bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time Series Analysis of Sugarcane Plant Height and Planting Area Identification Based on DPRVI and RF Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Huiguo
Published: March 2024

With the modernisation of agriculture, the time series analysis of sugarcane growth and the identification of planting areas play an important role in the investigation and detection of agriculture. The study conducted a time series analysis of sugarcane plant height and identification
of planting areas based on dual polarisation radar vegetation index and random forest algorithm. Firstly, dual-polarisation radar vegetation index data of sugarcane were obtained using Sentienl-1A radar remote sensing data for time-series analysis of sugarcane plant height. Then the random
forest model was applied to the regression and classification of Sentinel-2A remote sensing images for sugarcane plantation area identification. According to the findings, sugarcane field 4 had an R2 value of 0.835 in the quadratic regression model inversion, and the average absolute difference
between the model’s predicted plant height and the actual value was only 7.3%. It shows that the dual-polarization radar vegetation index has great reliability and is capable of accurately predicting sugarcane plant height during the pre-growth stage. The user and producer accuracies
are as high as 0.911 and 0.989, respectively, and the overall accuracies and Kappa coefficients are as high as 0.976 and 0.932, respectively, indicating that the Random Forest with multi-temporal phase and multi-feature is able to effectively identify sugarcane planting areas. The accuracy
under multi-temporal phase and multi-feature is better than the single-temporal phase. It offers a trustworthy way for developing contemporary agricultural policy and development planning.
Active Components and Skin Care Mechanism of Sea Grape (Caulerpa lentillifera) Extract
Authors: Zheng Haolong , Zhou Weilong , Shi Yaohua , Yang Shouguo , Tang Xianming , Xiong Yi , Gu Zhifeng
Published: March 2024

This study successfully obtained sea grape extract through mechanical extraction methods, which is rich in active components. These primary active ingredients include high concentrations of crude polysaccharides, total phenolics, and flavonoids. Using two zebrafish models, we observed
significant skin moisturizing and repair effects of this extract. Further experiments demonstrated its remarkable anti-aging and skin tightening effects through the DPPH method and elastase inhibition assay. Additionally, the extract showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in a model
built on 3 dpf (days post fertilization) Tg (corola: EGFP) transgenic zebrafish. The extract’s safety and reliability were confirmed through a final dermal application test on rabbits. Furthermore, we also analyzed the possible mechanism of Caulerpa lentillifera extract skin care.
Overall, our research indicates that sea grapes hold tremendous potential as a novel natural ingredient for skincare. It is foreseeable that sea grapes will become an indispensable component in the future medical skincare market.
Acupoint Application of Cinnamon and Coptis Combined for Abdominal Distension
Authors: Li Wei , Li Xiaoya , Wu Jingya , Huang Wei , Yang Xiaohong
Published: March 2024

Femoral neck fracture is more common in the elderly, with surgery being the primary treatment approach. However, elderly patients are susceptible to symptoms such as abdominal distension and constipation after surgery, which can be caused by secondary factors such as loss of appetite
and electrolyte imbalances. In severe cases, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases can be induced, which is not conducive to postoperative rehabilitation of patients. Choosing a safe, effective and low-cost method to intervene patients with abdominal distension and constipation is conducive
to promoting postoperative rehabilitation of patients with femoral neck fracture. Acupoint application of cinnamon coptis contains cinnamon, coptis and other traditional Chinese medicine, which has the effect of dredge viscera and promote intestinal peristalsis. The active ingredients of these
herbs, such as cinnamaldehyde and berberine, have anti-inflammatory and laxative effects. Through clinical trials, this study found that acupoint application of cinnamon coptis positively impacts the recovery of abdominal distension and constipation in elderly patients following femoral neck
fracture surgery. This intervention significantly enhances clinical efficacy, inhibits the levels of inflammatory factors, reduces constipation symptoms, and improves gastrointestinal function (P <0.05). However, acupoint application of cinnamon and coptis can effectively promote
postoperative constipation recovery of patients, which may be related to the effect of effective ingredients such as cinnamaldehyde and berberine, which have anti-inflammatory and bowel soothing effects. Therefore, this study suggested that acupoint application of cinnamon and coptis combined
with acupoint massage could be the optimal treatment for elderly patients with abdominal distention and constipation after femoral neck fracture.
Enhancing the performance of waste-paper particleboard using silica and aluminum hydroxide fillers
Authors: Matchawet Suradet , Dasaesamoh Abedeen , Hayeemasae Nabil , Worlee Anuwat , Sookyung Uraiwan
Published: March 2024

Composites used as particleboard have recently been developed using waste-paper fibers mixed with natural rubber compound at a weight ratio of 70/30 %. The effects of silica and aluminum hydroxide fillers were studied at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 phr. The results showed that the hardness of the waste-paper particleboard increased with the filler content. Both types of fillers led to a slight increase in the density of the composites. Moreover, the fillers reduced the hygroscopicity and swelling of the particleboard. The use of silica resulted in lower hygroscopicity, providing greater flexural resistance and elastic modulus compared to using aluminum hydroxide. Additionally, the minimum limiting oxygen index (LOI) required to ignite the sample was slightly higher with the addition of both fillers, with silica exhibiting a higher value than filled aluminum hydroxide. Furthermore, the thermal decomposition of the specimens from the TGA test was reduced as both fillers were added, especially at temperatures above 350°C.
Integrated analyses reveal unexpected complex inversion and recombination in RH genes
Authors: Li Minghao , Wang Liping , Li Aijing , Wang Bo , Yang Xiaohong , Zhang Yue , Chen Chaoqiong , Sun Futing , Zhu Ziyan , Ye Luyi
Published: March 2024

Phenotype D-- is associated with severe hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. It is typically caused by defective RHCE genes. In this study, we identified a D-- phenotype proband and verified Rh phenotypes of other 6 family members. However, inconsistent results between the phenotypic analysis and Sanger sequencing revealed intact RHCE exons with no mutations in the D-- proband, but the protein was not expressed. Subsequent whole-genome sequencing by Oxford Nanopore Technologies of the proband revealed an inversion with ambiguous breakpoints in intron 2 and intron 7 and copy number variation loss in the RHCE gene region. Given that the RHCE gene is highly homologous to the RHD gene, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using Pacific Biosciences long-read target sequencing, Bionano optical genome mapping, and targeted next-generation sequencing. Our findings revealed that the proband had 2 novel recombinant RHCE haplotypes, RHCE∗Ce(1-2)-D(3-10) and RHCE∗Ce(1-2)-D(3-10)-Ce(10-8)-Ce(3-10), with clear-cut breakpoints identified. Furthermore, the RH haplotypes of the family members were identified and verified. In summary, we made, to our knowledge, a novel discovery of hereditary large inversion and recombination events occurring between the RHD and RHCE genes, leading to a lack of RhCE expression. This highlights the advantages of using integrated genetic analyses and also provides new insights into RH genotyping.
Transcriptional and metabolic effects of aspartate-glutamate carrier isoform 1 (AGC1) downregulation in mouse oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs)
Authors: Balboni Nicola , Babini Giorgia , Poeta Eleonora , Protti Michele , Mercolini Laura , Magnifico Maria Chiara , Barile Simona Nicole , Massenzio Francesca , Pignataro Antonella , Giorgi Federico M. , Lasorsa Francesco Massimo , Monti Barbara
Published: March 2024

Aspartate–glutamate carrier isoform 1 (AGC1) is a carrier responsible for the export of mitochondrial aspartate in exchange for cytosolic glutamate and is part of the malate–aspartate shuttle, essential for the balance of reducing equivalents in the cells. In the brain, mutations inSLC25A12gene, encoding for AGC1, cause an ultra-rare genetic disease, reported as a neurodevelopmental encephalopathy, whose symptoms include global hypomyelination, arrested psychomotor development, hypotonia and seizures. Among the biological components most affected by AGC1 deficiency are oligodendrocytes, glial cells responsible for myelination processes, and their precursors [oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs)]. The AGC1 silencing in an in vitro model of OPCs was documented to cause defects of proliferation and differentiation, mediated by alterations of histone acetylation/deacetylation. Disrupting AGC1 activity could possibly reduce the availability of acetyl groups, leading to perturbation of many biological pathways, such as histone modifications and fatty acids formation for myelin production. Here, we explore the transcriptome of mouse OPCs partially silenced for AGC1, reporting results of canonical analyses (differential expression) and pathway enrichment analyses, which highlight a disruption in fatty acids synthesis from both a regulatory and enzymatic stand. We further investigate the cellular effects of AGC1 deficiency through the identification of most affected transcriptional networks and altered alternative splicing. Transcriptional data were integrated with differential metabolite abundance analysis, showing downregulation of several amino acids, including glutamine and aspartate. Taken together, our results provide a molecular foundation for the effects of AGC1 deficiency in OPCs, highlighting the molecular mechanisms affected and providing a list of actionable targets to mitigate the effects of this pathology.
Effect of temperature-humidity index on the evolution of trade-offs between fertility and production in dairy cattle
Authors: Vinet Aurélie , Mattalia Sophie , Vallée Roxane , Bertrand Christine , Barbat Anne , Promp Julie , Cuyabano Beatriz C. D. , Boichard Didier
Published: March 2024

Background

In the current context of climate change, livestock production faces many challenges to improve the sustainability of systems. Dairy farming, in particular, must find ways to select animals that will be able to achieve sufficient overall production while maintaining their reproductive ability in environments with increasing temperatures. With future forecasted climate conditions in mind, this study used data from Holstein and Montbeliarde dairy cattle to: (1) estimate the genetic-by-temperature-humidity index (THI) interactions for female fertility, and (2) evaluate the production-fertility trade-off with increasing values of THI.

Results

Two-trait random regression models were fitted for conception rate (fertility) and test-day protein yield (production). For fertility, genetic correlations between different THI values were generally above 0.75, suggesting weak genotype-by-THI interactions for conception rate in both breeds. However, the genetic correlations between the conception rate breeding values at the current average THI (THI = 50, corresponding to a 24-h average temperature of 8 °C at 50% relative humidity) and their slopes (i.e., potential reranking) for heat stress scenarios (THI > 70), were different for each breed. For Montbeliarde, this correlation tended to be positive (i.e., overall the best reproducers are less affected by heat stress), whereas for Holstein it was approximately zero. Finally, our results indicated a weak antagonism between production and fertility, although for Montbeliarde this antagonism intensified with increasing THI.

Conclusions

Within the range of weather conditions studied, increasing temperatures are not expected to exacerbate the fertility-production trade-off. However, our results indicated that the animals with the best breeding values for production today will be the most affected by temperature increases, both in terms of fertility and production. Nonetheless, these animals should remain among the most productive ones during heat waves. For Montbeliarde, the current selection program for fertility seems to be adequate for ensuring the adaptation of fertility traits to temperature increases, without adverse effects on production. Such a conclusion cannot be drawn for Holstein. In the future, the incorporation of a heat tolerance index into dairy cattle breeding programs would be valuable to promote the selection of animals adapted to future climate conditions.
Mice lacking DIO3 exhibit sex-specific alterations in circadian patterns of corticosterone and gene expression in metabolic tissues
Authors: Wu Zhaofei , Martinez M. Elena , Hernandez Arturo
Published: March 2024

Disruption of circadian rhythms is associated with neurological, endocrine and metabolic pathologies. We have recently shown that mice lacking functional type 3 deiodinase (DIO3), the enzyme that clears thyroid hormones, exhibit a phase shift in locomotor activity, suggesting altered circadian rhythm. To better understand the physiological and molecular basis of this phenotype, we used Dio3+/+ and Dio3-/- mice of both sexes at different zeitgeber times (ZTs) and analyzed corticosterone and thyroxine (T4) levels, hypothalamic, hepatic, and adipose tissue expression of clock genes, as well as genes involved in the thyroid hormone action or physiology of liver and adipose tissues. Wild type mice exhibited sexually dimorphic circadian patterns of genes controlling thyroid hormone action, including Dio3. Dio3-/- mice exhibited altered hypothalamic expression of several clock genes at ZT12, but did not disrupt the overall circadian profile. Expression of clock genes in peripheral tissues was not disrupted by Dio3 deficiency. However, Dio3 loss in liver and adipose tissues disrupted circadian profiles of genes that determine tissue thyroid hormone action and physiology. We also observed circadian-specific changes in serum T4 and corticosterone as a result of DIO3 deficiency. The circadian alterations manifested sexual dimorphism. Most notable, the time curve of serum corticosterone was flattened in Dio3-/- females. We conclude that Dio3 exhibits circadian variations, influencing the circadian rhythmicity of thyroid hormone action and physiology in liver and adipose tissues in a sex-specific manner. Circadian disruptions in tissue physiology may then contribute to the metabolic phenotypes of DIO3-deficient mice.
What works to support carers of older people and older carers? an international evidence map of interventions and outcomes
Authors: Spiers Gemma , Tan Michelle M.C. , Astbury Jayne L , Hall Alex , Ahmed Nisar , Lanyi Kate , Williams Oleta , Beyer Fiona , Craig Dawn , Hanratty Barbara
Published: March 2024

Background

Unpaid carers of older people, and older unpaid carers, experience a range of adverse outcomes. Supporting carers should therefore be a public health priority. Our understanding of what works to support carers could be enhanced if future evaluations prioritise under-researched interventions and outcomes. To support this, we aimed to: map evidence about interventions to support carers, and the outcomes evaluated; and identify key gaps in current evidence.

Methods

Evidence gap map review methods were used. Searches were carried out in three bibliographic databases for quantitative evaluations of carer interventions published in OECD high-income countries between 2013 and 2023. Interventions were eligible if they supported older carers (50 + years) of any aged recipient, or any aged carers of older people (50 + years).

Findings

205 studies reported across 208 publications were included in the evidence map. The majority evaluated the impact of therapeutic and educational interventions on carer burden and carers’ mental health. Some studies reported evidence about physical exercise interventions and befriending and peer support for carers, but these considered a limited range of outcomes. Few studies evaluated interventions that focused on delivering financial information and advice, pain management, and physical skills training for carers. Evaluations rarely considered the impact of interventions on carers’ physical health, quality of life, and social and financial wellbeing. Very few studies considered whether interventions delivered equitable outcomes.

Conclusion

Evidence on what works best to support carers is extensive but limited in scope. A disproportionate focus on mental health and burden outcomes neglects other important areas where carers may need support. Given the impact of caring on carers’ physical health, financial and social wellbeing, future research could evaluate interventions that aim to support these outcomes. Appraisal of whether interventions deliver equitable outcomes across diverse carer populations is critical.
Study on the measurement of coupling and coordinated development level between China’s internet and elderly care services and its influencing factors
Authors: Yangming Hu , Sha Li , Hui Liu , Yanda Yang
Published: March 2024

Background

With the intensification of China’s aging population, the demand for elderly care services has become increasingly prominent. At the same time, rapid development of internet technology provides more convenience and possibilities for the elderly. However, the coordinated development between the internet and elderly care services still faces challenges. This study aims to measure the level of coupling and coordinated development between the internet and elderly care services in China, and analyze the influencing factors, in order to provide reference for promoting elderly care services.

Methods

In this paper, the entropy method and coupling coordination degree model were used to measure the coupling coordination development index of the internet and elderly care services in China from 2012 to 2021. In addition, considering that the coordinated development between the two is affected by many factors, the Tobit model was used to analyze the main factors affecting the integration of the internet and elderly care services.

Results

(1) The coupling and coordination of the Internet and senior care services is in its infancy, but the coupling and coordination of the two is on the rise, and there is still a lot of room for development in the future. (2) In terms of time scale, the coupling coordination development level between the internet and elderly care services in China has gone through three stages of “disorder recession-transition coordination-coordinated development”. (3) In terms of influencing factors, government management ability has a more positive impact on the development of the integration of the Internet and senior care services, financial support, scientific and technological investment and the level of innovation play a mild pulling role, while the level of informatization to a certain extent restricts the level of integration of the Internet and senior care services.

Conclusion

In order to promote the coordinated development of China’s Internet and senior care services, it is necessary to comprehensively understand the current situation and development space of China’s Internet and senior care services coupling coordination degree, accurately grasp the dynamic trend of China’s Internet and senior care services coupling and coordinated development, promote the stage of leapfrogging, and fully consider the influencing factors, so as to realize the optimal allocation of policies and resources. These measures will help to promote a more coordinated and sustainable development of the internet and elderly care services in China.
Influenza vaccine coverage and factors associated with non-vaccination among caregiving and care-receiving adults in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
Authors: Gravagna Katie , Wolfson Christina , Basta Nicole E.
Published: March 2024

Background

Influenza vaccination is recommended for those at increased risk of influenza complications and their household contacts to help reduce influenza exposure. Adults who require care often experience health issues that could increase the risk of severe influenza and have close contact with caregivers. Assessing influenza vaccination prevalence in caregivers and care recipients can provide important information about uptake.

Objectives

We aimed to (1) estimate influenza non-vaccination prevalence and (2) assess factors associated with non-vaccination among caregivers aged ≥ 45 years and among care recipients aged ≥ 65 years.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of cross-sectional data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging collected 2015–2018. We estimated non-vaccination prevalence and reported adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals from logistic regression models to identify factors associated with non-vaccination among caregivers and care recipients.

Results

Of the 23,500 CLSA participants who reported providing care, 41.4% (95% CI: 40.8%, 42.0%) reported not receiving influenza vaccine in the previous 12 months. Among the 5,559 participants who reported receiving professional or non-professional care, 24.8% (95% CI: 23.7%, 26.0%) reported not receiving influenza vaccine during the same period. For both groups, the odds of non-vaccination were higher for those who had not visited a family doctor in the past year, were daily smokers, and those who identified as non-white.

Discussion

Identifying groups at high risk of severe influenza and their close contacts can inform public health efforts to reduce the risk of influenza. Our results suggest sub-optimal influenza vaccination uptake among caregivers and care recipients. Efforts are needed to increase influenza vaccination and highlight the direct and indirect benefits for caregiver-care recipient pairs.

Conclusion

The proportions of both caregivers and care recipients who had not been vaccinated for influenza was high, despite the benefits of vaccination. Influenza vaccination campaigns could target undervaccinated, high-risk groups to increase coverage.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward weight management among diabetic patients in Qidong City, Jiangsu Province
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Shi Yu , Wei Dongqin , Gong Yan , Yan Xinyi , Cai Shengnan
Published: March 2024

Background

Weight management is an effective prevention and treatment strategy for diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of diabetic patients towards weight management.

Methods

Diabetic patients treated at Qidong City, Jiangsu Province, between January 2023 and June 2023 were included in this cross-sectional study. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect their demographic characteristics and KAP toward weight management. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the inter-relationships among KAP scores.

Results

Among a total of 503 valid questionnaires that were collected, 55.07% were filled out by men and 54.67% by those aged < 60 years. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 8.03 ± 3.525 (possible range: 0–13), 31.88 ± 3.524 (possible range: 10–50), and 22.24 ± 3.318 (possible range: 9–45), respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed the knowledge was positively associated with attitude (r = 0.295, P < 0.001) and practice (r = 0.131, P < 0.001), and attitude was positively associated with practice (r = 0.140, P = 0.002). SEM demonstrated positive associations between knowledge and attitude (β = 0.28, P < 0.001), and attitude and practice (β = 0.09, P = 0.019). Moreover, older age was negatively associated with knowledge (β=-0.04, P = 0.001), while higher education (β = 1.220, P < 0.001), increased monthly income (β = 0.779, P < 0.001), diagnosis of fatty liver (β = 1.03, P = 0.002), and screening for excess visceral fat (β = 1.11, P = 0.002) were positively associated with knowledge.

Conclusion

Diabetic patients showed moderate knowledge, neutral attitudes, and inappropriate practices toward weight management. Knowledge was positively associated with attitude and practice. These findings provided valuable directions for healthcare interventions targeting improved KAP status of weight management among diabetic patients.
Effect of metformin on anti-mullerian hormone levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomized controlled trials with
Authors: Mehdinezhad Roshan Mehdi , Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Izze da Silva Magalhães Elma , Hekmatdoost Azita
Published: March 2024

Background

Several interventional studies have evaluated the potential anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)-reduction effect of metformin. However, the results are still contradictory. In order to obtain a better viewpoint from them, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of metformin on AMH in the women with with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched using standard keywords to identify all controlled trials investigating the AMH levels following metformin administration. Pooled weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were achieved by random-effects model analysis for the best estimation of outcomes.

Results

Sixteen studies with 484 participants’ were included in this article. The pooled findings showed that AMH levels in the single arm clinical trials were significantly reduced (pooled WMD of -3.06 ng/ml; 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.03 to -2.10; P < 0.001) after use of metformin. Furthermore, compared to the control group, in randomized clinical trials, a reduced significant effect on AMH levels was observed following use of metformin (pooled WMD of -3.47 ng/ml; 95% CI -7.14 to -0.19; P = 0.047). Furthermore, higher reduction in the AMH levels with a metformin dosage ≤ 1500 mg/day and duration of treatment ≤ 12 weeks when compared to higher dosages and duration of intervention, observed in this meta-analysis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, results this meta-analysis of clinical trials confirms the beneficial effect of the treatment with metformin in the reduction of the AMH levels in women.
Sociodemographic disadvantage in the burden of stress and academic performance in medical school: implications for diversity in medicine
Authors: Eames Danielle , Thomas Shelby , Norman Kaden , Simanton Edward , Weisman Anne
Published: March 2024

Background

Nontraditional students bring to medicine inherent characteristics and perspectives that enrich the learning environment and contribute to expanding diversity in medicine. However, research has shown that these students, by virtue of their sociodemographic backgrounds, face unique challenges in medical education, which ultimately place them at a disadvantage compared to their peers. The purpose of this study is to explore relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, stress, and academic performance, in the context of outcomes that may be undermining efforts to diversify the physician workforce.

Methods

Using a retrospective observational cohort methodology, we examined institutional and USMLE exam performance data in conjunction with Perceived Stress Scale-4 survey results from six cohorts of students at Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV (n = 358). Using independent samples t-test, mean stress and academic performance were compared between four sociodemographic groups: first-generation college students, underrepresented in medicine (URM), socioeconomically disadvantaged, and age 30 + at matriculation. Results were considered significant where P ≤ .05.

Results

First-generation college students had significantly higher stress at the end of third year clerkships (mean 7.8 vs. 6.8, P* = .03). URM students had significantly lower scores on preclinical exams (mean 81.37 vs. 83.07, P* = .02). The students who were age 30 + at matriculation had significantly lower exam scores on all academic performance measures.

Conclusion

Our results echo historic trends in academic performance for racial and ethnic minority students, and we present recent evidence of academic performance disparities based on age at matriculation. Residency program directors continue to use test scores as a primary metric to screen applicants and thus, poor academic performance has profound consequences on career trajectory. Finally, significantly higher stress in the first-generation students may be evidence of underlying psychological distress. Expanding the sociodemographic diversity among physicians, and by extension, medical students, has long been recognized as fundamental to addressing inequities in healthcare. However, results from our study suggest that aspects of medical education are unfavorable and disadvantageous for first-generation, URM, and older medical students. A deeper understanding of the interplay between sociodemographic characteristics and success in medical school is paramount as we pursue diversity in medicine.
Medical students’ perceptions of prosocial behaviors: a grounded theory study in China
Authors: Jin Linya , Jowsey Tanisha , Yin Mei
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Prosocial behavior has been shown to be protective against burnout. Yet, we know little about prosocial behavior in medical students. We wanted to know what are chinese medical students' understanding of prosocial behavior and which factors influence their participation in it?

Methods

We undertook a grounded theory study, following Corbin & Strauss. We used convenience sampling and conducted semi-structured individual interviews. We analyzed data using open, axial, and selective coding techniques. Next, we grouped data into concepts. We noticed these concepts aligned with three existing social theories, so we developed our theory in concert with these: the Theory of Planned Behavior, Self-Determination Theory, and Social Support Theory.

Results

Twenty-eight medical students participated in this study. Medical students hold especial views on the roles of medical physicians, and most of these views align with students' core values, including the value of prosocial behavior. Students are intrinsically motivated to engage in prosocial behaviors that align with their core values. Personal values, personality traits, perceived self-competence, career motivation, environmental factors, and family influences are the core factors influencing medically positive prosocial behavior.

Conclusions

This study supports a focus on prosocial behavior instead of altruistic behavior in medical education. We anticipate that promoting prosocial behavior through medical curricula will reduce moral distress and burnout among medical students.
Effects of nurses-led multidisciplinary-based psychological management in spinal surgery: a retrospective, propensity-score-matching comparative study
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen Jiali , Wu Tingkui , He Junbo , Wang Beiyu , Li Peifang , Ning Ning , Chen Hong
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients in spine surgery often have emotional disorders which is caused by multi-factors. Therefore, a multidisciplinary and multimodal intervention program is required to improve emotional disorders during the perioperative period. However, related studies were rare. This study aimed to confirm that the multidisciplinary-based psychological management leading by nurses was effective in treating emotional disorders and show the assignments of the members of the multidisciplinary team with the orientations of nurses.

Design

A retrospective, comparative study.

Method

This study was a retrospective cohort research and compared the results between the intervention group and control group using the Huaxi Emotional Distress Index (HEI) which was used to evaluate emotional disorders. The intervention group consisted of patients who underwent surgery between January 2018 and December 2020 after psychological management was implemented. The control group consisted of patients with regular care who underwent surgery between January 2015 and December 2017. To improve comparability between the two groups, baseline data from the recruited patients were analyzed using propensity-score-matching (PSM) based on age, sex, marital status, education, and disease region.

Results

A total of 539 (11.5%) people developed emotional disorders, of which 319 (6.8%), 151 (3.2%) and 69 (1.5%) had mild, moderate mood and severe emotional disorders, respectively. 2107 pairs of patients were matched after PSM. Scores of HEI in the intervention group were heightened compared with those in the control group (P<0.001) after matching. Moreover, the incidence of emotional disorders in patients decreased after implementing psychological management (P = 0.001). The severity of emotional disorders was alleviated with statistical significance as well (P = 0.010).

Conclusions

Nurses-led Multidisciplinary-Based psychological management was able to reduce the incidence of emotional disorders and improve the severity of these in spine surgery patients.
Competency scale of quality and safety for greenhand nurses: instrument development and psychometric test
Authors: Zhai Run Nan , Liu Ying , Wen Jia Xin
Published: March 2024

Background

Guaranteeing nursing service safety and quality is a prioritized issue in the healthcare setting worldwide. However, there still lacks a valid scale to measure the quality and safety competencies of newly graduated nurses globally.

Methods

This scale was developed in two phases. In Phase One, a literature review and three-round e-Delphi were conducted to generate the initial item pool; while in Phase Two, five experts tested the content validity of the scale. The construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and the data were collected among 1,221 newly graduated nursing students between May, 2017 and August, 2017. Finally, the internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability were tested.

Results

The final version’s Competency Scale of Quality and Safety (CSQS) was confirmed by the CFA involving 64 items in six dimensions, including patient-center care, safety, evidence-based practice, collaboration and teamwork, continuous quality improvement, and informatics. The results of data showed that the data supported the modified model of CSQS (Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.03, p = 0.053, Adjusted Goodness of Normed Fit Index = 1.00, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.007, Fit Index = 0.95, Goodness of Fit Index = 0.97, χ2/df = 1.06), and the standardized factor loadings of items were from 0.59 to 0.74 (p < 0.05). The internal consistency reliability of the total scale was 0.98, and the test-retest reliability was 0.89.

Conclusions

CSQS was a valid and reliable instrument to measure the safety and quality abilities of greenhand nurses, and could be fully utilized by nursing students, greenhand nurses, nursing educators, as well as hospital nursing managers.
Co-creation process of an intervention to implement a multiparameter point-of-care testing device in a primary healthcare setting for non-communicable diseases in Peru
Authors: Albitres-Flores Leonardo , Perez-Leon Silvana , Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio , Tenorio-Mucha Janeth , Cardenas Maria Kathia , Vetter Beatrice , Safary Elvis , Gamboa Ricardo , Cordova Vicente , Gupta Reena , Moran Andrew , Beran David , Lazo-Porras María
Published: March 2024

Background

Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices are diagnostic tools that can provide quick and accurate results within minutes, making them suitable for diagnosing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, these devices are not widely implemented in healthcare systems and for this reason is relevant to understand the implementation process.

Aim

To describe the process and define a strategy to implement a multiparameter POCT device for diagnosing and managing NCDs in one region of Peru.

Methods

A descriptive and non-experimental study, using the participatory methodologies of co-creation process. It was conducted in one region of Peru (Tumbes) to design an intervention for implementing a multiparameter POCT device. Two co-creation sessions were conducted involving five groups: community members, primary healthcare workers, these groups in both rural and urban settings, and regional decision-makers. These sessions included activities to understand patient journeys in receiving care for NCDs, identify facilitators and barriers to POCT devices usage, and define an implementation strategy for POCT devices in both rural and urban settings of Tumbes. The research team analysed the data and summarized key topics for discussion after each session.

Results

A total of 78 participants were enrolled across the five groups. Among community members: 22.2% had only diabetes, 24.1% had only hypertension, and 18.5% had both diagnoses. In the patient journey, community members mentioned that it took at least three days to receive a diagnosis and treatment for an NCD. Most of the participants agreed that the POCT devices would be beneficial for their communities, but they also identified some concerns. The strategy for POCT devices implementation included healthcare workers training, POCT devices must be placed in the laboratory area and must be able to perform tests for glucose, glycated haemoglobin, cholesterol, and creatinine. Advertising about POCT devices should be displayed at the healthcare centres and the municipality using billboards and flyers.

Conclusions

The co-creation process was useful to develop strategies for the implementation of multiparameter POCT devices for NCDs, involving the participation of different groups of stakeholders guided by moderators in both, rural and urban, settings in Peru.
Turnover intention of foreign trained physicians in German rehabilitation facilities—a quantitative study
Authors: Jansen Eva , Schmidt Johanna , Marquardt Manuela
Published: March 2024

Background

Germany’s medical specialist shortage is an acute challenge, especially in the rehabilitation segment. One countermeasure is to recruit foreign trained physicians (FTP), but the high turnover of FTP is a burden on the departments that train them and integrate them professionally. Preliminary research showed that currently one in three physician positions in German Pension Insurance (DRV) contract facilities is filled by FTP.This paper examines factors related to turnover intention of FTP in German rehabilitative departments.

Methodology

In spring 2022, we surveyed FTP across all inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation departments under the German Pension Insurance, using a two-stage cross-sectional approach. We conducted an online survey of FTP and developed a specialized questionnaire that captured sociodemographic, occupation related and professional biographical data, turnover intention, satisfaction, difficulties with professional integration and departmental structural characteristics. To analyze retention within the rehabilitation field, we used a measure of turnover intention, taking into account the direction of potential turnover, residency requirements and considerations of returning to the rehabilitation field. The data was evaluated in a subgroup analysis comparing FTP with and without turnover intention using Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

The sample includes n = 145 FTP, 119 stating no turnover intention and 27 with turnover intention. More than half of FTP with turnover intention wished to move to an acute care hospital. FTP with turnover intention are comparatively younger and came to Germany and were employed in the rehabilitation departments more recently, indicating an earlier career stage. Besides, career-related and regional factors show the strongest relation to turnover intention.

Discussion and conclusion

The results reveal a group of “established FTP” whose professional integration has been successfully completed. FTP with turnover intention are comparatively younger, career-oriented physicians for whom work in a rehabilitative facility is a career springboard to gain a foothold in acute care clinics. A limitation is that FTP with turnover intention are difficult to reach and may be underrepresented in our sample.
Cost-effectiveness of severe acute malnutrition treatment delivered by community health workers in the district of Mayahi, Niger
Authors: Molanes-López Elisa M. , Ferrer José M. , Dougnon Abdias Ogobara , Gado Abdoul Aziz , Sanoussi Atté , Ousmane Nassirou , Lazoumar Ramatoulaye Hamidou , Charle-Cuéllar Pilar
Published: March 2024

Background

A non-randomized controlled trial, conducted from June 2018 to March 2019 in two rural communes in the health district of Mayahi in Niger, showed that including community health workers (CHWs) in the treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) resulted in a better recovery rate (77.2% vs. 72.1%) compared with the standard treatment provided solely at the health centers. The present study aims to assess the cost and cost-effectiveness of the CHWs led treatment of uncomplicated SAM in children 6–59 months compared to the standard national protocol.

Methods

To account for all relevant costs, the cost analysis included activity-based costing and bottom-up approaches from a societal perspective and on a within-trial time horizon. The cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted through a decision analysis network built with OpenMarkov and evaluated under two approaches: (1) with recovery rate and cost per child admitted for treatment as measures of effectiveness and cost, respectively; and (2) assessing the total number of children recovered and the total cost incurred. In addition, a multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect of uncertainty around the base case input data.

Results

For the base case data, the average cost per child recovered was 116.52 USD in the standard treatment and 107.22 USD in the CHWs-led treatment. Based on the first approach, the CHWs-led treatment was more cost-effective than the standard treatment with an average cost per child admitted for treatment of 82.81 USD vs. 84.01 USD. Based on the second approach, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the transition from the standard to the CHWs-led treatment amounted to 98.01 USD per additional SAM case recovered.

Conclusions

In the district of Mayahi in Niger, the CHWs-led SAM treatment was found to be cost-effective when compared to the standard protocol and provided additional advantages such as the reduction of costs for households.

Trial registration: ISRCTN with ID 31143316. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN31143316
Kinesin KIFC3 is essential for microtubule stability and cytokinesis in oocyte meiosis
Authors: Ju Jia-Qian , Zhang Hao-Lin , Wang Yue , Hu Lin-Lin , Sun Shao-Chen
Published: March 2024

KIFC3 is a member of Kinesin-14 family motor proteins, which play a variety of roles such as centrosome cohesion, cytokinesis, vesicles transportation and cell proliferation in mitosis. Here, we investigated the functional roles of KIFC3 in meiosis. Our findings demonstrated that KIFC3 exhibited expression and localization at centromeres during metaphase I, followed by translocation to the midbody at telophase I throughout mouse oocyte meiosis. Disruption of KIFC3 activity resulted in defective polar body extrusion. We observed aberrant meiotic spindles and misaligned chromosomes, accompanied by the loss of kinetochore-microtubule attachment, which might be due to the failed recruitment of BubR1/Bub3. Coimmunoprecipitation data revealed that KIFC3 plays a crucial role in maintaining the acetylated tubulin level mediated by Sirt2, thereby influencing microtubule stability. Additionally, our findings demonstrated an interaction between KIFC3 and PRC1 in regulating midbody formation during telophase I, which is involved in cytokinesis regulation. Collectively, these results underscore the essential contribution of KIFC3 to spindle assembly and cytokinesis during mouse oocyte meiosis.
Efficacy and toxicity of photon, proton, and carbon ion radiotherapy in the treatment of intracranial solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma
Authors: Ton Mike , Deng Maximilian , Meixner Eva , Eichkorn Tanja , Krämer Anna , Seidensaal Katharina , Hörner-Rieber Juliane , Lischalk Jonathan , Herfarth Klaus , Debus Jürgen , König Laila
Published: March 2024

Background

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) of the central nervous system are rare and treatment options are not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of radiotherapy (RT) and re-radiotherapy (re-RT) for de novo intracranial SFT and recurrent intracranial SFT.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed efficacy and toxicity of different RT modalities in patients who received radiotherapy (RT) for intracranial SFT at Heidelberg University Hospital between 2000 and 2020 following initial surgery after de novo diagnosis (“primary group”). We further analyzed the patients of this cohort who suffered from tumor recurrence and received re-RT at our institution (“re-irradiation (re-RT) group”). Median follow-up period was 54.0 months (0–282) in the primary group and 20.5 months (0–72) in the re-RT group. RT modalities included 3D-conformal RT (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated RT (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), proton RT, and carbon-ion RT (C12-RT). Response rates were analyzed according to RECIST 1.1 criteria.

Results

While the primary group consisted of 34 patients (f: 16; m:18), the re-RT group included 12 patients (f: 9; m: 3). Overall response rate (ORR) for the primary group was 38.3% (N = 11), with 32.4% (N = 11) complete remissions (CR) and 5.9% (N = 2) partial remissions (PR). Stable disease (SD) was confirmed in 5.9% (N = 2), while 41.2% (N = 14) experienced progressive disease (PD). 14% (N = 5) were lost to follow up. The re-RT group had 25.0% CR and 17.0% PR with 58.0% PD. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year progression-free survival rates were 100%, 96%, and 86%, respectively, in the primary group, and 81%, 14%, and 14%, respectively, in the re-RT group. Particle irradiation (N = 11) was associated with a lower likelihood of developing a recurrence in the primary setting than photon therapy (N = 18) (OR = 0.038; p = 0.002), as well as doses ≥ 60.0 Gy (N = 15) versus < 60.0 Gy (N = 14) (OR = 0.145; p = 0.027). Risk for tumor recurrence was higher for women than for men (OR = 8.07; p = 0.014) with men having a median PFS of 136.3 months, compared to women with 66.2 months.

Conclusion

The data suggests RT as an effective treatment option for intracranial SFT, with high LPFS and PFS rates. Radiation doses ≥ 60 Gy could be associated with lower tumor recurrence. Particle therapy may be associated with a lower risk of recurrence in the primary setting, likely due to the feasibility of higher RT-dose application.