroy the formation of fungal and bacterial biofilm.
Differences in archaeal diversity and potential ecological functions between saline and hypersaline lakes on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were driven by multiple environmental and non-environmental factors beyond the salinity
Authors: Wang Yaqiong , Li Wenxin , Bao Guoyuan , Bai Mohan , Ye Huike
Published: May 2024

Background

Saline lakes are home to various archaea that play special and crucial roles in the global biogeochemical cycle. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau hosts a large number of lakes with diverse salinity ranging from 0.1 to over 400 g/L, harboring complex and diverse archaea. To the best of our knowledge, the formation mechanisms and potential ecological roles of archaea in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau saline lakes remain largely unknown.

Results

Using High-throughput Illumina sequencing, we uncovered the vastly distinct archaea communities between two typical saline lakes with significant salinity differences on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau (Qinghai saline lake and Chaka hypersaline lake) and suggested archaea played different important roles in methanogenesis-related and nitrate reduction-related functions of these two lakes, respectively. Rather than the individual effect of salinity, the composite effect of salinity with diverse environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, chlorophyll a, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus) dominated the explanation of the variations in archaeal community structure in different habitats. Based on the network analysis, we further found the correlations between dominant archaeal OTUs were tight but significantly different between the two habitats, implying that archaeal interactions may also largely determine the shape of archaeal communities.

Conclusion

The present study improved our understanding of the structure and function of archaea in different saline lakes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and provided a new perspective on the mechanisms underlying shaping their communities.
Patient experiences of information-sharing and patient-centred care across the broad landscape of primary care practice and provision: a nationally representative survey of Australian adults
Authors: Steel Amie , Foley Hope , Graham Kim , Harnett Joanna , Adams Jon
Published: May 2024

Background

Australian government strategies and frameworks have been developed in recent years to encourage the integration and coordination of primary care delivery; including patient-centred approaches to clinical and preventative care, and health promotion. This study aims to explore patient experiences of information-sharing and patient-centred care across various primary care clinical settings, with a particular focus on clinical encounters with GPs, naturopaths, osteopaths and acupuncturists.

Methods

Data about healthcare utilisation and experiences from a 63-item cross-sectional survey obtained from a nationally representative sample of Australian adults aged ≥ 18 years were analysed. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to explore differences in the experiences of knowledge and information sharing during GP consultations among those who also consulted with a naturopath, osteopath or acupuncturist, compared those who had not. Logistic regression was used to investigate correlations between participants perceptions about GP consultation outcomes, and the GP’s information-sharing behaviour or perceived experience of patient-centredness.

Results

Across 2354 participants, verbal explanation (76.3%) and/or individualised handouts (16.8%) were the most common type of information shared in GP consultations. Individuals who consulted with a GP and a naturopath, an osteopath, or an acupuncturist reported a lower rate of receiving a verbal explanation from their GP but higher rate of receiving other types of information sources including handouts. Over one quarter of study participants who visited a GP did not discuss any of their health information with their GP. Information sharing was lower for individuals who also visited a naturopath, osteopath or acupuncturist. Participants scored their consultations with a GP as patient-centred, but these scores were lower among participants who also consulted with at least one other primary care practitioner type included in the study.

Conclusions

Public health and health services researchers, policymakers and leaders of primary care professions have a role and responsibility to ensure practitioners are confident and competent in sharing health information with their patients that considers their health literacy needs, and the importance of patient-centred care. Research focussed on a more in-depth understanding of the differences and relationships observed across the primary care landscape in this study is recommended.
Association of two geriatric treatment systems with anti-osteoporotic drug treatment and second hip fracture in patients with an index hip fracture: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rapp Kilian , Roigk Patrick , Becker Clemens , Todd Chris , Rehm Martin , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Konnopka Claudia , König Hans-Helmut , Friess Thomas , Büchele Gisela
Published: May 2024

Background

In Germany, geriatricians deliver acute geriatric care during acute hospital stay and post-acute rehabilitation after transfer to a rehabilitation clinic. The rate patients receive acute geriatric care (AGC) or are transferred to post-acute rehabilitation (TPR) differs between hospitals. This study analyses the association between the two geriatric treatment systems (AGC, TPR) and second hip fracture in patients following an index hip fracture.

Methods

Nationwide health insurance data are used to identify the rate of AGC and TPR per hospital following hip fracture surgery in patients aged ≥ 80 years. Outcomes are a second hip fracture after surgery or after discharge within 180 or 360 days and new specific anti-osteoporotic drugs. Cox proportional hazard models and generalised linear models are applied.

Results

Data from 29,096 hip fracture patients from 652 hospitals were analysed. AGC and TPR are not associated with second hip fracture when follow-up started after surgery. However, during the first months after discharge patients from hospitals with no AGC or low rates of TPR have higher rates of second hip fracture than patients from hospitals with high rates of AGC or high rates of TPR (Hazard Ratio (95% CI) 1.35 (1.01–1.80) or 1.35 (1.03–1.79), respectively). Lower rates of AGC are associated with lower probabilities of new prescriptions of specific anti-osteoporotic drugs.

Conclusions

Our study suggests beneficial relationships of geriatric treatment after hip fracture with a) the risk of second hip fractures during the first months after discharge and b) an improvement of anti-osteoporotic drug treatment.
Role of muscle ultrasound in frailty assessment in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hafızoğlu Merve , Yıldırım Hatice Kübra , Okyar Baş Arzu , Karaduman Didem , Şahiner Zeynep , Doğu Burcu Balam , Halil Meltem Gülhan , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Balcı Cafer
Published: May 2024

Background

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that is characterized by increased vulnerability to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors due to decreased biologic reserves. Muscle ultrasound (US) is a valid and reliable method for assessing muscle quantity in older adults. The study aims to examine the relationship between frailty definitions and US-derived muscle parameters.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients in a tertiary hospital, and all participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment. For frailty assessment, the Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP), the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and the Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS) were performed. Muscle US measurements included Gastrocnemius Medialis (GM) muscle thickness, GM fascicle length, GM pennation angle, Rectus Femoris (RF) muscle thickness, Rectus Femoris cross-sectional area (RFCSA), Rectus Abdominis (RA) muscle thickness, External Oblique (EO) muscle thickness, Internal Oblique (IO) muscle thickness, and Transverse Abdominis (TA) muscle thickness.

Results

In all, 373 participants were included in the study. The median age of participants was 72.7 ± 5.9 years, and 64.6% of them were female. According to the FFP, 18.2% of the participants were living with frailty, 56% of them were pre-frail; 57.4% of them were living with frailty according to the CFS; 25.2% of them were living with frailty, and 20.6% of them were pre-frail according to the EFS. The FFP, CFS, and EFS scores were related to muscle thickness of GM, RF, and RA, fascicle length of GM, and pennation angle of GM and RFCSA. Particularly, GM pennation angle, RF muscle thickness, and RFCSA were associated with an increased risk of frailty. Besides muscle thickness of GM, RF, and RA, fascicle length of GM, pennation angle of GM, and RFCSA were significant for predicting the presence of frailty.

Conclusions

US-derived regional muscle measurements are associated with frailty definitions (in both physical, cumulative deficit, and multidimensional models) in a diabetic geriatric population.
Technology-based interventions on burden of older adults’ informal caregivers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Yang , Bai Zhenggang , Wan Keyan , Qin Tianyi , He Rui , Xie Chengdan
Published: May 2024

Background

An increasing number of technologies are provided to reduce the burden of older adults’ informal caregivers. However, less is known about the effects and the mechanism of technology to work on burden. This review is to evaluate the effectiveness of technology-based interventions (TBI) in alleviating the burden of older adults’ informal caregivers and to distinguish its effective mechanism via group disparities.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials studies (RCTs) has been conducted. Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, WANFANG, CNKI, CQVIP databases, Cochrane Library Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for trial studies and registry in both English and Chinese published from January 1990 to October 2022. Reviewers independently screened the articles and trials, conducted quality assessments, and extracted the data. All processes were guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Risk of bias of the studies was evaluated by the Cochrane Systematic Review Handbook. The meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.13. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, publication bias were also conducted.

Results

A total of 11,095 RCTs were initially screened, and 14 trials representing 1010 informal caregivers were included finally. This review proved TBI effective in reducing caregiving burden older adults. Subgroup analysis showed effects of TBI differed by interventions on control group and medical conditions of care recipients.

Conclusion

TBI is an effective way to alleviate the burden on informal caregivers of aging people. Interventions for control groups and medical conditions of care-recipients are significant factors in effective interventions. Future researches could include more trials with high-quality or to explore more targeted aging groups, modalities of TBI, or caregiver outcomes.

Trial registration

The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO [CRD42021277865].
Oxidative stress in patients with coronavirus disease and end-stage renal disease: a pilot study
Authors: Beck Nam-Seon , Seo Yeonju , Park Taesung , Jun Sang‑Sin , Im Joung-Il , Hong Sae-Yong
Published: May 2024

Background

Oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant capacity, increases in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or renal impairment. We investigated whether combined COVID-19 and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) would increase oxidative stress levels compared to each disease alone.

Methods

Oxidative stress was compared among three groups. Two groups comprised patients with COVID-19 referred to the hospital with or without renal impairment (COVID-ESRD group [n = 18]; COVID group [n = 17]). The third group (ESRD group [n = 18]) comprised patients without COVID-19 on maintenance hemodialysis at a hospital.

Results

The total oxidative stress in the COVID-ESRD group was lower than in the COVID group (p = 0.047). The total antioxidant status was higher in the COVID-ESRD group than in the ESRD (p < 0.001) and COVID (p < 0.001) groups after controlling for covariates. The oxidative stress index was lower in the COVID-ESRD group than in the ESRD (p = 0.001) and COVID (p < 0.001) groups. However, the three oxidative parameters did not differ significantly between the COVID and COVID-ESRD groups.

Conclusions

The role of reactive oxygen species in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 among patients withESRD appears to be non-critical. Therefore, the provision of supplemental antioxidants may not confer a therapeutic advantage, particularly in cases of mild COVID-19 in ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis. Nonetheless, this area merits further research.
Incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke and its associated factors in a tertiary care center in Thailand: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Taweephol Thanapoom , Saksit Pitsinee , Hiransuthikul Akarin , Vorasayan Pongpat , Akarathanawat Wasan , Chutinet Aurauma
Published: May 2024

Background

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of death among non-communicable diseases in Thailand. Patients who have survived an IS are at an increased risk of developing recurrent IS, which can result in worse outcomes and post-stroke complications.

Objectives

The study aimed to investigate the incidence of recurrent IS among patients with first-ever IS during a one-year follow-up period and to determine its associated risk factors.

Methods

Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who were hospitalized at the Stroke Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH) in Bangkok, Thailand, due to first-ever IS between January and December 2019 and had at least one follow-up visit during the one-year follow-up period were included in this retrospective cohort study. IS diagnosis was confirmed by neurologists and imaging. The log-rank test was used to determine the event-free survival probabilities of recurrent IS in each risk factor.

Results

Of 418 patients hospitalized due to first-ever IS in 2019, 366 (87.6%) were included in the analysis. During a total of 327.2 person-years of follow-up, 25 (6.8%) patients developed recurrent IS, accounting for an incidence rate of 7.7 per 100 person-year (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2–11.3). The median (interquartile range) time of recurrence was 35 (16–73) days. None of the 47 patients with atrial fibrillation developed recurrent IS. The highest incidence rate of recurrent IS occurred within 1 month after the first episode (34 per 100 person-years) compared to other follow-up periods. Patients with small vessel occlusion and large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) constituted the majority of patients in the recurrent IS episode (48% and 40%, respectively), with LAA exhibiting a higher recurrence rate (13.5%). Additionally, smoking status was found to be associated with an increased risk of recurrence.

Conclusion

The incidence rate of the recurrence was moderate in our tertiary care setting, with a decreasing trend over time after the first episode. The various subtypes of IS and smoking status can lead to differences in event-free survival probabilities.
Impacts of heat exposure in utero on long-term health and social outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Brink Nicholas , Lakhoo Darshnika P. , Solarin Ijeoma , Maimela Gloria , von Dadelszen Peter , Norris Shane , Chersich Matthew F. ,   Climate and Heat-Health Study Group, Chikandiwa Admire , Nakstad Britt , Wright Caradee Y. , Harden Lois , Roos Nathalie , Luchters Stanley M. F. , Part Cherie , Areal Ashtyn , Haghighi Marjan Mosalam , Manyuchi Albert , Boeckmann Melanie , Pham Minh Duc , Hetem Robyn , Durusu Dilara
Published: May 2024

Background

Climate change, particularly global warming, is amongst the greatest threats to human health. While short-term effects of heat exposure in pregnancy, such as preterm birth, are well documented, long-term effects have received less attention. This review aims to systematically assess evidence on the long-term impacts on the foetus of heat exposure in utero.

Methods

A search was conducted in August 2019 and updated in April 2023 in MEDLINE(PubMed). We included studies on the relationship of environmental heat exposure during pregnancy and any long-term outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using tools developed by the Joanna-Briggs Institute, and the evidence was appraised using the GRADE approach. Synthesis without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) guidelines were used.

Results

Eighteen thousand six hundred twenty one records were screened, with 29 studies included across six outcome groups. Studies were mostly conducted in high-income countries (n = 16/25), in cooler climates. All studies were observational, with 17 cohort, 5 case-control and 8 cross-sectional studies. The timeline of the data is from 1913 to 2019, and individuals ranged in age from neonates to adults, and the elderly. Increasing heat exposure during pregnancy was associated with decreased earnings and lower educational attainment (n = 4/6), as well as worsened cardiovascular (n = 3/6), respiratory (n = 3/3), psychiatric (n = 7/12) and anthropometric (n = 2/2) outcomes, possibly culminating in increased overall mortality (n = 2/3). The effect on female infants was greater than on males in 8 of 9 studies differentiating by sex. The quality of evidence was low in respiratory and longevity outcome groups to very low in all others.

Conclusions

Increasing heat exposure was associated with a multitude of detrimental outcomes across diverse body systems. The biological pathways involved are yet to be elucidated, but could include epigenetic and developmental perturbations, through interactions with the placenta and inflammation. This highlights the need for further research into the long-term effects of heat exposure, biological pathways, and possible adaptation strategies in studies, particularly in neglected regions. Heat exposure in-utero has the potential to compound existing health and social inequalities. Poor study design of the included studies constrains the conclusions of this review, with heterogenous exposure measures and outcomes rendering comparisons across contexts/studies difficult.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD 42019140136.
Maternal and obstetric outcomes following the transfer of embryos warmed with fatty acid-supplemented solutions
Authors: Ezoe Kenji , Onogi Sachie , Sawado Ayano , Amagai Ayumi , Kato Keiichi
Published: May 2024

Background

Vitrification procedures decrease intracytoplasmic lipid content and impair developmental competence. Adding fatty acids (FAs) to the warming solution has been shown to recover the lipid content of the cytoplasm and improve developmental competence and pregnancy outcomes. However, the influence of the FA supplementation on live birth rates after embryo transfers and perinatal outcomes remains unknown. In the present study, we examined the influence of FA-supplemented warming solutions on live birth rates, pregnancy complications, and neonatal outcomes after single vitrified-warmed cleavage-stage embryo transfers (SVCTs).

Methods

The clinical records of 701 treatment cycles in 701 women who underwent SVCTs were retrospectively analyzed. Vitrified embryos were warmed using solutions (from April 2022 to June 2022, control group) or FA-supplemented solutions (from July 2022 to September 2022, FA group). The live birth rate, pregnancy complications, and perinatal outcomes were compared between the control and FA groups.

Results

The live birth rate per transfer was significantly higher in the FA group than in the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further demonstrated a higher probability of live births in the FA group than in the control group. Miscarriage rates, the incidence and types of pregnancy complications, the cesarean section rate, gestational age, incidence of preterm delivery, birth length and weight, incidence of low birth weight, infant sex, and incidence of birth defects were all comparable between the control and FA groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further demonstrated no adverse effects of FA-supplemented warming solutions.

Conclusions

FA-supplemented warming solutions improved live birth rates after SVCTs without exerting any adverse effects on maternal and obstetric outcomes. Therefore, FA-supplemented solutions can be considered safe and effective for improving clinical outcomes and reducing patient burden.
Antenatal depression among pregnant mothers in Afghanistan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sarem Shararah , Neyazi Ahmad , Mohammadi Abdul Qadim , Neyazi Mehrab , Ahamdi Mozhgan , Razaqi Nosaibah , Wali Sadaf , Timilsina Shashank , Faizi Hamida , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: May 2024

Background

Approximately one in five pregnant women experience antenatal depression globally. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of antenatal depression and explore its relationship between various demographic variables, recent sexual engagement, and recent adverse life events among pregnant Afghan women.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey study was carried out between January, 2023 and April 2023 among 460 women aged 15–45 years who were recruited using convenience sampling from Herat province (Afghanistan). Logistic regression models were utilized to explore the relationship between antenatal depression and socio-demographic characteristics among the participants.

Results

The prevalence of antenatal depression symptoms was 78.5%. Multiple regression analysis indicated that antenatal depression was significantly associated with (i) being aged 30–45 years (AOR: 4.216, 95% CI: 1.868–9.515, p = .001), (ii) being of low economic status (AOR:2.102, 95% CI: 1.051–4.202, p = .036), (iii) not being employed (AOR: 2.445, 95% CI:1.189–5.025, p = .015), (iv) not having had sex during the past seven days (AOR: 2.335, 95% CI: 1.427–3.822, p = .001), and (v) not experiencing a traumatic event during the past month (AOR:0.263, 95% CI: 0.139–0.495, p < .001).

Conclusion

The present study provides insight into the factors associated with the high prevalence of antenatal depression among pregnant Afghan women (e.g., demographic variables, recent adverse life events, and recent sexual engagement). It highlights the urgency of addressing antenatal depression in Afghanistan and provides a foundation for future research and interventions aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of pregnant women in the Afghan context.
Effect of young age (below 40 years) on oncologic outcomes in Lebanese patients with breast cancer: a matched cohort study
Authors: Sbaity Eman , Tamim Hani , El-Hajj Fuleihan Ghada , Abbas Jaber , Zahwe Mariam , El Sayed Razan , Shamseddine Ali
Published: May 2024

Background

Developing countries have a significantly higher incidence of breast cancer in patients younger than 40 years as compared to developed countries. This study aimed to examine if young age at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor for worse survival outcomes in breast cancer as well as the effect of age on Disease-free survival (DFS) and local recurrence free survival (LRFS) after adjusting for various tumor characteristics, local and systemic treatments.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of prospective cohort of patients from two existing databases. We identified patients with breast cancer aged 40 years or less and we matched them to those older than 40 years. We also matched based on stage and molecular subtypes. In cohort 1, we matched at a ratio of 1:1, while in cohort 2 we matched at a ratio of 1:3.

Results

In cohort 1, Disease-free survival (DFS) at 5 years was significantly shorter for those younger than 40 years (75.6% and 92.7% respectively; p < 0.03). On multivariate analysis, only chemotherapy was found to be significant, while age was not found to be an independent predictor of prognosis. Local recurrence free survival at 5 years was similar between both age categories. Only hormonal therapy is a significant predictor for LRFS at 5 years. In the second cohort, DFS and LRFS at 3 years were similar between those younger and those older than 40 years. On multivariate analysis, no factor including age was found to be an independent predictor of prognosis.

Conclusion

Data in the literature is controversial on the effect of young age on breast cancer prognosis. Our findings could not demonstrate that age is an independent prognostic factor in our population. There is a need for outcomes from larger, prospective series that have longer follow-ups and more data from our region.
Changes in the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of viral gastroenteritis among hospitalized children in the Mainland of China: a retrospective study from 2016 to 2020
Authors: Li Fei , Guo Lingyun , Li Qi , Xu Hui , Fu Yiliang , Huang Luci , Feng Guoshuang , Liu Gang , Chen Xiangpeng , Xie Zhengde
Published: May 2024

Background

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) causes significant morbidity in children worldwide; however, the disease burden of children hospitalized with viral gastroenteritis in China has been rarely described. Through this study, we analyzed the data of hospitalized children with viral gastroenteritis to explore the changes in the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of viral gastroenteritis in the mainland of China.

Methods

Data were extracted from Futang Children's Medical Development Research Center (FRCPD), between 2016 and 2020, across 27 hospitals in 7 regions. The demographics, geographic distribution, pathogenic examination results, complications, hospital admission date, length of hospital stays, hospitalization charges and outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

Viral etiological agents included rotavirus (RV), adenovirus (ADV), norovirus (NV) and coxsackievirus (CV) that were detected in 25,274 (89.6%), 1,047 (3.7%), 441 (1.5%) and 83 (0.3%) cases. There was a higher prevalence of RV and NV infection among children younger than 3 years of age. RV and NV had the highest detection rates in winter, while ADV in summer. Children with viral gastroenteritis were often accompanied by other diseases, such as myocardial diseases (10.98–31.04%), upper respiratory tract diseases (1.20–20.15%), and seizures (2.41–14.51%). Among those cases, the co-infection rate with other pathogens was 6.28%, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and influenza virus (FLU) being the most common pathogens. The median length of stay was 5 days, and the median cost of hospitalization corresponded to587 US dollars.

Conclusions

This finding suggests that viral gastroenteritis, especially those caused by RV, is a prevalent illness among younger children. Co-infections and the presence of other diseases are common. The seasonality and regional variation of viral etiological agents highlight the need for targeted prevention and control measures. Although viral gastroenteritis rarely leads to death, it also results in a significant economic burden on healthcare systems.
Congenital chloride diarrhoea in a Chinese infant with a compound heterozygous SLC26A3 mutation
Authors: Li Qian , Wang Jing , Zang Ruixian , Yu Lichun , Yang Zhenle , Sun Shuzhen
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Congenital chloride diarrhoea (CCD) is an autosomal recessive condition that causes secretory diarrhoea and potentially deadly electrolyte imbalances in infants because of solute carrier family 26 member 3 (SLC26A3) gene mutations.

Case presentation

A 7-month-old Chinese infant with a history of maternal polyhydramnios presented with frequent watery diarrhoea, severe dehydration, hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, failure to thrive, metabolic alkalosis, hyperreninaemia, and hyperaldosteronaemia. Genetic testing revealed a compound heterozygous SLC26A3 gene mutation in this patient (c.269_270dup and c.2006 C > A). Therapy was administered in the form of oral sodium and potassium chloride supplements, which decreased stool frequency.

Conclusions

CCD should be considered when an infant presents with prolonged diarrhoea during infancy, particularly in the context of maternal polyhydramnios and dilated foetal bowel loops.
Intracranial residual lesions following early intensification in a patient with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report
Authors: Nagamatsu Yuichi , Isoda Takeshi , Inaji Motoki , Oyama Jun , Niizato Daiki , Tomomasa Dan , Mitsuiki Noriko , Yamashita Motoi , Kamiya Takahiro , Imai Kohsuke , Kanegane Hirokazu , Morio Tomohiro , Takagi Masatoshi
Published: May 2024

Background

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) tends to involve central nervous system (CNS) infiltration at diagnosis. However, cases of residual CNS lesions detected at the end of induction and post early intensification have not been recorded in patients with T-ALL. Also, the ratio and prognosis of patients with residual intracranial lesions have not been defined.

Case presentation

A 9-year-old boy with T-ALL had multiple intracranial tumors, which were still detected post early intensification. To investigate residual CNS lesions, we used 11C-methionine (MET)-positron emission tomography. Negative MET uptake in CNS lesions and excellent MRD status in bone marrow allowed continuing therapies without hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Conclusions

In cases with residual lesions on imaging studies, treatment strategies should be considered by the systemic response, direct assessment of spinal fluid, along with further development of noninvasive imaging methods in CNS. Further retrospective or prospective studies are required to determine the prognosis and frequency of cases with residual intracranial lesions after induction therapy.
Does “National Civilized City” policy mitigate air pollution in China? A spatial Durbin difference-in-differences analysis
Authors: Jiang Lei , Zhang Zinan , Zhang Bo , He Shixiong
Published: May 2024

“National Civilized City” (NCC) is regarded as China’s highest honorary title and most valuable city brand. To win and maintain the “golden city” title, municipal governments must pay close attention to various key appraisal indicators, mainly environmental ones. In this study we verify whether cities with the title are more likely to mitigate SO2 pollution. We adopt the spatial Durbin difference-in-differences (DID) model and use panel data of 283 Chinese cities from 2003 to 2018 to analyze the local (direct) and spillover effects (indirect) of the NCC policy on SO2 pollution. We find that SO2 pollution in Chinese cities is not randomly distributed in geography, suggesting the existence of spatial spillovers and possible biased estimates. Our study treats the NCC policy as a quasi-experiment and incorporates spatial spillovers of NCC policy into a classical DID model to verify this assumption. Our findings show: (1) The spatial distribution of SO2 pollution represents strong spatial spillovers, with the most highly polluted regions mainly situated in the North China Plain. (2) The Moran’s I test results confirms significant spatial autocorrelation. (3) Results of the spatial Durbin DID models reveal that the civilized cities have indeed significantly mitigated SO2 pollution, indicating that cities with the honorary title are acutely aware of the environment in their bid to maintain the golden city brand. As importantly, we notice that the spatial DID term is also significant and negative, implying that neighboring civilized cities have also mitigated their own SO2 pollution. Due to demonstration and competition effects, neighboring cities that won the title ostensibly motivates local officials to adopt stringent policies and measures for lowering SO2 pollution and protecting the environment in competition for the golden title. The spatial autoregressive coefficient was significant and positive, indicating that SO2 pollution of local cities has been deeply affected by neighbors. A series of robustness check tests also confirms our conclusions. Policy recommendations based on the findings for protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development are proposed.
Extensor tendon rupture and preoperative mri confirmations of suture anchor prolapse: a case report and literature review
Authors: Alhaskawi Ahmad , Zhou Haiying , Dong Yanzhao , Ezzi Sohaib Hasan Abdullah , Zou Xiaodi , Weijie Zhou , Yi Fangyu , Abdalbary Sahar Ahmed , Lu Hui
Published: May 2024

Background

While suture anchors are widely used in medical procedures for their advantages, they can sometimes lead to complications, including anchor prolapse. This article presents a unique case of suture anchor prolapse at the base of the distal phalanx of the little finger after extensor tendon rupture reconstruction surgery.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old male, underwent extensor tendon rupture reconstruction using a non-absorbable suture anchor. After seven years the patient visited our outpatients complaining of stiffness, pain, and protrusion at the surgical site. Initial X-ray imaging suggested suggesting either a fracture of the distal phalanx or tendon adhesion but lacked a definitive diagnosis. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed bone connectivity between the middle and distal phalanges with irregular signal shadow and unclear boundaries while maintaining a regular finger shape. MRI proved superior in diagnosing prolapsed suture anchors, marking the first reported case of its kind. Surgical intervention confirmed MRI findings.

Conclusions

Suture anchor complications, such as prolapse, are a concern in medical practice. This case underscores the significance of MRI for accurate diagnosis and the importance of tailored surgical management in addressing this uncommon complication.
Mechanism of action of Coptidis Rhizome in treating periodontitis based on network pharmacology and in vitro validation
Authors: Li Wei , Jiao Ruofeng , Luo Shiyi , Liu Zefei , Song Jukun , Chen Zhu
Published: May 2024

Objective

Explore the therapeutic mechanism of Coptidis Rhizome (CR) in periodontitis using network pharmacology, and validate it through molecular docking and in vitro experiments.

Methods

Screened potential active components and target genes of CR from TCMSP and Swiss databases. Identified periodontitis-related target genes using GeneCards. Found common target genes using Venny. Conducted GO and KEGG pathway analysis. Performed molecular docking and in vitro experiments using Berberine, the main active component of CR, on lymphocytes from healthy and periodontitis patients. Assessed effects on inflammatory factors using CCK-8, flow cytometry, and ELISA.

Results

Fourteen active components and 291 targets of CR were identified. 30 intersecting target genes with periodontitis were found. GO and KEGG analysis revealed oxidative stress response and IL-17 signaling pathway as key mechanisms. Molecular docking showed strong binding of Berberine with ALOX5, AKT1, NOS2, and TNF. In vitro experiments have demonstrated the ability of berberine to inhibit the expression of Th17 + and other immune related cells in LPS stimulated lymphocytes, and reduce the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17.

Conclusion

CR treats periodontitis through a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approach. Berberine, its key component, acts through the IL-17 signaling pathway to exert anti-inflammatory effects.