bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of cold acclimation on serum biochemical parameters and metabolite profiles in Schizothorax prenanti
Authors: Wang Aiyu , Zhang Run , Zhang Xianshu , Chen Chunjie , Gong Quan , Wang Linjie , Wang Yan
Published: June 2024

Background

Environmental temperature is critical in regulating biological functions in fish. S. prenanti is a kind of cold-water fish, but of which we have little knowledge about the metabolic adaptation and physiological responses to long-term cold acclimation.

Results

In this study, we determined the physiological responses of S. prenanti serum after 30 days of exposure to 6℃. Compared with the control group, the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the serum were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, and the level of glucose was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased under cold acclimation. Cold acclimation had no effect on the gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors and anti-inflammatory factors of S. prenanti. Metabolomics analysis by LC-MS showed that a total of 60 differential expressed metabolites were identified after cold acclimation, which involved in biosynthesis of amino acids, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, steroid degradation, purine metabolism, and citrate cycle pathways.

Conclusion

The results indicate that cold acclimation can alter serum metabolites and metabolic pathways to alter energy metabolism and provide insights for the physiological regulation of cold-water fish in response to cold acclimation.
Molecular mechanism of brassinosteroids involved in root gravity response based on transcriptome analysis
Authors: Bai Qunwei , Xuan Shurong , Li Wenjuan , Ali Khawar , Zheng Bowen , Ren Hongyan
Published: June 2024

Background

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of phytohormones that regulate a wide range of developmental processes in plants. BR-associated mutants display impaired growth and response to developmental and environmental stimuli.

Results

Here, we found that a BR-deficient mutant det2-1 displayed abnormal root gravitropic growth in Arabidopsis, which was not present in other BR mutants. To further elucidate the role of DET2 in gravity, we performed transcriptome sequencing and analysis of det2-1 and bri1-116, bri1 null mutant allele. Expression levels of auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, and other related genes in the two mutants of det2-1 and bri1-116 were basically the same. However, we only found that a large number of JAZ (JASMONATE ZIM-domain) genes and jasmonate synthesis-related genes were upregulated in det2-1 mutant, suggesting increased levels of endogenous JA.

Conclusions

Our results also suggested that DET2 not only plays a role in BR synthesis but may also be involved in JA regulation. Our study provides a new insight into the molecular mechanism of BRs on the root gravitropism.
Effective dosage and mode of exercise for enhancing cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease and dementia: a systematic review and Bayesian Model-Based Network Meta-analysis of RCTs
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Yang Yong , Hu XiaoFei , Zhang Lin , Xiong Zhiyu , Bai Ying , Zeng JiaLe , Xu Feng
Published: June 2024

Objective

Research the dose–response relationship between overall and certain types of exercise and cognitive function in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Design

Systemic and Bayesian Model-Based Network Meta-Analysis.

Methods

In our study, we analyzed data from randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of different exercises on cognitive outcomes in older adults with AD. We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase up to November 2023. Using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (Rob2) for quality assessment and R software with the MBNMA package for data analysis, we determined standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CrI) to evaluate exercise's impact on cognitive function in AD.

Results

Twenty-seven studies with 2,242 AD patients revealed a nonlinear relationship between exercise and cognitive improvement in AD patients. We observed significant cognitive enhancements at an effective exercise dose of up to 1000 METs-min/week (SMDs: 0.535, SD: 0.269, 95% CrI: 0.023 to 1.092). The optimal dose was found to be 650 METs-min/week (SMDs: 0.691, SD: 0.169, 95% CrI: 0.373 to 1.039), with AE (Aerobic exercise) being particularly effective. For AE, the optimal cognitive enhancement dose was determined to be 660 METs-min/week (SMDs: 0.909, SD: 0.219, 95% CrI: 0.495 to 1.362).

Conclusion

Nonlinear dose–response relationship between exercise and cognitive improvement in Alzheimer’s disease, with the optimal AE dose identified at 660 METs-min/week for enhancing cognitive function in AD.
Factors that indicate performance on the MoCA 7.3 in healthy adults over 50 years old
Authors: Bugallo-Carrera César , Dosil-Díaz Carlos , Pereiro Arturo X. , Anido-Rifón Luis , Gandoy-Crego Manuel
Published: June 2024

Human aging is a physiological, progressive, heterogeneous global process that causes a decline of all body systems, functions, and organs. Throughout this process, cognitive function suffers an incremental decline with broad interindividual variability.

The first objective of this study was to examine the differences in the performance on the MoCA test (v. 7.3) per gender and the relationship between the performance and the variables age, years of schooling, and depressive symptoms .The second objective was to identify factors that may influence the global performance on the MoCA test (v. 7.3) and of the domains orientation, language, memory, attention/calculation, visuospatial and executive function, abstraction, and identification.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in which five hundred seventy-three (573) cognitively healthy adults ≥ 50 years old were included in the study. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the GDS-15 questionnaire to assess depression symptoms and the Spanish version of the MoCA Test (v 7.3) were administered. The evaluations were carried out between the months of January and June 2022. Differences in the MoCA test performance per gender was assessed with Student’s t-test for independent samples. The bivariate Pearson correlation was applied to examine the relationship between total scoring of the MoCA test performance and the variables age, years of schooling, and depressive symptoms. Different linear multiple regression analyses were performed to determine variables that could influence the MoCA test performance.

We found gender-related MoCA Test performance differences. An association between age, years of schooling, and severity of depressive symptoms was observed. Age, years of schooling, and severity of depressive symptoms influence the MoCA Test performance, while gender does not.
Association of insomnia symptoms and trajectories with the risk of functional disability: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Qing-Mei , Xie Jia-Hao , Chen Huan , Yan Hao-Yu , Gao Jian , Li Zhi-Hao , Gao Xiang , Kraus Virginia Byers , Mao Chen
Published: June 2024

Background

There is limited understanding regarding prospective associations of insomnia symptoms and trajectories with functional disability. We aimed to investigate the associations of insomnia symptoms and trajectories with functional disability.

Method

A total of 13 197 participants were eligible from the Health and Retirement Study. Insomnia symptoms included non-restorative sleep, difficulty initiating sleep, early morning awakening, and difficulty maintaining sleep. We also identified four distinct trajectories of insomnia symptoms: low, decreasing, increasing, and high insomnia symptoms. Functional status was assessed through activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).

Results

Participants experiencing one (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13–1.29), two (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.29–1.57), or three to four (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.25–1.60) insomnia symptoms had a higher risk of ADL disability than asymptomatic respondents. Similarly, participants with one or more insomnia symptoms had a higher risk of IADL disability. Furthermore, using the trajectory with low insomnia symptoms as the reference, decreasing insomnia symptoms (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12–1.34), increasing insomnia symptoms (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05–1.41), and high insomnia symptoms (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.18–1.56) were all associated with an increased risk of ADL disability.

Conclusion

Both a single measurement and dynamic trajectory of insomnia symptoms are associated with the onset of ADL disability. Increased awareness and management of insomnia symptoms may contribute to the prevention of functional disability occurrence.
Emergence of Eurasian Avian-Like Swine Influenza A (H1N1) virus in a child in Shandong Province, China
Authors: He Yujie , Song Shaoxia , Wu Jie , Wu Julong , Zhang Lifang , Sun Lin , Li Zhong , Wang Xianjun , Kou Zengqiang , Liu Ti
Published: June 2024

Background

Influenza A virus infections can occur in multiple species. Eurasian avian-like swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses (EAS-H1N1) are predominant in swine and occasionally infect humans. A Eurasian avian-like swine influenza A (H1N1) virus was isolated from a boy who was suffering from fever; this strain was designated A/Shandong-binzhou/01/2021 (H1N1). The aims of this study were to investigate the characteristics of this virus and to draw attention to the need for surveillance of influenza virus infection in swine and humans.

Methods

Throat-swab specimens were collected and subjected to real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR). Positive clinical specimens were inoculated onto Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells to isolate the virus, which was confirmed by a haemagglutination assay. Then, whole-genome sequencing was carried out using an Illumina MiSeq platform, and phylogenetic analysis was performed with MEGA X software.

Results

RT‒PCR revealed that the throat-swab specimens were positive for EAS-H1N1, and the virus was subsequently successfully isolated from MDCK cells; this strain was named A/Shandong-binzhou/01/2021 (H1N1). Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that A/Shandong-binzhou/01/2021 (H1N1) is a novel triple-reassortant EAS-H1N1 lineage that contains gene segments from EAS-H1N1 (HA and NA), triple-reassortant swine influenza H1N2 virus (NS) and A(H1N1) pdm09 viruses (PB2, PB1, PA, NP and MP).

Conclusions

The isolation and analysis of the A/Shandong-binzhou/01/2021 (H1N1) virus provide further evidence that EAS-H1N1 poses a threat to human health, and greater attention should be given to the surveillance of influenza virus infections in swine and humans.
Transcriptomic and genomic characteristics of intrahepatic metastases of primary liver cancer
Authors: Zou Weilong , Fang Zhanjie , Feng Yu , Gong Shangjin , Li Ziqiang , Li Meng , Sun Yong , Ruan Xiuyan , Fang Xiangdong , Qu Hongzhu , Li Haiyang
Published: June 2024

Background

Patients with primary multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a poor prognosis and often experience a high rate of treatment failure. Multifocal HCC is mainly caused by intrahepatic metastasis (IM), and though portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is considered a hallmark of IM, the molecular mechanism by which primary HCC cells invade the portal veins remains unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize the early signs of metastasis of HCC to arrange better treatment for patients.

Results

To determine the differential molecular features between primary HCC with and without phenotype of metastasis, we used the CIBERSORTx software to deconvolute cell types from bulk RNA-Seq based on a single-cell transcriptomic dataset. According to the relative abundance of tumorigenic and metastatic hepatoma cells, VEGFA+ macrophages, effector memory T cells, and natural killer cells, HCC samples were divided into five groups: Pro-T, Mix, Pro-Meta, NKC, and MemT, and the transcriptomic and genomic features of the first three groups were analyzed. We found that the Pro-T group appeared to retain native hepatic metabolic activity, whereas the Pro-Meta group underwent dedifferentiation. Genes highly expressed in the group Pro-Meta often signify a worse outcome.

Conclusions

The HCC cohort can be well-typed and prognosis predicted according to tumor microenvironment components. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma may have obtained corresponding molecular features before metastasis occurred.
The TEOGIC study project: a comprehensive characterization of early onset gastrointestinal cancer in the Northern area of Spain
Authors: Vera R. , Castro N. , Labiano I. , Lecumberri A. , Huerta A. E. , Arasanz H. , Caseda I. , Ruiz-Pace F. , Viaplana C. , Arrazubi V. , Hernandez-Garcia I. , Mata E. , Gomez D. , Laguna S. , Suarez J. , Fernandez-De-los-Reyes I. , Rullan M. , Estremera F. , Alonso V. , Pazo-Cid R. , Gil-Negrete A. , Lafuente A. , Martin-Carnicero A. , Dienstmann R. , Alsina M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Gastrointestinal cancers represent one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Strikingly, the incidence of Early Onset Gastrointestinal Cancer (EOGIC) has been rising during the last decades and changes in lifestyle and environmental exposure seem to play a role. EOGIC has been defined as a different entity compared to on-average gastrointestinal cancer, with distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. Inherent to the particularities of younger age, there is an unmet need for a tailored approach for the management of these patients. The TEOGIC proposes a comprehensive study to characterize EOGIC patients in the northern of Spain.

Methods

Patients with histologically confirmed new diagnosis of colorectal, gastroesophageal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma will be considered for two cohorts: EOGIC (≤ 50 years old) and non-EOGIC (60–75 years old), with a ratio of 1:2. Two hundred and forty patients will be recruited in 4 Public Hospitals from northern Spain. After receiving unified informed consent, demographic and clinical data of the patients will be collected in a REDCap database. Lifestyle related data will be obtained in questionnaires assessing diet, physical activity and the general quality of life of the patients before diagnosis. Biological samples prior to any onco-specific treatment will be obtained for the analyses of circulating inflammatory proteins, gut microbiota, and the proteome of the tumor microenvironment. Histologic characteristics and routine biomarkers will be also collected. Thereafter, data will be integrated and analyzed to assess tumor specific, pan-tumor and sex-associated differential characteristics of EOGIC.

Discussion

The underlying risk factors and differential characteristics of EOGIC remain poorly studied, particularly in our geographical area. Although limited by the exploratory nature and the small sample size estimated to be recruited, TEOGIC represents the first attempt to comprehensively characterize these young patients, and thus attend to their special needs. Findings derived from this study could contribute to raise awareness and preventive behaviors in the population. In parallel, molecular studies could lead to the identification of potential novel non-invasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets that would help in the development of the tailored clinical management of these patients, focusing on screening programs for early diagnosis and precision medicine.
Identification and diagnostic potential of hsa_circ_101303 in colorectal cancer: unraveling a regulatory network
Authors: Li Ke-zhi , Liao Xiao-min , Li Si-qi , Wei Hao-tang , Liang Zhi-jian , Ge Liu-xin , Zhou Su-fang , Hu Bang-li
Published: June 2024

Background

The role of novel circular RNAs (circRNAs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains to be determined. This study aimed to identify a novel circRNA involved in CRC pathogenesis, assess its diagnostic value, and construct a regulatory network.

Methods

Differential expression analysis was conducted using circRNA datasets to screen for differentially expressed circRNAs. The expression of selected circRNAs was validated in external datasets and clinical samples. Diagnostic value of plasma circRNA levels in CRC was assessed. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed for the circRNA using TCGA dataset.

Results

Analysis of datasets revealed that hsa_circ_101303 was significantly overexpressed in CRC tissues compared to normal tissues. The upregulation of hsa_circ_101303 in CRC tissues was further confirmed through the GSE138589 dataset and clinical samples. High expression of hsa_circ_101303 was associated with advanced N stage, M stage, and tumor stage in CRC. Plasma levels of hsa_circ_101303 were markedly elevated in CRC patients and exhibited moderate diagnostic ability for CRC (AUC = 0.738). The host gene of hsa_circ_101303 was also found to be related to the TNM stage of CRC. Nine miRNAs were identified as target miRNAs for hsa_circ_101303, and 27 genes were identified as targets of these miRNAs. Subsequently, a ceRNA network for hsa_circ_101303 was constructed to illustrate the interactions between the nine miRNAs and 27 genes.

Conclusions

The study identifies hsa_circ_101303 as a highly expressed circRNA in CRC, which is associated with the progression of the disease. Plasma levels of hsa_circ_101303 show promising diagnostic potential for CRC. The ceRNA network for hsa_circ_101303 provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying CRC.
Differential impacts of health systems and sociocultural environment on vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons from four Asia-Pacific countries
Authors: Lee Jakyung , Park Susan , Jang Soong-nang , Reyes Katherine Ann , Garcia Fernando , Canila Carmelita , Oraño Joseph , Ballesteros Alfredo Jose , Muhartini Tri , Frans Sandra , Marthias Tiara , Putri Likke Prawidya , Mahendradhata Yodi , De Foo Chuan
Published: June 2024

Background

This study aims to evaluate healthcare systems and pandemic responses in relation to marginalized and vulnerable groups, identify populations requiring urgent care, and assess the differential impacts on their health during the pandemic.

Methods

Data were collected by the Asia-Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (APO)–National University of Singapore and APO–International Health Policy Program consortium members: Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, and Singapore. Data were collected through a combination of semi-structured interviews, policy document reviews, and analysis of secondary data.

Results

Our findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing health disparities, particularly affecting older adults, women, and children. Additionally, the study identified LGBTI individuals, healthcare workers, slum dwellers, and migrant workers as groups that faced particularly severe challenges during the pandemic. LGBTI individuals encountered heightened discrimination and limited access to health services tailored to their needs. Healthcare workers suffered from immense stress and risk due to prolonged exposure to the virus and critical working conditions. Slum dwellers struggled with healthcare access and social distancing due to high population density and inadequate sanitation. Migrant workers were particularly hard hit by high risks of virus transmission and stringent, often discriminatory, isolation measures that compounded their vulnerability. The study highlights the variation in the extent and nature of vulnerabilities, which were influenced by each country’s specific social environment and healthcare infrastructure. It was observed that public health interventions often lacked the specificity required to effectively address the needs of all vulnerable groups, suggesting a gap in policy and implementation.

Conclusions

The study underscores that vulnerabilities vary greatly depending on the social environment and context of each country, affecting the degree and types of vulnerable groups. It is critical that measures to ensure universal health coverage and equal accessibility to healthcare are specifically designed to address the needs of the most vulnerable. Despite commonalities among groups across different societies, these interventions must be adapted to reflect the unique characteristics of each group within their specific social contexts to effectively mitigate the impact of health disparities.
Smoking data quality of primary care practices in comparison with smoking data from the New Zealand Māori and Pacific abdominal aortic aneurysm screening programme: an observational study
Authors: Bartholomew Karen , Aye Phyu Sin , Aitken Charlotte , Chambers Erin , Neville Cleo , Maxwell Anna , Sandiford Peter , Puloka Aivi , Crengle Sue , Poppe Katrina , Doughty Robert N , Hill Andrew
Published: June 2024

Background

Quality smoking data is crucial for assessing smoking-related health risk and eligibility for interventions related to that risk. Smoking information collected in primary care practices (PCPs) is a major data source; however, little is known about the PCP smoking data quality. This project compared PCP smoking data to that collected in the Māori and Pacific Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening programme.

Methods

A two stage review was conducted. In Stage 1, data quality was assessed by comparing the PCP smoking data recorded close to AAA screening episodes with the data collected from participants at the AAA screening session. Inter-rater reliability was analysed using Cohen’s kappa scores. In Stage 2, an audit of longitudinal smoking status was conducted, of a subset of participants potentially misclassified in Stage 1. Data were compared in three groups: current smoker (smoke at least monthly), ex-smoker (stopped > 1 month ago) and never smoker (smoked < 100 cigarettes in lifetime).

Results

Of the 1841 people who underwent AAA screening, 1716 (93%) had PCP smoking information. Stage 1 PCP smoking data showed 82% concordance with the AAA data (adjusted kappa 0.76). Fewer current or ex-smokers were recorded in PCP data. In the Stage 2 analysis of discordant and missing data (N = 313), 212 were enrolled in the 29 participating PCPs, and of these 13% were deceased and 41% had changed PCP. Of the 93 participants still enrolled in the participating PCPs, smoking status had been updated for 43%. Data on quantity, duration, or quit date of smoking were largely missing in PCP records. The AAA data of ex-smokers who were classified as never smokers in the Stage 2 PCP data (N = 27) showed a median smoking cessation duration of 32 years (range 0–50 years), with 85% (N = 23) having quit more than 15 years ago.

Conclusions

PCP smoking data quality compared with the AAA data is consistent with international findings. PCP data captured fewer current and ex-smokers, suggesting ongoing improvement is important. Intervention programmes based on smoking status should consider complementary mechanisms to ensure eligible individuals are not missed from programme invitation.
Older adults’ perceptions about meat consumption: a qualitative study in Gasabo district, Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Habumugisha Theogene , Måren Inger E. , Matsiko Eric , Kaiser Matthias , Dierkes Jutta , Engebretsen Ingunn M.S.
Published: June 2024

Background

The global population is increasingly aging, imposing a substantial burden on social and healthcare systems as aging is associated with gradual muscle wasting and functional decline. Consumption of protein-rich foods, such as livestock-based meat, providing high-quality proteins can prevent muscle wasting and related functional decline in older adults. However, there is a lack of data on the older adults’ perceptions about meat consumption, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective

To explore the perceptions about dietary meat consumption among older adults in Gasabo district, Kigali, Rwanda.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive qualitative study, using focus group discussions. A total of eight FGDs, lasting between 55 and 80 min, were conducted with gender-mixed groups, including 31 men and 33 women aged ≥ 55 years old. Eight older adults participated in each FGD session, and all discussions were conducted in the local language (Kinyarwanda) using a pre-designed interview guide. The discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and translated into English. The transcript was inductively analyzed using thematic analytical process.

Results

Three themes were identified from the data, predominantly related to motives and barriers of meat consumption. The motives of meat consumption included improved quality and taste of the diet, improving own health, and having a social function. Barriers of meat consumption were perceived to be related to health risks, sustainability concerns (depletion of resources), and religious beliefs. Lastly, it was widely perceived that meat was unavailable and economically inaccessible, thus meat consumption was perceived to be associated with improved wealth.

Conclusion

The findings revealed a low and declining meat consumption among older adults due to poverty. Improving financial capacity or strategic public health work to improve protein consumption in the elderly is necessary to meet nutritional needs and facilitate healthy aging.
Risk factor analysis and nomogram for predicting poor symptom control in smoking asthmatics
Authors: Ma Jinxin , Chen Ziheng , Wu Ke , Lei Jiahui , Zhao Limin
Published: June 2024

Background

Smoking induces and modifies the airway immune response, accelerating the decline of asthmatics’ lung function and severely affecting asthma symptoms’ control level. To assess the prognosis of asthmatics who smoke and to provide reasonable recommendations for treatment, we constructed a nomogram prediction model.

Methods

General and clinical data were collected from April to September 2021 from smoking asthmatics aged ≥14 years attending the People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Patients were followed up regularly by telephone or outpatient visits, and their medication and follow-up visits were recorded during the 6-months follow-up visit, as well as their asthma control levels after 6 months (asthma control questionnaire-5, ACQ-5). The study employed R4.2.2 software to conduct univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify independent risk factors for ‘poorly controlled asthma’ (ACQ>0.75) as the outcome variable. Subsequently, a nomogram prediction model was constructed. Internal validation was used to test the reproducibility of the model. The model efficacy was evaluated using the consistency index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve.

Results

Invitations were sent to 231 asthmatics who smoked. A total of 202 participants responded, resulting in a final total of 190 participants included in the model development. The nomogram established five independent risk factors (P<0.05): FEV1%pred, smoking index (100), comorbidities situations, medication regimen, and good or poor medication adherence. The area under curve (AUC) of the modeling set was 0.824(95%CI 0.765-0.884), suggesting that the nomogram has a high ability to distinguish poor asthma control in smoking asthmatics after 6 months. The calibration curve showed a C-index of 0.824 for the modeling set and a C-index of 0.792 for the self-validation set formed by 1000 bootstrap sampling, which means that the prediction probability of the model was consistent with reality. Decision curve analysis (DCA) of the nomogram revealed that the net benefit was higher when the risk threshold probability for poor asthma control was 4.5 − 93.9%.

Conclusions

FEV1%pred, smoking index (100), comorbidities situations, medication regimen, and medication adherence were identified as independent risk factors for poor asthma control after 6 months in smoking asthmatics. The nomogram established based on these findings can effectively predict relevant risk and provide clinicians with a reference to identify the poorly controlled population with smoking asthma as early as possible, and to select a better therapeutic regimen. Meanwhile, it can effectively improve the medication adherence and the degree of attention to complications in smoking asthma patients.
Knowledge of the health personnel involved in the fluoride varnish therapy programs of primary schools in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Khami Mohammad Reza , Haghparast Ghomsheh Ali , Hessari Hossein , Shati Mohsen
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) places great importance on oral health promotion programs in schools, given that approximately one billion people worldwide are students. This demographic not only includes the students themselves, but also extends to school staff, their families, and the broader community, all of whom are interconnected. The objectives of this study were firstly to assess the knowledge of health personnel conducting fluoride varnish treatment (FVT) in schools, and secondly to solicit their views on the effectiveness of their training methods.

Methods

Data was collected from health personnel involved in FVT in schools, supervised by medical universities in Tehran province, using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: demographic information, methods of receiving FVT training, respondents’ knowledge regarding FVT, and opinions about the effectiveness of FVT training methods. The questionnaire was distributed via social media, phone conversations, and email. The collected data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney in SPSS Version 26. A regression model was also fitted to the data.

Results

The present study included 403 participants. Among various educational methods, it was found that participation in previous workshops (P = 0.001) and FVT workshops (P = 0.013) was significantly correlated with a higher FVT knowledge score. Additionally, participation in previous oral health promotion programs was significantly associated with a higher knowledge score (P < 0.05). Therefore, a history of participating in previous health promotion programs significantly contributed to the participants’ knowledge.

Conclusion

Participation in previous oral health programs was found to be significantly correlated with a higher knowledge score. The effectiveness of training programs can be attributed to participation in previous workshops and FVT workshops. This study provided insights into potential strategies for enhancing personnel training in national oral health programs.
Effect of margin designs and loading conditions on the stress distribution of endocrowns: a finite element analysis
Authors: Zeng Baijin , Luo Bin , Hu Jiangqi , Meng Dan , Zhang Jiebing , Cao Xu , Jiang Qingsong
Published: June 2024

Background

Margin designs and loading conditions can impact the mechanical characteristics and survival of endocrowns. Analyzing the stress distribution of endocrowns with various margin designs and loading conditions can provide evidence for their clinical application.

Methods

Three finite element analysis models were established based on the margin designs: endocrown with a butt-joint type margin (E0), endocrown with a 90° shoulder (E90), and endocrown with a 135° shoulder (E135). The E0 group involved lowering the occlusal surface and preparing the pulp chamber. The E90 group created a 90° shoulder on the margin of model E0, measuring 1.5 mm high and 1 mm wide. The E135 group featured a 135° shoulder. The solids of the models were in fixed contact with each other, and the materials of tooth tissue and restoration were uniform, continuous, isotropic linear elasticity. Nine static loads were applied, with a total load of 225 N, and the maximum von Mises stresses and stress distribution were calculated for teeth and endocrowns with different margin designs.

Results

Compared the stresses of different models under the same loading condition. In endocrowns, when the loading points were concentrated on the buccal side, the maximum von Mises stresses were E0 = E90 = E135, and when there was a lingual loading, they were E0 < E90 = E135. In enamel, the maximum von Mises stresses under all loading conditions were E0 > E90 > E135. In dentin, the maximum von Mises stresses of the three models were basically similar except for load2, load5 and load9. Compare the stresses of the same model under different loading conditions. In endocrowns, stresses were higher when lingual loading was present. In enamel and dentin, stresses were higher when loaded obliquely or unevenly. The stresses in the endocrowns were concentrated in the loading area. In enamel, stress concentration occurred at the cementoenamel junction. In particular, E90 and E135 also experienced stress concentration at the shoulder. In dentin, the stresses were mainly concentrated in the upper section of the tooth root.

Conclusion

Stress distribution is similar among the three margin designs of endocrowns, but the shoulder-type designs, especially the 135° shoulder, exhibit reduced stress concentration.
Association between serum vitamin E and bacterial vaginitis in women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu En-Hui , Liao Wan-Zhe , Chen Hao-Kai , Huang Xiao-Ye , Li Rui-Xuan , Liang Hao-Wen , Guo Xu-Guang
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Bacterial vaginitis (BV) is a common vaginal disease. Vitamin E has been shown to reduce BV by enhancing immune function, but no studies have analyzed the relationship between vitamin E and BV at different BMIs and ages.

Method

This study used 2242 participants from four cycles of NHANES 1999–2006 in American. Participants' vitamin E levels were divided into four groups, and analyses such as study population description, stratified analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis, and curve fitting were performed. To perform data processing, the researchers used the statistical package R (The R Foundation; http://www.r-project.org; version 3.6.3) and Empower Stats software (www.empowerstats.net, X&Y solutions, Inc. Boston, Massachusetts).

Result

The concentrations of serum vitamin E were negatively correlated with the risk of BV, especially when vitamin E were at 1198-5459ug/dL with (OR = -0.443, 95%CI = 0.447–0.923, P = 0.032) or without (OR = -0.521, 95%CI = 0.421–0.837, P = 0.006) adjustment for variables. At the same time, at lower levels, there was no significant association. Vitamin E supplementation may significantly reduce the risk of BV (p < 0.001). In addition, the risk of having BV decreased and then increased with increasing vitamin E concentrations at high BMI levels (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Vitamin E at moderate to high concentrations may significantly reduce BV risk, says the study, providing clinical evidence for the prevention and the treatment of BV.
Continuous chains: childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence victimization among displaced women in a war context
Authors: Ibrahim Hawkar , Goessmann Katharina , Neuner Frank , Iffland Benjamin
Published: June 2024

Background

Childhood victimization has been associated with long-term psychological effects and an increased risk of being victimized in later life. Previous research has primarily focused on sexual abuse during childhood, and a wide range of consequences have been identified. However, a significant gap remains in our understanding of the complex interaction between different forms of childhood abuse and violence in later life, particularly in the context of broader social stressors such as armed conflict and displacement.

Methods

This study examines the association between exposure to different types of childhood maltreatment in the context of family and intimate partner violence (IPV) among displaced women living in refugee camps in northern Iraq. Structured interviews were conducted by trained female psychologists with 332 women aged between 20 and 62 years.

Results

Results indicated that over one-third of the participating women reported experiencing at least one occurrence of IPV by their husbands within the past year. In addition, participants reported experiences of different types of maltreatment (physical, emotional, and sexual violence and physical and emotional neglect) perpetrated by family members in their childhood. While all forms of childhood maltreatment showed an association with IPV within the past year, only emotional childhood maltreatment was found to be a significant predictor of IPV in a multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

The study highlights the ongoing impact of child maltreatment and its contribution to increased vulnerability to IPV victimization in later life. In addition, this study describes the specific cultural and contextual elements that contribute to IPV in refugee camps.
Key barriers to the provision and utilization of maternal health services in low-and lower-middle-income countries; a scoping review
Authors: Sarikhani Yaser , Najibi Seyede Maryam , Razavi Zahra
Published: June 2024

Background

The preservation and promotion of maternal health (MH) emerge as vital global health objectives. Despite the considerable emphasis on MH, there are still serious challenges to equitable access to MH services in many countries. This review aimed to determine key barriers to the provision and utilization of MH services in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs).

Methods

In this scoping review, we comprehensively searched four online databases from January 2000 to September 2022. In this study, the approach proposed by Arksey and O’Malley was used to perform the review. Consequently, 117 studies were selected for final analysis. To determine eligibility, three criteria of scoping reviews (population, concept, and context) were assessed alongside the fulfillment of the STROBE and CASP checklist criteria. To synthesize and analyze the extracted data we used the qualitative content analysis method.

Results

The main challenges in the utilization of MH services in LLMICs are explained under four main themes including, knowledge barriers, barriers related to beliefs, attitudes and preferences, access barriers, and barriers related to family structure and power. Furthermore, the main barriers to the provision of MH services in these countries have been categorized into three main themes including, resource, equipment, and capital constraints, human resource barriers, and process defects in the provision of services.

Conclusions

The evidence from this study suggests that many of the barriers to the provision and utilization of MH services in LLMICs are interrelated. Therefore, in the first step, it is necessary to prioritize these factors by determining their relative importance according to the specific conditions of each country. Consequently, comprehensive policies should be developed using system modeling approaches.
Frontline assessors’ opinions about grading committees in a medicine clerkship
Authors: Lewis Sophia K. , Nolan Nathanial S. , Zickuhr Lisa
Published: June 2024

Background

Collective decision-making by grading committees has been proposed as a strategy to improve the fairness and consistency of grading and summative assessment compared to individual evaluations. In the 2020–2021 academic year, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WUSM) instituted grading committees in the assessment of third-year medical students on core clerkships, including the Internal Medicine clerkship. We explored how frontline assessors perceive the role of grading committees in the Internal Medicine core clerkship at WUSM and sought to identify challenges that could be addressed in assessor development initiatives.

Methods

We conducted four semi-structured focus group interviews with resident (n = 6) and faculty (n = 17) volunteers from inpatient and outpatient Internal Medicine clerkship rotations. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants felt that the transition to a grading committee had benefits and drawbacks for both assessors and students. Grading committees were thought to improve grading fairness and reduce pressure on assessors. However, some participants perceived a loss of responsibility in students’ grading. Furthermore, assessors recognized persistent challenges in communicating students’ performance via assessment forms and misunderstandings about the new grading process. Interviewees identified a need for more training in formal assessment; however, there was no universally preferred training modality.

Conclusions

Frontline assessors view the switch from individual graders to a grading committee as beneficial due to a perceived reduction of bias and improvement in grading fairness; however, they report ongoing challenges in the utilization of assessment tools and incomplete understanding of the grading and assessment process.
Compliance with oral nutritional supplements and its influencing factors in postoperative patients with digestive tract tumors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Su Liqing , Zhang Jie , Jia Lei , Dou Wenyue , Li Mengxue , Zhang Yumeng , Chang Jian
Published: June 2024

Background

Oral nutritional supplements are one of the preferred methods of nutritional support for postoperative patients. This study aims to investigate the current status of oral nutritional supplements compliance in postoperative patients with digestive tract tumors and its influencing factors.

Methods

Convenience sampling was employed to select 242 patients who underwent surgery for digestive tract tumors at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai from October 2022 to July 2023 as the study subjects. Data following a normal distribution were analyzed using independent sample t-tests, ANOVA single-factor analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis to determine the factors influencing compliance with oral nutritional supplements.

Results

A total of 252 questionnaires were distributed, with 10 invalid questionnaires excluded, resulting in an effective questionnaire rate of 96.03%. The compliance score for oral nutritional supplements in postoperative patients with digestive tract tumors was (2.40 ± 1.45), General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES) score was (24.72 ± 4.86), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS) score was (58.67 ± 11.09), and Belief about Medicines Questionnaire Scale (BMQ) score was (0.17 ± 2.78). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, adverse reactions, educational level, self-efficacy, medication beliefs, and social support were factors influencing compliance with oral nutritional supplements in postoperative patients with digestive tract tumors (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that the compliance to oral nutritional supplements among postoperative patients with digestive tract tumors was at a moderate level and was closely associated with age, educational level, adverse reactions to oral nutritional supplements, medication beliefs, social support, and self-efficacy. Nursing staff should conduct nursing assessments based on the specific circumstances of patients and their families, provide personalized health education management plans based on the patients’ educational level, enhance patients’ nutrition knowledge, improve patient self-efficacy, and enhance social support for patients, while further improving patient nutrition management.
Workplace access, burnout, and prescription drug misuse among Korean hospital nurses: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Chaehee , Han Kihye , Trinkoff Alison M. , Baek Hyang
Published: June 2024

Background

Prescription drug misuse has been identified as a global issue of concern. Nurses’ prescription drug misuse is linked to personal health problems and impaired nursing care. This study explored the level of South Korean hospital nurses’ prescription drug misuse and examined associations with workplace access and burnout.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from 1142 nurses working in South Korean hospital settings. Nurses completed the online survey anonymously. Descriptive analysis, logistic regression, and Shapley value assessment were conducted.

Results

Pain relievers (44.2%), IV drips (26.8%), and antibiotics (13.5%) were the most commonly misused drugs among hospital nurses. Accessibility in the workplace was high, with nurses reporting frequent administration of IV drips, pain relievers, and antibiotics and perceiving these drugs as easily accessible. Logistic regression demonstrated that perceived availability was significantly related to misuse across all drug types. Burnout was associated with IV drips, sleeping pills, and steroids, increasing the likelihood of misuse. Shapley feature importance analysis highlighted perceived availability as the most influential factor for IV drips, pain relievers, and steroids, while burnout emerged as crucial for antibiotics and sleeping pills. Notably, age played a significant role in appetite suppressant misuse, distinguishing it from other drugs.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that workplace access and burnout are associated with nurses’ prescription drug misuse. Effective educational strategies are essential for enhancing nurses’ willingness to seek help for personal health issues. Hospital organizations play a crucial role in facilitating access to healthcare and fostering a supportive environment for nurses to seek treatment when necessary. Additionally, governmental policies should prioritize the implementation of active surveillance systems to monitor medication usage in healthcare settings, thereby mitigating drug misuse among healthcare professionals. By addressing these issues, we can ensure the well-being of nurses and promote a safer healthcare environment.
Spatiotemporal dynamics and determinants of medical service efficiency in China
Authors: Yang Ting , Li Yiyi , Sun Mingzhen , Meng Jingjing
Published: June 2024

Background

Medical service efficiency is an important indicator for measuring the equity of medical services. Therefore, this study primarily focuses on investigating the spatiotemporal domain to explore both spatial and temporal characteristics, as well as influencing factors that affect medical service efficiency across diverse provinces in China.

Methods

The super Epsilon-based Measure (EBM) unexpected model has previously been utilized to quantify energy eco-efficiency, carbon emission efficiency, and green development efficiency. However, limited studies have applied this method to assess the efficiency of healthcare services. Therefore, this study investigates the application of the super-EBM-unexpected model in evaluating medical service efficiency, and further integrates spatial econometric models to explore the influencing factors of medical service efficiency and aims to identify potential avenues for improvement.

Results

The average efficiency of medical services in the 31 provinces of China ranges from 0.6 to 0.7, indicating predominantly low efficiency values. However, economically developed coastal areas exhibit relatively high efficiency levels above 1. Conversely, regions with relatively lower levels of economic development demonstrate lower efficiency rates at approximately 0.3. Evidently, substantial regional disparities exist. For the influencing factors, the enhancement of residents' living standards can effectively foster the medical service efficiency, while residential living standards of nearby areas can also exert an impact in this region. The influence of educational attainment on medical service efficiency exhibits a significant inhibitory effect.

Conclusions

The majority of China's 31 provinces exhibit suboptimal medical service efficiency, with notable regional disparities. Future policy initiatives should be tailored to address the unique challenges faced by regions with lower levels of economic development, prioritizing enhancements in both the efficacy and quality of their healthcare systems.