bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity and associations with health-related quality of life in adults born small for gestational age at term: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Mehl Cathrin Vano , Benum Silje Dahl , Aakvik Kristina Anna Djupvik , Kongsvold Atle , Mork Paul Jarle , Kajantie Eero , Evensen Kari Anne I.
Published: August 2023

Background

Adults born small for gestational age (SGA) have increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Physical activity (PA) is a key determinant of health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to investigate if being born SGA at term is associated with lower objectively measured and self-reported PA during adulthood. We also examined if objectively measured and self-reported PA were associated with HRQoL.

Methods

As part of the 32-year follow-up in the NTNU Low Birth Weight in a Lifetime Perspective study, SGA and non-SGA control participants wore two tri-axial accelerometers for seven days (37 SGA, 43 control), and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) (42 SGA, 49 control) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) (55 SGA, 67 control). Group differences in objectively measured daily metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes spent sedentary (lying, sitting), on feet (standing, walking, running, cycling), on the move (walking, running, cycling) and running/cycling, and group differences in self-reported daily MET minutes spent walking and in moderate and vigorous PA were examined using linear regression. Associations with SF-36 were explored in a general linear model.

Results

Mean (SD) daily MET minutes on the move were 218 (127) in the SGA group and 227 (113) in the control group. There were no group differences in objectively measured and self-reported PA or associations with HRQoL. In the SGA group, one MET minute higher objectively measured time on the move was associated with 4.0 (95% CI: 0.6–6.5, p = 0.009) points higher SF-36 physical component summary.

Conclusion

We found no differences in objectively measured and self-reported PA or associations with HRQoL between term-born SGA and non-SGA control participants in adulthood.
Perspectives on long-acting formulations of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men who are non-adherent to daily oral PrEP in the United States
Authors: Rogers Brooke G. , Chan P. A. , Sutten-Coats C. , Zanowick-Marr A. , Patel R. R. , Mena L. , Goedel W. C. , Chu C. , Silva E. , Galipeau D. , Arnold T. , Gomillia C. , Curoe K. , Villalobos J. , Underwood A. , Sosnowy C. , Nunn Amy S.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) persistence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in real world clinical settings for HIV prevention is suboptimal. New longer-acting formulations of PrEP are becoming available, including injectables, subdermal implants, and other oral medications. These longer-acting formulations have the potential to improve retention among those who have challenges remaining adherent to daily oral PrEP.

Methods

We interviewed 49 MSM who had initiated but discontinued oral PrEP at three diverse clinics across the United States. We examined participants’ perspectives about long-acting PrEP formulations and how long-acting options could affect PrEP use using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants were not very knowledgeable about long-acting formulations of PrEP but were open to learning about them and considering use. Participants were concerned about safety and efficacy of products given that they were still newer and/or in development. Finally, participants had clear preferences for oral pills, injectables, and then subdermal implants and were most interested in options that reduced the number of visits to the clinic.

Conclusion

Long-acting formulations of PrEP are acceptable to MSM with suboptimal PrEP persistence and have the potential to improve PrEP persistence. However, many felt they needed more information on safety, efficacy, and use to consider these options. As these long-acting formulations are implemented, public health campaigns and clinical interventions to encourage may maximize uptake particularly among those who are not currently adherent to daily oral PrEP.
Trends in smoking-related diseases by socioeconomic position following a national smoking ban in 2007: a nationwide study in the Danish population
Authors: Jarlstrup Nanna Schneekloth , Thygesen Lau C. , Pisinger Charlotta , Vestbo Jørgen , Grønbæk Morten , Tolstrup Janne S.
Published: August 2023

Background

National comprehensive smoke-free legislation has been found to decrease the incidence of several smoking-related diseases. In 2007, Denmark introduced a national smoking ban, which banned smoking indoor in workplaces and public places, although only partial restrictions were applied in certain settings. We examined the impact of the smoking ban on smoking-related diseases and whether this differed across socioeconomic groups.

Methods

Interrupted time series analyses of nationwide register data were performed using Poisson regression models to examine the differential impact of the smoking ban on monthly incidence rates of acute myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and smoking-related cancers from 2002 to 2015. Immediate changes in incidence rates after the smoking ban and long-term changes in disease trends were estimated by comparing data from the pre- and post-ban period. Models were stratified by socioeconomic position.

Results

Overall, we found neither immediate changes in rates of acute myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and smoking-related cancers following the smoking ban nor long-term post-ban changes in disease trends as compared to before the ban. Results did not differ across socioeconomic groups. A pronounced socioeconomic gradient in incidence rates was observed for all outcomes both before and after the smoking ban.

Conclusion

The national smoking ban was not associated with a lower incidence of smoking-related diseases in the post-ban period compared to pre-ban levels and no differences between socioeconomic groups were observed. Future tobacco control in Denmark should consider which measures most effectively target the low socioeconomic groups to decrease the current strong socioeconomic inequality in health.
Married women’s decision to delay childbearing, and loneliness, severe psychological distress, and suicidal ideation under crisis: online survey data analysis from 2020 to 2021
Authors: Matsushima Midori , Yamada Hiroyuki , Kondo Naoki , Arakawa Yuki , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: August 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, including the decision to become pregnant. Existing literature suggests that infertility and the decision to delay childbearing at a younger age are associated with a lower level of well-being and regrets when women start to desire a baby. Thus, the decision to delay childbearing due to the pandemic could negatively affect the well-being of women. This study focuses on how pregnancy decisions affect the well-being of women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

From the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey, a nationally representative web-based survey, 768 observations of married women aged 18 to 50 years who had the intention of getting pregnant during the pre-pandemic period (conducted in 2020 and 2021) were used. Loneliness, severe psychological distress, and suicidal ideation were used as well-being indicators. For pooled data, a generalised estimated equation (GEE) model was used to estimate how pregnancy decision related to well-being indicators. For a sub-analysis, the sample was divided by the survey year and a Poisson regression model was used.

Results

The GEE analysis showed an association between delaying childbearing and severe psychological distress, with the prevalence ratio (PR) being 2.06 [95% CI (1.40–3.03)]. Furthermore, loneliness and suicidal ideation that occurred after the beginning of the pandemic were significantly related to the decision to delay childbearing—1.55 [95% CI (1.03,2.34)] and 2.55 [95% CI (1.45–4.51)], respectively. Moreover, these PRs were larger for 2021 compared to 2020.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately one-fifth of married women who had childbearing intentions before the pandemic decided to postpone pregnancy. They exhibited a deteriorated mental health state. Furthermore, the negative associations were larger in 2021 compared to 2020. Loneliness has negative consequences for both mental and physical health, as well as elevated severe psychological distress and suicidal ideation among those who decided to postpone pregnancy. Therefore, the current results should not be overlooked by society.
Changes in longevity inequality by education among OECD countries before the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lübker Christopher , Murtin Fabrice
Published: August 2023

Background

Disparities in life expectancy between socioeconomic groups are one of the main challenges for health policy, and their reduction over time is an important policy objective.

Methods

Observational study using routinely registered data on mortality around 2011 and 2016 by sex, age, educational attainment level, and cause of death in 13 member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The main outcome measures are life expectancy by education at the ages of 25 and 65 in 2011 and 2016.

Results

Between 2011 and 2016, the life expectancy gap has increased by 0·2 years among men and 0·3 years among women from 13 available countries. The United States recorded one the largest increases in the absolute life expectancy gap, 1·3 years for women and 1·1 years for men respectively.

Conclusion

Inequality in longevity has increased in over half of the countries surveyed and starkly so in the United States in a context of deteriorating health.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and the risk of infantile eczema during the first year of life: a cohort study in northeast China
Authors: Li Xuening , Xiao Zhe , Li Chenyang , Chen Qi , Jia Lihong
Published: August 2023

Background

There are few studies on the relationship between diet during pregnancy and infantile eczema and the conclusions are inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of dietary patterns during pregnancy on infantile eczema.

Methods

A total of 495 mother–child pairs from a prospective cohort in Shenyang, China was recruited. Information on maternal dietary intake during pregnancy was assessed with a validated self-administered food frequency questionnaire. The data of infantile eczema was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Factor analysis to derive dietary patterns. The relationship between the dietary pattern and infantile eczema was examined by the logistic regression analysis.

Results

The cumulative incidence of eczema in 6 months and 12 months in northeast China was 45.7% and 57.8%, respectively. Three dietary patterns were identified. There was a tendency for an expose-response relationship between the maternal high-protein dietary pattern during pregnancy and the risk of infantile eczema within 12 months (P for trend = 0.023): the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) in the Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 were 1.00 (reference), 1.63 (0.96–2.76), 1.81 (1.06–3.06), and 1.87 (1.09–3.20), respectively. No association between Western and plant-based patterns during pregnancy and infantile eczema within 12 months was found. Infantile eczema within 6 months was not associated with any of the three dietary patterns.

Conclusion

The maternal high-protein pattern during pregnancy may be a risk factor for infantile eczema during the first year of life.
An effective device to enable consistent scratches for in vitro scratch assays
Authors: Chen Sixun , bin Abdul Rahim Ahmad Amirul , Mok Pamela , Liu Dan
Published: August 2023

Background

The in-vitro scratch assay is a useful method in wound healing research to assess cell migration. In this assay, a scratch is created in a confluent cell layer by mechanically removing cells through manual scraping with a sharp-edged tool. This step is traditionally done with pipette tips and is unsuitable for high-throughput assays, as the created scratches are highly variable in width and position. Commercially available solutions are often expensive, and require specific cultureware which might not be suitable for all studies.

Results

In this study, we have developed a flexible cell scratch device comprising a single wounding tool, a guide and an imaging template for consistent and reproducible scratch assays in 96-well plates. Our results showed that the device produced a more consistent scratch profile compared to the conventional method of using pipette tips. The imaging template also allowed operators to easily locate and image the same region of interest at different time points, which potentially could be used for other assays.

Conclusions

Our flexible yet effective scratch device thus enables robust scratch assays that can be applied to different experimental needs, providing researchers with an easy and reliable tool for their studies.
Articaine versus Lidocaine in only buccal infiltration anesthesia for the extraction of mandibular anterior teeth. A prospective split-mouth randomized-controlled clinical study
Authors: Al-Mahalawy Haytham , El-Mahallawy Yehia , Abdelrahman Hams H. , Refahee Shaimaa Mohsen
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of a single labial infiltration of 4% articaine versus 2% lidocaine for the extraction of mandibular anterior teeth without an additional lingual injection.

Patients and methods

A prospective, randomized-controlled, split-mouth clinical study was implemented. Healthy adult patients seeking bilateral extraction of mandibular anterior teeth were included in this study. Teeth extractions were randomly assigned to two equal groups, where one mandibular anterior tooth was extracted using a solitary labial infiltration of either 4% articaine (the study group) or 2% lidocaine (the control group). After 14 days, the other mandibular anterior tooth was extracted using the other local anesthetic agent. The selection of the anesthetic agent injected in the first session was done in a randomized fashion. After 5 min of local anesthetic injection, the tooth was extracted, and each patient was asked to record the intensity of the extraction pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Results

Thirty-one patients were included in the study. The efficacy of a single labial injection for mandibular anterior teeth extraction was established by the fact that none of the patients in the study or control group required re-administration of local anesthesia. The mean VAS for pain control during tooth extraction was 1.16 ± 0.93 for the articaine group and 1.71 ± 0.90 for the lidocaine group. The pain score showed a statistically significant decrease in the articaine group compared to that in the lidocaine group (P = 0.017).

Conclusion

Although the anesthetic effects of only buccal infiltration of 4% articaine and 2% lidocaine for extraction of mandibular anterior teeth were comparable, the use of 4% articaine would have more effective and predictable outcomes.

ClinicalTrials.org

(ID: NCT05223075) 3/2/2022.
Conservative management of mandibular fractures in pediatric patients during the growing phase with splint fiber and ligature arch wire
Authors: Li Lifeng , Acharya Kiran , Ghimire Bedana , Li Yanqiu , Xing Xiaotao , Hou Xiaoru , Hou Lingnan , Hu Xiaoyi
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the effective management of mandibular fractures in pediatric patients during the growing phase of the mandible using splint fiber and ligature wire.

Methods

A retrospective study examined pediatric patients with mandibular fractures who were treated using the splint (Quartz) fiber and ligature wire technique at the Stomatology Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from August 2021 to January 2023. Data on gender, age, location or site of the fracture, and development of tooth stage were collected from the patient’s medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and evaluate the effectiveness of the splint (Quartz) fiber technique for treating mandibular fractures in pediatric patients.

Results

Out of 256 subjects, 6 pediatric patients with mandibular fractures were selected, resulting in an incidence rate of 2.34% with an equal sex ratio. Mental or symphysis fracture was the most common site for fracture in children, accounting for 100% of cases. Right mandibular angle fracture was observed in 16.7% of patients, while 50% of the group (3 individuals) suffered from left condylar fracture and 16.7% had a bilateral condylar fracture. Treatment with Quartz splint fiber and circumdental arch wiring using ligature wire was successful with no observed post-treatment complications or malocclusion. The splint fiber was worn for 30 days and the circumdental arch wiring was for the same. Healing of bone fracture yields good results after 12 weeks. Follow-up care is crucial to monitor for complications, in this study, no post-treatment complications were observed.

Conclusion

The treatment of pediatric mandibular fractures is complex and requires careful consideration of various factors. Conservative management should be the first choice, with open reduction and internal fixation reserved for specific cases. The use of quartz splint fiber and ligature wire is an effective treatment option for stabilizing the mandible and providing occlusal stability in growing children. A fiber splint along with ligature wire can also be used as an alternative treatment to avoid any adverse effects on the growth and development of the mandible and permanent teeth. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to achieving the best outcomes for pediatric patients with mandibular fractures.
Exploring the challenges and roles of nurses in delivering palliative care for cancer patients and co-morbidities in Ghana
Authors: Appiah Evans Osei , Menlah Awube , Xu Jiayun , Susana Awuku Adomaa , Agyekum Boateng Susana , Garti Isabella , Kob Pascal , Kumah Joyce
Published: August 2023

Background

Patients suffering from chronic and life-threatening diseases receive inadequate palliative care in low-income countries, eventually leading to poor quality of life for these patients. Little is known about the experience of delivering palliative care in a low-resource country such as Ghana in comparison to higher-income countries. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the roles and challenges of nurses providing palliative care services for patients with cancer and life-limiting conditions at tertiary Hospitals in Ghana.

Methods

Thirty oncology nurses at a tertiary Hospital in Ghana participated. All nurses were providing end-of-life care to patients with cancer. A qualitative exploratory-descriptive design and a semi-structured interview guide developed by the researchers were used. Interviews lasted on average forty minutes to 1 h were audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was carried out to generate themes and sub-themes.

Findings

Participants were between the ages of 25 and 40 years. A higher percentage of females (n = 17, 57%) participated in the study than males (n = 13, 43%). Two main themes were generated which were the delivery of palliative care and the provision of home care services. The current roles of nurses were centered around pain management, home care services, spiritual needs, and psychological care. Challenges that hindered the implementation of palliative care included distress over expected and unexpected patient mortality, difficulty delivering bad news to patients and families, and frustration with health system resource shortages that negatively impacted patient care.

Conclusion

Palliative care is one of the essential services provided for patients with life-limiting conditions, and nurses play an active role in the provision of this care. Further research is needed to determine the most effective ways to deliver this care, particularly in developing nations like Ghana.
Infiltrative solid papillary carcinoma of the breast with axillary lymph node metastasis: a case report
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Huang Bifei , Wu Kangbin , Fu Saiping
Published: August 2023

Background

Solid papillary carcinoma (SPC) is a rare breast papillary tumor variant. The main histological features of SPC consist of neoplastic cell-rich nodules with thin fibrovascular cores, often accompanied by mucous secretion and neuroendocrine differentiation. Infiltrative solid papillary carcinoma (ISPC) tumor cells have an invasive, map-like growth pattern with serrated irregular growth. Due to its unique clinicopathological features, SPC is classified as two pathological tissue types based on the 2019 WHO classification of breast tumors: SPC in situ and ISPC.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 55-year-old female patient who was admitted to the hospital due to a painless left breast mass that had persisted for two years. Mammography suggested a mass in the left upper outer quadrant (BI-RADS 4B), and ultrasound of the breast demonstrated a cystic mass of the left breast (US_BI_RADS 4 C) with multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the left axilla. Postoperative pathology revealed ISPC with one lymph node metastasis in the left breast. Modified radical mastectomy was performed on the left breast. Subsequently, the patient received letrozole endocrine therapy, epirubicin hydrochloride and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, and radiotherapy of the left chest wall and left upper and lower clavicular regions. After 17 months of follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence or distant metastasis.

Conclusions

SPC is a group of heterogeneous tumors. SPC in situ has a good prognosis. In contrast, ISPC has a unique histological morphology and growth pattern with invasive biological behavior that can lead to lymph node and distant metastases.
Hysteroscopic management of uterine diverticulum after myomectomy: a case report
Authors: Sako Yusuke , Hirata Tetsuya
Published: August 2023

Background

A uterine diverticulum is defined as the presence of a niche within the inner contour of the uterine myometrial wall. Although secondary uterine diverticula can occur after hysterotomy such as cesarean section, reports of diverticula after myomectomy are extremely rare.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old nulliparous woman undergoing infertility treatment was referred to our hospital because of abnormal postmenstrual bleeding after myomectomy. Transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a diverticulum in the isthmus. Fat-saturated T1 image showed a blood reservoir in the diverticulum. Hysteroscopic surgery was performed to remove the lowed edge of the defect and coagulate the hypervascularized area. Two months after surgery, the abnormal postmenstrual bleeding and chronic endometritis improved.

Discussion and conclusions

This report highlights the similarities of the patient’s diverticulum to cesarean scar defects in terms of symptoms and pathophysiology. First, this patient developed a diverticulum with hypervascularity after myomectomy and persistent abnormal bleeding. Second, after hysteroscopic surgery, the symptoms of irregular bleeding disappeared. Third, endometrial glands were identified within the resected scar tissue. Fourth, preoperatively identified CD138-positive cells in endometrial tissue spontaneously disappeared after hysteroscopic resection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of symptomatic improvement following hysteroscopic surgery in a patient with an iatrogenic uterine diverticulum with persistent irregular bleeding after myomectomy.
Patient-centered empirical research on ethically relevant psychosocial and cultural aspects of cochlear, glaucoma and cardiovascular implants – a scoping review
Authors: Schulz Sabine , Harzheim Laura , Hübner Constanze , Lorke Mariya , Jünger Saskia , Woopen Christiane
Published: August 2023

Background

The significance of medical implants goes beyond technical functioning and reaches into everyday life, with consequences for individuals as well as society. Ethical aspects associated with the everyday use of implants are relevant for individuals’ lifeworlds and need to be considered in implant care and in the course of technical developments.

Methods

This scoping review aimed to provide a synthesis of the existing evidence regarding ethically relevant psychosocial and cultural aspects in cochlear, glaucoma and cardiovascular implants in patient-centered empirical research. Systematic literature searches were conducted in EBSCOhost, Philpapers, PsycNET, Pubmed, Web of Science and BELIT databases. Eligible studies were articles in German or English language published since 2000 dealing with ethically relevant aspects of cochlear, glaucoma and passive cardiovascular implants based on empirical findings from the perspective of (prospective) implant-wearers and their significant others. Following a descriptive-analytical approach, a data extraction form was developed and relevant data were extracted accordingly. We combined a basic numerical analysis of study characteristics with a thematically organized narrative synthesis of the data.

Results

Sixty-nine studies were included in the present analysis. Fifty were in the field of cochlear implants, sixteen in the field of passive cardiovascular implants and three in the field of glaucoma implants. Implant-related aspects were mainly found in connection with autonomy, freedom, identity, participation and justice, whereas little to no data was found with regards to ethical principles of privacy, safety or sustainability.

Conclusions

Empirical research on ethical aspects of implant use in everyday life is highly relevant, but marked by ambiguity and unclarity in the operationalization of ethical terms and contextualization. A transparent orientation framework for the exploration and acknowledgment of ethical aspects in “lived experiences” may contribute to the improvement of individual care, healthcare programs and research quality in this area. Ethics-sensitive care requires creating awareness for cultural and identity-related issues, promoting health literacy to strengthen patient autonomy as well as adjusting healthcare programs accordingly. More consideration needs to be given to sustainability issues in implant development and care according to an approach of ethics-by-design.
Development of pediatric simulation-based education – a systematic review
Authors: Kim EunJoo , Song SungSook , Kim SeongKwang
Published: August 2023

Background

This systematic literature review explored the general characteristics, validation, and reliability of pediatric simulation-based education (P-SBE).

Methods

A literature search was conducted between May 23 and 28 using the PRISMA guidelines, which covered databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. In the third selection process, the original texts of 142 studies were selected, and 98 documents were included in the final content analysis.

Results

A total of 109 papers have been published in the ten years since 2011. Most of the study designs were experimental studies, including RCT with 76 articles. Among the typologies of simulation, advanced patient simulation was the most common (92), and high-fidelity simulation was the second most common (75). There were 29 compatibility levels and professional levels, with 59 scenarios related to emergency interventions and 19 scenarios related to communication feasibility and decision making. Regarding the effect variable, 65 studies confirmed that skills were the most common. However, validity of the scenarios and effect variables was not verified in 56.1% and 67.3% of studies, respectively.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, simulation based-education (SBE) is an effective educational method that can improve the proficiency and competence of medical professionals dealing with child. Learning through simulation provides an immersive environment in which learners interact with the presented patient scenario and make decisions, actively learning the attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary for medical providers. In the future, it is expected that such research on SBE will be actively followed up and verified for its validity and reliability.
Risk prediction of sleep disturbance in clinical nurses: a nomogram and artificial neural network model
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2023

Background

Sleep disturbance occur among nurses at a high incidence.

Aim

To develop a Nomogram and a Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to predict sleep disturbance in clinical nurses.

Methods

A total of 434 clinical nurses participated in the questionnaire, a cross-sectional study conducted from August 2021 to June 2022.They were randomly distributed in a 7:3 ratio between training and validation cohorts.Nomogram and ANN model were developed using predictors of sleep disturbance identified by univariate and multivariate analyses in the training cohort; The 1000 bootstrap resampling and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy in the training and validation cohorts.

Results

Sleep disturbance was found in 180 of 304 nurses(59.2%) in the training cohort and 80 of 130 nurses (61.5%) in the validation cohort.Age, chronic diseases, anxiety, depression, burnout, and fatigue were identified as risk factors for sleep disturbance. The calibration curves of the two models are well-fitted. The sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) of the models were calculated, resulting in sensitivity of 83.9%(77.5–88.8%)and 88.8% (79.2–94.4%) and specificity of83.1% (75.0–89.0%) and 74.0% (59.4–84.9%) for the training and validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

The sleep disturbance risk prediction models constructed in this study have good consistency and prediction efficiency, and can effectively predict the occurrence of sleep disturbance in clinical nurses.
Combining systems thinking approaches and implementation science constructs within community-based prevention: a systematic review
Authors: Whelan Jillian , Fraser Penny , Bolton Kristy A. , Love Penelope , Strugnell Claudia , Boelsen-Robinson Tara , Blake Miranda R. , Martin Erik , Allender Steven , Bell Colin
Published: August 2023

Background

Systems science offers methods for designing population health interventions while implementation science provides specific guidance for successful implementation. Integrating systems and implementation science may strengthen implementation and enhance and sustain systemic change to achieve system-level outcomes. Little is known about the extent to which these two approaches have been integrated to date. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the peer-reviewed literature that has reported the combined use of systems thinking approaches and implementation science constructs (within the same study), to deliver population health interventions.

Methods

A systematic literature search of peer-reviewed original research was conducted across six databases from 2009 to 2021. Journal manuscripts were included if they: (1) reported on a population health study conducted in a community, (2) reported the use of a systems method in the design of the intervention, and (3) used an implementation science theory, framework or model in the delivery of the intervention. Data extracted related to the specific systems methods and definitions and implementation science constructs used. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess study quality.

Results

Of the 9086 manuscripts returned, 320 manuscripts were included for full-text review. Of these, 17 manuscripts that reported on 14 studies were included in the final extraction. The most frequently reported systems methods were a ‘whole of community systems approach’ (n = 4/14) and ‘community-based system dynamics’ (n = 2/14). Nineteen different implementation science theories, frameworks and models were used for intervention delivery, with RE-AIM being the only framework used in more than one study.

Conclusion

There are few published peer-reviewed studies using systems thinking and implementation science for designing and delivering population health interventions. An exploration of synergies is worthwhile to operationalise alignment and improve implementation of systems thinking approaches.

Review protocol registration PROSPERO CRD42021250419.
Priority setting to support a public health research agenda: a modified Delphi study with public health stakeholders in Germany
Authors: Hoekstra Dyon , Gerhardus Ansgar , Lhachimi Stefan K.
Published: August 2023

Background

Research priority setting (RPS) studies are necessary to close the significant gap between the scientific evidence produced and the evidence stakeholders need. Their findings can make resource allocation in research more efficient. However, no general framework for conducting an RPS study among public health stakeholders exists. RPS studies in public health are rare and no such study has been previously conducted and published in Germany. Therefore, we aimed to investigate which research topics in public health are prioritised by relevant stakeholders in Germany.

Methods

Our RPS study consisted of a scoping stage and a Delphi stage each split into two rounds. Firstly, we invited members of the German Public Health Association to gather expert insights during two initial workshops. Next, we defined the relevant stakeholder groups and recruited respondents. Thereafter, we collected research topics and assessment criteria with the respondents in the first Delphi round and aggregated the responses through content analysis. Finally, we asked the respondents to rate the research topics with the assessment criteria in the second Delphi round.

Results

In total, 94 out of the 140 invited public health organisations nominated 230 respondents for the Delphi study of whom almost 90% participated in both Delphi rounds. We compiled a comprehensive list of 76 research topics that were rated and ranked by several assessment criteria. We split the research topics into two types, substantive research topics and methodological-theoretical research topics respectively, to ensure the comparability among the research topics. In both types of research topics—substantive research topics and methodological-theoretical research topics—the respective top five ranked research topics hardly differed between public health researchers and public health practitioners. However, clear differences exist in the priority ranking of many (non-top priority) research topics between the stakeholder groups.

Conclusions

This research demonstrates that it is possible, with limited resources, to prioritise research topics for public health at the national level involving a wide range of pertinent stakeholders. The results can be used by research funding institutions to initiate calls for research projects with an increased relevance for health and/or scientific progress.
Rapid and accurate genotyping of human SNP rs671 in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene using one-step CRISPR/Cas12b assay without DNA amplification
Authors: Wu Fang , Xue Yong , Wang Yan , Si Xinxin , Zhang Xinyue , Xu Yuyang , Luo Zhidan
Published: August 2023

Background

The SNP rs671 of Human aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is G-A transition at 1510th nucleotides, which is an important clinical indicator of alcoholic liver disease, digestive tract cancer and some drug efficiency. The commonly used genotyping assay of this polymorphism is relatively time-consuming and costly.

Finding

This study develops a rapid and accurate one-step CRISPR/Cas12b assay to distinguish the G1510A polymorphism of human ALDH2 free of DNA amplification. The method we established requires only one step of adding 1 μl genomic DNA sample to premixed system, and waiting for the acquisition of fluorescent signal, taking approximate 30 min.

Conclusions

This method provides a potential tool for more accurate and reliable nucleic acid detection with a single base difference and supports the relevant disease diagnosis and personalized medicine.
Evaluation of calcification distribution by CT-based textural analysis for discrimination of immature teratoma
Authors: Nakamori Akari , Tsuyoshi Hideaki , Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Orisaka Makoto , Kurokawa Tetsuji , Yoshida Yoshio
Published: August 2023

Background

Mature and immature teratomas are differentiated based on tumor markers and calcification or fat distribution. However, no study has objectively quantified the differences in calcification and fat distributions between these tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of CT-based textural analysis in differentiating between mature and immature teratomas in patients aged < 20 years.

Materials and methods

Thirty-two patients with pathologically proven mature cystic (n = 28) and immature teratomas (n = 4) underwent transabdominal ultrasound and/or abdominal and pelvic CT before surgery. The diagnostic performance of CT for assessing imaging features, including subjective manual measurement and objective textural analysis of fat and calcification distributions in the tumors, was evaluated by two experienced readers. The histopathological results were used as the gold standard. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

We evaluated 32 patients (mean age, 14.5 years; age range, 6–19 years). The mean maximum diameter and number of calcifications of immature teratomas were significantly larger than those of mature cystic teratomas (p < 0.01). The mean number of fats of immature teratomas was significantly larger than that of mature cystic teratomas (p < 0.01); however, no significant difference in the maximum diameter of fats was observed. CT textural features for calcification distribution in the tumors showed that mature cystic teratomas had higher homogeneity and energy than immature teratomas. However, immature teratomas showed higher correlation, entropy, and dissimilarity than mature cystic teratomas among features derived from the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the CT features of fats derived from GLCM.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that calcification distribution on CT is a potential diagnostic biomarker to discriminate mature from immature teratomas, thus enabling optimal therapeutic selection for patients aged < 20 years.
Stability of guayulins from Parthenium argentatum, A. Gray during post-harvesting storage for industrial exploitation
Authors: Latorre Guayente , García-Martínez M. Mercedes , Coello Juana , Carrión María Engracia , Zalacain Amaya , Carmona Manuel
Published: August 2023

Background

Guayulins comprise a family of sesquiterpene compounds with potential industrial applications that are extracted from the resinous fraction of the guayule plant (Parthenium argentatum, A. Gray). If a whole industry is to be developed around guayulins, not only their activity should be assessed, but also their stability because the quality of the final products is likely influenced by the time that elapses from harvesting to processing. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the stability of guayulin compounds from harvested guayule stems or extracted resin after storage at different temperatures to find in which form, stems or resin, is the storage better.

Results

Results showed that, once extracted, the resin could be stored at 20-25 °C for 3 months or more without significant losses of guayulin content. In the case of harvested stems, however, the findings were more complex, with guayulins A and B degrading over time and guayulins C and D showing enrichment. In addition, analysis of the thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation of the resin and guayulins showed that while guayulins A and B showed a maximum decomposition rate around 280 °C, guayulins C and D decomposed at 245 °C. Such thermal differences might be attributed to the observed oxidation of guayulin A and B standards into guayulin C and D, respectively.

Conclusion

These findings provide, for the first time, information on the stability of guayulins after harvesting and resin extraction, which could help to the development of an integral industrial process from harvesting to commercializing.

Graphical Abstract
Deep learning approximation of attenuation maps for myocardial perfusion SPECT with an IQ$$\varvec{\cdot {}}$$SPECT collimator
Authors: Huxohl Tamino , Patel Gopesh , Zabel Reinhard , Burchert Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

Background

The use of CT images for attenuation correction of myocardial perfusion imaging with single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) increases diagnostic confidence. However, acquiring a CT image registered to a SPECT image is often not possible because most scanners are SPECT-only. It is possible to approximate attenuation maps using deep learning, but this has not yet been shown to work for a SPECT scanner with an IQ$$\varvec{\cdot {}}$$

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SPECT collimator. This study investigates whether it is possible to approximate attenuation maps from non-attenuation-corrected (nAC) reconstructions acquired with a SPECT scanner equipped with an IQ$$\varvec{\cdot {}}$$

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SPECT collimator.

Methods

Attenuation maps and reconstructions were acquired retrospectively for 150 studies. A U–Net was trained to predict attenuation maps from nAC reconstructions using the conditional generative adversarial network framework. Predicted attenuation maps are compared to real attenuation maps using the normalized mean absolute error (NMAE). Attenuation-corrected reconstructions were computed, and the resulting polar maps were compared by pixel and by average perfusion per segment using the absolute percent error (APE). The training and evaluation code is available at https://gitlab.ub.uni-bielefeld.de/thuxohl/mu-map.

Results

Predicted attenuation maps are similar to real attenuation maps, achieving an NMAE of 0.020±0.007. The same is true for polar maps generated from reconstructions with predicted attenuation maps compared to CT-based attenuation maps. Their pixel-wise absolute distance is 3.095±3.199, and the segment-wise APE is 1.155±0.769.

Conclusions

It is feasible to approximate attenuation maps from nAC reconstructions acquired by a scanner with an IQ$$\varvec{\cdot {}}$$

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SPECT collimator using deep learning.
Morphology of the male reproductive system and sperm ultrastructure of the green lacewing, Chrysopa pallens (Rambur, 1838) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Guo Xingkai , Feng Yanjiao , Zhang Lisheng , Wang Mengqing , Li Yuyan , Mao Jianjun
Published: August 2023

Background

Chrysopa pallens is one of the most beneficial and effective natural predators, and is famous for its extensive distribution, wide prey spectrum, and excellent reproductive performance. This study examined the anatomy and fine structure of the C. pallens reproductive system and spermatogenesis.

Results

The male reproductive system of C. pallens comprises a pair of testes, a vas deferens, seminal vesicles, accessory glands, and short ejaculatory ducts. The testes were already mature on the day of emergence, but the accessory glands did not mature until 5 days post-emergence. In early spermatids, the flagellum had an axoneme on one side of the two mitochondrial derivatives. The nucleus was surrounded by parallel crystalline and paracrystalline materials. The spermatid envelope extends towards the paracrystalline material in a tail-shaped wing. In mature spermatids, the axoneme is located between the two accessory bodies and mitochondrial derivative sets. The parallel-crystalline and paracrystalline materials disappeared. In the testes, the wall of seminal cysts consists of a layer of epithelium, a muscular-connective sheath, and several vesicles of different sizes. The mature seminal cysts contained 128 spermatozoa. The accessory gland is composed of six parts: ventral papilla-like protuberance, anterior glandular lobe, lateral glandular lobe, seminal cyst, posterior kidney-shaped lobe, and posterior papilla-like protuberance. Muscle fibers and secretory granules are extensive.

Conclusions

This study provides information on the reproductive system of C. pallens and offers a resource for taxonomy and reproductive biology.
Circular developments of maritime industrial ports in Europe: a semi-systematic review of the current situation
Authors: Barona J. , Ballini F. , Canepa M.
Published: August 2023

Our current approaches to resource management are not sustainable. Businesses typically follow a linear approach where resources are not well utilized. Maritime ports are part of the problem, as they need to optimize the use of resources and generate negative externalities. However, they can also be important drivers of sustainability if they effectively transition to Circular Economy (CE). In this study, eight principles of CE and ten CBMs, are discussed and used to analyze ports in three areas of intervention. This paper analyzes current CE practices in European ports and the potential to adopt Circular Business Models (CBMs) to create value for port stakeholders and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drivers and barriers to CE were analyzed, and the level of development was assessed. The ports studied are in Europe and are generally regarded as Maritime Industrial Ports (MIP). The methodology includes a Semi-Systematic Literature Review (SSLR) and a SWOT analysis to examine CE practices in maritime ports. This methodology helped enhance the analysis of Drivers and Barriers to CE transition. This study concludes that ports are developing circular practices and business models on the technical and biological flows, but the level of implementation is moderated to low. Six drivers for adopting CE principles were identified, including European ports’ experience in circular activities and the Quality & Environmental Management System (EMS). In addition, seven barriers to CE were highlighted, including the diversity of port characteristics and the different interests and ambitions of port stakeholders that make it difficult to standardize measurements and transition to circularity. Circular development goals in ports should be integrated, and development must balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The findings and implications of this study will help Port Authorities (PA) in the strategy, policy development, and implementation of CBMs.