bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nacre-mimetic cerium-doped nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan layered composite scaffolds regulate bone regeneration via OPG/RANKL signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Xiao-Liang , Zhang Chuan-Jian , Shi Jing-Jing , Ke Qin-Fei , Ge Yu-Wei , Zhu Zhen-An , Guo Ya-Ping
Published: August 2023

Autogenous bone grafting has long been considered the gold standard for treating critical bone defects. However, its use is plagued by numerous drawbacks, such as limited supply, donor site morbidity, and restricted use for giant-sized defects. For this reason, there is an increasing need for effective bone substitutes to treat these defects. Mollusk nacre is a natural structure with outstanding mechanical property due to its notable “brick-and-mortar” architecture. Inspired by the nacre architecture, our team designed and fabricated a nacre-mimetic cerium-doped layered nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan layered composite scaffold (CeHA/CS). Hydroxyapatite can provide a certain strength to the material like a brick. And as a polymer material, chitosan can slow down the force when the material is impacted, like an adhesive. As seen in natural nacre, the combination of these inorganic and organic components results in remarkable tensile strength and fracture toughness. Cerium ions have been demonstrated exceptional anti-osteoclastogenesis capabilities. Our scaffold featured a distinct layered HA/CS composite structure with intervals ranging from 50 to 200 μm, which provided a conducive environment for human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (hBMSC) adhesion and proliferation, allowing for in situ growth of newly formed bone tissue. In vitro, Western-blot and qPCR analyses showed that the CeHA/CS layered composite scaffolds significantly promoted the osteogenic process by upregulating the expressions of osteogenic-related genes such as RUNX2, OCN, and COL1, while inhibiting osteoclast differentiation, as indicated by reduced TRAP-positive osteoclasts and decreased bone resorption. In vivo, calvarial defects in rats demonstrated that the layered CeHA/CS scaffolds significantly accelerated bone regeneration at the defect site, and immunofluorescence indicated a lowered RANKL/OPG ratio. Overall, our results demonstrate that CeHA/CS scaffolds offer a promising platform for bone regeneration in critical defect management, as they promote osteogenesis and inhibit osteoclast activation.
P-Selectin mediates targeting of a self-assembling phototherapeutic nanovehicle enclosing dipyridamole for managing thromboses
Authors: Liu Chia-Hung , Jheng Pei-Ru , Rethi Lekha , Godugu Chandraiah , Lee Ching Yi , Chen Yan-Ting , Nguyen Hieu Trung , Chuang Er-Yuan
Published: August 2023

Thrombotic vascular disorders, specifically thromboembolisms, have a significant detrimental effect on public health. Despite the numerous thrombolytic and antithrombotic drugs available, their efficacy in penetrating thrombus formations is limited, and they carry a high risk of promoting bleeding. Consequently, the current medication dosage protocols are inadequate for preventing thrombus formation, and higher doses are necessary to achieve sufficient prevention. By integrating phototherapy with antithrombotic therapy, this study addresses difficulties related to thrombus-targeted drug delivery. We developed self-assembling nanoparticles (NPs) through the optimization of a co-assembly engineering process. These NPs, called DIP-FU-PPy NPs, consist of polypyrrole (PPy), dipyridamole (DIP), and P-selectin-targeted fucoidan (FU) and are designed to be delivered directly to thrombi. DIP-FU-PPy NPs are proposed to offer various potentials, encompassing drug-loading capability, targeted accumulation in thrombus sites, near-infrared (NIR) photothermal-enhanced thrombus management with therapeutic efficacy, and prevention of rethrombosis. As predicted, DIP-FU-PPy NPs prevented thrombus recurrence and emitted visible fluorescence signals during thrombus clot penetration with no adverse effects. Our co-delivery nano-platform is a simple and versatile solution for NIR-phototherapeutic multimodal thrombus control.
Comparing the reasons for contraceptive discontinuation between parenting adolescents and young women in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Adedini Sunday A. , Omisakin Olusola A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health remains a major public health and development issue of global importance. Given that adolescents and young people are heterogenous groups in terms of many characteristics, this study expands the literature by comparing the reasons for contraceptive discontinuation between parenting adolescents (aged 15–19) and parenting young women (aged 20–24) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

Data for the study came from Demographic and Health Surveys of 22 SSA countries. The outcome variable was reasons for discontinuation. We performed multilevel binary logistic regression on analytic samples comprising 1485 parenting adolescents and 10,287 parenting young women across the selected SSA countries.

Results

Findings show that the proportion of respondents who used modern contraceptives was lower among parenting adolescents (35%) relative to their 20–24-year-old counterparts (43%). Higher percentages of parenting adolescents than young women discontinued contraceptives because of reasons such as pregnancy or method failure (i.e., 9.9% and 8.17% accordingly), husband disapproval, access or availability issues, wanting more effective methods, and inconvenience in using methods. The multilevel analysis further highlighted disparities between parenting adolescents and parenting young women who discontinued contraceptives. For instance, parenting young women had 30% lower odds of discontinuing contraceptives due to pregnancy or method failure than parenting adolescents.

Conclusion

The study established disparities in the reasons for contraceptive discontinuation between parenting adolescents and parenting young women, with adolescents demonstrating greater vulnerabilities and higher risks. Considerable attention must be given to parenting adolescents in the efforts to achieve equity goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage in SSA.
Circ_0001715 accelerated lung adenocarcinoma process by the miR-1322/CANT1 axis
Authors: Niu Yue , Fan Lina , Shi Xiaoyu , Wu Jia , Wang Tengqi , Hou Xiaofeng
Published: August 2023

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a type of lung cancer, which belongs to non-small cell lung cancer and has seriously endangered the physical and mental health of people. The study of circRNAs (circRNAs) has been increasingly hot in recent years, in which circRNAs also play an important regulatory role in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological molecular mechanisms of circ_0001715 in the progression of LUAD. The expression of circ_0001715, miR-1322 and calcium-activated nucleotidase 1 (CANT1) in LUAD tissues and cell lines was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and western bot assay. Clone formation assay, 5-Ethynyl-2’-Deoxyuridine (EDU) assay and wound healing assay were used to verify the proliferation ability of cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were performed to characterize the interactions between the three factors. Finally, a mouse tumor model was constructed to assess the tumorigenicity of circ_0001715. RT-qPCR assay results showed that circ_0001715 expression was significantly increased in LUAD tissues and cell lines. Finally, knockdown of circ_0001715 could inhibit tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0001715 regulated the progression of LUAD through the miR-1322/CANT1 axis. The results of this study provided ideas for understanding the molecular mechanisms of circ_0001715 in LUAD.
The pattern of collagen production may contribute to the gluteal muscle contracture pathogenic process
Authors: Jiang Xiaocheng , Zhang Hang , Ren Yuxiang , Yang Li , Zhong Ling , Guo Jiang , Zhang Xintao
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Arthroscopic release is now the gold standard globally for gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) treatment. However, some patients fail to improve after the first operation and are forced to undergo a second operation. This study explores the essential role collagen fibers may play in muscle contracture in GMC.

Methods

From February 2010 to May 2018, 1041 hips of 543 GMC patients underwent arthroscopic release. Among them, 498 (91.7%) patients had bilateral GMC and were admitted to the retrospective cohort study. Pathological testing and type III collagen testing were used in contracture tissue studies. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis was applied to explore the role of fibroblasts in muscle repair.

Results

Compared with GMC II patients, GMC III patients displayed higher clinical symptoms (P < 0.05). Six weeks after the surgery, the patients in GMC II had a lower prominent hip snap rate, higher JOA score, and better hip range of motion (P < 0.05). Compared with normal muscle tissue, contracture-affected tissue tended to have more type III collagen and form shorter fibers. Recurrent GMC patients seemed to have a higher type III collagen ratio (P < 0.05). In contrast to normally repairable muscle defects, fibroblasts in non-repairable defects were shown to downregulate collagen-related pathways at the early and late stages of tissue repair.

Discussion

This study describes the arthroscopic release of GMC. Study findings include the suggestion that the collagen secretion function of fibroblasts and collagen pattern might influence the muscle repair ability and be further involved in the GMC pathogenic process.
Can dexamethasone improve postoperative sleep and postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy? Protocol for a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study
Authors: Shi Yaping , Sun Qingyu , Wang Yue , Chen Chunting , Jin Jianfei , Wang Wei , Lu Yuting , Hua Yi , Liu Jianming , Bian Jinjun , Yi Zhou
Published: August 2023

Background

Perioperative sleep disorders (PSD) are an independent risk factor for postoperative delirium (POD), which is a common complication after surgery. Elderly patients who undergo robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) often experience perioperative sleep disorders (PSD). Dexamethasone, a medication that works by inhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary-suprarenal cortical axis, can reduce the negative effects of surgical stress. The objective of this study was to determine whether intravenous administration of dexamethasone at the time of anesthesia induction could improve postoperative sleep quality in elderly patients, thereby indirectly reducing the risk of postoperative cognitive impairment and accelerating postoperative rehabilitation.

Methods/design

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that was conducted at a single center. A sample size of 116 patients was determined through calculation, and these patients were randomly assigned to either the dexamethasone group (group D, n = 58) or the blank control group (group C, n = 58). On the day of surgery, the anesthesia nurse prepared either diluted dexamethasone or saline in advance, according to the patient's assigned group. The blinded anesthesiologist administered the medication during induction, and a dedicated person followed up with the patient for three consecutive postoperative days. All other aspects of care were managed equally between the two groups. The primary outcome measure was sleep quality, while secondary outcome measures included postoperative sleep time, postoperative delirium (POD), pain scores, and other complications. Relevant test measures were recorded for analysis.

Discussion

This study aims to investigate the impact of intravenous dexamethasone on sleep quality and duration of patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). If the findings of this study protocol are affirmative, it could enhance the sleep quality of elderly patients after surgery, thereby minimizing the risk of postoperative delirium (POD), and providing substantial evidence for the perioperative enhanced recovery management of elderly patients.

Trial registration

Chinese clinical trial registry: ChiCTR2200063488, Registered on 5 October 2022.
An LSTM based cross-site scripting attack detection scheme for Cloud Computing environments
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Wang Tingting , Zhang Wei , Niu Xu , Zhang Tingyu , Zhao Tengteng , Wang Yongji , Wang Yufei
Published: August 2023

Cloud Computing plays a pivotal role in facilitating the Internet of Things (IoT) and its diverse applications. Users frequently access and store data on remote servers in Cloud Computing environments through web browsers. Consequently, attackers may exploit vulnerabilities in web browsing to embed malicious code into web pages, enabling them to launch attacks on remote servers in Cloud Computing environments. Due to its complexity, prevalence, and significant impact, XSS has consistently been recognized as one of the top ten web security vulnerabilities by OWASP. The existing XSS detection technology requires optimization: manual feature extraction is time-consuming and heavily reliant on domain knowledge, while the current confusion technology and complex code logic contribute to a decline in the identification of XSS attacks. This paper proposes a character-level bidirectional long-term and short-term memory network model based on a multi-attention mechanism. The bidirectional long-term and short-term memory network ensures the association of current features with preceding and subsequent text, while the multi-attention mechanism extracts additional features from different feature subspaces to enhance the understanding of text semantics. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model for XSS detection, with an F1 score of 98.71%.
Collaborative on-demand dynamic deployment via deep reinforcement learning for IoV service in multi edge clouds
Authors: Huang Yuze , Feng Beipeng , Cao Yuhui , Guo Zhenzhen , Zhang Miao , Zheng Boren
Published: August 2023

In vehicular edge computing, the low-delay services are invoked by the vehicles from the edge clouds while the vehicles moving on the roads. Because of the insufficiency of computing capacity and storage resource for edge clouds, a single edge cloud cannot handle all the services, and thus the efficient service deployment strategy in multi edge clouds should be designed according to the service demands. Noticed that the service demands are dynamic in temporal, and the inter-relationship between services is a non-negligible factor for service deployment. In order to address the new challenges produced by these factors, a collaborative service on-demand dynamic deployment approach with deep reinforcement learning is proposed, which is named CODD-DQN. In our approach, the number of service request of each edge clouds are forecasted by a time-aware service demands prediction algorithm, and then the interacting services are discovered through the analysis of service invoking logs. On this basis, the service response time models are constructed to formulated the problem, aiming to minimize service response time with data transmission delay between services. Furthermore, a collaborative service dynamic deployment algorithm with DQN model is proposed to deploy the interacting services. Finally, the real-world dataset based experiments are conducted. The results show our approach can achieve lowest service response time than other algorithms for service deployment.
The burden of tuberculosis among adolescents and young adults in five Asian countries from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Siyu Yu , Shihong Li , Hanzhao Liu , Qiufang Xu , Jingyi Liu , Fengzhu Cai , Shaotan Xiao , Gengsheng He
Published: August 2023

Background

Previous studies have shown that the risk of tuberculosis (TB) increases dramatically during adolescence. The objective of this article was to analyze the burdens and trends of TB incidence and mortality rates in Asian adolescents and young adults.

Methods

Time series ecological study of TB incidence and mortality rates of adolescents and young adults aged 10–24 years from 1990 to 2019, using data extracted from the Global Burden of Disease website for 5 Asian countries. The annual percentage change was calculated by joinpoint regression analysis to estimate the trends in the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized death rate (ASDR).

Results

The highest ASIR per 100,000 person-years in 2019 was in Mongolia [74 (95% uncertainty interval (UI), 51 to 105)], while the lowest was in Japan [4 (95% UI, 2 to 6)]. The highest ASDR per 100,000 person-years was in Mongolia [2 (95% UI, 1 to 3)], while the lowest was in Japan [0.009 (95% UI, 0.008 to 0.010)]. As the absolute number of cases and deaths decreased from 1990 to 2019, the ASIRs and ASDRs in all five countries also decreased.

Conclusions

Our finding revealed that although all five countries in Asia experienced descending TB incidence and mortality trend in past three decades, the trends were especially significant in developed countries and varied across geographic regions. This study may be crucial in helping policymakers make decisions and allocate appropriate resources to adolescent TB control strategies.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese Mandarin version of the Borderline Symptom List, short form (BSL-23) in suicidal adolescents
Authors: Shen Jui-En , Huang Yu-Hsin , Huang Hui-Chun , Liu Hui-Ching , Lee Tsung-Han , Sun Fang-Ju , Huang Chiu-Ron , Liu Shen-Ing
Published: August 2023

Background

The short form of the Borderline Symptom List (BSL-23) is a self-rated instrument developed from the initial 95-item German version of the Borderline Symptom List (BSL-95). It is widely used among Chinese adults, but its applicability, factor structure and validity remain uncertain in adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese Mandarin version of the BSL-23 in a sample of suicidal adolescents.

Methods

The Chinese Mandarin BSL-23 was given to 279 outpatient adolescents with self-injurious thoughts or behaviors. The factor structure, reliability, convergent validity, criterion-related validity and cut-off value were investigated.

Results

The Chinese Mandarin version of the BSL-23 demonstrated a one-factor structure and replicated the original version. The scale had high reliability and good test-retest stability. The Chinese Mandarin BSL-23 was correlated with depression, hopelessness, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, self-esteem, loneliness, childhood trauma and parental bonding patterns evaluated with a variety of scales. The measure showed good criterion-related validity and predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.87) for self-injurious and suicidal adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD) at a cut-off point of 60/61 (mean score 2.60/2.65), with a sensitivity of 0.76 and specificity of 0.83.

Conclusions

The Chinese Mandarin version of the BSL-23 is a reliable and valid self-reported instrument to assess BPD symptomatology among suicidal adolescents.
Association of medial collateral ligament complex injuries with anterior cruciate ligament ruptures based on posterolateral tibial plateau injuries
Authors: Von Rehlingen-Prinz Fidelius , Leiderer Miriam , Dehoust Julius , Dust Tobias , Kowald Birgitt , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Izadpanah Kaywan , Henes Frank Oliver , Krause Matthias
Published: August 2023

Background

The combined injury of the medial collateral ligament complex and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most common two ligament injury of the knee. Additional injuries to the medial capsuloligamentous structures are associated with rotational instability and a high failure rate of ACL reconstruction. The study aimed to analyze the specific pattern of medial injuries and their associated risk factors, with the goal of enabling early diagnosis and initiating appropriate therapeutic interventions, if necessary.

Results

Between January 2017 and December 2018, 151 patients with acute ACL ruptures with a mean age of 32 ± 12 years were included in this study. The MRIs performed during the acute phase were analyzed by four independent investigators—two radiologists and two orthopedic surgeons. The trauma impact on the posterolateral tibial plateau and associated injuries to the medial complex (POL, dMCL, and sMCL) were examined and revealed an injury to the medial collateral ligament complex in 34.4% of the patients. The dMCL was the most frequently injured structure (92.2%). A dMCL injury was significantly associated with an increase in trauma severity at the posterolateral tibial plateau (p < 0.02) and additional injuries to the sMCL (OR 4.702, 95% CL 1.3–133.3, p = 0.03) and POL (OR 20.818, 95% CL 5.9–84.4, p < 0.0001). Isolated injuries to the sMCL were not observed. Significant risk factors for acquiring an sMCL injury were age (p < 0.01) and injury to the lateral meniscus (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In about one-third of acute ACL ruptures the medial collateral ligament complex is also injured. This might be associated with an increased knee laxity as well as anteromedial rotational instability. Also, this might be associated with an increased risk for failure of revision ACL reconstruction. In addition, we show risk factors and predictors that point to an injury of medial structures and facilitate their diagnosis. This should help physicians and surgeons to precisely diagnose and to assess its scope in order to initiate proper therapies. With this in mind, we would like to draw attention to a frequently occurring combination injury, the so-called “unlucky triad” (ACL, MCL, and lateral meniscus).

Level of evidence Level III Retrospective cohort study.
Surgical site infections after elective craniotomy for brain tumor: a study on potential risk factors and related treatments
Authors: Lv Yifan , Mao Xiang , Deng Yuxuan , Yu Lanbing , Chu Junsheng , Hao Shuyu , Ji Nan
Published: August 2023

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following craniotomy that increases morbidity, mortality, and medical expenses. The objectives of this study were to determine the relevant risk factors associated with SSI after elective craniotomy for brain tumor and analyse the treatments for SSI.

Methods

A retrospective nested case‒control study was conducted using data from patients who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor resection at the Neurosurgical Oncology Department No. 6 of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2019 and December 2021. Risk factors for SSI were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. We analyzed microbiological and related treatment data for different SSI types.

Results

Among 2061 patients who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor, 31 had SSI (1.50%). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, body mass index (BMI) and operative duration were identified as independent risk factors for SSI. The most common microorganism isolated from SSIs was Staphylococcus epidermidis (22.9%), and drug sensitivity results showed that gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to linezolid, vancomycin and tigecycline, whereas gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to meropenem, cefepime and ceftazidime. Six of the seven patients who underwent bone flap removal due to osteomyelitis were infected with gram-negative bacteria.

Conclusions

BMI and operative duration were identified as independent risk factors for SSI. Diabetes mellitus, previous ratio therapy, type of incision, recurrence tumor and other risk factors were not found to be associated with the occurrence of SSI in this study.
Analysis of heterogeneous growth changes in longitudinal height of children
Authors: Wake Senahara Korsa , Zewotir Temesgen , Muluneh Essey Kebede
Published: August 2023

Background

There have been methodologies developed for a wide range of longitudinal data types; nevertheless, the conventional growth study is restricted if individuals in the sample have heterogeneous growth trajectories across time. Using growth mixture modeling approaches, we aimed to investigate group-level heterogeneities in the growth trajectories of children aged 1 to 15 years.

Method

This longitudinal study examined group-level growth heterogeneities in a sample of 3401 males and 3200 females. Data were analyzed using growth mixture modeling approaches.

Results

We examined different trajectories of growth change in children across four low- and middle-income countries using a data-driven growth mixture modeling technique. The study identified two-group trajectories: the most male samples group (n = 4260, 69.7%) and the most female samples group (n = 2341, 81.6%). The findings show that the two groups had different growth trajectories. Gender and country differences were shown to be related to growth factors; however, the association varied depending on the trajectory group. In both latent groups, females tended to have lower growth factors (initial height and rate of growth) than their male counterparts. Compared with children from Ethiopia, children from Peru and Vietnam tended to exhibit faster growth in height over time: In contrast, children from India showed a lower rate of change in both latent groups than that of children from Ethiopia.

Conclusions

The height of children in four low- and middle-income countries showed heterogeneous changes over time with two different groups of growth trajectories.
Circuit breakers in HVDC systems: state-of-the-art review and future trends
Authors: Taherzadeh Erfan , Radmanesh Hamid , Javadi Shahram , Gharehpetian G. B.
Published: August 2023

High voltage direct current (HVDC) systems are efficient solutions for the integration of large-scale renewable energy sources with the main power grids. The rapid development of the HVDC grid has resulted in a growing interest in DC circuit breakers (DCCBs). A fast and reliable circuit breaker is a necessary requirement in the development of large scale HVDC grids. This paper provides a comprehensive review and survey of the HVDC CBs and discusses potential research directions. Operational principles and the main features of various DCCBs are described and their merits and shortcomings are also highlighted.
A novel image augmentation based on statistical shape and intensity models: application to the segmentation of hip bones from CT images
Authors: Schmid Jérôme , Assassi Lazhari , Chênes Christophe
Published: August 2023

Background

The collection and annotation of medical images are hindered by data scarcity, privacy, and ethical reasons or limited resources, negatively affecting deep learning approaches. Data augmentation is often used to mitigate this problem, by generating synthetic images from training sets to improve the efficiency and generalization of deep learning models.

Methods

We propose the novel use of statistical shape and intensity models (SSIM) to generate augmented images with variety in both shape and intensity of imaged structures and surroundings. The SSIM uses segmentations from training images to create co-registered tetrahedral meshes of the structures and to efficiently encode image intensity in their interior with Bernstein polynomials. In the context of segmentation of hip joint (pathological) bones from retrospective computed tomography images of 232 patients, we compared the impact of SSIM-based and basic augmentations on the performance of a U-Net model.

Results

In a fivefold cross-validation, the SSIM augmentation improved segmentation robustness and accuracy. In particular, the combination of basic and SSIM augmentation outperformed trained models not using any augmentation, or relying exclusively on a simple form of augmentation, achieving Dice similarity coefficient and Hausdorff distance of 0.95 [0.93–0.96] and 6.16 [4.90–8.08] mm (median [25th–75th percentiles]), comparable to previous work on pathological hip segmentation.

Conclusions

We proposed a novel augmentation varying both the shape and appearance of structures in generated images. Tested on bone segmentation, our approach is generalizable to other structures or tasks such as classification, as long as SSIM can be built from training data.

Relevance statement

Our data augmentation approach produces realistic shape and appearance variations of structures in generated images, which supports the clinical adoption of AI in radiology by alleviating the collection of clinical imaging data and by improving the performance of AI applications.

Key points

• Data augmentation generally improves the accuracy and generalization of deep learning models.

• Traditional data augmentation does not consider the appearance of imaged structures.

• Statistical shape and intensity models (SSIM) synthetically generate variations of imaged structures.

• SSIM support novel augmentation approaches, demonstrated with computed tomography bone segmentation.

Graphical abstract
Industrial output growth and foreign direct investment in Nigeria
Authors: Keji Sunday Anderu
Published: August 2023

This research study investigated the nexus between industrial output growth and foreign direct investment in Nigeria. It is a common belief that no nation is an island on its own; hence countries around the globe interchange economic activities across borders via various mutual business indentures. Notably, despite Nigeria’s foreign direct investment level in Africa, the country’s industrial output growth still falls short in recent years. Therefore, it is pertinent in this study to unravel why increasing Foreign Direct Investment inflow brings about slow industrial output growth in Nigeria. Interestingly, Autoregressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) and Cointegration and Error Correction Mechanisms (ECM) techniques and diagnostics checks were adopted to investigate whether there is long-run interaction between industrial  output growth and foreign direct investments in Nigeria. Notably, post estimations tests were carried out to ascertain the validity of the models adopted in the study. The study showed a short-term and long-term relationship between Foreign Direct Investment and Industrial Output Growth in Nigeria. Therefore, FDI disclosed a negative time-path link with industrial output growth in Nigeria. This asserts that Nigeria's current slow output growth contradicts expected economic intuitions due to a negative link between FDI and industrial output growth, all things being equal. Consequently, the study recommended that a proactive policy framework could be used to promote industrialization via localization of industry across Nigeria. Also, policymakers should adopt protectionist international trade laws to expand the local productivity base.
The role of parenting practices in parent and child mental health over time
Authors: Cost Katherine T. , Mudiyanselage Piyumi , Unternaehrer Eva , Korczak Daphne J. , Crosbie Jennifer , Anagnastou Evdokia , Monga Suneeta , Kelley Elizabeth , Schachar Russell , Maguire Jonathon , Arnold Paul , Burton Christie L. , Georgiades Stelios , Nicolson Rob , Birken Catherine S. , Charach Alice
Published: August 2023

Background

Parent and child mental health has suffered during the pandemic and transition phase. Structured and shared parenting may be intervention targets beneficial to families who are struggling with parent or child mental health challenges.

Aims

First, we investigated associations between structured and shared parenting and parent depression symptoms. Second, we investigated associations between structured and shared parenting and depression, hyperactivity/inattention and irritability symptoms in children.

Method

A total of 1027 parents in two-parent households (4797 observations total; 85.1% mothers) completed online surveys about themselves and their children (aged 2–18 years) from April 2020 to July 2022. Structured parenting and shared parenting responsibilities were assessed from April 2020 to November 2021. Symptoms of parent depression, child depression, child hyperactivity and inattention, child irritability, and child emotional and conduct problems were assessed repeatedly (one to 14 times; median of four times) from April 2020 to July 2022.

Results

Parents who reported higher levels of shared parenting responsibilities had lower depression symptoms (β = −0.09 to −0.32, all P < 0.01) longitudinally. Parents who reported higher levels of shared parenting responsibilities had children with fewer emotional problems (ages 2–5 years; β = −0.07, P < 0.05), fewer conduct problems (ages 2–5 years; β = −0.09, P < 0.01) and less irritability (ages 13–18 years; β = −0.27, P < 0.001) longitudinally. Structured parenting was associated with fewer conduct problems (ages 2–5 years; β = −0.05, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Shared parenting is beneficial for parent and child mental health, even under chaotic or inflexible life conditions. Structured parenting is beneficial for younger children.
Central features in health-related quality of life in older adults: network analysis using nationwide survey data
Authors: Cha Eun Jung , Moon Yeonsil , Ryu Seung-Ho , Jeon Hong Jun
Published: August 2023

Background

Population ageing is a global phenomenon that necessitates consideration of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults. Previous studies have investigated related factors including mobility, social support and living situations.

Aims

This study aimed to provide a network perspective on factors related to HRQoL.

Method

Cross-sectional nationwide data were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2018 to 2020 for network analyses. Data for participants aged 65 years or above were analysed, resulting in a total of 4317 eligible cases. The variables included were EQ-5D (a measure of HRQoL), household income, education, living situation, subjective perceived health, Charlson Comorbidity Index (a measure of medical comorbidities), stress, exercise per week, alcohol consumption and smoking. Three networks were produced: (a) EQ-5D dimensions network, (2) EQ-5D dimensions, lifestyle and psychosocial factors network, and (3) overall EQ-5D index, lifestyle and psychosocial factors network. Node centralities, bridge centralities and edges of the networks were examined.

Results

The most central EQ-5D dimension was the ability to carry out usual activities. In the second network, subjective health, stress and anxiety/depression were revealed as nodes with high bridge centralities. Subjective health, exercise, and Charlson Comorbidity Index were nodes closely linked to the overall EQ-5D index.

Conclusions

The results emphasise the importance of enhancing functional independence and subjective health cognition, increasing routine exercise and reducing stress as targets for interventions to improve HRQoL in older adults.
The Impact of a Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team on Hospital Admission, Symptom severity and Service User Functioning over Five years
Authors: Crowley S. , McDonagh S. , Carolan D. , O’Connor K.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Teams (CRHTTs) offer short-term specialist psychiatric input to service users experiencing acute mental illness or crisis in the community. The South Lee CRHTT was setup in 2015.

Objectives: Primary objectives

To evaluate the impact of treatment given by a CRHTT in terms of:

1. Preventing hospital admission,

2. Impact on service user’s symptoms and overall functioning

3. Service user’s satisfaction with the service

Secondary Objectives

To evaluate patient characteristics of those attending the CRHTT, and to assess qualitative data provided by service users using thematic analysis.

Methods

All the service users treated by South Lee CRHTT between 2016-2020 were included in this review. Standardized quantitative measures are routinely taken by the South Lee HBTT before and after treatment. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used to measure symptom reduction, and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HONOS) was used to measure quality of life/health outcomes. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire- version 8 (CSQ-8) was used to evaluate service user satisfaction quantitatively, and service users were also asked for qualitative data.

Results

1041 service users were treated by the service, between 2016-2020. Treatment by the CRHTT was shown to be effective across all primary outcome measures. Inpatient admissions in the areas served by the CRHTT fell by 38.5% after its introduction. BPRS scores were reduced significantly (p<.001), from a mean score of 32.01 to 24.64 before and after treatment. Mean HoNOS scores were 13.6 before and 9.1 after treatment (p<.001). Of the 1041 service users receiving the CSQ-8, 180 returned it completed (17.3%). Service users’ median responses were “very positive” on a 4 point-Likert scale to all 8 items on the CSQ-8, and qualitative data were thematically analysed.

Conclusions

CRHT was shown to be effective at preventing inpatient admission. CRHT was shown to be an effective option for the treatment of acute mental illness and crisis, using quantitative measures. Feedback gained from service users suggests that overall patient satisfaction with the CRHTT service was high.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Efficacy, safety and methodological quality of light therapy and sleep improvement interventions for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Skrzypiec D. M. , Helfer B.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Large proportion of patients with ADHD experience sleep problems. Well conducted, good quality clinical research could identify non-pharmacological sleep improvement interventions that would benefit patients with ADHD and would inform evidence based guidelines for sleep management in ADHD.

Objectives

To conduct a novel meta-research assessment of available clinical trials in the field of light therapy and non‑pharmacological sleep improvement interventions for people with ADHD.

Methods

Peer-reviewed publications of clinical trials were analysed. An advanced literature search strategy was performed in major medical databases, including EMBASE, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PsycINFO. Available data at WHO-approved clinical trial registries were searched and linked to the published literature. Detailed methodological assessment of results was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool version 2.0 (ROB2), conflict of interest, spin and favourability of findings. Reduction in ADHD symptom severity and improvement of sleep quality served as primary outcomes for the efficacy analysis. Any adverse events were recorded. Statistical analysis of the primary outcomes was conducted by calculating standardised mean difference and transformed as necessary. Publication bias was evaluated with contour enhanced funnel plots and the trim-and-fill procedure, and by summarising unpublished trials.

Results

Analysed clinical trials often had a high risk of bias (evaluated by the ROB2). The primary outcome interpretation and overall trial conclusions frequently favoured the trial intervention. Clinical trials showed an association between primary outcome effect size and interpretation, and risk of bias. Clinical research in this field faces many of the same challenges identified for complex interventions in mental health, such as small sample size, lack of funding and difficulties with blinding.

Conclusions

Clinical research regarding light therapy and non‑pharmacological sleep improvement interventions for ADHD patients indicates safety and effectiveness but studies often lack methodological rigour.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Clinical factors associated with unipolar mania: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bartoli F. , Nasti C. , Palpella D. , Piacenti S. , Di Lella M. E. , Mauro S. , Prestifilippo L. , Crocamo C. , Carrà G.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The existence of a clinical entity on the spectrum of mood disorders characterized by the occurrence of manic episodes without major depressive episodes (Unipolar Mania, UM) is largely debated. Although not classified nosologically, the studies exploring this topic have suggested that UM might differ from bipolar disorder with a manic-depressive course (md-BD), in terms of several clinical characteristics. Individuals with UM might represent a subpopulation with specific clinical profiles and unmet care needs, requiring personalized treatments, as compared with those suffering from md-BD.

Objectives

To identify clinical factors associated with UM, as compared with md-BD.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies according to the MOOSE guidelines. We searched for articles indexed up to July 2022 in the main electronic databases. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses of the association between UM and relevant correlates, using odds ratio for categorical variables and standardized mean difference for continuous variables.

Results

Based on data from 21 studies meeting the eligibility criteria, we found that individuals with UM, as compared with md-BD, were more likely to be males (p = 0.007) and to have an earlier age at onset (p = 0.020). Moreover, UM was significantly associated with a higher number of hospitalizations (p < 0.001), the occurrence of psychotic features (p < 0.001), as well as hyperthymic temperament (p = 0.012). Finally, subjects with UM were less likely to report a family history of depression (p = 0.006) and a personal history of suicide attempts (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our work supports the hypothesis that UM might represent a distinctive diagnostic construct, with peculiar clinical correlates. Additional research is needed to better differentiate UM in the context of affective disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Non-invasive neurostimulation in OCD – implications for widescale application.
Authors: Fineberg N. A.
Published: August 2023

Brain-imaging findings implicate aberrant cortico-striatal neurocircuitry in the underlying pathology of OCD, so representing a potential treatment target. Ablative neurosurgery or deep brain (invasive) stimulation (DBS) of tracts or nodes within this circuitry is sometimes found to improve OCD, possibly by enhancing information-processing functions. Non-invasive neurostimulation, targeting superficial cortical nodes within cortico-striatal circuitry, is a safer and more acceptable alternative, with potential for scaling up and applying to a larger patient population, earlier in the course of illness.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is the form of neuromodulation studied most in OCD. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and supplementary motor area (SMA) have been identified as promising targets. The effect is larger for those not resistant to SSRI or failing to respond to only one SSRI trial. Thus, r-TMS may be best implemented earlier in the care pathway. rTMS is also relatively costly, involves specialist technical equipment and staff, and cannot be delivered in patients’ homes.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) involves applying a low-amplitude (1-3mA) electric current to the brain via electrodes placed on the scalp. Compared with rTMS, tDCS tends to electrically modulate a more diffuse and superficial brain area, but it could represent a preferable option for patients with common mental disorders such as OCD, as it is cheaper, portable, simple and safe to use. In a recent randomised controlled feasibility study, the L-OFC represented the optimal target based on clinical changes. Further investigation of tDCS in OCD is warranted, to determine the optimal stimulation protocol, longer-term effectiveness and brain-based mechanisms of effect. If efficacy is substantiated, home-based approaches represent a rational next step.

Disclosure of Interest

N. Fineberg Grant / Research support from: In the past three years I have received research funding from the NIHR, COST and Orchard; . I have additionally received financial support to attend meetings from the British Association for Psychopharmacology, European College for Neuropsychopharmacology, Royal College of Psychiatrists, International College for Neuropsychopharmacology, World Psychiatric Association, International Forum for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, American College for Neuropsychopharmacology. In the past I have received funding from various pharmaceutical companies for research into the role of SSRIs and other forms of medication as treatments for OCD., Consultant of: payment for expert advisory work on psychopharmacology for the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, royalties from Oxford University Press and an honorarium from Elsevier for editorial work., Paid Instructor of: payment for lectures for the Global Mental Health Academy.
Isoniazid-induced acute psychotic episode in a child with lymph nodes tuberculosis: case
report and literature review
Authors: Belhadga H. , Elmaataoui Z. , Kisra H.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is
a major public health problem in Morocco. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a
four-drug combination therapy for two months (isoniazid (INH), rifampicin, pyrazinamide and
ethambutol), followed by two drugs (INH and rifampicin) for 4 months, as first-line treatment
for newly diagnosed pulmonary TB in children and adults. This regimen is generally considered
effective, safe, and cost-effective. However, adverse effects and drug interactions often
complicate the treatment of TB. Isoniazid is associated with 32% of adverse events, of which
1.9% are psychiatric.

Objectives

focus on drug-induced etiologies of acute psychotic symptoms make the diagnosis of
isoniazid-induced psychosis report the literature on the management of this condition. focus
on drug-induced etiologies of acute psychotic symptomsmake the diagnosis of isoniazid-induced
psychosis report the literature on the management of this condition.

Methods

The patient and guardians were interviewed to obtain information after their consent.
Data from the patient profile forms and laboratory test reports were evaluated. Causality
assessment was done by the WHO scale and the Naranjo scale. Oral informed consent was
obtained from the patient and parents.

Results

We report a case of acute psychosis in a child with a temporal sequence strongly in
favor of INH-induced psychosis. Treatment with risperidone at an appropriate dose improved
the symptomatology while waiting for the end of the antituberculosis protocol. As soon as the
isoniazid was stopped, there was a clear return to the child’s premorbid state.

Conclusions

The acute onset of psychotic symptoms in a patient taking isoniazid should lead to
suspicion of this psychiatric side effect and prompt intervention, involving discontinuation
of isoniazid and/or a trial of an antipsychotic.

As protective measures, the authors suggest adjusting the dose of isoniazid to weight,
possibly performing a genetic test if slow acetylation is suspected, and closely monitoring
patients with a favourable background.

The acute onset of psychotic symptoms in a patient taking isoniazid should lead to
suspicion of this psychiatric side effect and prompt intervention, involving discontinuation
of isoniazid and/or a trial of an antipsychotic.As protective measures, the authors suggest
adjusting the dose of isoniazid to weight, possibly performing a genetic test if slow
acetylation is suspected, and closely monitoring patients with a favourable
background.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared