bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Struggling for Years”: An international survey on Autistic experiences of menopause
Authors: Jenkins Christine A. , Moseley Rachel L. , Matthews Rose J. , van Rensburg Margaret Janse , Gamble-Turner Julie M. , Brady Miranda J.
Published: December 2024

Emerging research suggests that menopause can be a difficult transition for some Autistic people. This international co-produced survey explored factors that might make menopause harder for Autistic people, such as lack of menopause and autism awareness; moreover, we aimed to explore what support Autistic people needed and what could help them cope and even flourish during this time. We employed a mixed-methods approach to analyze quantitative and qualitative responses from 508 Autistic participants. Both the quantitative and qualitative data supported relationships between lack of menopause and autism awareness and overall difficulties during menopause. Autistic participants wanted more appropriate and Autistic-specific information about menopause, and perceived lack of clinician awareness about both menopause and autism as barriers to care and support. Finally, participants reported discovery of ways to cope and even flourish during menopause through self-awareness and self-acceptance. Better awareness of autism and access to Autistic-specific menopause information is important in helping Autistic people transition through menopause.

Lay abstract

We believe that many Autistic people may struggle with menopause. However, we know very little about factors that might make menopause more difficult for Autistic people, and things that might help them through this transition. Our online survey, co-produced with Autistic people, explored whether a lack of awareness about menopause and autism might lead to a more difficult menopause experience. We also aimed to understand what kind of support and information Autistic people need in menopause, and what, if anything, helped Autistic people in menopause cope and even flourish through this life transition. We received 508 usable responses from Autistic participants in 24 different countries. Overall, the study found a relationship between lack of menopause awareness and difficulty of menopause: i.e., that those who had less knowledge about menopause tended to have a harder time. The study also found that lack of awareness of one’s autism at the start of menopause was associated with a more difficult menopause experience. Participants reported that they wished they had had more appropriate and autistic-specific information about menopause before it started. They also indicated that a lack of information and training amongst clinicians about both menopause and autism were barriers to support. Finally, greater self-awareness and self-acceptance amongst other coping mechanisms helped participants. Our findings highlight where there are gaps in knowledge and support for Autistic people during menopause. They highlight that knowledge about menopause, and about one’s autism, are extremely important. They also highlight coping strategies that some Autistic people have found helpful.
Prognostic role of myocardial fibrosis markers in aortic stenosis: implications for clinical decision-making
Authors: Kwak Soongu , Lee Seung-Pyo
Published: December 2024

Aortic stenosis (AS) causes chronic pressure overload in the left ventricle (LV) that ultimately results in myocardial fibrosis. This fibrosis is associated with advanced symptoms, LV decompensation, and poor prognosis. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) offers a non-invasive method to assess myocardial fibrosis, correlating well with histology and predicting adverse events in AS patients. Histologic studies have confirmed the prevalence of myocardial fibrosis in AS and its association with symptoms and LV dysfunction. CMR techniques, including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T1-mapping, effectively demonstrate and quantify fibrosis, with LGE identifying focal replacement fibrosis and T1-mapping assessing diffuse interstitial fibrosis. Both techniques complement each other in capturing the extent of myocardial fibrosis. The reversibility of fibrosis post-aortic valve replacement (AVR) varies, with diffuse fibrosis showing potential for regression while replacement fibrosis remains irreversible. Importantly, recent studies have highlighted the powerful prognostic value of LGE and T1-mapping markers. There are ongoing trials that aim to establish the clinical role of CMR-guided early intervention in improving AS outcomes. Identifying novel indicators for myocardial fibrosis, such as serum biomarkers or strain imaging, could further enhance the prediction of fibrosis and patient selection for CMR. Ultimately, the integration of myocardial fibrosis markers into clinical practice may optimize the timing of intervention and improve prognosis for AS patients. This review summarizes the current evidence from CMR studies investigating myocardial fibrosis in AS, focusing on its prognostic value and potential role in guiding intervention timing.
Recovering from Entrepreneurial Impression Mismanagement: The Role of Resilience and Affordable Loss
Authors: Das Ashapurna
Published: December 2024

Entrepreneurial failure, especially in the social domain, is extremely challenging because it involves interactions with others, who may not be easily persuaded. Literature in impression management has so far focused on the successful delivery of impressions, while poorly executed impressions and their aftermath have rarely received scholarly attention. This article aims to advance scholarly discourse by advocating the need to efficiently recover after a mismanaged impression at entrepreneurial pitch competitions where impression stakes are higher. Recovery from failed impressions is important because it facilitates the restoration of vital resources for purposive action, preparing an entrepreneur for their next pitch. The primary research question is—How can entrepreneurs efficiently recover from impression mismanagement experienced at pitch competitions? This article presents a new recovery framework by advancing Shepherd’s work on entrepreneurial grief recovery. In doing so, two resources that may amplify the recovery process are identified—affordable loss and resilience. These two may facilitate an entrepreneur’s loss and restoration orientation of the event, eventually leading to a recovery. This article initiates a shift in the scholarly conversation from impression management to mismanagement highlighting its psychosocial impact on entrepreneurs and the subsequent need to build the capacity to recover from such events. Its interdisciplinary contribution across social sciences and business studies will offer insights to a wide network of scholars. Furthermore, we show how this framework can be useful for entrepreneurs in pitch preparation and recovery strategies.
Differential dissolving kinetics of trioctahedral lizardite, chlorite and talc, and water-interface reactions in an acid environment
Authors: Zhao Dingran , Sun Hongjuan , Peng Tongjiang , Zeng Li
Published: December 2024

Different two-dimensional structural units of layered silicate minerals have different chemical and reaction properties. Sulfuric acid solution mineral-leaching systems with pH of 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 were constructed to investigate the differential dissolution properties of lizardite (1:1 type), chlorite and talc (2:1 type minerals) and the chemical kinetic mechanism of the mineral–water interface reaction. The results showed that the dissolution efficiency of Mg in lizardite is higher than that of chlorite and talc in acidic environments (pH of 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0). The dissolution efficiency of Mg in chlorite is greater than that of talc for acidic environments when pH is 2.0 and 4.0, but chlorite and talc have nearly identical Mg dissolution efficiencies at a pH of 6.0. This phenomenon is related to the defect site on the tetrahedral sheet of chlorite and is controlled by the change of the dissolution efficiency of Al. The dissolution rates of Mg and Si in lizardite, chlorite and talc decreased with the increase of reaction time in the acidic medium for pH = 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0, and there are two linear dissolution trends at different pH values. The dissolution efficiencies of Mg and Si in lizardite, chlorite and talc were simulated and predicted by establishing a logistic model. It was found that the maximum dissolution efficiency of 2:1 type minerals chlorite and talc are only 4.72% and 1.58%, which is much lower than that of 1:1 type lizardite. This research on the reaction mechanism and dissolution kinetics of lizardite, chlorite and talc not only helps to deepen the understanding of the mineral–water interface interaction, but also reveals the different rules for Mg, Si and Al dissolution in different types of trioctahedral mineral–water interface reactions, and provides a crystal chemical basis for the ion migration and action mechanism of minerals.
RBM15-dependent m6A modification mediates progression of non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Wang Man , Qin Yujiao , Ai Xiaoqi , Liu Xiuhua
Published: December 2024

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant form of lung cancer, contributing significantly to global health and economic challenges. This study elucidated the role of RBM15 in NSCLC progression through its involvement in m6A modifications.

Methods

RBM15 levels in NSCLC tissues and cells were assessed via RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The impact of RBM15 knockdown on NSCLC proliferation, invasion, and migration was evaluated using CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays. Expression levels of KLF1, TRIM13, and ANXA8 were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. m6A methylation levels were analyzed, while RIP and MeRIP assays were employed to explore the interaction between YTHDF1/YTHDF2/m6A and KLF1/TRIM13, as well as KLF1 binding to the ANXA8 promoter. The ubiquitination of ANXA8 was examined through ubiquitination assays. Xenograft and metastasis models were utilized to assess RBM15’s role in vivo.

Results

RBM15 was found to be overexpressed in NSCLC. Silencing RBM15 led to decreased cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of NSCLC cells. RBM15 upregulated KLF1 and downregulated TRIM13 via YTHDF1/YTHDF2, resulting in the promotion of ANXA8 expression. KLF1 overexpression or TRIM13 downregulation partially reversed the suppressive effects of RBM15 knockdown on NSCLC cell proliferation. ANXA8, upregulated in NSCLC, mitigated the inhibitory effects of RBM15 silencing on malignant behaviors. In vivo, RBM15 downregulation hindered NSCLC cell proliferation and metastasis by modulating the KLF1-TRIM13/ANXA8 axis.

Conclusion

RBM15-mediated m6A methylation enhances KLF1 expression and suppresses TRIM13 via YTHDF1/YTHDF2, thereby promoting ANXA8 and facilitating NSCLC progression. These findings provide novel insights and potential therapeutic targets for NSCLC treatment.
Digital Twin-Based Production-Logistics Synchronization System for Satellite Mass Assembly Shop-Floor
Authors: Liu Weiran , Zou Xiaofu , Wen Zhiwen , Cheng Jiangfeng , Zuo Ying , Zhang Chenyuan , Liu Hongting , Tao Fei
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the rapid development of large-scale satellite constellations has challenged the mass production capabilities of satellite manufacturers. Assembly is the last and critical phase of satellite production. Achieving satellite mass assembly is the key to realizing satellite mass production. To this end, satellite manufacturers are working to construct the satellite mass assembly shop-floor (SMAS) to enable moving assembly. However, there is still a lack of a modularized manufacturing system oriented to flexible production for SMAS, as well as disturbance detection methods and production-logistics synchronization methods to deal with various disturbances. Therefore, this paper proposes a digital twin-based production-logistics synchronization system (DT-PLSS) for SMAS. The framework of DT-PLSS is introduced first. In this framework, DT-PLSS can achieve modular construction, as well as distributed management and control. Based on the proposed framework, the construction methods of resource level digital twin (DT), workstation level DT, and shop-floor level DT in SMAS are discussed. The DT-based disturbance detection method for SMAS is presented, aiming to detect or predict different types of disturbances and to analyze the effect of disturbances. Then, a DT enhanced production-logistics synchronization mechanism for SMAS is proposed. With this mechanism, the logistics distribution in the dynamic shop-floor environment and production-logistics synchronization under various disturbances can be realized. Finally, a case study in a real SMAS verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed system and methods. This research proposes a practical framework and system which could realize disturbance detection, logistics distribution, and the production-logistics synchronization in complex SMAS scenario effectively.
Indication and functional outcome of orthotopic neo-bladder reconstruction following radical cystectomy for bladder cancers in a specialist hospital in north-west Cameroon
Authors: Ngwa-Ebogo Tagang Titus , Nchomboh Nwenasi McRyan , Mbouche Landry Oriole , Tamufor Njuma Emmanuel , Forcha Tandu Yannick , Mbassi Achille Aurore , Fouda Pierre Joseph , Ashuntantang Gloria Enow , Angwafor III Fru Forbuzshi
Published: December 2024

Background

Radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion are treatment modalities for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). However, in Cameroon, there is little information on orthotopic neo-bladder (ONB) reconstruction in the literature.

Objective

We aimed to share our indications for ONB reconstruction, evaluate the functional outcomes, and enumerate the surgical complications. By sharing our experience with ONB reconstruction, we hope to broaden the understanding of this procedure and aid in anticipating its various outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective assessment of medical records was conducted for all patients who underwent ONB reconstruction after RC for bladder cancer from January 2020 to April 2023 at Nkwen Baptist Hospital. Data collected included socio-demographic details, clinical and pathological data, indications for surgery, voiding, and metabolic outcomes at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Data analysis was performed using IBM-SPSS version 26.0.

Results

Eighteen patients (66.7% male) with a mean age of 60.50 (± 6.90) years were included. Indications for ONB were 56% for pT2b, 23% for pT2a, and 23% for multifocal T1 disease without ureteral, urethral, or bladder neck extension. At 12 months, 77.8% had acceptable diurnal continence, and 72.2% had acceptable nocturnal continence. Peak urinary flow rates and post-void residual volumes were acceptable in 77.8% and 83.3% of patients, respectively. Additionally, 88.9% had normal sodium levels, 94.4% had normal potassium levels, and 94.4% had normal chloride levels at 12 months post-ONB creation.

Conclusions

ONB reconstruction provides satisfactory continence and minimal rates of electrolyte derangement, contributing valuable insights into the functional outcomes of this procedure.
DEMETER DNA demethylase reshapes the global DNA methylation landscape and controls cell identity transition during plant regeneration
Authors: Lee Seunga , Bae Soon Hyung , Jeon Yunji , Seo Pil Joon , Choi Yeonhee
Published: December 2024

Background

Plants possess a high potential for somatic cell reprogramming, enabling the transition from differentiated tissue to pluripotent callus, followed by the formation of de novo shoots during plant regeneration. Despite extensive studies on the molecular network and key genetic factors involved in this process, the underlying epigenetic landscape remains incompletely understood.

Results

Here, we explored the dynamics of the methylome and transcriptome during the two-step plant regeneration process. During the leaf-to-callus transition in Arabidopsis Ler, CG methylation shifted across genic regions, exhibiting a similar number of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) for both hypo- and hypermethylation. Pericentromeric regions underwent substantial CG and extensive CHH hypomethylation, alongside some CHG hypermethylation. Upon shoot regeneration from callus, genic regions displayed extensive reconfiguration of CG methylation, while pericentromeric methylation levels highly increased across all cytosine contexts, coinciding with the activation of the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway. However, mutation in DEMETER (DME) DNA demethylase gene resulted in significant genic CG redistribution and global non-CG hypomethylation in pericentromeric regions, particularly during shoot regeneration. This non-CG hypomethylation observed in dme-2 mutants was, at least partly, due to RdDM downregulation. The dme-2 mutants affected gene expression involved in pluripotency and shoot meristem development, resulting in enhanced shoot regeneration through a reprogrammed state established by pericentromeric hypomethylation compared to wild type.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates epigenetic changes, accompanied by transcriptome alterations, during pluripotency acquisition (leaf-to-callus) and regeneration (callus-to-de novo shoot). Additionally, it highlights the functions of the DME demethylase, particularly its close association with the RdDM pathway, which underlies pericentromeric non-CG methylation maintenance. These results provide important insights into the epigenetic reconfiguration associated with cell identity transition during somatic cell reprogramming.
Beyond autonomy: unpacking self-regulated and self-directed learning through the lens of learner agency- a scoping review
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Ali Kamran , Jiang Dan , Fink Trine , Du Xiangyun
Published: December 2024

Background

Learner agency involves students actively engaging in their learning process and shaping their educational experiences through autonomy, self-regulation, and decision-making. In professional education, particularly within health professions, learner agency is critical for fostering adaptability and lifelong learning. This scoping review explores how learner agency, alongside concepts such as self-regulated learning and self-directed learning, is addressed in undergraduate dental education, aiming to understand its implications and strategies for enhancing student agency in this context.

Methods

The scoping review examined literature on self-regulated learning, self-directed learning and learner agency in undergraduate dental education from 1994-April 2024 across five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest Central, and Web of Science. A manual search of the cited references was also conducted. Relevant studies were screened, and the findings were summarized to offer a comprehensive overview and identify research gaps.

Results

In total, 33 studies were included in the review. The results revealed a strong interconnection between intrapersonal, behavioral, and contextual dimensions in shaping learner agency through self-regulated learning and self-directed learning among undergraduate dental students. The studies analyzed, predominantly quantitative, highlighted the multifaceted relationships among self-regulated learning and self-directed learning and learner agency, emphasizing its significance for educational practice and policy.

Conclusions

Self-regulated learning and self-directed learning are crucial for developing learner agency, aiding undergraduate students’ transition into independent professionals and fostering lifelong learning behaviors. Educational strategies should prioritize empowering students to become independent learners, reducing their reliance on faculty. Further research is needed to identify effective methods for promoting learner agency development among dental students.
‘I am a father but not pregnant’: a qualitative analysis of the perspectives of pregnant couples on male partner role during pregnancy care in Bamenda, Cameroon
Authors: Foglabenchi Lily Haritu , Stöckl Heidi , Marchant Tanya
Published: December 2024

Background

The reduction of maternal mortality has stagnated globally. Estimates project a rise to 140.9 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, which is double the Sustainable Development Goal target. Male involvement in pregnancy care has been proposed as an intervention to improve maternal and child health outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of how communities view the role of men beyond the instrumentalist approach that only targets men as accompanying partners without altering the underlying gender and socio-cultural determinants that shape their involvement in pregnancy care. This study broadens existing research by exploring and and contextualising the role of male partners during pregnancy in Bamenda, Cameroon.

Methods

This study employed a qualitative design underpinned by symbolic interactionism. We conducted 68 semi-structured interviews (SSIs) and three focus group discussions (FGDs) with purposively selected pregnant women (n = 38 SSIs; n = 2, FGD) and male partners (n = 30 SSIs; n = 1, FGD) in an urban hospital in the North West Regional capital—Bamenda. Nvivo was used for data management and subsequently, we performed thematic analysis using a critical discourse lens to generate manifest and latent interpretations of study findings.

Results

The role of male partners reflected hegemonic masculinity and was broadly conceptualised in three categories: breadwinner, protector/comforter, and ‘sender’ for antenatal care. Perceptions of men’s role differed between male and female participants. While women sought male involvement for pragmatic reasons like joint attendance of antenatal care, psychosocial support (affirmation) and assistance with domestic chores, men limited their involvement to roles that matched gendered preconceptions of masculinity like financial support for antenatal fees, maternal nutrition and birth supplies. Nonetheless, the perceived benefits for antenatal attendance was expressed by some men in terms of the direct access it gives them to pregnancy-related education from experts, paternal bonding and the appeal of fast-track services for couples.

Conclusion

Male involvement in maternal and child health in Bamenda Health District is an extension and reflection of how patriarchal norms on masculinity are constructed and adapted in this setting. To address gaps in male involvement, intervention designers and implementers will need to take into account prevailing culture-specific norms while deconstructing and leveraging masculine ideals to situate male involvement in the prenatal context.
Evaluation of novel recombinant antigen-based (NIE/SsIR) immunochromatographic rapid tests for Strongyloides stercoralis: an accuracy study
Authors: Scarso Salvatore , Tamarozzi Francesca , Mazzi Cristina , Degani Monica , Rizzi Eleonora , Tais Stefano , Buonfrate Dora
Published: December 2024

Background

Strongyloidiasis is a chronic parasitic disease that results in relevant human morbidity, caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis. This nematode has a unique and complex life-cycle. There is so far no perfect test for this helminthiasis. Rapid immunochromatographic tests (RDTs) are of interest, specifically due to their feasibility for use in the field, where public health control of strongyloidiasis is recommended. The aim of this study was to evaluate two novel RDTs, one detecting immunoglobulin (Ig) G and the other detecting IgG4, based on a combination of recombinant antigens. The primary objective was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of these RDTs, and the secondary objective was to assess ease of interpretation.

Methods

Serum samples stored in our biobank with available matched results for at least one fecal (i.e. agar plate culture or PCR) and one serology test (i.e. enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] or indirect immunofluorescent antibody test [IFAT]) for S. stercoralis, were selected for this study. Those with at least one positive result for the fecal test were considered to be true positives (irrespective of the serology), while true negatives were those with negative results for both the fecal and serology tests. The results of the RDTs were read independently by two laboratory technicians. When disagreement over the results occurred, a third reader was involved, and the final result for each test was based on consistent results from two readers. Estimates were reported along with the 95% confidence intervals (CI). Regarding the secondary objective, agreement between two independent readers was calculated with Cohen’s kappa statistic (κ).

Results

A total of 90 serum samples were tested. Sensitivity of the IgG- and the IgG4-RDTs was 91.1% (95% CI 78.8–97.5) and 77.3% (95% CI 62.2–88.5), respectively. Specificity was 91.1% (95% CI 78.8–97.5) for the IgG-RDT and 100% (95% CI 92.1–100) for the IgG4-RDT. Agreement between readers was excellent (Cohen’s κ = 0.96, 95% CI 0.86–1.08%).

Conclusions

The IgG-RDT demonstrated higher sensitivity and could hence be preferred for individual diagnosis, whereas the excellent specificity of the IgG4-RDT could be preferred for prevalence surveys in endemic areas. The results of both RDTs were easy to interpret based on excellent agreement between readers. Large prospective studies should follow to confirm these findings and to validate the use of either RDT for specific purposes/contexts.

Graphical abstract
Is pancreatitis associated with meglumine antimoniate treatment for canine leishmaniosis? A multicentric prospective study
Authors: Viñeta Clàudia , Castro Jorge , López María Cristina , Frau Maria , Costas Antón , Arenas Carolina , Roura Xavier
Published: December 2024

Background

Meglumine antimoniate is used to treat canine leishmaniosis. In humans, it has been associated with pancreatitis. Although a few case reports have described acute pancreatitis secondary to antimonial treatment in dogs, some studies have concluded that pancreatitis is not an adverse effect of this medication. The objective was to evaluate whether treatment with meglumine antimoniate could induce pancreatitis in dogs with leishmaniosis, on the basis of clinical signs, canine serum specific quantitative pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) concentration, and ultrasonographic abnormalities.

Methods

A prospective, observational, longitudinal, and multicentric study was conducted from April 2021 through February 2023.

Results

A total of 33 dogs with leishmaniosis were included and classified into LeishVet clinical stages; 13 (39.4%) were included in stage II, 11 (33.3%) in stage III, and 9 in stage IV (27.3%). and 14 (42.4%) developed pancreatitis, 10 during treatment with meglumine antimoniate, and 4 at the end of the treatment. Advanced LeishVet clinical stage was statistically associated with development of pancreatitis. In addition, nine dogs received prednisone at the beginning of treatment, but it was not statistically associated with the prevention of pancreatitis.

Conclusions

Meglumine antimoniate remains the first line leishmanicidal treatment option for canine leishmaniosis, but it appears to induce pancreatitis in a significant percentage of dogs. Monitoring serum cPLI levels and performing an abdominal ultrasound should be considered when pancreatitis-associated clinical signs are observed, or when there is a high suspicion of circulating immune complexes in dogs with advanced LeishVet clinical stage.

Graphical Abstract
Comparative lipidomic and metabolomic profiling of mdx and severe mdx-apolipoprotein e-null mice
Authors: Khattri Ram B. , Batra Abhinandan , White Zoe , Hammers David , Ryan Terence E. , Barton Elisabeth R. , Bernatchez Pascal , Walter Glenn A.
Published: December 2024

Despite its notoriously mild phenotype, the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse is the most common model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). By mimicking a human DMD-associated metabolic comorbidity, hyperlipidemia, in mdx mice by inactivating the apolipoprotein E gene (mdx-ApoE) we previously reported severe myofiber damage exacerbation via histology with large fibro-fatty infiltrates and phenotype humanization with ambulation dysfunction when fed a cholesterol- and triglyceride-rich Western diet (mdx-ApoEW). Herein, we performed comparative lipidomic and metabolomic analyses of muscle, liver and serum samples from mdx and mdx-ApoEW mice using solution and high-resolution-magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Compared to mdx and regular chow-fed mdx-ApoE mice, we observed an order of magnitude increase in lipid deposition in gastrocnemius muscle of mdx-ApoEW mice including 11-fold elevations in -CH3 and -CH2 lipids, along with pronounced elevations in serum cholesterol, fatty acid, triglyceride and phospholipids. Hepatic lipids were also elevated but did not correlate with the extent of muscle lipid infiltration or differences in serum lipids. This study provides the first lipometabolomic signature of severe mdx lesions exacerbated by high circulating lipids and lends credence to claims that the liver, the main regulator of whole-body lipoprotein metabolism, may play only a minor role in this process.
Physical modulation and peripheral nerve regeneration: a literature review
Authors: Zhai Xiangwen , Wang Yuzhong
Published: December 2024

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) usually causes severe motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction. In addition to direct surgical repair, rehabilitation exercises, and traditional physical stimuli, for example, electrical stimulation, have been applied in promoting the clinical recovery of PNI for a long time but showed low efficiency. Recently, significant progress has been made in new physical modulation to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. We hereby review current progress on the mechanism of peripheral nerve regeneration after injury and summarize the new findings and evidence for the application of physical modulation, including electrical stimulation, light, ultrasound, magnetic stimulation, and mechanical stretching in experimental studies and the clinical treatment of patients with PNI.
Determinants of binge eating and its impact on indicators of obesity among Finnish adolescents - a cohort study
Authors: Lehto Reetta , Ålgars Monica , Lommi Sohvi , Leppänen Marja H , Viljakainen Heli
Published: December 2024

Background

Binge eating, a type of disordered eating, is relatively common among youth and predisposes them to many adverse health outcomes. Diverse psychological and social factors may be associated with binge eating. The aim of this study was to examine child and parental psychosocial determinants of binge eating and its impact on indicators of obesity.

Methods

The sample consisted of 10 679 Finnish adolescents who participated in the Fin-HIT cohort study. The participants were 9–12 years at baseline, and they were followed-up for 2.6 years on average. At baseline, children’s anthropometry was measured, and they reported binge eating, disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, self-esteem, and body shape satisfaction with validated questionnaires. Parents reported their own weight satisfaction, dieting, and depressive symptoms at baseline. Adjusted logistic and linear regressions were used in the analyses.

Results

Self-esteem was associated with lower odds (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.85–0.91), and overall disordered eating attitudes and behaviors were associated with higher odds (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06–1.10) of binge eating. Additionally, child and parent body dissatisfaction were associated with binge eating but not in the fully adjusted model where the child’s BMI was additionally considered. None of the parental factors were associated with binge eating in the fully adjusted model. Binge eating was associated with higher BMI z-scores and waist circumferences both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.

Conclusions

In support of previous findings, we found that low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction and other disordered eating attitudes and behaviors are associated with binge eating, but our results also highlight the impact of weight status as a potential moderator when the determinants of binge eating are examined. More studies on the role of parental factors in adolescent binge eating are needed.
Incorporation of nanocarbon materials of various dimensions enhances the microwave absorption properties of Nd-doped barium ferrite
Authors: Feng Xiaohua , Li Pengyu , Yu Haopeng , Yu Chengwu , Liu Yi , Li Hua
Published: December 2024

Physicochemical features of nano-carbon (NC) particles significantly influence the microwave absorption performances of NC-containing materials. Here, we report the development of rare earth neodymium (Nd)-doped barium ferrite (BaM) composites with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and other NC materials (onion-like carbon and graphene oxide) to enhance microwave absorption. Nd0.15-BaM composites containing 8% CNTs demonstrate a minimum reflection loss of − 123.12 dB at 7.97 GHz, with an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.46 GHz in the 2–18 GHz range. CNTs improve impedance matching and synergize with Nd0.15-BaM, boosting absorption properties. The absorption performance is further tuned by adjusting the type and content of NC materials. These results highlight the potential of these composites for applications in wave absorption.
Readiness planning: how to go beyond “buy-in” to achieve curricular success and front-line performance
Authors: Roussin Christopher J. , Ng Grace , Fey Mary K. , Lipshaw James A. , Arantes Henrique P. , Rudolph Jenny W.
Published: December 2024

Simulation program staff and leadership often struggle to partner with front-line healthcare workers, their managers, and health system leaders. Simulation-based learning programs are too often seen as burdensome add-ons rather than essential mechanisms supporting clinical workforce readiness. Healthcare system leaders grappling with declining morale, economic pressure, and too few qualified staff often don’t see how simulation can help them, and we simulation program leaders can’t seem to bridge this gap. Without clear guidance from front-line clinicians and leaders, the challenge of building and maintaining sustainably relevant simulation offerings can seem overwhelming. We argue that three blind spots have limited our ability to see the path to collaborations that support front-line workforce readiness: We wrongly assume that our rigor in designing and delivering programs will lead to front-line participant engagement and positive impact, we overestimate the existence of shared priorities, mindsets, and expertise with our would-be partners, and we contribute to building a façade of superficial education compliance that distracts from vital skill development. How do we design simulation-based training programs that are valued, supported, and sustained by key partners over time? (1) By seeing ourselves as partners first and designers second; (2) by using a boundary spanning design process that shifts the primary psychological ownership of training outcomes to our partners; and (3) by focusing this shared design process on workforce readiness for the situations that our healthcare partners care about most. Drawing on lessons from more than 800 readiness plans developed by participants in our courses and the authors’ successes and mistakes in partnering with healthcare teams for front-line readiness, we introduce the concepts, commitments, and practices of “readiness planning” along with three detailed examples of readiness planning in action.

Graphical Abstract
Mortality evolution in Italy: the end of regional convergence?
Authors: Carboni Gianni , Salinari Giambattista , De Santis Gustavo , Benassi Federico
Published: December 2024

Between 1992 and 2007, the Italian healthcare system underwent a profound and complex transformation. This reform rekindled interest in the study of health and mortality inequalities in Italy, and fears were expressed that the new system could trigger a rise in health disparities across regions. We contribute to the debate examining the evolution of life expectancy across Italian regions from 1974 to 2019, focusing on regional convergence. Applying sigma- and beta-convergence analysis in a novel way, we detect structural breaks—marked trend variations—occurring shortly after the most significant policy reforms of the national health system, with stronger discontinuities among males. While not establishing any direct causal link, our findings suggest that the legislative changes of the period, focused on decentralizing responsibilities and management, may have halted the pre-existing trend towards homogenization and possibly opened up a new phase of re-emerging regional survival disparities.
School health policies and their implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines
Authors: Salanguit Mikaela B. , Santillan Marian Danille C. , Gregorio Ernesto R. , Estrada Crystal Amiel M. , Shibuya Fumiko , Nishio Akihiro , Kobayashi Jun
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the health and education of learners globally. However, there is a lack of information on enablers and barriers to the implementation of comprehensive school health policies during the pandemic.

Methods

This study utilized a case study design, and was conducted in the Division of City Schools of Navotas. A desk review of relevant school health policies released at the national level by the Department of Education and Department of Health during the pandemic was performed. The collected policies were classified if they were related to the Preparedness/Prevention Phase, Early Phase Response, and Chronic Phase Response. Focus group discussions and key a informant interview were conducted to determine the enablers and barriers in implementing school health programs during the pandemic. The identified themes were created deductively by using categories from Whitman’s Wheel of Factors influencing Implementation of Policy and Practice.

Results

Policies under the Preparedness/Prevention Phase focused on providing a comprehensive healthy school environment for learners, including Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools. Early Phase Response policies included school closures and public health guidelines to prevent further spread of disease. The policies under the Chronic Phase/Response notably included guidelines for implementation of vaccination days and reopening of classes. Most of the factors identified were categorized under Whitman’s wheel of factors.

Conclusions

Despite COVID-19 restrictions, health policy implementation continued because of the collaborations, innovations, and leadership of various stakeholders. The vaccination of the public, including the pediatric population was implemented through the collaboration of various agencies. WASH in Schools was evident in policies regarding the guidelines on prevention of the spread of disease. The data provided in this study will serve as a guide to address the barriers and further strengthen the implementation of these policies.
Diabetic small fiber neuropathy: clinical and electrophysiological study
Authors: Alkotami Ahmed S. , Elkholy Saly H. , Elshamy Ahmed M. , Elseidy Ehab A. , Fadel Wael A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Diabetic neuropathy is diagnosed late due to lack of easy and readily available biomarkers; early identification can prompt proper interventions before the irreversible large fiber damage. The aim of this study is to assess small fiber dysfunction using cutaneous silent period (CSP) and sympathetic skin response (SSR) tests in patients with diabetic small fiber neuropathy (SFN) and compare results with clinical, neuropathy severity and quality of life measures. A total of 45 subjects were classified into: Group I: diabetic patients with pure SFN, group II: diabetic patients with mixed fiber neuropathy, and group III: healthy subjects. All underwent evaluation by anthropometric, clinical and quality of life measures, electrophysiological evaluation by CSP and SSR and distal leg skin biopsy.

Results

Age and gender distribution did not significantly differ between the studied groups. Both patients’ groups showed comparable poor quality of life in relation to healthy subjects. CSP onset latencies and SSR amplitudes significantly correlated with studied clinical and severity measures, but neither correlate with each other in diabetic pure SFN patients. Both CSP and SSR measures were specific in diagnosing diabetic pure SFN, but mostly with poor sensitivity. Combining sensitivities of different CSP and SSR measures improved the overall sensitivity to early screen for SFN in diabetic patients.

Conclusions

Both CSP and SSR may have the potential to early detect diabetic pure SFN. Suspected diabetic patients with SFN should be separately screened for both somatosensory and sudomotor/autonomic affection.
Auditory temporal order and speech perception in late talkers
Authors: Yurdakul Çınar Fatma , Çiprut Ayça
Published: December 2024

Background

Auditory temporal processing skills to perceive rapid changes in intensity, duration, and frequency of sounds over time are essential for early spoken language acquisition and speech perception. This study aimed to assess auditory temporal order and speech perception in late talkers.

Methods

Fifty children (25 with late-talking and 25 with typical development) aged 7 to 9 years were included in the study. All subjects had typical audiometric thresholds between 125 Hz and 8 kHz (≤ 20 dB HL) and no middle ear pathology. The frequency pattern test, duration pattern test, and speech intelligibility tests in quiet and noise conditions were used to assess auditory temporal order and speech perception.

Results

Late talkers performed lower than typically developing children on tests of frequency pattern, duration pattern, and speech intelligibility in noise (p < 0.05). When the correlations between the tests used were calculated, there were correlations between the tests for both groups.

Conclusions

The results indicate that children who talk later than their typically developing peers in the early years of life may have difficulties with some auditory processing skills, even if they catch up with their typically developing peers in speech and language skills in middle childhood. Thus, it is very crucial to monitor auditory processing skills as well as speech and language skills in late talkers.
Evaluation of vestibular system in profound sensorineural hearing loss patients
Authors: Al-Ghandour Faten Magdy , Nada Nashwa Mohammed Fareed , Kolkaila Enaas Ahmad , Emara Afaf Ahmad , Essawy Wessam Mostafa
Published: December 2024

Background

The cochlea and vestibule share a continuous membranous structure and similar receptor cell ultrastructures and are supplied by common arterial blood. Therefore, inner ear diseases probably affect the cochlea as well as the vestibular system.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate vestibular system in profound sensorineural hearing loss patients.

Methods

This work included 40 adults. They were divided into 20 normal hearing adults who had no vestibular complaint (control group) and 20 profound sensorineural hearing loss (PSNHL) adults who had no vestibular complaint (study group). They were evaluated by cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs), ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs), subjective visual vertical (SVV), subjective visual horizontal (SVH), and video head impulse test (vHIT).

Results

cVEMPs were successfully recorded from all subjects in control group, while it was absent in 37.5% of the study group. oVEMPs showed normal response in control group, while it was absent in 60% of the study group. Subjects in the control group showed normal SVV/H values, while in study group SVV showed abnormal values in 30% and SVH showed abnormal values in 35%. Subjects in the control group showed normal vHIT values, while in study group vHIT showed abnormal values in (55%).

Conclusions

In PSNHL patients, inner ear diseases affected both the vestibular system and the cochlea. This was evidenced by the high prevalence of absent oVEMPs and cVEMPs as well as abnormal values of SVV, SVH, and vHIT in the study group.
The impact of Coblation- assisted endoscopic DRAF II procedures in the treatment of chronic frontal sinus disease
Authors: Sebastian Susan K. , Arora Gautamkumar
Published: December 2024

Background

To evaluate the surgical outcome following Coblation-assisted Draf II procedures in chronic frontal sinus disease.

Materials and methods

A retrospective observational study was done on a series of 31 patients who underwent endoscopic Coblation-assisted DrafIIa and IIb procedures from October 2021 to September 2023 at a tertiary care hospital. Subjective improvement was assessed using SNOT-22 scores. Objective evaluation was done using nasal endoscopy scores.

Results

The SNOT-22 score showed a significant reduction (p value -.0001) following the procedure, indicating improvement in symptoms and quality of life. The endoscopic score also demonstrated a significant reduction (p value.0001) following the procedure. A positive correlation was also observed between SNOT-22 and endoscopic scores. The proportion of patients with postoperative complications was low in the present study in comparison to several previous studies.

Conclusions

Coblation-assisted Draf II procedures are an effective treatment choice in the management of chronic frontal sinus disease. It provides safe access to the frontal sinus, leading to better frontal sinus patency and an improvement in the quality of life of the patients.