bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated multi-omics analyses and functional validation reveal TTK as a novel EMT activator for endometrial cancer
Authors: Miao Yu , Konno Yosuke , Wang Baojin , Zhu Lin , Zhai Tianyue , Ihira Kei , Kobayashi Noriko , Watari Hidemichi , Jin Xin , Yue Junming , Dong Peixin , Fang Mingyan
Published: February 2023

Background

Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are often expressed in tumor and testicular tissues but not in other normal tissues. To date, there has been no comprehensive study of the expression and clinical significance of CTA genes associated with endometrial cancer (EC) development. Additionally, the clinical relevance, biological role, and molecular mechanisms of the CTA gene TTK protein kinase (TTK) in EC are yet to be fully understood.

Methods

Using bioinformatics methods, we comprehensively investigated the genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic changes associated with aberrant TTK overexpression in EC samples from the TCGA database. We further investigated the mechanisms of the lower survival associated with TTK dysregulation using single-cell data of EC samples from the GEO database. Cell functional assays were used to confirm the biological roles of TTK in EC cells.

Results

We identified 80 CTA genes that were more abundant in EC than in normal tissues, and high expression of TTK was significantly linked with lower survival in EC patients. Furthermore, ROC analysis revealed that TTK could accurately distinguish stage I EC tissues from benign endometrial samples, suggesting that TTK has the potential to be a biomarker for early EC detection. We found TTK overexpression was more prevalent in EC patients with high-grade, advanced tumors, serous carcinoma, and TP53 alterations. Furthermore, in EC tissue, TTK expression showed a strong positive correlation with EMT-related genes. With single-cell transcriptome data, we identified a proliferative cell subpopulation with high expression of TTK and known epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes and transcription factors. When proliferative cells were grouped according to TTK expression levels, the overexpressed genes in the TTKhigh group were shown to be functionally involved in the control of chemoresistance. Utilizing shRNA to repress TTK expression in EC cells resulted in substantial decreases in cell proliferation, invasion, EMT, and chemoresistance. Further research identified microRNA-21 (miR-21) as a key downstream regulator of TTK-induced EMT and chemoresistance. Finally, the TTK inhibitor AZ3146 was effective in reducing EC cell growth and invasion and enhancing the apoptosis of EC cells generated by paclitaxel.

Conclusion

Our findings establish the clinical significance of TTK as a new biomarker for EC and an as-yet-unknown carcinogenic function. This present study proposes that the therapeutic targeting of TTK might provide a viable approach for the treatment of EC.
Chronic kidney disease promotes cerebral microhemorrhage formation
Authors: Fang Chuo , Lau Wei Ling , Sun Jiahong , Chang Rudy , Vallejo Adrian , Lee Donghy , Liu Jihua , Liu Han , Hung Yu-Han , Zhao Yitong , Paganini-Hill Annlia , Sumbria Rachita K. , Cribbs David H. , Fisher Mark
Published: February 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly recognized as a stroke risk factor, but its exact relationship with cerebrovascular disease is not well-understood. We investigated the development of cerebral small vessel disease using in vivo and in vitro models of CKD.

Methods

CKD was produced in aged C57BL/6J mice using an adenine-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis model. We analyzed brain histology using Prussian blue staining to examine formation of cerebral microhemorrhage (CMH), the hemorrhagic component of small vessel disease and the neuropathological substrate of MRI-demonstrable cerebral microbleeds. In cell culture studies, we examined effects of serum from healthy or CKD patients and gut-derived uremic toxins on brain microvascular endothelial barrier.

Results

CKD was induced in aged C57BL/6J mice with significant increases in both serum creatinine and cystatin C levels (p < 0.0001) without elevation of systolic or diastolic blood pressure. CMH was significantly increased and positively correlated with serum creatinine level (Spearmanr = 0.37,p < 0.01). Moreover, CKD significantly increased Iba-1-positive immunoreactivity by 51% (p < 0.001), induced a phenotypic switch from resting to activated microglia, and enhanced fibrinogen extravasation across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) by 34% (p < 0.05). On analysis stratified by sex, the increase in CMH number was more pronounced in male mice and this correlated with greater creatinine elevation in male compared with female mice. Microglial depletion with PLX3397 diet significantly decreased CMH formation in CKD mice without affecting serum creatinine levels. Incubation of CKD serum significantly reduced transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) (p < 0.01) and increased sodium fluorescein permeability (p < 0.05) across the endothelial monolayer. Uremic toxins (i.e., indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate, and trimethylamine-N-oxide) in combination with urea and lipopolysaccharide induced a marked drop in TEER compared with the control group (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

CKD promotes the development of CMH in aged mice independent of blood pressure but directly proportional to the degree of renal impairment. These effects of CKD are likely mediated in part by microglia and are associated with BBB impairment. The latter is likely related to gut-derived bacteria-dependent toxins classically associated with CKD. Overall, these findings demonstrate an important role of CKD in the development of cerebral small vessel disease.
Bifocal versus trifocal bone transport for the management of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Kai , Zhang Hongyan , Maimaiti Xiayimaierdan , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: February 2023

Background

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and outcomes of bifocal bone transport (BFT) and trifocal bone transport (TFT) for the treatment of tibial bone defects caused by fracture-related infection (FRI).

Methods

The literature searches of Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar databases, PubMed/Medline, and Web of Science for literature published up to September 20, 2022, were performed. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the MINORS scale. Patients were divided into the BFT group and the TFT group, depending on the site of the osteotomy. The demographic data, defect size (DS), external fixation time (EFT), external fixation index (EFI), bone and functional results, complications, and autologous bone grafting (ABG) were extracted and analyzed using the Review Manager software (version 5.3).

Results

Five studies included 484 patients with tibial bone defects treated by bone transport investigated in this meta-analysis, with a mean bone defect of 9.3 cm. There were statistical differences in DS (MD =  − 2.38, 95% CI − 3.45 to − 1.32, P < 0.0001), EFT (MD = 103.44, 95% CI 60.11 to 146.77, P < 0.00001), and EFI (MD = 26.02, 95% CI 14.38 to 37.65, P < 0.00001) between BFT group and TFT group. There was no statistical difference in bone results (RR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.06, P = 0.67), functional results (RR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.07, P = 0.37), complications (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 0.59 to 4.14, P = 0.36), and ABG (RR = 1.2, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.84, P = 0.42) between two groups.

Conclusions

TFT was a feasible and practical method in the treatment of massive tibial bone defects caused by FRI to receive shorter EFT and satisfactory bone and functional results.
Maternal separation and TNBS-induced gut inflammation synergistically alter the sexually differentiated stress response in rats
Authors: Hasegawa Ryoko , Saito-Nakaya Kumi , Gu Li , Kanazawa Motoyori , Fukudo Shin
Published: February 2023

Background

Neonatal maternal separation (MS) has been used to model long-lasting changes in behavior caused by neuroplastic changes associated with exposure to early-life stress. Earlier studies showed that transient gut inflammation can influence the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A prevailing paradigm of the etiology of IBS is that transient noxious events lead to long-lasting sensitization of the neural pain circuit, despite complete resolution of the initiating event. This study characterizes the changes in behaviors and neuroendocrine parameters after MS and early-phase trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. We tested the hypothesis that MS and gut inflammation synergistically induce (1) hyperactivity in male rats and anxiety-like behaviors in female rats and (2) activation of the HPA axis in female rats and deactivation of the HPA axis in male rats after colorectal distention (CRD).

Methods

Male and female rat pups were separated from their dams for 180 min daily from postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 14 (MS). Early-phase colitis was induced by colorectal administration with TNBS on PND 8. The elevated plus-maze test was performed at 7 weeks. Tonic CRD was performed at 60 mmHg for 15 min at 8 weeks. Plasma ACTH and serum corticosterone were measured at baseline or after the CRD. Analysis of variance was performed for comparison among controls, TNBS, MS, and MS + TNBS.

Results

In male rats, the time spent in open arms significantly differed among the groups (p < 0.005). The time spent in open arms in male MS + TNBS rats was significantly higher than that of controls (p < 0.009) or TNBS rats (p < 0.031, post hoc test). Female rats showed no difference in the time spent in open arms among the groups. MS and gut inflammation induced an increase in plasma ACTH in female rats but not in male rats at baseline.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that MS and gut inflammation synergistically induce hyperactive behavior or exaggerated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function depending on sex.
Association between self-rated depressive symptoms and mucosal expression of NF-κ B in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Staab Julia , Vonhören Lara , Schwörer Harald , Meyer Thomas
Published: February 2023

Background

Previous clinical studies have reported elevated levels of depressive symptoms in selected samples of patients with gastritis. The objective of this study was to examine the associations of specific biomarkers of inflammation expressed in mucosal tissue from the stomach with mood and anxiety symptoms in adult patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods

In this monocentric, observational study, a total of 32 study participants were included who were referred for a routine diagnostic upper endoscopic assessment based on the suspected clinical diagnosis of gastritis. All participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before undergoing gastroscopy. Immunohistochemical stainings from biopsy sections were performed to evaluate the expression level of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κ B), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).

Results

Our findings confirmed that nearly half of the study cohort (n = 13; 41%) displayed positive HADS depression scores above the clinically relevant cut-off level of ≥ 8. Regression models demonstrated that depressive symptoms were significantly and positively associated with the expression level of NF-κ B in biopsies from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusions

In summary, our study showed a significant association between NF-κ B expression and clinically relevant depressive symptoms in patients with gastritis, as assessed by a self-rated psychometric questionnaire. Further investigations are needed to confirm this relationship and to identify the pathophysiological mechanisms involved.
Effects of Ving Tsun sticking-hand training on lower limb sensorimotor performance among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fong Shirley S. M. , Chung Louisa M. Y. , Yam Timothy T. T. , Chung Joanne W. Y. , Bae Young-Hyeon , Gao Yang , Chan Jessie S. M. , Wang Hsing-Kuo
Published: February 2023

Background

To explore the effects of Ving Tsun (VT) sticking-hand training on knee joint proprioception and leg muscular performance among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

Thirty-three middle-aged and older adults were randomly assigned to either the VT or control group. The VT group received sticking-hand training twice/week for 3 months. Data were collected before and after the intervention period. The primary outcome was knee joint repositioning error, which was measured using knee joint active repositioning tests. The secondary outcomes included the maximum muscle strength and time to maximum muscle strength of the major leg muscles.

Results

No significant group, time, or group-by-time interaction effects were found for the knee joint repositioning error (p > 0.05). The maximum muscle strength of the knee flexors increased over time in the VT group only (p = 0.038). In addition, the time to maximum muscle strength in the hip extensors and flexors increased over time in both groups (p < 0.05). For the knee extensors and flexors, the time to maximum muscle strength increased in the control (p = 0.027) and VT (p = 0.019) groups, respectively, over time.

Conclusions

VT sticking-hand training could improve the maximum muscle strength of the knee flexors but could not attenuate the age-related deterioration in leg muscle contraction speed nor improve knee joint proprioception among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03318289. Registered on 23 October 2017.
Efficiency of probiotics in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery for postoperative cognitive dysfunction: a study protocol for a multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyi , Chen Yuwen , Tang Ying , Zhang Yizhe , Zhang Xiao , Su Diansan
Published: February 2023

Background

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) refers to a neurological dysfunction after a major surgery and anesthesia. It is common in elderly patients and is characterized by impairment in consciousness, orientation, thinking, memory, and executive function after surgical anesthesia. However, at present, there is no definite preventive or treatable strategy for it. Previous animal experiments showed that giving probiotics to mice before operation can prevent POCD, but there is a lack of clinical evidence. This study aims to intervene with the intestinal flora imbalance using probiotics during the perioperative period to reduce the incidence of POCD in elderly patients after orthopedic surgery and to provide new ideas and methods for the clinical prevention and treatment of POCD.

Methods

A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will be performed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Participants (n = 220) will receive probiotics (Peifeikang, Live Combined Bifidobacterium, 210 mg per capsule, twice a day, four capsules each time, which contains Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus faecalis no less than 1.0 × 107 CFU viable bacteria respectively) or placebo from 1 day before surgery to 6 days after surgery. Neuropsychological tests will be performed 1 day before surgery and 1 week and 1 month after surgery. The main outcome of this study is the incidence of POCD 7 days after surgery. Our secondary objective is to assess the incidence of POCD 1 month after surgery; the cognitive status will be determined based on a telephone interview and will be evaluated via TICS-m; postoperative delirium will be assessed 7 days after surgery using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM).

Discussion

Discovering the correlation between the intestinal microbiota and POCD is an important breakthrough. Based on the key role of the intestinal microbiota in other cognitive disorders, we hope that probiotics can reduce its incidence in elderly orthopedic patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04017403. Registered on August 15, 2019.
Esketamine combined with pregabalin on acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing resection of spinal neoplasms: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sun Wanchen , Wang Juan , Wang Jing , Fan Jingyi , Zhou Yang , Wang Yunzhen , Han Ruquan
Published: February 2023

Background

Perioperative pain management is one of the most challenging issues for patients with spinal neoplasms. Inadequate postoperative analgesia usually leads to severe postsurgical pain, which could cause patients to suffer from many other related complications. Meanwhile, there is no appropriate analgesic strategy for patients with spinal neoplasms.

Methods/design

This is a protocol for a randomized double-blind controlled trial to evaluate the effect of esketamine combined with pregabalin on postsurgical pain in spinal surgery. Patients aged 18 to 65 years scheduled for spinal neoplasm resection will be randomly allocated into the combined and control groups in a 1:1 ratio. In the combined group, esketamine will be given during the during the surgery procedure until 48-h postoperative period, and pregabalin will be taken from 2 h before the surgery to 2 weeks postoperatively. The control group will receive normal saline and placebo capsules at the same time points. Both groups received a background analgesic regimen by using patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (containing 100 μg sufentanil and 16 mg ondansetron) until 2 days after surgery. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of this trial, all the researchers and patients will be blinded until the completion of this study. The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients with acute moderate-to-severe postsurgical pain (visual analog scale, VAS ≥ 40, range: 0–100, with 0, no pain; 100, the worst pain) during the 48-h postoperative period. The secondary outcomes will include the maximal VAS scores (when the patients felt the most intense pain over the last 24 h before being interviewed) at 0–2 h, 2–24 h, 24–48 h, and 48–72 h after leaving the operating room and 24 h before discharge; the incidence of acute moderate-to-severe postsurgical pain at each other time point; chronic postsurgical pain assessment; neuropathic pain assessment; and the incidence of drug-related adverse events and other postoperative complications, such as postoperative delirium and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Discussion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of esketamine combined with pregabalin on acute postsurgical pain in patients undergoing resection of spinal neoplasms. The safety of this perioperative pain management strategy will also be examined.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05096468. Registered on October 27, 2021
Microsatellite profiling of hosts from parasite-extracted DNA illustrated with raccoons (Procyon lotor) and their Baylisascaris procyonis roundworms
Authors: Frantz Alain C. , Lippert Stéphanie , Heddergott Mike
Published: February 2023

Background

Important information on movement pathways and introduction routes of invasive parasites can be obtained by comparing the genetic makeup of an invader with its spatial genetic structure in other distribution areas. Sometimes, the population genetic structure of the host might be more informative than that of the parasite itself, and it is important to collect tissue samples of both host and parasite. However, host tissue samples are frequently not available for analysis. We aimed to test whether it is possible to generate reliable microsatellite profiles of host individuals by amplifying DNA extracted from a nematode parasite, using the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) as a test case.

Methods

Between 2020 and 2021, we collected tissue as well as a single roundworm each from 12 raccoons from central Germany. Both the raccoon and the roundworm DNA extracts were genotyped using 17 raccoon-specific microsatellite loci. For each roundworm DNA extract, we performed at least eight amplification reactions per microsatellite locus.

Results

We extracted amplifiable raccoon DNA from all 12 roundworms. We obtained at least two amplification products for 186 of the 204 possible genotypes. Altogether 1077 of the 1106 genotypes (97.4%) matched the host-DNA derived reference genotypes and thus did not contain genotyping errors. Nine of the 12 roundworm-derived genetic profiles matched the reference profiles from the raccoon hosts, with one additional genetic profile containing genotyping errors at a single locus. The remaining two genetic profiles were deemed unsuitable for downstream analysis because of genotyping errors and/or a high proportion of missing data.

Conclusions

We showed that reliable microsatellite-based genetic profiles of host individuals can be obtained by amplifying DNA extracted from a parasitic nematode. Specifically, the approach can be applied to reconstruct invasion pathways of roundworms when samples of the raccoon hosts are lacking. Further research should assess whether this method can be replicated in smaller species of parasitic nematodes and other phyla of parasites more generally.

Graphical Abstract
The high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and curcumin supplementation can positively regulate the autophagy pathway in myocardial cells of STZ-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Sadeghi Samira , Delphan Maryam , Shams Masoumeh , Esmaeili Fataneh , Shanaki-Bavarsad Mahsa , Shanaki Mehrnoosh
Published: February 2023

Objective

Targeting autophagy is a new therapeutic strategy for the complications of diabetes,such as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). During diabetes, increased or insufficient autophagic activity causes aberrations in cellular homeostasis. Regarding the conflicting and unclear results regarding the effect of HIIT and curcumin supplementation on the expression of genes associated to autophagy, this study aimed to assess whether 4-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and curcumin supplementation are able to influence the expression of autophagy-related genes in myocardial cells of diabetic rats.

Methods

In an experimental design, 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: non-diabetic control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetes + HIIT (D + HIIT), and diabetes + curcumin (D + CU). After HIIT program and curcumin treatment, the genes expression of autophagy pathway were assessed in the myocardium by real-time PCR Tanique.

Results

The results indicated that the expression levels of ATG1, Beclin1, ATG5, and LAMP-2 genes were significantly reduced in the DC group compared to the NC group (p < 0.001). Following 4-week HIIT, the expression of Beclin1, ATG-5, and LAMP-2 improved considerably compared to the DC group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, after 4 weeks of curcumin supplementation, the expression levels of ATG-5 and Beclin-1 were significantly improved compared to the DC group (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). It seems HIIT and curcumin supplementation can be an effective approach for inducing autophagy and improving cardiac function in DCM rats.However, HIIT seems more effective than curcumin in this regard.
Physicochemical and nanomedicine applications of phyto-reduced erbium oxide (Er2O3) nanoparticles
Authors: Mohamed Hamza Elsayed Ahmad , Khalil Ali Talha , Hkiri Khaoula , Ayaz Muhammad , Abbasi Jamil Anwar , Sadiq Abdul , Ullah Farhat , Nawaz Asif , Ullah Ikram , Maaza Malik
Published: February 2023

Hyphaene thebaica fruits were used for the fabrication of spherical erbium oxide nanoparticles (HT-Er2O3 NPS) using a one-step simple bioreduction process. XRD pattern revealed a highly crystalline and pure phase with crystallite size of ~ 7.5 nm, whereas, the W–H plot revealed crystallite size of 11 nm. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic Er-O atomic vibrations in the fingerprint region. Bandgap was obtained as 5.25 eV using K-M function. The physicochemical and morphological nature was established using Raman spectroscopy, reflectance spectroscopy, SAED and HR-TEM. HT-Er2O3 NPS were further evaluated for antidiabetic potential in mice using in-vivo and in-vitro bioassays. The synthesized HT-Er2O3 NPS were screened for in vitro anti-diabetic potentials against α-glucosidase enzyme and α-amylase enzyme and their antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH free radical assay. A dose dependent inhibition was obtained against α-glucosidase (IC50 12 μg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50 78 μg/mL) while good DPPH free radical scavenging potential (IC50 78 μg mL−1) is reported. At 1000 μg/mL, the HT-Er2O3 NPS revealed 90.30% and 92.30% inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. HT-Er2O3 NPs treated groups were observed to have better glycemic control in diabetic animals (503.66 ± 5.92*** on day 0 and 185.66 ± 2.60*** on day 21) when compared with positive control glibenclamide treated group. Further, HT-Er2O3 NPS therapy for 21 days caused a considerable effect on serum total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL as compared to untreated diabetic group. In conclusion, our preliminary findings on HT-Er2O3 NPS revealed considerable antidiabetic potential and thus can be an effective candidate for controlling the post-prandial hyperglycemia. However, further studies are encouraged especially taking into consideration the toxicity aspects of the nanomaterial.
From brick-and-mortar to livestream shopping: product information acquisition from the uncertainty reduction perspective
Authors: Hwang Joohye , Youn Song-yi
Published: February 2023

This study investigates how livestream fashion shopping is associated with brick-and-mortar shopping, focusing on product uncertainty, and examines livestreaming’s role in reducing product uncertainty and promoting consumers’ purchase intention by adopting the Uncertainty reduction theory (URT). The study identifies the three product information sources (i.e., product demonstration, interaction with the seller, and other viewers’ reviews) that consumers use in livestream shopping via uncertainty-reducing strategies. PLS results (n = 292) indicate that consumers who rely on salespeople’s assistance as a product information source in brick-and-mortar shopping showed a positive perception of the two product information sources—interaction with the seller and other viewers’ reviews—in livestream shopping. The seller’s product demonstration played a significant role in reducing product uncertainty and subsequently affected purchase intention, while the other two information sources (i.e., interaction with the seller and other viewers’ reviews) affected the purchase intention directly. The findings extend the URT to improve our understanding of consumer information attainment in the livestream shopping context and exemplify a promising future for livestream fashion shopping by investigating its features that can potentially substitute for the brick-and-mortar shopping experience. Future studies can include motivational factors (i.e., service and/or technical barriers) in the model.
Impact of CO2 emission on life expectancy in India: an autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) bound test approach
Authors: Das Sujoy , Debanth Avijit
Published: February 2023

As a developing country, one of the important objectives of India is to accelerate economic growth. This has a considerable impact on CO2emission. Life expectancy has a probable connection with CO2emission in two opposite ways. Given technological status, more CO2emission consequents upon more production of output and higher income level which is likely to affect the life expectancy of people in a positive way. Conversely, CO2emission is one of the important air pollutants that may reduce the span of human life. This paper aims to investigate the net impact of CO2on life expectancy in India. Furthermore, the study seeks to search whether India has surpassed the optimal limit of CO2emission in relation to life expectancy. Using World Bank time series data for the period 1991–2018 and applying ARDL cointegration technique, the study concludes the existence of a long-run and quadratic relationship between life expectancy and CO2emission. The study finds that India has already surpassed its optimal atmospheric concentration of CO2and thereby suggests adopting CO2reduction strategies.
Congenital anterior urethral diverticulum in children: case series and review of the literature
Authors: Piplani Rajat , Acharya Samir K. , Bagga Deepak
Published: February 2023

Background

Congenital anterior urethral diverticulum (CAUD) is a rare condition in children. This condition can present at any age; however, it is more commonly identified in infants and older children. The patient may present with difficulty in micturition, dribbling of urine, poor urinary stream, or urinary tract infection. Children with large anterior urethral diverticulum with poor spongiosal support may also complain of cystic ventral penile swelling during micturition.

Methods

In this series, we report seven such cases of congenital anterior urethral diverticulum treated over a period of 12 years (2008–2020). All cases presented to the Pediatric Surgery Department with dysuria, dribbling of urine, recurrent urinary tract infection, and/or fluctuant ventral penile swelling. They were further evaluated with retrograde urethrography with micturating cysto-urethrogram and cysto-urethroscopy.

Results

Three cases had anterior urethral valves that were managed by cystoscopic fulguration of valves. Surprisingly, all these three cases had concomitant posterior urethral valves, while the other four cases presented with relatively larger and saccular anterior urethral diverticulum required excision of the diverticulum and primary urethral reconstruction.

Conclusions

The cases with congenital anterior urethral diverticulum secondary to anterior urethral valves may also be associated with posterior urethral valves as seen in our case series. Surgeons should be aware of this association, and both valves should be fulgurated in the same sitting. A larger and saccular anterior urethral diverticulum requires excision and urethroplasty as a definitive procedure.
Age-Dependent and Body Composition–Dependent Association of Child Gut Microbial Enterotype With Puberty Timing: A Chinese Cohort
Authors: Xu Yujie , Xiong Jingyuan , Shan Shufang , Wang Xiaoyu , He Fang , Cheng Guo
Published: February 2023

Context

Puberty timing, which is vital for adult well-being, has recently been suggested to be linked to specific gut taxa. However, the impact of comprehensive gut microbiome structure assessed by enterotype on puberty timing remains unknown.

Objective

Investigate the prospective association of gut microbial enterotype with puberty timing and the potential interaction of age and body composition.

Methods

This study included 1826 children from the Chinese Adolescent Cohort Study, a cohort that has collected information on sociodemographics, dietary intake, physical activity, anthropometry, and pubertal development of children aged 6-8 years since 2013 and follows them up annually until the age of 15 years. Fecal samples have been collected annually since 2019 and analyzed for 16S rRNA sequencing and targeted fecal metabolomics. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to investigate the prospective association of enterotype with puberty timing and the impact of age and body mass index (BMI) sex- and age-independent standard deviation score (SDS).

Results

592 (32.4%) and 1234 (67.6%) children belonged to the Prevotella-rich enterotype and the Bacteroides-rich enterotype, respectively. Children with the Bacteroides-rich enterotype experienced their menarche/voice break later than those with the Prevotella enterotype (hazard ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.28-0.98), P = .02). Moreover, this association was more pronounced among younger children with higher BMI SDS (P for interaction = .006).

Conclusion

Our findings supported a role for gut microbial communities in pubertal development, in which younger children with higher body mass seems more sensitive.
Leadership in public administration: today's challenges
Authors: Shorobura I. , Dolynska O.
Published: February 2023

The participation of the public in the formation and implementation of the state policy of promoting the development of civil society by the executive authorities is ensured. The issue of leadership in public administration is extremely relevant today. Leadership is the object of research by many scientists, three main theoretical approaches to understanding leadership (charismatic action, situational theory, synthetic theory) have been formulated. Leadership is a type of activity that permeates the entire management system. It is impossible to effectively perform the functions of planning, organization, motivation and control if there is no effective management and leaders.

The manager’s personality is formed gradually. In psychology, various approaches to the development of theoretical models of personality development and the effectiveness of managerial activities of managers have been developed (collective approach, competitive, partial, engineering-psychological approach, reflective value approach, social-psychological, situational-complex approach, factor approach, functional approach, image approach, integrative).

Seven skills and character traits of a manager valuable to companies are highlighted: leadership skills, strategic thinking, technical and technological skills, the ability to build relationships and create a team, the ability to present oneself and communicate, change management, honesty.

The practice of training and retraining of managers includes active learning methods. The problem of the manager's culture in management philosophy is gaining importance. The main scientific disciplines are highlighted.

Today, there are a significant number of grand programs for leaders of public administration that contribute to the development of leadership qualities.

Self-management is the ability to manage oneself, one's potential, abilities, and knowledge.

The working hours of the majority are condensed. The only solution can be the use of special techniques and methods, which have the general name of time management. There are many methods for solving problems related to the rational use of working time. The main principles of time management are highlighted.
Autistic nurses: do they exist?
Authors: Hedlund Åsa
Published: February 2023

Autism spectrum disorder is an increasing diagnosis on a global scale. Despite limitations related to the diagnosis, many people with autism are active in the workforce, often within the health care sector. It is reasonable to assume that some of those are nurses. There are very few examples of nurses with autism in the literature, mostly in non-scientific contexts, and that these mention both autism-related strengths and limitations at work. A conclusion is that research about nurses with autism is almost non-existent, and it is high time to conduct explorative research in this area. If employers are given the knowledge and the ability to support the needs of nurses with autism, it is likely to benefit the health of the individual nurse, the psychosocial working climate and patient safety.
Clinical negligence litigation and the NHS: focusing on the injured patient
Authors: Tingle John
Published: February 2023

John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses some recent reports on clinical negligence that focus on the importance of patient safety
Nurses' wound care competency in a sample of hospitals in Northern Vietnam
Authors: TD Phan , Chinh Nguyen Duc , Ha Truong Thi Mai , Thuy Mai TT , Notter Joy
Published: February 2023

Background:

This study aimed to investigate the current situation regarding wound care by nurses in eight hospitals in the north of Vietnam, in order to plan the training for nurses to enable them to achieve the National Basic Competency Standards for Nurses.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive prospective study was conducted from June 2020 to October 2020, with nurses in eight hospitals in four provinces of Northern Vietnam – Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh. Data were collected based on a checklist of direct observation of nurses who provide wound care. The two main indicators were the knowledge score and the practical capacity/competence of the nurses in wound care.

Results:

A total of 518 nurses participated in the study, the mean age was 32.25±7.31; with 438 (84.6%) being female. Clinical experience of less than 10 years was reported by 63.6%; college education level (diploma) was reported by 58.1%, university level by 28.2%; and post-university level by 4%. The highest mean scores for knowledge were found in the categories of health education for patients, followed by care of clean wounds, communication skills and team work, management and professional development and pressure ulcer wound care. Under the practice domain the highest mean scores were ability to plan wound care, followed by self-evaluation, identification of wound types and implementation of wound care plans.

Conclusions and recommendations:

The results showed that when judged against the competency standards, nurses' level of wound care competency needs to be improved. Also that there is a distinct theory–practice gap, which must be addressed. It is recommended that hospitals should conduct training for all nurses using the basic competency standards for Vietnamese nurses to improve the quality of care.
MRI evaluation of pediatric posterior fossa tumors and its correlation with histopathology: A prospective observational study
Authors:   Department of Radiology, IMS & SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India., Shahi Anamika , Mohapatra Satya Sundar Gajendra ,   Department of Radiology, IMS & SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India., Mishra Supriya ,   Department of Radiology, IMS & SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Published: February 2023

Background: The commonest malignancy in the pediatric age group is leukemia, followed by brain tumors. Pediatric brain tumors are usually seen in children below 10 years. The incidence ranges from 1 to 3 per 100,000 cases. Primary intracranial tumors most commonly occur in the posterior fossa in children while infratentorial tumors are predominant in children over 4 years. Infratentorial tumors are more common overall, accounting for 45-60% of all cases. Physiologic characteristics of the pediatric posterior fossa tumors are well represented in advanced MRI techniques, which results in better pre-operative tumor evaluation, and often better results. Objectives: Primary intracranial tumors most commonly occur in the posterior fossa in children. Treatment and prognosis rely heavily on correct diagnosis. The most important modality for early diagnosis is MRI of the brain. This study aims to evaluate the role of MRI in pediatric posterior fossa tumors. Materials and methods: Thirty-three patients in the pediatric age group (<18 years) with a clinical suspicion of posterior fossa tumors, referred to the department of Radiology for undergoing MRI of the brain with contrast were included in the study. These patients underwent surgery followed by histopathological examination (HPE). Five parameters from conventional MRI were chosen and correlated with histopathology (gold standard). Statistical analysis was done subsequently. Results: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is the most accurate parameter (94%), followed by T2 weighted imaging (T2WI), gradient, and post-contrast sequence (91% each). Diffusion-weighted imaging and post-contrast sequence had the highest specificity (almost 96%) while DWI and T2WI had the highest sensitivity (90% each). All 5 parameters are useful in 85% of cases. Overall diagnostic accuracy of MRI was almost 94% compared to histopathology. Conclusion: DWI is the best parameter, followed by T2WI, gradient imaging, and post-contrast sequence. MRI is highly accurate in the evaluation of pediatric posterior fossa tumors. In centers where advanced MRI techniques cannot be performed, some parameters from conventional MRI can be selected that aid in diagnosis. Our study shows that judicious use of 5 parameters can increase sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of MRI for pediatric posterior fossa tumors.
Hepatic lesion detectability in abdomen computed tomography: Investigation in low kVp single energy and low keV virtual monochromatic images generated from dual energy computed tomography using task-based image quality assessment in phantom
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand., Jantawong Hataipat , Krisanachinda Anchali ,   Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Published: February 2023

Background: Low tube potential single-energy (SE) and virtual monochromatic image (VMI) dual energy (DE) abdomen CT images both improve the hepatic lesion detection by increasing the liver lesion contrast on images. Objectives: To study the performance of low kVp single energy and low keV virtual monochromatic images (VMI) generated from dual energy acquisition to detect the hepatic lesion on abdominal CT imaging in phantom. Materials and methods: The anthropomorphic liver with nodule inserted phantom with extension rings simulating the small, medium, and large patient was scanned under the SECT acquisition by varying the kVp from 70-120 kVp and for DECT acquisitions, three kVp combinations (80/-,90/-, and 100/Sn150-kVp). The series of 40-,50-,60-, and 70-keV VMI were generated from DECT data set. All images were used to assess the task-based image quality; task transfer function (TTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and detectability index (d’) with the diagnostic task to detect 15 mm diameter hyperattenuating hepatic lesion. Results: The result showed that the TTF was higher in low kVp SECT while the lesion contrast was higher at low keV VMI -DECT. The noise magnitude remained constant for all kVp values in SECT, but it was dramatically increased as decreased the energy level from 70- to 40-keV in VMI-DECT. The fav of NPS shifted to higher frequency when increasing the kVp and when increasing the energy level of VMI. The obtained d’ was highest in low kVp SECT at 70-or 80-kVp. Conclusion: The low kVp SECT provided the highest d’ than that in low keV VM image from DECT in all phantom sizes where the highest d’ was found at 70 kVp-SECT for small and medium phantom and at 80 kVp for large phantom. For SECT, reduced the kVp to 70- or 80-kVp improved the detectability index. The kVp combination in DECT impacts to the d’ of VMI; at small phantom, the highest d’ for each keV VMI was found at 80/Sn150 kVp acquisition and at larger phantom size, higher kVp on tube “A” is more favored.
Development and psychometric properties of a questionnaire to measure the active aging index for older people
Authors:   Ph.D Candidate, Biomedical Science Program, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Punyakaew Autchariya , Hsu Hsiu-Yun ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan., Lersilp Suchitporn ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand., Putthinoi Supawadee ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Published: February 2023

Background: The world's aging is a global phenomenon. The active aging framework responds to this phenomenon by emphasizing on the connections between good health, participation, and security in the lives of older people. Objectives: This study developed a novel measurement of active aging for older people by integrating the international concept with specific features of Thailand. Materials and methods: Active aging measurement components were generated through relevant literature reviews, with content validity examined by experts. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were used for examining measurement reliability. Two hundred older people living in Chiang Mai Province participated in a pilot survey. Results: The active aging measurement was composed of four components including health, social participation, security, and enabling an environment for active aging. Good internal consistency was represented overall by Cronbach’s alpha=0.77, while the test-retest reliability value was 0.89. Conclusion: The active aging measurement was developed for older people. It is a valid and reliable measure of an active aging index.
Audit of computed tomography examinations from two selected radio-diagnostic centers in South-South Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Radiography and Radiological Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, Chiaghanam Ndubuisi Ozoemena , Esien-umo Emmanuel Okon ,   Department of Radiography and Radiological Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, Ogolodom Michael Promise ,   Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria, Ikamaise Valentine Cornelius ,   Department of Radiography and Radiological Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, Bassey E Archibong ,   Department of Radiography and Radiological Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, Ekpot Mary ,   Department of Radiography and Radiological Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Published: February 2023

Background: Despite the fact that the number of CT exams is small among all radiography investigations, a high amount of medical radiation exposure comes from CT application. Most developed nations have adopted regular audits to ensure optimization of ionizing radiations in the CT examinations, but on the contrary, it has infrequently been performed in developing countries like Nigeria. Objectives: This study was designed to carry out an audit of CT examinations at two selected diagnostic centers in the South-South region of Nigeria. Materials and methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in two radiological facilities, which involved 210 tomographs of the chest, head, and abdomen, selected using a convenient method. The CT examinations were done using the departmental protocols and the generated data were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics. Results: Head examination was the most commonly performed CT examination (56.7%), followed by abdominal 28.6 % and the least 14.8% was chest. The most common indication was a road traffic accident (RTA) 11.4%. The distribution of the type of CT machine that was used for the study showed that the Toshiba machine was used for most of the subjects 132 (62.9%) followed by Optima CT660 78 (37.1%). It was seen that 48.6% of the study used 0.75s, 40.5% used 0.5s, 10.5% used 0.35s and only 0.5% used 1s scan time. The effective doses were adult head (2.31±0.14), chest (4.65±0.21), abdominal (7.70±0.17), pediatric head (2.81±0.21), and pediatric chest (9.96±0.12). Conclusion: The carrying out of clinical audits is imperative to ensure both safeties of patients and diagnostic accuracy.