bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life Satisfaction and Character Strengths in Women With Breast Cancer: Zest and Hope as Predictors
Authors: Soria-Reyes Lorena M. , Cerezo M. Victoria , Molina Paula , Blanca María J.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Empirical evidence shows that life satisfaction is positively related to character strengths, and although this association has been observed in different populations, it is scarce in breast cancer patients. This study analyzes the relationship between character strengths and life satisfaction in Spanish women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Methods:

A sample of 117 women completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Spanish version of the VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS). Correlation analysis and regression modeling were performed to determine which strengths predict life satisfaction.

Results:

The results of the correlation analysis showed that 15 strengths were positively and significantly associated with life satisfaction, with the highest correlations corresponding to zest, hope, curiosity, social intelligence, love, gratitude, and judgment. Regression modeling indicated that of these, zest and hope were key strengths for predicting life satisfaction.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that intervention programs based on the development of zest and hope could help to improve life satisfaction and, therefore, the psychological well-being of women with breast cancer.
A Delphi Study of Expert Consensus on Chinese Medicine Syndrome Differentiation and Herbal Use for Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Guo Qianqian , Zhang Anthony Lin , Xue Charlie Changli , Coyle Meaghan E. , Chen Qianjun
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is widely used in breast cancer, but there is no consensus on the Chinese medicine (CM) syndromes in the different conventional treatment stages (preoperative, postoperative, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and endocrine therapy) of early breast cancer. This Delphi study aimed to achieve expert consensus on the CM syndromes, signs and symptoms, and the Chinese herbal formulae for early breast cancer.

Methods:

Thirty senior CM clinicians with expertise in managing breast cancer were enrolled. The syndromes selected by ≥50% of experts and the corresponding most common Chinese herbal formulae were considered a consensus. Consensus on signs and symptoms was defined as a median score ≥4 (the item was important or very important) and ≥70% of experts rating the sign or symptom as 4 (important) or 5 (very important) on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results:

Three survey rounds were conducted from 15 October 2021 to 10 March 2022. Consensus was reached with 3 syndromes confirmed for each treatment stage. Several syndromes, such as dual deficiency of qi and Blood, were considered common to multiple treatment stages. Some important signs and symptoms were presented in multiple treatment stages (eg, shortage of qi in the radiation therapy and endocrine therapy stages).

Conclusions:

This Delphi study achieved consensus on the most common CM syndromes, corresponding signs and symptoms, and the most common formulae in each treatment stage of early breast cancer, providing an evidence-based approach for future clinical practice.
Utilization of Deep Vein Arterialization for Limb Salvage
Authors: Fitzpatrick Suzanna , Dunlap Eleanor , Nagarsheth Khanjan
Published: October 2023

The utilization of deep vein arterialization (DVA) is a feasible and successful operative strategy for patients with severe chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) with no open or endovascular surgical options other than major limb amputation. The DVA technique creates a connection, either percutaneously or surgically, between a source of arterial inflow and venous outflow, allowing distal blood flow to heal chronic wounds that otherwise would have required amputation. In this case report, we describe a single patient with CLTI and nonreconstructable arterial disease and a chronic nonhealing wound who underwent a percutaneous DVA procedure with improvement in their ischemic rest pain and complete healing of their wound.
Dural sinus septum as an underlying cause of intrinsic venous sinus stenosis: Anatomical, clinical, and stent placement considerations
Authors: Cardona Juan J. , Iwanaga Joe , Heiferman Daniel M. , Amans Matthew R. , Nickele Christopher M. , Johnson Kendrick D. , Dumont Aaron S. , Shane Tubbs R.
Published: October 2023

Recently, an interesting study regarding “Dural sinus septum: an underlying cause of cerebral venous sinus stenting failure and complications.” was published, to our knowledge, being the launching point of the clinical/interventional applications of this intraluminal variation. Herein, we wish to highlight paramount anatomical, clinical, and stent placement considerations related to DSS located in the dural venous sinus at the posterior cranial fossa and the interventional complications caused by the presence of this variation during stenting procedures.
Chronic illness adjustment scale (CIAS): Development and validation
Authors: Padhy Meera , Hariharan Meena , Pandey Prachi , Maryam Riswana , Anand Varsha
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to (i) develop a self-report instrument to measure adjustment to chronic illness, (ii) evaluate its core structure and (iii) study various psychometric properties in the development of this instrument.

Method

The entire process of developing and validating the instrument is conducted in different phases: item writing and content validation; exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to extract dimensions of the instrument; reliability and validity testing. A total of 1095 participants were included in the study. The EFA was run using IBM SPSS 23 and CFA was done by AMOS 21.

Results

The Cronbach alpha of the chronic illness adjustment scale was found to be .70. The instrument correlates positively with illness perception and well-being which supports the notion that the chronic illness adjustment scale has satisfactory convergent validity.

Discussion

The multifaceted nature of the chronic illness adjustment scale can serve as a global indicator of adjustment to chronic illness, allowing various interventions to flow toward the healthcare arena.
Integration of golf practice and strength and conditioning in golf: Insights from professional golf coaches
Authors: Bliss Alex , Langdown Ben
Published: October 2023

Strength and conditioning (S&C) interventions for golfers consistently demonstrate improvements in performance metrics such as clubhead speed. Golfers typically employ Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) coaches to support technical and tactical development. These coaches need to ensure golfers balance S&C training alongside competitions and technical golf practise, although no empirical data exist that demonstrates how this integration occurs practically. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and practises of PGA Professional golf coaches and how S&C is integrated into the golf year. Forty-three (male = 35; female = 8) PGA coaches completed a mixed-methods survey with questions on themes such as coaching approach, perceptions of S&C, annual planning and goal setting. Results show that formal planning processes are highly variable or absent. The majority (n = 29; 70.7%) of PGA coaches stated they worked with an S&C coach and see the role of the S&C coach to support golfers with their input. However, when planning the season, 63.4% (n = 26) of coaches do so without input from the S&C coach. These and other related disconnects between desire for S&C intervention and inclusion of the S&C coach in planning processes were evident throughout survey responses. There may be subsequent risks of conflict or misunderstanding between PGA coach, S&C coach and golfer. It is recommended golf coaches, golfers and S&C coaches work collaboratively as a multidisciplinary support team to ensure coordinated golfer support is obtained.
Does game-based training replicate match inside-50 entries in elite Australian Rules football?
Authors: Wallace Olivia , Vickery Will , Bruce Lyndell
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this research was to determine if the training design of an elite Australian Rules football team replicated match conditions for inside-50 entries. Notational analyses of one professional Australian Rules football club's training and match footage were conducted for every disposal that entered the inside-50 during either game-based training or matches. Analysed variables included how the ball was received, time in possession and location. Statistical analyses were undertaken using Mann–Whitney tests, a multivariate analysis of variance and a decision tree analysis. Significant differences were identified between game-based training and competition matches for 34 of the 54 inside-50 entry variables. Of these 34 variables, 10 showed a strong effect between session types. When examining the efficiency of inside-50 entries, only effective disposals produced a significant difference between training and matches, with no differences for neutral and ineffective disposals. The session type, how the ball was received, decision (e.g., kick vs. handball) and pressure acts were the most important contributors to effective inside-50 entry disposal efficiency. The results suggest this professional Australian Rules team does not participate in training sessions that reflect inside-50 match conditions. This study may provide a framework for elite Australian Rules teams on which to structure their inside-50 training.
Risk Factors for Nondiagnostic Imaging in a Real-World Deployment of Artificial Intelligence Diabetic Retinal Examinations in an Integrated Healthcare System: Maximizing Workflow Efficiency Through Predictive Dilation
Authors: Shou Benjamin L. , Venkatesh Kesavan , Chen Chang , Ghidey Ronel , Lee Jae Hyoung , Wang Jiangxia , Channa Roomasa , Wolf Risa M. , Abramoff Michael D. , Liu T. Y. Alvin
Published: October 2023

Objective:

In the pivotal clinical trial that led to Food and Drug Administration De Novo “approval” of the first fully autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) diabetic retinal disease diagnostic system, a reflexive dilation protocol was used. Using real-world deployment data before implementation of reflexive dilation, we identified factors associated with nondiagnostic results. These factors allow a novel predictive dilation workflow, where patients most likely to benefit from pharmacologic dilation are dilated a priori to maximize efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients who were assessed with autonomous AI at Johns Hopkins Medicine (8/2020 to 5/2021). We constructed a multivariable logistic regression model for nondiagnostic results to compare characteristics of patients with and without diagnostic results, using adjusted odds ratio (aOR). P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Of 241 patients (59% female; median age = 59), 123 (51%) had nondiagnostic results. In multivariable analysis, type 1 diabetes (T1D, aOR = 5.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45-23.40, P = .01), smoking (aOR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.36-5.99, P = .005), and age (every 10-year increase, aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.62-2.77, P < .001) were associated with nondiagnostic results. Following feature elimination, a predictive model was created using T1D, smoking, age, race, sex, and hypertension as inputs. The model showed an area under the receiver-operator characteristics curve of 0.76 in five-fold cross-validation.

Conclusions:

We used factors associated with nondiagnostic results to design a novel, predictive dilation workflow, where patients most likely to benefit from pharmacologic dilation are dilated a priori. This new workflow has the potential to be more efficient than reflexive dilation, thus maximizing the number of at-risk patients receiving their diabetic retinal examinations.
Using behavioral insights to increase the demand for childhood vaccination in low resource settings: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in Lebanon
Authors: Osseiran Ali , Makki Fadi , Haidar Aya , Saleh Nabil , Yammine Joanne , Birungi Julianne , Chaya Rima , Kanaan Wafaa , Hamadeh Randa
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Lebanon has historically maintained high immunization coverage rates for most routine vaccines. However, an increase in poverty rates coupled with an influx of over a million refugees posed significant challenges to the national immunization program. In response, an accelerated immunization activities (AIA) program, encompassing community-based outreach and referral activities, was launched to increase the demand for childhood vaccination through the public healthcare system. Despite this effort, uptake among refugee and host community households remained low, resulting in pockets of low immunization coverage rates. This study investigates the barriers that prevent households in low coverage areas from vaccinating their children, and evaluates a behavior change intervention designed to overcome the identified social, perceptual, and cognitive barriers.

Methods:

Households with un- or under-vaccinated children were recruited from seven cadastres with low immunization coverage rates. A mixed methods approach, including stakeholder interviews and field observations, was employed to identify the main barriers to vaccination. Thereafter, a cluster randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of a visual planning aid comprising five behavior change techniques (nudges) on vaccine uptake.

Results:

A total of 12,332 un- or under-vaccinated children from 6160 households (3045 (49.4%) control households; 3115 (50.6%) treated households) were reached during the trial. The observed vaccination rates were 13.5% and 20.2% for control and treated households, respectively. This represents a 6.7 percentage points increase in the likelihood of a treated household to vaccinate at least one child, compared to the control group. At least 390 additional children benefited from life-saving vaccines due to the behavioral intervention.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the importance of integrating behavioral insights into vaccination campaigns and programs, especially in low resource settings, to ensure that more children can benefit from life-saving vaccines.
Toward contraception education in basic schools: Teachers’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding contraceptive use by basic school pupils in a Ghanaian Municipality
Authors: Gbagbo Fred Yao , Mensah Keziah Love , Gbagbo Josephine Akosua
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

We examined teachers’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding contraception by basic school pupils in a Ghanaian Municipality.

Methods:

This was an explorative, analytical cross-sectional study using the mixed-method approach. Participants comprised 183 public and private basic school teachers and 20 school health coordinators in the study area. The statistical tests carried out were in two folds. Quantitative data were analyzed with a statistical package for social sciences version 20 to generate tables. A logistic regression model was used to examine associations between the predictor and the binary response variables. Adjusted odds ratio accounted for other predictor variables in the model. For the qualitative data, recorded interviews were transcribed and content analysis was done to identify themes, subthemes, and results presented as participants’ direct quotations/paraphrased statements. Knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes were assessed using 3-Likert scale type questions developed by the author.

Results:

Participants’ sociodemographic characteristics were associated with perceptions and attitudes toward contraception in basic schools. At 95% confidence intervals, the p-values were not significant for any of the variables tested. However, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) showed positive perceptions among participants aged 35–39 (aOR = 7.24; p = 0.35), women (aOR = 4.22; p = 0.25), higher educated (aOR = 4.32; p = 0.56), work experience between 16 and 20 years (aOR = 6.65; p = 0.96), four or more children (aOR = 6.35; p = 0.96); divorcee (aOR = 10.12; p = 2.92); intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) (aOR = 5.02; p = 2.43); or condoms users (aOR = 7.09; p = 0.32). Negative perceptions were noted among affiliates of other religions compared to Christians (aOR = 0.19; p = 0.01) and subject teachers (aOR = 0.39; p = 0.01). Participants’ perceptions were directly influenced by attitudes toward contraception and knowledge ( p = 0.081). The qualitative findings showed mixed feelings about contraceptive education in basic schools.

Conclusions:

Basic school teachers have challenges with contraceptive education which have implications for comprehensive sex education in Ghanaian basic schools. We recommend a similar study among parents of the pupils and a nationwide study to examine this concept further.
Total intravenous anesthesia management with simultaneous use of remimazolam and propofol: A case series of three patients
Authors: Watanabe Yuki , Obara Shinju , Inoue Satoki
Published: October 2023

Remimazolam is an ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine anesthetic agent. Because of pharmacodynamic interactions in the sedation effect between benzodiazepines and propofol, the combination of remimazolam and propofol may allow for a dose reduction of each agent while providing effective sedation for general anesthesia. We experienced three cases in which general anesthesia was induced with remimazolam and maintained with relatively small doses of remimazolam and propofol target-controlled infusion. In all cases, electroencephalogram changes associated with sedation induced by remimazolam were carefully observed during anesthesia induction before administration of propofol. The time required for recovery from anesthesia was 8–13 min. This is the first report in which remimazolam and propofol were concomitantly used for general anesthesia based on the concept of pharmacodynamic interaction. This anesthetic combination may be beneficial in reducing doses of each anesthetic and avoiding delayed recovery from anesthesia, although further study is needed to confirm this.
Fanconi syndrome with hepatorenal karyomegaly in a young Sphynx cat
Authors: Cˇerná Petra , Botts Michaela M , Williams Maggie , Aboellail Tawfik A , Shropshire Sarah
Published: October 2023

Case summary

A 3-year-old male neutered Sphynx cat was referred for history of chronically increased liver enzymes and lower urinary tract signs that were first reported when the cat was 5 months old. Urine metabolic profile revealed increased amino aciduria and glucosuria despite normoglycemia, suggesting Fanconi syndrome. Urine sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a banding pattern suggestive of primary tubular damage. Serial blood work showed non-regenerative normocytic normochromic anemia, persistently elevated liver enzymes, worsening azotemia and progressive hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Ultrasound revealed irregular kidneys and bilaterally hyperechoic cortices and medullae with a loss of normal corticomedullary distinction. Laparoscopic kidney biopsy revealed a moderate-to-severe chronic interstitial fibrosis with chronic lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, tubular degeneration and atrophy, mild glomerulosclerosis and mild large vascular amyloidosis. Tubular epithelial cell karyomegaly was multifocally evident throughout the kidney. The liver had moderate diffuse zone 1 hepatocellular atrophy, periportal fibrosis, biliary hyperplasia, mild perisinusoidal amyloidosis and hepatocyte karyomegaly in zones 2 and 3. The patient continued to decline and developed polyuria, polydipsia, lethargy and hyporexia irrespective of rigorous management, which failed to curtail the progressive anemia and azotemia. The patient was euthanized 8 months from the onset of clinical signs.

Relevance and novel information

Fanconi syndrome in cats is a rare condition, with most reports occurring secondary to chlorambucil treatment. This is the first known case of Fanconi syndrome occurring with concurrent hepatorenal epithelial karyomegaly in a young Sphynx cat.
Older adults’ exposure to and posting of health-related messages on Facebook by chronic health condition status
Authors: Miller Carrie A. , Schroeder Matthew W. , Guidry Jeanine P.D. , Fuemmeler Bernard F. , Pagoto Sherry
Published: October 2023

Objective

Older adults may be particularly interested in health-related content on Facebook, especially those who have chronic health conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare older adult Facebook users with and without a chronic health condition on their frequency of posting and exposure to health-related content.

Methods

Participants, recruited via Qualtrics, were regular Facebook users aged 50 + years. Participants were asked separately if they had seen, posted, and shared: Health-related information; about others’/their own health behaviors (e.g., exercise); and about others’/their own medical condition. Six logistic regression models, controlling for demographics and Facebook login frequency, were run to assess whether viewing and/or posting health-related messages differed by chronic health condition status.

Results

Respondents ( N = 697; 77.9% female) were on average 61.2 (SD = 7.9) years old and ( n = 625; 89.7%) were White. One-half reported a chronic health condition ( n = 351; 50.4%). In adjusted models, those with a chronic health condition had a higher likelihood of seeing posts containing health information (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.93) and about others’ medical conditions (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.27) at least once a month compared to those with no chronic health conditions. People with and without chronic health conditions did not differ in terms of how often they see others’ post about health behaviors. Those with a chronic health condition had a higher likelihood of posting or sharing health information (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.27), posting about their own health behaviors (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.44; p = 0.048), and about their health condition (OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.27) at least once a month.

Conclusion

Most older adults on Facebook are exposed to and post multiple forms of health-related content. Therefore, Facebook may be an appropriate channel for conducting health-related communication targeting older adults.
Systematic co-development and testing of a digital behaviour change intervention for osteoarthritis and physical activity: Theoretical mapping and acceptability study
Authors: Berry Alice , McCabe Candy S , Muir Sarah , Walsh Nicola
Published: October 2023

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects 8.75 million people in the UK. Physical activity (PA) is recommended as a core treatment, yet nearly half of people with OA are inactive. Accessible and user-friendly interventions are needed to motivate people with OA to be active. Digital behaviour change interventions (DBCIs) might help to support people with OA to self-manage their own levels of PA. The aim of this project was to co-develop and test a DBCI to motivate people with OA to be active.

Methods

A mixed methods design was adopted to build the theoretical foundations, develop, and test a complex DBCI. Two patient research partners with lived experience of OA were recruited onto the project team to assist with intervention development, which was guided by the intervention mapping (IM) approach. Interviews and think-aloud sessions were then used to explore attitudes, values, and perceived effectiveness of the website.

Results

The IM approach enabled the development of a prototype website to be illustrated in a clear and transparent way, showing a link between the practical materials adopted within the website and the theoretical constructs they were attempting to change. Potential users highlighted the importance of clear, easy-to-understand information, focusing on enjoyment and social connectedness.

Conclusions

DBCI development should be based on theory, adequately described, and thoroughly tested with potential users to understand how they might choose to integrate digital interventions into everyday life.
Living to Tell the Tale: A First-Person Chronicle of the Development of the Fontan-Kreutzer Procedure
Authors: Kreutzer Guillermo O. , Lugones Ignacio , Kreutzer Jacqueline , Kreutzer Christian
Published: October 2023

The current surgical approach for patients with a single ventricle is the culmination of decades of dedicated research and groundbreaking innovation. From 1971 to the present day, a series of incremental advancements have significantly extended the life expectancy of these patients. Since the very beginning, Dr Guillermo Kreutzer and his team have pioneered different techniques with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for these individuals. This is, narrated by him, the story of how it all began.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Sport Model: Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Zargar Tayebeh , Rynne Steven
Published: October 2023

A key feature of Iranian sporting clubs is the increased focus on the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). A large number of Iranian sporting clubs are employing CSR initiatives to support specific stakeholders and to leverage their societal positions. Nevertheless, there is limited research that has examined CSR in Iranian sports to guide policy and practice associated with CSR initiatives. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine CSR in the Iranian sports industry so as to support the advancement and evaluation of CSR initiatives in clubs. A developmental orientation was adopted in this qualitative research. Participants were selected using a combination of purposeful and snowball sampling methods. A total of 30 participants were involved including executive managers, university faculty members, and coaches of the Iranian Premier League clubs of Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Futsal, and Handball, as well as members of university sport management faculties. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were used to generate data. Data analysis procedures were conducted in line with the principles of grounded theory and involved open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. In this study, 64 open source codes were identified. Further, the use of the grounded theoretical approach led to the creation of a theoretical model comprised of causal conditions (five categories), contextual conditions (two categories), intervening conditions (six categories), strategies (two categories), and consequences (four categories) that describe the phenomenon of CSR in Iranian sport. Particular attention is given to the five key causal categories that were cultural, social, economic, policy, and institutional in nature. CSR activities were found to have the capacity to impact the promotion of the club through a number of concepts and categories, including fostering trust amongst the public, promoting ethical dimensions through sport, discovering and creating new markets, and attracting supporters. This analysis situated in the Middle East provides a way of considering CSR that is an alternative to the dominant Western approaches.
The Impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation on SMEs’ Performance in a Transitional Economy: The Mediating Role of Differentiation Advantages and Innovation Capability
Authors: Ngo Quang-Huy
Published: October 2023

EO literature suggests that the effects of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on performance is affected by studying context. There is a lack of study executed in transitional economies. In addition, the mediating role of differentiation advantages (DA) and innovation capability (IC) on the relationship between EO and performance remains underexplored. Thus, drawing upon resource-based view and contingency theory, this study examines the mediating effects of DA and IC on this relationship in the contexts of manufacturing SMEs located in Vietnam. A sample of 176 manufacturing SMEs currently operating in Vietnam was analyzed. Partial least square structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that DA and IC fully mediate the relationship between EO and performance. These findings permit four theoretical contributions to the literature. First, this study contributes to the EO literature by examining the effects of EO in a transitional economy as Vietnam. Second, this study also overcomes prior EO studies in term of the operationalization of the performance. Third, this study introduces to EO literature two novel mediators such as DA and IC. Last but not least, this study it also contributes to contingency theory in EO study by addressing mediating rather moderating effects. Regarding to practical implications, managers of manufacturing SMEs should aware that adopting EO is only beneficial to the performance when EO can be used to develop DA and IC.
The Study of Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness in Children With Epilepsy on Anti-Epileptic Drugs
Authors: Nasef Khaled Amin , Elmala Moustafa Kotb , Sayed Ahmed Alsayed Mohamed , Al-shokary Ashraf Hamed , Ibrahim Asmaa Obada , Kamal Naglaa M. , Suliman Hany Abdelaziz , Ismail Nageh Shehata , Sobhi Ahmed , Elshorbagy Hatem Hamed , Abdelnasser Ahmed Maher , Torky Ahmed Abdallah , Abdelghani Waleed Elsayed
Published: October 2023

Objectives. To evaluate carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and lipid profile in children with epilepsy on long-term antiepileptic drug (AED) monotherapy. Methods. We included 60 children with epilepsy receiving valproate, carbamazepine, or levetiracetam monotherapy and 60 controls. A high-resolution B-mode ultrasound was used to measure (CIMT). Measurement of serum lipids was done. Results. Patients on valproate (0.44 ± 0.03, P ≤ .001), carbamazepine (0.43 ± 0.03with P ≤ .001), and levetiracetam (0.44 ± 0.02 with P ≤ .001) monotherapy showed significantly higher CIMT compared to controls. CIMT was correlated with age ( P = .041, r = .112) AEDs{valproate ( P = .005, r = .731), carbamazepine ( P = .038, r = .365), and levetiracetam ( P = .036, r = .155)}, duration of treatment ( P = .001, r = .313), TC( P = .001, r = .192), TG ( P = .014, r = .018), and LDL ( P = .001, r = .219). HDL ( P = .003, r = −.126). Seizure severity and Apo A1 were insignificantly involved. Conclusion. Long-term monotherapy with valproate, carbamazepine, and levetiracetam in epileptic children was associated with significant abnormalities in CIMT.
Characterization of color variation in bamboo sheath of Chimonobambusa hejiangensis by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and RNA sequencing
Authors: Yu Lei , Yue Jinjun , Dai Yaxing , Zhang Ling , Wang Qiu , Yuan Jinling
Published: October 2023

Background

Chimonobambusa hejiangensis (C.hejiangensis) is a high-quality bamboo species native to China, known for its shoots that are a popular nutritional food. Three C.hejiangensis cultivars exhibit unique color variation in their shoot sheaths, however, the molecular mechanism behind this color change remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated flavonoid accumulation in the three bamboo cultivar sheaths using metabolomics and transcriptomics.

Results

UPLC-MS/MS identified 969 metabolites, with 187, 103, and 132 having differential accumulation in the yellow-sheath (YShe) vs. spot-sheath (SShe)/black-sheath (BShe) and SShe vs. BShe comparison groups. Flavonoids were the major metabolites that determined bamboo sheath color through differential accumulation of metabolites (DAMs) analysis. Additionally, there were 33 significantly differentially expressed flavonoid structural genes involved in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway based on transcriptome data. We conducted a KEGG analysis on DEGs and DAMs, revealing significant enrichment of phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. Using gene co-expression network analysis, we identified nine structural genes and 29 transcription factors strongly linked to anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Conclusion

We identified a comprehensive regulatory network for flavonoid biosynthesis which should improve our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms responsible for color variation and flavonoid biosynthesis in bamboo sheaths.
The effectiveness of walking exercise on the bowel preparation before colonoscopy: a single blind randomized clinical trial study
Authors: Rezamand Gholamreza , Joukar Farahnaz , Amini-Salehi Ehsan , Delam Hamed , Zare Reza , Samadi Alireza , Mavadati Sara , Hassanipour Soheil , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim

Bowel preparation is a crucial factor affecting the diagnostic accuracy of colonoscopy, and few randomized control trials evaluated enhancement in bowel preparation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of walking exercises on bowel preparation before a colonoscopy procedure.

Methods

The present study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial involving 262 patients scheduled for colonoscopy procedures. These patients were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group (n = 131) and a control group (n = 131). In the intervention group, participants followed a predetermined plan that included the consumption of specific liquids and foods, bisacodyl pills, polyethylene glycol powder, and a regimen of walking exercises in preparation for their colonoscopy. Conversely, individuals in the control group followed the same regimen but were not instructed to engage in walking exercises. On the day of the colonoscopy, both groups were assessed for their level of physical activity using a foot counter. Additionally, an experienced gastroenterologist evaluated and compared the bowel preparation between the two groups using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS).

Results

The number of footsteps recorded in the two groups exhibited a significant difference (P < 0.001). Although there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of mean BBPS scores (6.26 ± 1.9 vs. 6.29 ± 1.9, P = 0.416), individuals who took more than 6900 steps had significantly higher BBPS scores compared to those with fewer than 6900 footsteps (6.62 ± 1.8 vs. 5.92 ± 1.9, P = 0.003).In the univariate analysis, BBPS was found to be significantly associated with individuals under the age of 50 (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.30–4.61, P = 0.006) and smoking status (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.17–0.94, P = 0.043). In the multivariate analysis, the relationship between BBPS and age below 50 and smoking remained significant (OR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.30–4.70, P = 0.005, and OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.93, P = 0.034, respectively).

Conclusion

A higher number of footsteps taken especially more than 6900 can significantly enhance bowel preparation; however, walking exercise as an intervention before colonoscopy is not significantly associated with BBPS. Also, older people and smokers seem to have fewer benefits from walking exercises for bowel preparation.

Trial registration

ISRCTN32724024 (Registration date:22/08/2018).
Peer support meeting of people with dementia: a qualitative descriptive analysis of the discussions
Authors: Miyamae Fumiko , Sugiyama Mika , Taga Tsutomu , Okamura Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2023

Background

Dementia cafés for people with dementia and their caregivers are promoted in national dementia policies. The effect of dementia cafés on people with dementia has been reported through narratives of caregivers who participated the dementia cafés. However, evidence derived from the data, which included only people with dementia, is sparse. The aim of this study is to analyze the narratives of people with dementia in peer support meetings in Tokyo where only people with dementia participate, i.e., caregivers were not present.

Methods

People with dementia and older people with subjective cognitive impairment were recruited in our community-based participatory research centre. Based on the qualitative descriptive approach, we conducted a thematic analysis of the field notes, which was made through ethnographical observation of the meetings.

Results

Twenty-five meetings were held from November 2018 to March 2020. The cumulative total number of participants was 196. First, the symptomatic problems related to living with dementia were mentioned, which were collectively named under the overarching category of ‘Experience of living with dementia.’ Second, questions and solutions to the various symptoms were discussed, which were named the ‘Quest of Symptoms.’ Third, we noted the narrative that reflected on daily life, feelings, and the life that one has led, which were named ‘Life story.’ Fourth, we noted narratives of how symptoms have improved and their world has expanded, which were named ‘Hope.’ Fifth and most importantly, narratives about compassion for people with dementia in the past and future, as well as for people of the same generation, were discussed, which were named ‘Compassion.’

Conclusions

The lived experiences of people with dementia were revealed. Participants noted they were not just being cared for but exchanging information and exploring the symptoms; in other words, they were resilient. Furthermore, more positive aspects concerning living with dementia were discussed, such as ‘Hope’ and ‘Compassion.’ Further research concerning the discourse of people around the participants is necessary to evaluate the situation from multiple perspectives.
Epidemiological characteristics and spatio-temporal analysis of brucellosis in Shandong province, 2015–2021
Authors: Yu Xiaolin , Fang Ming , Li Yan , Yu Jianmei , Cheng Lixiao , Ding Shujun , Kou Zengqiang
Published: October 2023

Background

Brucellosis is one of the major public health problems in China, it not only causes huge economic losses to the society, but also threatens the human’s physical and mental health. The reported cases of brucellosis in Shandong province were at a high level, therefore, it is necessary for us to understand the epidemic characteristics and distribution trend of Brucellosis in Shandong province. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics and spatial clustering characteristics of brucellosis in Shandong Province, provide a reference for the scientific prevention and control.

Methods

Human brucellosis data in Shandong province from 2015 to 2021 were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, the data were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods, spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatial-temporal cluster analysis methods use ArcGIS and SaTScan software, the results were presented in ArcMap.

Results

A total of 22,251 human cases of brucellosis were reported, the annual incidence ranged between 2.41/100,000 and 4.07/100,000 from 2015 to 2021 in Shandong province, incidence has been decreasing year by year, while there was a significant increase in 2021. The distribution of brucellosis was of a seasonal trend, mainly concentrating during March to August. The age of the cases was mainly concentrated in the 30–74 age ranges, the average annual incidence rate was significantly higher in males than in females. The spatial analysis showed that the epidemics were mainly concentrated in the north and southwest. For the spatial autocorrelation analysis, a high global autocorrelation was observed at the county level, and the high–high clusters mainly distributed in the north and southwest region. For the spatio-temporal scanning, the most likely cluster areas mainly distributed in the north area, and then gradually moved southward, and the radius of clustered narrowed.

Conclusions

Human brucellosis remains a common challenge, particularly in northern region in spring and summer. More disease prevention and control measures should be taken in high-risk populations, and such higher-risk susceptible areas to reduce the incidence of brucellosis and ensure the health of the people.
Effects of posterior staphyloma on choroidal structure in myopic adults: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Zhuo-hua , Xiong Pian-pian , Sun Jiao , Wang Yan-ling , Wang Jia-lin
Published: October 2023

Background

Studies on the choroid of myopic eyes with posterior staphyloma have shown that choroidal thickness decreased. This retrospective study further analysed the effects of posterior scleral staphyloma on choroidal blood vessels and matrix components compared to non-pathological myopia.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, ninety-one eyes were divided into pathological (posterior staphyloma) and non-pathological myopia. The latter was further divided into three groups (Group 1: 26 mm ≤ axial length; Group 2: 24 mm ≤ axial length < 26 mm; Group 3: 22 mm ≤ axial length < 24 mm). Choroidal thickness, total choroidal area, luminal area, stromal area, and choroidal vascularity index were calculated.

Results

The CVI in N1, N2, I1, S2 of the posterior staphyloma group were lower than those of group 1 (both P < 0.05). The mean height of posterior staphyloma was associated with mean CT (Pearson correlation: r = -0.578, P = 0.039) but not with the mean CVI in posterior staphyloma group. In all groups, the mean choroidal thickness, total choroidal area, luminal area, and stromal area were significantly associated with axial length (P < 0.001), and the mean choroidal vascularity index was significantly associated with the mean choroidal thickness (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The choroidal structure of pathological myopia with posterior staphyloma and non-pathological myopia with longer axial length demonstrates alterations in which choroidal vessels are more impaired than the stroma. A lower choroidal vascularity index should be alert to pathological changes for myopia with axial length > 26 mm.
Validation of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in a Moroccan sample with substance use disorder
Authors: El-Ammari Abdelfettah , El Malki Hicham , Moutawakkil Salma Ghofrane , El Hilaly Jaouad , El Houari Fatima , El Gnaoui Samir , Ragala Mohammed El Amine , El Rhazi Karima , Zarrouq Btissame
Published: October 2023

Background

Transcultural validation studies of depression scales are rare in Morocco. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is commonly one of the most common and frequently used screening instruments for depressive symptoms, but the scale has not, up to date, been validated in dialect of Arabic in Moroccan contexts. Given the importance of assessing and preventing depressive symptoms in our Moroccan context, this study aims to validate the CES-D, translated, and adapted to the dialect of Arabic and Moroccan culture, in a sample with substance use disorder.

Methods

The data were analyzed in two successive phases. First, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to assess the factor structure in the pilot sample (N = 140). Then, this structure was confirmed in the validation sample (N = 205) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results

Exploratory factor analysis extracted three factors different from the four factors in the original version. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the structure of three factors. The fit indices level showed acceptable to good performance of the measurement model. The instrument showed sufficient reliability and convergent validity, as demonstrated by acceptable values of composite reliability (CR = 0.89–0.93) and average variance extracted (AVE = 0.64–0.66), respectively. The square roots of AVE were higher than factor-factor pairs correlations, and the Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio (HTMT) of correlations values was less than 0.85, indicating acceptable discriminant validity.

Conclusions

Overall reliability and both convergent and discriminant validity tests indicated that the Moroccan dialectal Arabic version of the CES-D had a good performance and may serve as a valid tool for measuring the severity of depression in people with substance use disorder.
The association between polluted fuel use and self-reported insomnia symptoms among middle-aged and elderly Indian adults: a cross-sectional study based on LASI, wave 1
Authors: Leng Siqi , Jin Yuming , Vitiello Michael V. , Zhang Ye , Ren Rong , Lu Lin , Shi Jie , Tang Xiangdong
Published: October 2023

Background

Insomnia predisposes the aging population to reduced quality of life and poor mental and physical health. Evidence of the association between polluted fuel use and insomnia symptoms is limited and is non-existent for the Indian population. Our study aimed to explore the link between polluted fuel use and insomnia symptoms in middle-aged and older (≥ 45 years) Indian populations.

Methods

We utilized data from nationally representative Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) Wave 1. Participants with complete information on fuel use, insomnia symptoms, and covariates were included. Insomnia symptoms were indicated by the presence of at least one of three symptoms: difficulty in initiating sleep (DIS), difficulty in maintaining sleep (DMS), or early morning awakening (EMA), ≥ 5 times/week. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between polluted fuel use and insomnia symptoms. We also assessed the interaction of association in subgroups of age, gender, BMI, drinking, and smoking status.

Results

Sixty thousand five hundred fifteen participants met the eligibility criteria. Twenty-eight thousand two hundred thirty-six (weighted percentage 48.04%) used polluted fuel and 5461 (weighted percentage 9.90%) reported insomnia symptoms. After full adjustment, polluted fuel use was associated with insomnia symptoms (OR 1.16; 95%CI 1.08–1.24) and was linked with DIS, DMS, and EMA (OR 1.14; 95%CI 1.05–1.24, OR 1.12; 95%CI 1.03–1.22, and OR 1.15; 95%CI 1.06–1.25, respectively). No significant interactions for polluted fuel use and insomnia symptoms were observed for analyses stratified by age, sex, BMI, drinking, or smoking.

Conclusions

Polluted fuel use was positively related to insomnia symptoms among middle-aged and older Indians. Suggestions are offered within this article for further studies to confirm our results, to explore underlying mechanisms, and to inform intervention strategies.