bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of groundwater potential zone mapping for semi-arid environment areas using AHP and MIF techniques
Authors: Shinde Sachin P. , Barai Virendra N. , Gavit Bhau K. , Kadam Sunil A. , Atre Atul A. , Pande Chaitanya Baliram , Pal Subodh Chandra , Radwan Neyara , Tolche Abebe Debele , Elkhrachy Ismail
Published: April 2024

Groundwater resources are essential for drinking water, irrigation, and the economy mainly in semiarid environments where rainfall is limited. Currently, unpredictable rainfall due to climate change and pollution on the Earth’s surface directly affects groundwater resources. In this area, most people depend on groundwater resources for irrigation and drinking purposes, and every summer, most of the area depends on groundwater in a semiarid environment. Hence, we selected two popular methods, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and multiple influence factor (MIF) methods, which can be applied to map groundwater potential zones. Nine thematic layers, such as land use and land cover (LULC), geomorphology, soil, drainage density, slope, lineament density, elevation, groundwater level, and geology maps, were selected for this study using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. These layers are integrated in ArcGIS 10.5 software with the help of the AHP and MIF methods. The map of the groundwater potential zones in the study area revealed four classes, i.e., poor, moderate, good, and very good, based on the AHP and MF methods. The groundwater potential zone area is 241.50 (ha) Poor, 285.64 (ha) moderate, 408.31 (ha) good, and 92.75 (ha) very good using the AHP method. Similarly, the MIF method revealed that the groundwater potential classes were divided into four classes: 351.29 (ha) poor, 511.18 (ha), moderate, 123.95 (ha) good, and 41.78 (ha) very good. The results were compared to determine which methods are best for planning water and land resource development in specific areas that have basaltic rock and drought conditions. Both groundwater potential zone maps were validated with water yield data. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) model results are found to be 0.80 (good) and 0.93 (excellent) using the MIF and AHP methods, respectively; hence, the AHP method is best for delineation of groundwater potential zone maps and groundwater resource planning. The present study’s framework and the results will be valuable for improving the efficiency of irrigation, conserving rainwater and maintaining the ecosystem in India.
Comparative chloroplast genomes of Dactylicapnos species: insights into phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Yang Shunquan , Chen Juntong , Li Zhimin , Huang Xianhan , Zhang Xu , Liu Qun , Tojibaev Komiljon , Sun Hang , Deng Tao
Published: April 2024

Background

Dactylicapnos is a climbing herbaceous vine, distributed from the Himalayas to southwestern China, and some of the species have important medicinal values. However, the chloroplast genomes of Dactylicapnos have never been investigated. In this study, chloroplast genomes of seven Dactylicapnos species covering all three sections and one informal group of Dactylicapnos were sequenced and assembled, and the detailed comparative analyses of the chloroplast genome structure were provided for the first time.

Results

The results showed that the chloroplast genomes of Dactylicapnos have a typical quadripartite structure with lengths from 172,344 bp to 176,370 bp, encoding a total of 133–140 genes, containing 88–94 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs and 37–39 tRNAs. 31 codons were identified as relative synonymous codon usage values greater than one in the chloroplast genome of Dactylicapnos genus based on 80 protein-coding genes. The results of the phylogenetic analysis showed that seven Dactylicapnos species can be divided into three main categories. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that seven species form three major clades which should be treated as three sections.

Conclusions

This study provides the initial report of the chloroplast genomes of Dactylicapnos, their structural variation, comparative genomic and phylogenetic analysis for the first time. The results provide important genetic information for development of medical resources, species identification, infrageneric classification and diversification of Dactylicapnos.
Sleep quality as a mediator between family function and life satisfaction among Chinese older adults in nursing home
Authors: Zhu Wenfen , Wang Yutong , Tang Jiao , Wang Fangyi
Published: April 2024

Background

The life satisfaction of the elderly in nursing home is the focus of social concern.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of family function and sleep quality on life satisfaction among elderly individuals in nursing homes and examine the mediating effect of sleep quality between family function and life satisfaction.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted .A total of 127 older adults who completed the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSI-A), the Family APGAR Index and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were recruited from four nursing homes in Chongqing, China.

Results

Life satisfaction was positively correlated with family function (r=0.434, p<0.01) and negatively correlated with PSQI (r = -0.514, p<0.01). PSQI was found to be negatively associated with family function (r=-0.387, p<0.01).Family function had a significant effect on PSQI (path a: β=-0.8459, 95% CI=-1.2029, -0.4889), and PSQI had a significant effect on life satisfaction (path b: β=-0.3916, 95% CI=-0.5407, -0.2425). The total effect (path c) and direct effect (path c') of family function on life satisfaction were significant (β=0.8931, 95% CI=0.5626, 1.2235 and β=0.56181, 95% CI=0.2358, 0.8879, respectively). The coefficient for the indirect effect of family function on life satisfaction through PSQI was statistically significant (β=0.3312, 95% CI=0.1628, 0.5588). PSQI played a partial mediating role between family function and life satisfaction, and PSQI mediated 32.58% of the total effect of family function on life satisfaction.

Conclusions

Family function and sleep quality were significant predictors of elderly people's life satisfaction in nursing homes. Sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between family function and life satisfaction.The interventions focused on promoting family function and improving sleep quality may be more helpful in improving elderly people's life satisfaction in nursing homes.
Hepatitis C virus subtype diversity and transmission clusters characteristics among drug users in Zhuhai, South China
Authors: Li Hongxia , Huang Huitao , Huang Wenyan , Du Man , Long Dongling , Xu Guangxian , Mei Wenhua , Huang Kaisong
Published: April 2024

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a major public health challenge globally, especially among injecting drug users. China has the world’s largest burden of HCV infections. However, little is known about the characteristics of transmission networks among drug user populations. This study aims to investigate the molecular epidemiology and transmission characteristics of HCV infections among drug users in Zhuhai, a bustling port city connecting Mainland China and its Special Administrative Regions.

Methods

Participants enrolled in this study were drug users incarcerated at Zhuhai’s drug rehabilitation center in 2015. Their sociodemographic and behavioral information, including gender, promiscuity, drug use method, and so forth, was collected using a standardized questionnaire. Plasmas separated from venous blood were analyzed for HCV infection through ELISA and RT-PCR methods to detect anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. The 5’UTR fragment of the HCV genome was amplified and further sequenced for subtype identifications and phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic tree was inferred using the Maximum Likelihood method based on the Tamura-Nei model, and the transmission cluster network was constructed using Cytoscape3.8.0 software with a threshold of 0.015. Binary logistic regression models were employed to assess the factors associated with HCV infection.

Results

The overall prevalence of HCV infection among drug users was 44.37%, with approximately 19.69% appearing to clear the HCV virus successfully. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that those aged over 40, engaging in injecting drug use, and being native residents were at heightened risk for HCV infection among drug user cohorts. The predominant HCV subtypes circulating among those drug users were 6a (60.26%), followed by 3b (16.7%), 3a (12.8%), 1b (6.41%) and 1a (3.85%), respectively. Molecular transmission network analysis unveiled the presence of six transmission clusters, with the largest propagation cluster consisting of 41 individuals infected with HCV subtype 6a. Furthermore, distinct transmission clusters involved eight individuals infected with subtype 3b and seven with subtype 3a were also observed.

Conclusion

The genetic transmission networks revealed a complex transmission pattern among drug users in Zhuhai, emphasizing the imperative for a targeted and effective intervention strategy to mitigate HCV dissemination. These insights are pivotal for shaping future national policies on HCV screening, treatment, and prevention in port cities.
Clinical application of computed tomographic volumetric imaging in postoperative lung function assessment in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Xu Zhifu , Wang Xili , Shen Zhanxian , Shi Biao , Zhang Yanni
Published: April 2024

Background

To evaluate the effectiveness of the computed tomographic (CT) volumetric analysis in postoperative lung function assessment and the predicting value for postoperative complications in patients who had segmentectomy for lung cancer.

Methods

CT scanning and pulmonary function examination were performed for 100 patients with lung cancer. CT volumetric analyses were performed by specific software, for the volume of the inspiratory phase (Vin), the mean inspiratory lung density (MLDin), the volume of expiratory phase (Vex), and the mean lung density at expiratory phase (MLDex). Pulmonary function examination results and CT volumetric analysis results were used to predict postoperative lung function. The concordance and correlations of these values were assessed by Bland-Altman analysis and Pearson correlation analysis, respectively. Multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was executed to assess the associations of CT data with complication occurrence.

Results

Correlations between CT scanning data and pulmonary function examination results were significant in both pre- and post-operation (0.8083 ≤ r ≤ 0.9390). Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and the ratio of FVC and FEV1 estimated by CT volumetric analyses showed high concordance with those detected by pulmonary function examination. Preoperative (Vin-Vex) and (MLDex- MLDin) values were identified as predictors for post-surgery complications, with hazard ratios of 5.378 and 6.524, respectively.

Conclusions

CT volumetric imaging analysis has the potential to determine the pre- and post-operative lung function, as well as to predict post-surgery complication occurrence in lung cancer patients with pulmonary lobectomy.
Zonular instability-associated morphologic features in eyes with primary angle closure disease using the swept-source anterior segment – optical coherence tomography system
Authors: Pei Xue-Ting , Wang Shu-Hua , Qing Guo-Ping , Yu Xiao-Wei , Shi Yan , Yang Wen-Li , Wang Ning-Li , Fan Zhi-Gang
Published: April 2024

Background

This study aims to investigate the morphologic features of the crystalline lens in Primary Angle Closure Disease (PACD) patients with zonular instability during cataract surgery using the swept-source CASIA 2 Anterior Segment-Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) system.

Methods

A total of 398 eyes (125 PACD eyes with zonular instability, 133 PACD eyes with zonular stability, and 140 cataract patient controls) of 398 patients who underwent cataract surgery combined or not glaucoma surgery between January 2021 and January 2023 were enrolled. The crystalline lens parameters were measured by CASIA2 AS-OCT. Then, logistic regression was performed to evaluate the risk factors associated with zonular instability.

Results

The results revealed that PACD eyes had a more anterior lens equator position, a steeper anterior curvature of lens, shorter Axial Length (AL), shallower Anterior Chamber Distance (ACD), higher Lens Vault (LV) and thicker Lens Thickness (LT), when compared to eyes in the cataract control group. Furthermore, PACD eyes in the zonular instability group had steeper front R, front Rs and Front Rf, flatter back Rf, thicker lens anterior part thickness, higher lens anterior-to-posterior part thickness ratios, shallower ACD, and greater LV, when compared to PACD eyes with zonular stability. The logistic regression analysis, which was adjusted for age and gender, revealed that zonular instability was positively correlated with anterior part thickness, lens anterior-to-posterior part thickness ratio, and LV, but was negatively correlated with lens anterior radius and ACD.

Conclusion

Steeper anterior curvature, increased lens anterior part thickness, higher anterior-to-posterior part thickness ratio, shallower ACD, and greater LV are the anatomic features of PACD eyes associated with zonular instability.
Association between ambient air pollution and age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Jiali , Zhang Yuzhu , Xu Xian
Published: April 2024

Background

Several epidemiological studies have investigated the association between ambient air pollution and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, a consensus has not yet been reached. Our meta-analysis aimed to clarify this association.

Methods

Databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, were searched for relevant studies from 01 January 2000 to 30 January 2024. English-language, peer-reviewed studies using cross-sectional, prospective, or retrospective cohorts and case–control studies exploring this relationship were included. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled covariate-adjusted odds ratios. Heterogeneity across studies was also tested.

Results

We identified 358 relevant studies, of which eight were included in the meta-analysis. Four studies evaluated the association between particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) and AMD, and three studies explored the relationship between nitrogen dioxide (NO2) or ozone (O3) and AMD. The pooled odds ratios were 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.21), 1.17 (95% CI: 1.09–1.25), and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.05–1.07), respectively.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests a concomitant positive but not causal relationship between PM2.5, NO2, or O3 and AMD risk.
Residential mobility and liver cancer risk: findings from a prospective cohort study in Chinese women
Authors: Tuo Jia-Yi , Shen Qiu-Ming , Li Zhuo-Ying , Tan Jing-Yu , Fang Jie , Gao Li-Feng , Tan Yu-Ting , Li Hong-Lan , Xiang Yong-Bing
Published: April 2024

Background

Residential mobility is believed to influence the occurrence and development of cancer; however, the results are inconclusive. Furthermore, limited studies have been conducted on Asian populations. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between residential mobility and liver cancer risk among Chinese women.

Methods

We enrolled 72,818 women from urban Shanghai between 1996 and 2000, and then followed them until the end of 2016. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the association between residential mobility and liver cancer risk. A linear trend test was conducted by ranking variables. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted, excluding participants with follow-up times of less than 2 years, to prevent potential bias.

Results

During the 1,269,765 person-years of follow-up, liver cancer was newly diagnosed in 259 patients. Domestic migration (HR = 1.47, 95% CI, 1.44–1.50), especially immigration to Shanghai (HR = 1.47, 95% CI, 1.44–1.50) was associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. In addition, migration frequency, age at initial migration and first immigration to Shanghai had linear trends with an increased liver cancer risk (Ptrend <0.001). The results were similar when excluding participants with less than two years of follow-up.

Conclusions

The possible association between residential mobility and a higher risk of liver cancer in women could suggest the need for effective interventions to reduce adverse environmental exposures and enhance people’s health.
Association between multiple-heavy-metal exposures and systemic immune inflammation in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese general population
Authors: Zhao Linhai , Wei Yanfei , Liu Qiumei , Cai Jiansheng , Mo Xiaoting , Tang Xu , Wang Xuexiu , Qin Lidong , Liang Yujian , Cao Jiejing , Huang Chuwu , Lu Yufu , Zhang Tiantian , Luo Lei , Rong Jiahui , Wu Songju , Jin Wenjia , Guan Qinyi , Teng Kaisheng , Li You , Qin Jian , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: April 2024

Background

Exposure to heavy metals alone or in combination can promote systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations between multiple plasma heavy metals and markers of systemic immune inflammation.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional study, routine blood tests were performed on 3355 participants in Guangxi, China. Eight heavy metal elements in plasma were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Immunoinflammatory markers were calculated based on peripheral blood WBC and its subtype counts. A generalised linear regression model was used to analyse the association of each metal with the immunoinflammatory markers, and the association of the metal mixtures with the immunoinflammatory markers was further assessed using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression.

Results

In the single-metal model, plasma metal Fe (log10) was significantly negatively correlated with the levels of immune-inflammatory markers SII, NLR and PLR, and plasma metal Cu (log10) was significantly positively correlated with the levels of immune-inflammatory markers SII and PLR. In addition, plasma metal Mn (log10 conversion) was positively correlated with the levels of immune inflammatory markers NLR and PLR. The above associations remained after multiple corrections. In the mixed-metal model, after WQS regression analysis, plasma metal Cu was found to have the greatest weight in the positive effects of metal mixtures on SII and PLR, while plasma metals Mn and Fe had the greatest weight in the positive effects of metal mixtures on NLR and LMR, respectively. In addition, blood Fe had the greatest weight in the negative effects of the metal mixtures for SII, PLR and NLR.

Conclusion

Plasma metals Cu and Mn were positively correlated with immunoinflammatory markers SII, NLR and PLR. While plasma metal Fe was negatively correlated with immunoinflammatory markers SII, NLR, and PLR.
Myopia information on TikTok: analysis factors that impact video quality and audience engagement
Authors: Ming Shuai , Han Jie , Yao Xi , Guo Xiaohong , Guo Qingge , Lei Bo
Published: April 2024

Background

TikTok is emerging as a vital platform for health information dissemination. Despite myopia being a global public health issue, the high-quality myopia information shared by health educators often fails to go viral. It is imperative to analyze the factors influencing video quality and popularity, especially from diverse perspectives of researchers, health educators, and audiences.

Methods

TikTok myopia-related videos were retrieved using TikTok’s default comprehensive search (DCS) and most liked search (MLS) strategies. Venn diagrams were employed to illustrate the relationships and commonalities between the two strategies across four sample sizes (top 200, 150, 100, and 50). Video metadata, including details such as creator information, production properties, upload time, video duration, and viewer engagement, were collected. Video quality was assessed using the DISCERN tool. Video content covering six aspects of myopia were evaluated. The impact of search strategies, video sample sizes, production properties, and myopia content on video quality and audience engagement was analyzed through single-factor or multi-factor analysis.

Results

DCS and MLS retrieval strategies, as well as varying sample sizes, resulted in differences in audience engagement for myopia videos (P < 0.039), while The DISCERN quality scores remained comparable (P > 0.221). Videos published by healthcare professionals (HCPs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) were associated with high-quality (P ≤ 0.014) but comparatively lower popularity (P < 0.033). Videos that reported contents of risk factors, management, and outcomes showed high popularity (P < 0.018), while longer video duration (> 60s) exhibited the opposite trend (P < 0.032). Content on myopia evaluation (P ≤ 0.001) and management (P ≤ 0.022) and video duration were positively correlated with higher DISCERN quality.

Conclusion

Videos created by HCPs and NPOs deserve greater attention. Rather than pursuing entertaining effects, professional educators should emphasize producing concise, and high-quality myopia content that readily resonates with the audience and has the potential to go viral on the platform.
Clinical significance and potential pathogenesis of VCAN in adult non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Wan-Ying , Hong Kang-Kang , He Rong-Quan , Luo Jing , Huang Zhi-Guang , Zhang Chu-Yue , Xu Yang , Bao Chong-Xi , Zhang Liang-Ming , Chen Gang , Kong Jin-Liang
Published: April 2024

Background

The pathogenesis of adult non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis is complex, and the relevant molecular mechanism remains ambiguous. Versican (VCAN) is a key factor in inflammation through interactions with adhesion molecules. This study constructs a stable panoramic map of mRNA, reveals the possible pathogenesis of bronchiectasis, and provides new ideas and methods for bronchiectasis.

Methods

Peripheral blood and tissue gene expression data from patients with bronchiectasis and normal control were selected by bioinformatics analysis. The expression of VCAN in peripheral blood and bronchial tissues of bronchiectasis were obtained by transcriptome sequencing. The protein expression levels of VCAN in serums were verified by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of VCAN in co-culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and bronchial epithelial cells were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, the biological function of VCAN was detected by the transwell assay.

Results

The expression of VCAN was upregulated in the bronchiectasis group by sequencing analysis (P < 0.001). The expression of VCAN in the bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B was increased in P. aeruginosa (P.a), which was co-cultured with BEAS-2B cells (P < 0.05). The concentration of VCAN protein in the serum of patients with bronchiectasis was higher than that in the normal control group (P < 0.05). Transwell experiments showed that exogenous VCAN protein induced the migration of neutrophils (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that VCAN may be involved in the development of bronchiectasis by increasing the migration of neutrophils and play an important role in bronchial pathogenesis.
The diagnostic impact of fractional exhaled nitric oxide for asthmatic cough in nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease
Authors: Miki Mari , Miki Keisuke , Akiba Eri , Kagawa Hiroyuki , Oshitani Yohei , Matsuki Takanori , Tsujino Kazuyuki , Kitada Seigo , Maekura Ryoji , Kida Hiroshi
Published: April 2024

Background

Measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a potentially useful diagnostic test for asthma. However, no study has explored the relationship between FeNO and respiratory symptoms of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) complicated with asthma. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of measuring FeNO levels in patients with NTM-PD complicated by asthma.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, 140 NTM-PD patients with FeNO measured were enrolled. We selected NTM-PD patients who complicated with asthma as the NTM+BA group, defined using the following criteria: NTM patients with symptoms consistent with asthma, and NTM patients with symptomatic improvement after diagnostic therapy with ICS ± a long-acting beta 2-agonist (LABA). We then calculated a diagnostic cutoff point to distinguish between the NTM+BA groups and the NTM groups (all others). High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images were evaluated using the CT scoring system and their association with FeNO was examined.

Results

A total of 89 patients were included in the study. (31 in the NTM+BA group and 58 in the NTM group). Compared with the NTM group, the NTM+BA group had higher rates of allergic disease (51.6% vs. 22.4%; p=0.0085) and higher FeNO values (median, 23 [interquartile range {IQR}, 15.0-43.0] ppb vs. median, 17 [IQR, 11.8-23.0] ppb; p=0.015). With diagnostic asthma care using mainly ICS/LABA with reference to the FeNO, most patients (91.0%, 20/22) in the NTM-preceding subgroup in the NTM+BA group demonstrated a prompt improvement of their symptoms and AFB culture findings did not worsen (Culture positive rate (%): Pre-treatment: 59.1% vs. Post-treatment: 40.9%, p=0.3660) at 6 months after starting diagnostic therapy. The optimal diagnostic cutoff point of FeNO to distinguish between the two groups was calculated as 21.5 ppb by the ROC curve (sensitivity 75%, specificity 71.93%, p<0.0001; area under the curve: 0.7989). No significant correlation was observed between FeNO and the severity of CT images in the patients.

Conclusions

A certain number of patients with NTM-PD showed exacerbated respiratory symptoms due to asthmatic complications. Elevated FeNO levels suggest asthma complications, even in patients with NTM.
A cleavable peptide adapter augments the activity of targeted toxins in combination with the glycosidic endosomal escape enhancer SO1861
Authors: Schulze Finn J. , Asadian-Birjand Mazdak , Pradela Michael , Niesler Nicole , Nagel Gregor , Fuchs Hendrik
Published: April 2024

Background

Treatment with tumor-targeted toxins attempts to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cancer therapies by directing a drug’s cytotoxic effect specifically towards cancer cells. However, success with targeted toxins has been hampered as the constructs commonly remain bound to the outside of the cell or, after receptor-mediated endocytosis, are either transported back to the cell surface or undergo degradation in lysosomes. Hence, solutions to ensure endosomal escape are an urgent need in treatment with targeted toxins. In this work, a molecular adapter that consists of a cell penetrating peptide and two cleavable peptides was inserted into a targeted toxin between the ribosome-inactivating protein dianthin and the epidermal growth factor. Applying cell viability assays, this study examined whether the addition of the adapter further augments the endosomal escape enhancement of the glycosylated triterpenoid SO1861, which has shown up to more than 1000-fold enhancement in the past.

Results

Introducing the peptide adapter into the targeted toxin led to an about 12-fold enhancement in the cytotoxicity on target cells while SO1861 caused a 430-fold increase. However, the combination of adapter and glycosylated triterpenoid resulted in a more than 4300-fold enhancement and in addition to a 51-fold gain in specificity.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that the cleavable peptide augments the endosomal escape mediated by glycosylated triterpenoids while maintaining specificity. Thus, the adapter is a promising addition to glycosylated triterpenoids to further increase the efficacy and therapeutic window of targeted toxins.
The associations of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers with obesity in Iranian population: MASHAD cohort study
Authors: Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Mansoori Amin , Sahranavard Toktam , Nasrabadi Mohamad , Hadiloo Kaveh , Andalibi Nazanin Sheikh , Azmon Marzyeh , Tavallaei Shima , Timar Ameneh , Ferns Gordon A , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid
Published: April 2024

Background

Low-grade inflammation and stress oxidative condition play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity, and the serum levels of these markers, such as pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and uric acid may indicate obesity progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity with PAB, hs-CRP, and uric acid in the Iranian population.

Methods

This study was derived from the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study. A total of 7985 subjects aged 35 to 65 years were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI) as: normal, overweight and obese groups. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters such as PAB, superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1), hs-CRP, and uric acid were measured in all the participants. We evaluated the association of obesity with inflammatory factors by using multivariate regression analysis. Also, those participants with hypertension, an endocrine disorder, history of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study.

Results

There was a positive significant correlation between BMI and serum PAB, hs-CRP and uric acid (p < 0.001). While no statistically significant relation was observed between BMI and SOD1 (p = 0.85). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the risk of overweight and obesity increased 1.02 and 1.03-fold according to increase 10 units of PAB raise in comparison to reference group (normal weight) [(odds ratio (OR): 1.02, 95% CI (1.01–1.03)] and [OR: 1.03, 95% CI (1.01–1.04)], respectively). In addition, hs-CRP serum concentration was significantly associated with a high risk of obesity [(OR: 1.02; 95% CI (1.01–1.03)]. While the high levels of serum uric acid were associated with increased odds of overweight and obesity risk [OR: 1.4; CI (1.39–1.58) and OR: 1.76; CI (1.63–1.89), respectively].

Conclusions

Generally, we showed a significant association between BMI and serum PAB, hs-CRP values and uric acid levels, suggesting the role of these factors as risk stratification factors for obesity.
Occupation and tongue cancer in Nordic countries
Authors: Peltonen Johanna , Nikkilä Rayan , Al-Samadi Ahmed , Mäkitie Antti , Martinsen Jan Ivar , Kjaerheim Kristina , Lynge Elsebeth , Sparen Par , Tryggvadottir Laufey , Weiderpass Elisabete , Salo Tuula , Pukkala Eero
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Almost 200,000 tongue cancers were diagnosed worldwide in 2020. The aim of this study was to describe occupational risk variation in this malignancy.

Methods

The data are based on the Nordic Occupational Cancer (NOCCA) study containing 14.9 million people from the Nordic countries with 9020 tongue cancers diagnosed during 1961–2005. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of tongue cancer in each occupational category was calculated using national incidence rates as the reference.

Results

Among men, the incidence was statistically significantly elevated in waiters (SIR 4.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.13-–5.92), beverage workers (SIR 3.42, 95% CI 2.02-5.40), cooks and stewards (SIR 2.55, 95% CI 1.82-3.48), seamen (SIR 1.66, 95% CI 1.36-2.00), journalists (SIR 1.85, 95% CI 1.18-2.75), artistic workers (SIR 2.05, 95% CI 1.54-2.66), hairdressers (SIR 2.17, 95% CI 1.39-3.22), and economically inactive persons (SIR 1.57, 95% CI 1.42-1.73). Among women, the SIR was statistically significantly elevated only in waitresses (SIR 1.39, 95% CI 1.05-1.81). Statistically significant SIRs ≤ 0.63 were observed in male farmers, gardeners, forestry workers and teachers, and in female launderers.

Conclusions

These findings may be related to consumption of alcohol and tobacco, but the effect of carcinogenic exposure from work cannot be excluded.
Comparison of self-efficacy among graduate teaching assistants before and after training
Authors: Peng Hexiang , Wu Yiqun , Zhou Ren , Jiang Jin , Chen Xi , Wang Mengying , Ren Tao , Yu Chihui , Wu Tao
Published: April 2024

Background

Teaching assistants (TAs) play a crucial role in pedagogical practices, and the TA training has emerged as a vital strategy for enhancing teaching quality and fostering effective interactions. The self-efficacy of TAs can substantially impact their performance. Nevertheless, little research has focused on the change in TAs’ self-efficacy following their training.

Methods

A self-control quasi-experiment was conducted to examine shifts in the self-efficacy of Tas at Peking University before and after their TA training. A questionnaire was used to assess the change, and the reliability and validity of the questionnaire was also calculated. A paired data rank sum test was used to analysis the changes in TA self-efficacy before and after training.

Results

A total of 372 TAs from School of Basic Medicine (N = 173), School of Pharmacy (N = 112), School of Public Health (N = 69), and other schools (N = 18) submitted complete questionnaires. The questionnaire showed a good performance in internal reliability and validity test (Cronbach’s alpha index = 0.906, and KMO value was 0.903). Participants had a median total self-efficacy score of 88 and 85 before and after the TA training, respectively, which shows a lack in the total TA self-efficacy score following the TA training (P < 0.001). TAs who have no desire to becoming a college instructor have a higher self-efficacy when compared to TAs who have expressed neutral attitudes in becoming college instructors.

Conclusion

The participated TAs display a lack of self-efficacy after attending the TA training at Peking University. Therefore, it is necessary to establish and strengthen TA’s self-efficacy beyond academic skills when designing and delivering TA training programs at Peking University.
Palliative care patients in the emergency medical service: a retrospective cohort study from Finland
Authors: Pesonen Eemil , Vuorinen Pauli , Surakka Leena , Lehto Juho T. , Hoppu Sanna
Published: April 2024

Background

Paramedics are often involved in treating palliative care patients with difficulties regarding symptom control. They report minimal training in palliative care and find decision-making difficult. This often leads to overtreatment and unnecessary transportation to the emergency department. The study’s objective is to determine how much palliative patients use emergency services, how well are they recognized by paramedics and how paramedics choose care in terms of treatment and transportation.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study based in the Finnish Tampere University Hospital area. We included patients with a palliative care decision setting the goal of therapy as palliative intent between 1 August 2021 and 31 December 2021 and who died before 1 April 2022. From these patients, records of nurse paramedic visits were retrieved. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data.

Results

Paramedics visited 69 patients in 97 callouts. These callouts comprised 0.26% of the total dispatches in the study area. The most common reasons for callouts were general weakness, breathing difficulty and pain. The paramedics provided treatment in 40% of the missions. 55% of the patients were transported to the emergency department. A palliative care plan was recognized by the paramedics in 42 of the 97 callouts. A total of 38 patients were recognized as palliative care patients by the paramedics while in the cases of 31 patients, palliative care was not recognized in any dispatch.

Conclusion

Patients in palliative care cause only a minimal load on the emergency medical services, but the paramedics do not necessarily recognize them as such. This leads to the risk of overtreatment and a high transportation rate to the emergency department, which is not an ethical choice. Recognition and treatment provided to palliative care patients by the paramedics could be improved with additional training and greater availability of patient records.
Professional attractiveness among long-term care workers in nursing homes in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Qi Xiaojing , Dong Ziyan , Xie Wen , Yang Liuqing , Li Jie
Published: April 2024

Background

The population aging trend and the shortage of elderly care workers require the long-term care profession to become more attractive. However, the professional attractiveness among long-term care workers has yet to be extensively studied. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the attractiveness of the long-term care profession for nursing home (NH) care workers..

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in more than 50 NHs. Perception of professional attractiveness among long-term care workers and potential associated factors were measured using the Attractive Work Questionnaire (AWQ) and structural instruments including the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). A multiple linear regression method was employed to explore the influence of potential independent variables on professional attractiveness.

Results

The overall response rate was 99%. The results showed the score of professional attractiveness (185.37 ± 20.034), as well as the scores of each component (99.26 ± 11.258 for work condition, 30.13 ± 3.583 for work content, and 55.99 ± 7.074 for job satisfaction). Findings of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age(β = 0.129, p<.05), years of work(β = 0.156, p<.05), 12-hour shifts(β = 0.185, p<.05), and training times per year(β = 0.148, p<.05) positively associated with long-term care workers perceived professional attractiveness. Whereas only ageism(β=-0.267, p<.05) significantly and negatively influenced professional attractiveness.

Conclusions

The perceived professional attractiveness of long-term care workers in NHs was acceptable. Age, years of work, shifts, training opportunities, and ageism contributed to the professional attractiveness of nursing home care workers in China. Target intervention measures should be taken to enhance the attractiveness of long-term care careers so as to avoid the shortage of long-term care workers.
Effect of social capital on enrolment of informal sector occupational groups in the national health insurance scheme in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nsiah-Boateng Eric , Akweongo Patricia , Nonvignon Justice , Aikins Moses
Published: April 2024

Background

Enrolment of informal sector workers in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is critical to achieving increased risk-pooling and attainment of Universal Health Coverage. However, the NHIS has struggled over the years to improve enrolment of this subpopulation. This study analysed effect of social capital on enrolment of informal sector workers in the NHIS.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 528 members of hairdressers and beauticians, farmers, and commercial road transport drivers’ groups. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and multinomial logit regression model were used to analyse the data.

Results

Social capital including membership in occupational group, trust, and collective action were significantly associated with enrolment in the NHIS, overall. Other factors such as household size, education, ethnicity, and usual source of health care were, however, correlated with both enrolment and dropout. Notwithstanding these factors, the chance of enrolling in the NHIS and staying active was 44.6% higher for the hairdressers and beauticians; the probability of dropping out of the scheme was 62.9% higher for the farmers; and the chance of never enrolling in the scheme was 22.3% higher for the commercial road transport drivers.

Conclusions

Social capital particularly collective action and predominantly female occupational groups are key determinants of informal sector workers’ participation in the NHIS. Policy interventions to improve enrolment of this subpopulation should consider group enrolment, targeting female dominated informal sector occupational groups. Further studies should consider inclusion of mediating and moderating variables to provide a clearer picture of the relationship between occupational group social capital and enrolment in health insurance schemes.
Exosome-mediated secretion of miR-127-3p regulated by RAB27A accelerates metastasis in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Song Dae Hyun , Lee Jong Sil , Lee Jeong-Hee , Kim Dong Chul , Yang Jung Wook , Kim Min Hye , Na Ji Min , Cho Hyun-kyung , Yoo Jiyun , An Hyo Jung
Published: April 2024

Background

The exosome-mediated extracellular secretion of miRNAs occurs in many cancers, and RAB27A is a potent regulator of exosome secretion. For metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), this study examines the mechanisms of cancer metastasis via the RAB27A-regulated secretion of specific miRNAs.

Methods

RAB27A knockdown (KD) and overexpressing (OE) RCC cells were used to examine cell migration and adhesion. The particle counts and sizes of exosomes in RAB27A OE cells were analyzed using Exoview, and those of intraluminal vesicles (ILV) and multivesicular bodies (MVB) were measured using an electron microscope. Analysis of RNA sequences, protein–protein interaction networks, and the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network were used to identify representative downregulated miRNAs that are likely to undergo cargo-sorting into exosomes and subsequent secretion. A molecular beacon of miR-137-3p, one of the most representatively downregulated genes with a fold change of 339, was produced, and its secretion was analyzed using Exoview. RAB27A OE and control cells were incubated in an exosome-containing media to determine the uptake of tumor suppressor miRNAs that affect cancer cell metastasis.

Results

Migration and cell adhesion were higher in RAB27A OE cells than in RAB27A KD cells. Electron microscopy revealed that the numbers of multivesicular bodies and intraluminal vesicles per cell were higher in RAB27A OE cells than in control cells, suggesting their secretion. The finding revealed that miR-127-3p was sorted into exosomes and disposed of extracellularly. Protein–protein interaction analysis revealed MYCN to be the most significant hub for RAB27A-OE RCC cells. ceRNA network analysis revealed that MAPK4 interacted strongly with miR-127-3p.

Conclusion

The disposal of miR-127-3p through exosome secretion in RAB27A overexpressing cells may not inhibit the MAPK pathway to gain metastatic potential by activating MYCN. The exosomes containing miRNAs are valuable therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
A 11-year-old boy with Blastocystis hominis infection, presents as immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Tang Fajuan , Xiao Dongqiong , Chen Lin , Li Xihong , Qiao Lina
Published: April 2024

Background

Some causes of first-line treatment failure for ITP are often closely related to infections. But parasitic infections are rarely mentioned and easily overlooked. The case is the first to describe a boy with immune thrombocytopenia associated with blastocystis hominis.

Case presentation

The case involved a boy presenting with bleeding skin spots and ecchymosis and accompanied by intermittent epigastric pain and constipation. After a series of complete examinations, the platelet count was found to be decreased to 13 × 109/L and immune thrombocytopenia was diagnosed. After first-line treatment with gamma globulin and prednisolone, the thrombocytopenia remained unchanged. Blastocystis hominis was subsequently found in the patient's stool and then the treatment of metronidazole was provided. One week later, the patient's thrombocytopenia was completely relieved. He was followed up for six months and was found to have recovered well.

Conclusions

The screening for potential predisposing factors is very important for immune thrombocytopenia patients with poor response to first-line treatment, and the best treatment strategy should include the management of potential diseases.
Parental psychological control and children’s self-esteem: A longitudinal investigation in children with and without oppositional defiant problems
Authors: Tang Yixin , Novin Sheida , Lin Xiuyun , Becht Andrik , Thomaes Sander
Published: April 2024

Oppositional defiant problems are among the most prevalent psychological problems among children and adolescents from China and across the world. Still little is understood about how self-esteem, in conjunction with parenting experiences, develops in children with oppositional defiant problems. We addressed this gap of knowledge in a two-year longitudinal study. Specifically, we explored how parental psychological control predicts children’s self-esteem levels over time, and in turn, how children’s self-esteem levels predict parental psychological control. We collected data in Chinese children (ages 8 to 13 at T1) with (N = 224) and without (N = 217) oppositional defiant problems, and tested three-wave cross-lagged panel models. Multigroup analyses showed that the associations between parental psychological control and children’s self-esteem were the same for children with and without oppositional defiant problems. Results for the total sample revealed bi-directional associations between maternal psychological control and children’s self-esteem. Children who perceived more psychological control from their mothers were likely to exhibit lower self-esteem over time, and vice versa, children with lower self-esteem were likely to perceive more maternal psychological control over time. Conversely, a unidirectional paternal effect was observed in father-child dyads. Our findings help understand the parent–child dynamics that shape the psychological development of children with oppositional defiant problems.
Stress & strain in mechanically nonuniform alveoli using clinical input variables: a simple conceptual model
Authors: Marini John J. , Rocco Patricia R. M. , Thornton Lauren T. , Crooke Philip S.
Published: April 2024

Clinicians currently monitor pressure and volume at the airway opening, assuming that these observations relate closely to stresses and strains at the micro level. Indeed, this assumption forms the basis of current approaches to lung protective ventilation. Nonetheless, although the airway pressure applied under static conditions may be the same everywhere in healthy lungs, the stresses within a mechanically non-uniform ARDS lung are not. Estimating actual tissue stresses and strains that occur in a mechanically non-uniform environment must account for factors beyond the measurements from the ventilator circuit of airway pressures, tidal volume, and total mechanical power. A first conceptual step for the clinician to better define the VILI hazard requires consideration of lung unit tension, stress focusing, and intracycle power concentration. With reasonable approximations, better understanding of the value and limitations of presently used general guidelines for lung protection may eventually be developed from clinical inputs measured by the caregiver. The primary purpose of the present thought exercise is to extend our published model of a uniform, spherical lung unit to characterize the amplifications of stress (tension) and strain (area change) that occur under static conditions at interface boundaries between a sphere’s surface segments having differing compliances. Together with measurable ventilating power, these are incorporated into our perspective of VILI risk. This conceptual exercise brings to light how variables that are seldom considered by the clinician but are both recognizable and measurable might help gauge the hazard for VILI of applied pressure and power.