bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated serum B-cell activator factor levels predict rapid progressive interstitial lung disease in anti-melanoma differentiation associated protein 5 antibody positive dermatomyositis
Authors: Shi Yumeng , You Hanxiao , Liu Chang , Qiu Yulu , Lv Chengyin , Zhu Yujing , Xu Lingxiao , Wang Fang , Zhang Miaojia , Tan Wenfeng
Published: April 2024

Background

Rapid progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) is the leading cause of anti-melanoma differentiation associated protein 5 antibody positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5+DM) related death. Elevated serum B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels have been implicated in connective tissue diseases associated ILD. Here, we evaluate whether BAFF could be a prognostic biomarker for predicting RP-ILD in anti-MDA5+DM patients.

Methods

Serums were collected from 39 patients with anti-MDA5+DM (20 with RP-ILD and 19 with non-RP-ILD), 20 antisynthase syndrome (ASS) patients and 20 healthy controls (HC). BAFF concentration was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum BAFF level was higher in anti-MDA5+DM patients than those in ASS patients and HC (3882.32 ± 1880.09 vs. 2540.89 ± 1403.04 and 2486.28 ± 767.97 pg/mL, p = 0.0056 and 0.0038, respectively). Within anti-MDA5+DM groups, RP-ILD patients exhibited higher BAFF concentration than non-RP-ILD group (4549.78 ± 1839.97 vs. 3297.28 ± 1794.69 pg/mL, p = 0.04). The BAFF concentration was positively correlated with levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), dehydrogenase (LDH) and cytokeratin (CK) in anti-MDA5+DM patients (r = 0.350, p = 0.035; r = 0.393, p = 0.016; r = 0.518, p = 0.001; respectively). The best cut-off value of BAFF concentration was 2971.5 pg/mL by ROC curve (AUC area = 0.690, p = 0.045) and BAFF > 2971.5 pg/mL was an independent risk factor for RP-ILD using multivariate analysis (OR = 9.389, 95% CI = 1.609—54.769; p = 0.013).

Conclusions

Serum BAFF could be a useful prognostic biomarker for early detecting RP-ILD risk in anti-MDA5+DM patients.
NR1H4 disease: rapidly progressing neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis and early death
Authors: Li Zhong-Die , Li Yu-Chuan , Jing-Zhao  , Wang Jian-She , Xie Xin-Bao
Published: April 2024

Background

Clinical studies on progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) type 5 caused by mutations in NR1H4 are limited.

Methods

New patients with biallelic NR1H4 variants from our center and all patients from literature were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Three new patients were identified to be carrying five new variants. Liver phenotypes of our patients manifests as low-γ-glutamyl transferase cholestasis, liver failure and related complications. One patient underwent liver transplantation (LT) and survived, and two other patients died without LT. Nine other patients were collected through literature review. Twelve out of 13 patients showed neonatal jaundice, with the median age of onset being 7 days after birth. Reported clinical manifestations included cholestasis (13/13, 100%), elevated AFP (11/11, 100%), coagulopathy (11/11, 100%), hypoglycemia (9/13, 69%), failure to thrive (8/13, 62%), splenomegaly (7/13, 54%), hyperammonemia (7/13, 54%), and hepatomegaly (6/13, 46%). Six of 13 patients received LT at a median age of 6.2 months, and only one patient died of acute infection at one year after LT. Other 7 patients had no LT and died with a median age of 5 months (range 1.2-8). There were 8 patients with homozygous genotype and 5 patients with compound heterozygous genotype. In total, 13 different variants were detected, and 5 out of 12 single or multiple nucleotides variants were located in exon 5.

Conclusions

We identified three newly-diagnosed patients and five novel mutations. NR1H4-related PFIC typically cause progressive disease and early death. LT may be the only lifesaving therapy leading to cure.
Melatonin: a ferroptosis inhibitor with potential therapeutic efficacy for the post-COVID-19 trajectory of accelerated brain aging and neurodegeneration
Authors: Yehia Asmaa , Abulseoud Osama A.
Published: April 2024

The unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19 swept millions of lives in a short period, yet its menace continues among its survivors in the form of post-COVID syndrome. An exponentially growing number of COVID-19 survivors suffer from cognitive impairment, with compelling evidence of a trajectory of accelerated aging and neurodegeneration. The novel and enigmatic nature of this yet-to-unfold pathology demands extensive research seeking answers for both the molecular underpinnings and potential therapeutic targets. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, is a strongly proposed underlying mechanism in post-COVID-19 aging and neurodegeneration discourse. COVID-19 incites neuroinflammation, iron dysregulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, antioxidant system repression, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) disruption, and clock gene alteration. These events pave the way for ferroptosis, which shows its signature in COVID-19, premature aging, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the search for a treatment, melatonin shines as a promising ferroptosis inhibitor with its repeatedly reported safety and tolerability. According to various studies, melatonin has proven efficacy in attenuating the severity of certain COVID-19 manifestations, validating its reputation as an anti-viral compound. Melatonin has well-documented anti-aging properties and combating neurodegenerative-related pathologies. Melatonin can block the leading events of ferroptosis since it is an efficient anti-inflammatory, iron chelator, antioxidant, angiotensin II antagonist, and clock gene regulator. Therefore, we propose ferroptosis as the culprit behind the post-COVID-19 trajectory of aging and neurodegeneration and melatonin, a well-fitting ferroptosis inhibitor, as a potential treatment.
Unveiling the gastric microbiota: implications for gastric carcinogenesis, immune responses, and clinical prospects
Authors: Liu Zhiyi , Zhang Dachuan , Chen Siyu
Published: April 2024

High-throughput sequencing has ushered in a paradigm shift in gastric microbiota, breaking the stereotype that the stomach is hostile to microorganisms beyond H. pylori. Recent attention directed toward the composition and functionality of this 'community' has shed light on its potential relevance in cancer. The microbial composition in the stomach of health displays host specificity which changes throughout a person's lifespan and is subject to both external and internal factors. Distinctive alterations in gastric microbiome signature are discernible at different stages of gastric precancerous lesions and malignancy. The robust microbes that dominate in gastric malignant tissue are intricately implicated in gastric cancer susceptibility, carcinogenesis, and the modulation of immunosurveillance and immune escape. These revelations offer fresh avenues for utilizing gastric microbiota as predictive biomarkers in clinical settings. Furthermore, inter-individual microbiota variations partially account for differential responses to cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize current literature on the influence of the gastric microbiota on gastric carcinogenesis, anti-tumor immunity and immunotherapy, providing insights into potential clinical applications.
Tri-ponderal mass index and left ventricular hypertrophy in a cohort of caucasian children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Vizzuso Sara , Torto Alberico Del , Fiore Giulia , Carugo Stefano , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Verduci Elvira
Published: April 2024

Background

Pediatric obesity is a global emerging burden for society; among its health-related consequences there are hypertension (HTN) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Several anthropometric indices have been investigated for the early identification of cardiovascular risk in children. The aim of the present study was to assess whether tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) was associated with LVH in a cohort of Caucasian children and adolescents with obesity.

Methods

In this observational study, 63 children and adolescents with obesity aged 7-to-16 years were enrolled. During outpatient visits, adiposity, and cardio-metabolic indices (BMI z-score, WHR, TMI, ABSI) were collected. All subjects underwent a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and transthoracic echocardiography.

Results

Children and adolescents with obesity with LVH had significantly higher BMI z-score (p = 0.009), WHR (p = 0.006) and TMI (p = 0.026) compared to children without LVH. WC and WHR were the only indices significantly associated with left ventricular mass index (LVMI).

Conclusion

Left ventricular remodeling is associated with the cardio-metabolic risk markers WC and WHR, but not with the adiposity index TMI among children with obesity.
A simulation training of family management for parents of children with epilepsy: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Liu Hua-yan , Zeng Shan , Chen Yue-wei , Yi Min , Tan Xiao-yan , Xie Jian-hui , Wu Xia , Zhu Li-hui
Published: April 2024

Background

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is more likely to be diagnosed in children. The main treatment involves long-term use of anti-epileptic drugs and above all, home care is of great importance. As there has not been a widely accepted home care protocols, simulating a home care environment is necessary for caregivers to develop skills of proper home care. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a simulation training of family management style (STOFMS) for parents of children with epilepsy in China.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 463 children with epilepsy and their families. They were recruited from March 2020 to November 2022 and randomly assigned to the STOFMS group or the conventional group in a 1:1 ratio. Scores of family management measures, 8-item of Morisky Medication Adherence and epilepsy clinical symptom of both groups were collected at three points of time: within 24 h after admission (T0), 3 months after discharge (T1), and 6 months after discharge (T2). Changes due to intervention were compared across groups by repeated-measures ANOVA. The study report followed the CONSORT 2010 checklist.

Results

There were statistically significant differences between the two groups at T2. A considerable increase over the baseline was observed in the total management level score and subscale scores in the STOFMS group at T1, compared with essentially no change in the control group. In terms of medication adherence, the STOFMS group performance improved greatly at T1 and T2 compared with the control group. The same result was also found in clinical efficacy at T2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

STOFMS is an effective intervention to improve family management level, treatment adherence and clinical efficacy for children with epilepsy.

Trial registration

The registration number is ChiCTR2200065128. Registered at 18 October 2022, http://www.medresman.org.cn
Severe cellulitis from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a couple of preterm twins: a case report
Authors: Zampatti Noemi , Bonato Irene , Calandrino Andrea , Saffioti Carolina , Parodi Alessandro , Brigati Giorgia , Minghetti Diego , Ramenghi Luca Antonio
Published: April 2024

Background

Preterms are at risk of systemic infections as the barrier function of their immature skin is insufficient. The long period of hospitalization and the huge number of invasive procedures represent a risk factor for complications. Among the nosocomial infections of the skin, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

We report a clinical case of cellulitis and abscess in two preterm twins caused by MRSA in a tertiary level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Case presentation

Two preterm female babies developed cellulitis from MRSA within the first month of extrauterine life. The first one (BW 990 g) showed signs of clinical instability 4 days before the detection of a hyperaemic and painful mass on the thorax. The second one (BW 1240 g) showed signs of clinical instability contextually to the detection of an erythematous, oedematous and painful area in the right submandibular space. In both cases the diagnosis of cellulitis was confirmed by ultrasound. A broad spectrum, multidrug antimicrobial therapy was administered till complete resolution.

Conclusions

Due to the characteristic antibiotic resistance of MRSA and the potential complications of those infections in such delicate patients, basic prevention measures still represent the key to avoid the spreading of neonatal MRSA infections in NICUs, which include hand hygiene and strict precautions, as well as screening of patients for MRSA on admission and during hospital stay, routine prophylactic topical antibiotic of patients, enhanced environmental cleaning, cohorting and isolation of positive patients, barrier precautions, avoidance of ward crowding, and, in some units, surveillance, education and decolonization of healthcare workers and visiting parents.
Measuring, visualizing, and diagnosing reference bias with biastools
Authors: Lin Mao-Jan , Iyer Sheila , Chen Nae-Chyun , Langmead Ben
Published: April 2024

Many bioinformatics methods seek to reduce reference bias, but no methods exist to comprehensively measure it. analyzes and categorizes instances of reference bias. It works in various scenarios: when the donor’s variants are known and reads are simulated; when donor variants are known and reads are real; and when variants are unknown and reads are real. Using , we observe that more inclusive graph genomes result in fewer biased sites. We find that end-to-end alignment reduces bias at indels relative to local aligners. Finally, we use to characterize how T2T references improve large-scale bias.
RBM22 regulates RNA polymerase II 5′ pausing, elongation rate, and termination by coordinating 7SK-P-TEFb complex and SPT5
Authors: Du Xian , Qin Wenying , Yang Chunyu , Dai Lin , San Mingkui , Xia Yingdan , Zhou Siyu , Wang Mengyang , Wu Shuang , Zhang Shaorui , Zhou Huiting , Li Fangshu , He Fang , Tang Jingfeng , Chen Jia-Yu , Zhou Yu , Xiao Rui
Published: April 2024

Background

Splicing factors are vital for the regulation of RNA splicing, but some have also been implicated in regulating transcription. The underlying molecular mechanisms of their involvement in transcriptional processes remain poorly understood.

Results

Here, we describe a direct role of splicing factor RBM22 in coordinating multiple steps of RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription in human cells. The RBM22 protein widely occupies the RNAPII-transcribed gene locus in the nucleus. Loss of RBM22 promotes RNAPII pause release, reduces elongation velocity, and provokes transcriptional readthrough genome-wide, coupled with production of transcripts containing sequences from downstream of the gene. RBM22 preferentially binds to the hyperphosphorylated, transcriptionally engaged RNAPII and coordinates its dynamics by regulating the homeostasis of the 7SK-P-TEFb complex and the association between RNAPII and SPT5 at the chromatin level.

Conclusions

Our results uncover the multifaceted role of RBM22 in orchestrating the transcriptional program of RNAPII and provide evidence implicating a splicing factor in both RNAPII elongation kinetics and termination control.
Single Cell Atlas: a single-cell multi-omics human cell encyclopedia
Authors: Pan Lu , Parini Paolo , Tremmel Roman , Loscalzo Joseph , Lauschke Volker M. , Maron Bradley A. , Paci Paola , Ernberg Ingemar , Tan Nguan Soon , Liao Zehuan , Yin Weiyao , Rengarajan Sundararaman , Li Xuexin ,   The SCA Consortium
Published: April 2024

Single-cell sequencing datasets are key in biology and medicine for unraveling insights into heterogeneous cell populations with unprecedented resolution. Here, we construct a single-cell multi-omics map of human tissues through in-depth characterizations of datasets from five single-cell omics, spatial transcriptomics, and two bulk omics across 125 healthy adult and fetal tissues. We construct its complement web-based platform, the Single Cell Atlas (SCA,www.singlecellatlas.org), to enable vast interactive data exploration of deep multi-omics signatures across human fetal and adult tissues. The atlas resources and database queries aspire to serve as a one-stop, comprehensive, and time-effective resource for various omics studies.
A maturity model for the scientific review of clinical trial designs and their informativeness
Authors: Dolley S , Norman T , McNair D , Hartman D
Published: April 2024

Background

Informativeness, in the context of clinical trials, defines whether a study’s results definitively answer its research questions with meaningful next steps. Many clinical trials end uninformatively. Clinical trial protocols are required to go through reviews in regulatory and ethical domains: areas that focus on specifics outside of trial design, biostatistics, and research methods. Private foundations and government funders rarely require focused scientific design reviews for these areas. There are no documented standards and processes, or even best practices, toward a capability for funders to perform scientific design reviews after their peer review process prior to a funding commitment.

Main body

Considering the investment in and standardization of ethical and regulatory reviews, and the prevalence of studies never finishing or failing to provide definitive results, it may be that scientific reviews of trial designs with a focus on informativeness offer the best chance for improved outcomes and return-on-investment in clinical trials. A maturity model is a helpful tool for knowledge transfer to help grow capabilities in a new area or for those looking to perform a self-assessment in an existing area. Such a model is offered for scientific design reviews of clinical trial protocols. This maturity model includes 11 process areas and 5 maturity levels. Each of the 55 process area levels is populated with descriptions on a continuum toward an optimal state to improve trial protocols in the areas of risk of failure or uninformativeness.

Conclusion

This tool allows for prescriptive guidance on next investments to improve attributes of post-funding reviews of trials, with a focus on informativeness. Traditional pre-funding peer review has limited capacity for trial design review, especially for detailed biostatistical and methodological review. Select non-industry funders have begun to explore or invest in post-funding review programs of grantee protocols, based on exemplars of such programs. Funders with a desire to meet fiduciary responsibilities and mission goals can use the described model to enhance efforts supporting trial participant commitment and faster cures.
Haem iron versus ferrous iron salts to treat iron deficiency anaemia in Gambian children: protocol for randomised controlled trial {1}
Authors: Bah Mamadou , Verhoef Hans , Okoh Emmanuel , Bah Abdoulie , Prentice Andrew M. , Cerami Carla
Published: April 2024

Background

The World Health Organization recommends universal iron supplementation for children aged 6–23 months in countries where anaemia is seen in over 40% of the population. Conventional ferrous salts have low efficacy due to low oral absorption in children with inflammation. Haem iron is more bioavailable, and its absorption may not be decreased by inflammation. This study aims to compare daily supplementation with haem iron versus ferrous sulphate on haemoglobin concentration and serum ferritin concentration after 12 weeks of supplementation.

Methods

This will be a two-arm, randomised controlled trial. Gambian children aged 6–12 months with anaemia will be recruited within a predefined geographical area and recruited by trained field workers. Eligible participants will be individually randomised using a 1:1 ratio within permuted blocks to daily supplementation for 12 weeks with either 10.0 mg of elemental iron as haem or ferrous sulphate. Safety outcomes such as diarrhoea and infection-related adverse events will be assessed daily by the clinical team (see Bah et al. Additional file 4_Adverse event eCRF). Linear regression will be used to analyse continuous outcomes, with log transformation to normalise residuals as needed. Binary outcomes will be analysed by binomial regression or logistic regression, Primary analysis will be by modified intention-to-treat (i.e., those randomised and who ingested at least one supplement dose of iron), with multiple imputations to replace missing data. Effect estimates will be adjusted for baseline covariates (C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, haemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor).

Discussion

This study will determine if therapeutic supplementation with haem iron is more efficacious than with conventional ferrous sulphate in enhancing haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations in anaemic children aged 6–12 months.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR202210523178727
Renal artery pseudoaneurysm following robot assisted nephron sparing surgery: two case reports
Authors: Mavuduru Ravi Mohan , Mohd Ziauddin Shiraz Akif , Bora Girdhar Singh , Gorsi Ujjwal
Published: April 2024

Background

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm following partial nephrectomy is a rare entity, the incidence of this entity is more common following penetrating abdominal injuries, percutaneous renal interventions such as percutaneous nephrostomy(PCN) or Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Although rare, renal artery pseudoaneurysm can be life threatening if not managed timely, they usually present within two weeks postoperatively with usual presenting complains being gross haematuria, flank pain and/or anaemia.

Case presentation

We report case of two female patients 34 and 57 year old respectively of South Asian ethnicity, presenting with renal artery pseudoaneurysm following left sided robot assisted nephron sparing surgery for interpolar masses presenting clinically with total, painless, gross haematuria with clots within fifteen days postoperatively and their successful treatment by digital subtraction angiography and coil embolization.

Conclusion

Renal artery aneurysm is a rare fatal complication of minimally invasive nephron sparing surgery however considering the preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for its development and prompt suspicion at the outset can be life saving with coil embolization of the bleeding arterial aneurysm.
Reconstruction of the solution of inverse Sturm–Liouville problem
Authors: Wei Zhaoying , Hu Zhijie , Xiang Yuewen
Published: April 2024

In this paper we are concerned with an inverse problem with Robin boundary conditions, which states that, when the potential on $[0,1/2]$
[
0
,
1
/
2
]
and the coefficient at the left end point are known a priori, a full spectrum uniquely determines its potential on the whole interval and the coefficient at the right end point. We shall give a new method for reconstructing the potential for this problem in terms of the Mittag-Leffler decomposition of entire functions associated with this problem. The new reconstructing method also deduces a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence issue.
Ten years of hand hygiene excellence: a summary of outcomes, and a comparison of indicators, from award-winning hospitals worldwide
Authors: Tartari Ermira , Garlasco Jacopo , Mezerville Marcela Hernández-de , Ling Moi Lin , Márquez-Villarreal Hilda , Seto Wing-Hong , Simon Anne , Hennig Thomas-Jörg , Pittet Didier
Published: April 2024

Background

Hand hygiene is a crucial measure for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The Hand Hygiene Excellence Award (HHEA) is an international programme acknowledging healthcare facilities for their leadership in implementing hand hygiene improvement programmes, including the World Health Organisation’s Multimodal Improvement Strategy. This study aimed at summarising the results of the HHEA campaign between 2010 and 2021 and investigating the relationship between different hand hygiene parameters based on data from participating healthcare facilities.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on datasets from HHEA forms, including data on hand hygiene compliance, alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) consumption, and Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework (HHSAF) scores. Descriptive statistics were reported for each variable. The correlation between variables was inspected through Kendall’s test, while possible non-linear relationships between hand hygiene compliance, ABHR consumption and HHSAF scores were sought through the Locally Estimated Scatterplot Smoothing or logistic regression models. A tree-structured partitioning model was developed to further confirm the obtained findings.

Results

Ninety-seven healthcare facilities from 28 countries in three world regions (Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America) were awarded the HHEA and thus included in the analysis. HHSAF scores indicated an advanced hand hygiene promotion level (median 445 points, IQR 395–480). System change (100 [95–100] points) and institutional safety climate (85 [70–95] points) showed the highest and lowest score, respectively. In most cases, hand hygiene compliance was above 70%, with heterogeneity between countries. ABHR consumption above 20 millilitres per patient-day (ml/PD) was widely reported, with overall increasing trends. HHSAF scores were positively correlated with hand hygiene compliance (τ = 0.211, p = 0.007). We observed a positive correlation between compliance rates and ABHR consumption (τ = 0.193, p < 0.001), although the average predicted consumption was stable around 55–60 ml/PD for compliance rates above 80–85%. Logistic regression and partitioning tree analyses revealed that higher HHSAF scores were more likely in the high-ABHR consumption group at cut-offs around 57–59 ml/PD.

Conclusion

Ten years after its inception, the HHEA proves to be a valuable hand hygiene improvement programme in healthcare facilities worldwide. Consistent results were provided by the different hand hygiene indicators and the HHSAF score represents a valuable proxy measure of hand hygiene compliance.
Person-centered care assessment tool with a focus on quality healthcare: a systematic review of psychometric properties
Authors: Bru-Luna Lluna Maria , Martí-Vilar Manuel , Merino-Soto César , Livia-Segovia José , Garduño-Espinosa Juan , Toledano-Toledano Filiberto
Published: April 2024

Background

The person-centered care (PCC) approach plays a fundamental role in ensuring quality healthcare. The Person-Centered Care Assessment Tool (P-CAT) is one of the shortest and simplest tools currently available for measuring PCC. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the evidence in validation studies of the P-CAT, taking the “Standards” as a frame of reference.

Methods

First, a systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA method. Second, a systematic descriptive literature review of validity tests was conducted following the “Standards” framework. The search strategy and information sources were obtained from the Cochrane, Web of Science (WoS), Scopus and PubMed databases. With regard to the eligibility criteria and selection process, a protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022335866), and articles had to meet criteria for inclusion in the systematic review.

Results

A total of seven articles were included. Empirical evidence indicates that these validations offer a high number of sources related to test content, internal structure for dimensionality and internal consistency. A moderate number of sources pertain to internal structure in terms of test-retest reliability and the relationship with other variables. There is little evidence of response processes, internal structure in measurement invariance terms, and test consequences.

Discussion

The various validations of the P-CAT are not framed in a structured, valid, theory-based procedural framework like the “Standards” are. This can affect clinical practice because people’s health may depend on it. The findings of this study show that validation studies continue to focus on the types of validity traditionally studied and overlook interpretation of the scores in terms of their intended use.
Comparison of therapeutic effects of N-Acetylcysteine with pregabalin in improving the clinical symptoms of painful diabetic neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Sajedi Firozeh , Abdi Arman , Mehrpooya Maryam , Faramarzi Vida , Mohammadi Younes , Sheida Fateme
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is highly prevalent and annoyingly in patients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) compared to pregabalin in PDN.

Methods

One hundred two eligible patients with type 2 diabetes and PDN were randomly recievied pregabalin (150 mg/day) or N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) (600 mg/ twice a day) for 8 weeks. Mean pain score, Sleep interference score (SIS), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC), and also, serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol groups (TTG), catalase activity (CAT), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study.

Results

NAC was well tolerated in all patients. The decrease in mean pain scores and increase in SIS was similar between two groups. More improvement in PGIC and CGIC from the baseline was reported in NAC group. NAC, significantly, decreased serum levels of MDA, and NO, but increased TAC, TTG, and CAT. Pregabalin, significantly, decreased serum levels of MDA, and NO and increased TAC.

Discussion

NAC is efficacious in alleviate symptoms of PDN which is probably related to its antioxidant effects.

Trial registration

The research protocol received approval from the Ethics Committee of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (IR.UMSHA.REC.1397.137). The trial registry URL and number in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): https://www.irct.ir/trial/33313, IRCT20180814040795N2 (Registration date: 2019-01-21, Retrospectively registered)
Where scrollbars are clicked, and why
Authors: Herbort Oliver , Raßbach Philipp , Kunde Wilfried
Published: April 2024

Scrolling is a widely used mean to interact with visual displays, usually to move content to a certain target location on the display. Understanding how user scroll might identify potentially suboptimal use and allows to infer users’ intentions. In the present study, we examined where users click on a scrollbar depending on the intended scrolling action. In two online experiments, click positions were systematically adapted to the intended scrolling action. Click position selection could not be explained as strict optimization of the distance traveled with the cursor, memory load, or motor-cognitive factors. By contrast, for identical scrolling actions click positions strongly depended on the context and on previous scrolls. The behavior of our participants closely resembled behavior observed for manipulation of other physical devices and suggested a simple heuristic of movement planning. The results have implications for modeling human–computer interaction and may contribute to predicting user behavior.
Sex and stature estimation from anthropometric measurements of the foot: linear analyses and neural network approach on a Turkish sample
Authors: Parlak Muhammed Emin , Özkul Bengü Berrak , Oruç Mucahit , Celbiş Osman
Published: April 2024

Background

For over a century, anthropometric techniques, widely used by anthropologists and adopted by medical scientists, have been utilized for predicting stature and sex. This study, conducted on a Eastern Turkish sample, aims to predict sex and stature using foot measurements through linear methods and Artificial Neural Networks. Our research was conducted on 134 medical students, comprising 69 males and 65 females. Stature and weight were measured in a standard anatomical position in the Frankfurt Horizontal Plane with a stadiometer of 0.1 cm precision. Measurements of both feet's height, length, and breadth were taken using a Vernier caliper, osteometric board, and height scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.00.

Results

It was observed that all foot dimensions in males were significantly larger than in females. Sex prediction using linear methods yielded an accuracy of 94.8%, with a stature estimation error of 4.15 cm. When employing Artificial Neural Networks, sex prediction accuracy increased to 97.8%, and the error in stature estimation was reduced to 4.07 cm.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that Artificial Neural Networks can work more effectively with such data. Using Artificial Neural Networks, the accuracy of sex prediction for both feet exceeded 95%. Additionally, the error in stature estimation was reduced compared to the formulas obtained through linear methods.
Embolisation of a high – flow renal arteriovenous fistula with the use of simultaneous transvenous and transarterial approach and balloon-assisted coil embolization
Authors: Markoutsas D. , Tzavoulis D. , Tsoukalos G. , Ioannidis I.
Published: April 2024

Background

Renal arteriovenous fistula (RAVF) is a rare vascular malformation, which can be asymptomatic or may cause hemorrhage, hypokalaemic hypertension, heart failure and hematuria. Endovascular embolization is a minimally invasive method which can preserve renal parenchyma. In our case, balloon assisted coil embolization with simultaneous transvenous and transarterial approach was used. A remodelling balloon, which is routinely used in neurovascular procedures, was chosen in order to eliminate the risk of coil migration and preserve feeding artery and renal parenchyma.

Case presentation

We present a case of successful balloon – assisted coil embolization of a high flow renal arteriovenous fistula in a 25-year-old male patient via simultaneous transarterial and transvenous approach with preservation of the feeding artery.

Conclusion

Endovascular embolisation is a safe and effective treatment of RAVFs with low risk of complications. Simultaneous transarterial and transvenous coil deployment with the use of a flow control balloon catheter can eliminate the risk of coil migration and coil protrusion into the parent artery with permanent RAVF occlusion and renal parenchyma preservation.
Approaches to sustaining people–place bonds in conservation planning: from value-based, living heritage, to the glocal community
Authors: Chen Yueyi , Wang Yi-Wen
Published: April 2024

This review paper explores approaches to sustaining the enduring connection between communities and heritage places in conservation planning. Amidst global overtourism, the gradual outmigration and sudden displacement of local communities from heritage places disrupt not only physical ties between people and places but also shared traditions, memories and emotional bonds. These intangible qualities constitute the social dimension of heritage and are pivotal to its cultural significance. However, existing conservation approaches to safeguarding this social dimension often rely on the continued presence of local communities, which may yield limited effectiveness in restoring people–place bonds amidst challenges posed by overtourism and displacement. This review unpacks the term ‘social value’ within the framework of value-based assessment and progresses towards a dynamic conception of ‘sense of place’. In response to the changing social composition of ‘local communities’ at heritage places, this review examines approaches for conserving the social dimension of heritage, aiming to sustain the enduring continuity of people–place bonding. It proposes a broader definition of ‘sense of place’ that transcends the preconceived notion of stakeholder groups as a geographically defined community and suggests leveraging digital social platforms to re-establish these bonds. The review concludes by advocating for the ‘glocal community’ approach, acknowledging the personal emotional connections that individuals form with a heritage place regardless of their places of residence. This approach has the potential to complement existing methods, such as value-based assessment and the living heritage approach, which are commonly practised in contemporary conservation efforts.
Acceptability of virtual psychiatric consultations for routine follow-ups post COVID-19 pandemic for people with intellectual disabilities: cross-sectional study
Authors: Tromans Samuel , Rybczynska-Bunt Sarah , Mitchell Sarah , Cummins Susan , Cox David , Downing Jennifer , Lee Paul H. , Teece Lucy , Marson Tony , Shankar Rohit
Published: April 2024

Background

After the rapid implementation of digital health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, a paucity of research exists about the suitability of remote consulting in people with intellectual disabilities and their carers, particularly for neuropsychiatric reviews.

Aim

This study examines when remote neuropsychiatric routine consulting is suitable for this population.

Method

A survey was conducted of people with intellectual disabilities and their carers, examining their preference between face-to-face and video consultations for ongoing neuropsychiatric reviews within a rural countywide intellectual disability service in Cornwall, England (population: 538 000). The survey was sent to all adults with intellectual disabilities open to the service on 30 July 2022, closing on 30 September 2022. Participants were asked to provide responses on 11 items predesigned and co-produced between clinicians and experts by experience. The entire service caseload of people had White ethnicity, reflecting the ethnic demographics of Cornwall. Responses received without consent were excluded from the study dataset.

Results

Of 271 eligible participants, 119 responses were received, 104 of whom consented to having their anonymised data used for research analysis. There were no significant differences between preferences and age and gender variables. There was no statistically significant difference regarding preference for the reintroduction of face-to-face appointments (52.0%) compared with video consultations (48.0%). Travel distance (>10 miles) to the clinical setting was important but did not outweigh benefits for those preferring a face-to-face appointment.

Conclusions

This study offers insights into the factors that influence preferences about what type of neuropsychiatric appointment is most suitable for people with intellectual disabilities.
Differential trends and patterns of sociodemographic disparities in burden of mental disorders, substance use disorder and self-harm across age groups: ecological study in 204 countries using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Choi Minjae , Sempungu Joshua Kirabo , Lee Eun Hae , Lee Yo Han
Published: April 2024

Background

It is well-known that socioeconomic status is associated with mental illness at both the individual and population levels, but there is a less clear understanding of whether socioeconomic development is related to poor mental health at the country level.

Aims

We aimed to investigate sociodemographic disparities in burden of mental disorders, substance use disorders and self-harm by age group.

Method

Estimates of age-specific disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates for mental disorders, substance use disorders and self-harm from 1990 to 2019 for 204 countries were obtained. The sociodemographic index (SDI) was used to assess sociodemographic development. Associations between burden of mental health and sociodemographic development in 1990 and 2019 were investigated, and sociodemographic inequalities in burden of mental health from 1990 to 2019 by age were estimated using the concentration index.

Results

Differential trends in sociodemographic disparities in diseases across age groups were observed. For mental disorders, particularly depressive disorder and substance use disorders, DALY rates in high SDI countries were higher and increased more than those in countries with other SDI levels among individuals aged 10–24 and 25–49 years. By contrast, DALY rates for those over 50 years were lower in high SDI countries than in countries with other SDI levels between 1990 and 2019. A higher DALY rate among younger individuals accompanied a higher SDI at the country level. However, increased sociodemographic development was associated with decreased disease burden for adults aged ≥70 years.

Conclusions

Strategies for improving mental health and strengthening mental health system should consider a broader sociocultural context.
Thermodynamic constraints on kinetic perturbations of homogeneous driven diffusions
Authors: Gao Qi , Chun Hyun-Myung , Horowitz Jordan M.
Published: April 2024

We analyze the static response to kinetic perturbations of nonequilibrium steady states that can be modeled as diffusions. We demonstrate that kinetic response is purely a nonequilibirum effect, measuring the degree to which the Fluctuation-Dissipation Theorem is violated out of equilibrium. For driven diffusions in a flat landscape, we further demonstrate that such response is constrained by the strength of the nonequilibrium driving via quantitative inequalities.
“You Here, Don’t Do It This Way”: Allegory and Domestic Dwellings in Bernardino de Sahagún’s Nahuatl Sermons of the House
Authors: Alcántara Berenice , Muñoz Pedro A.
Published: April 2024

Bernardino de Sahagún is well known for having headed a major research project about the Nahuas of Central Mexico in the sixteenth century. However, many years before this project began, Sahagún wrote several sets of sermons in the Nahuatl language. This article analyzes eleven of these sermons, composed during the 1540s by this zealous Franciscan, possibly with the help of Nahua students and graduates of the Colegio de Tlatelolco. These sermons develop one shared allegory, “the House of the Soul,” by comparing the building elements of an ideal dwelling with doctrinal and moral topics and by contrasting the ways the Nahuas live their lives and build their homes to the ways the Spaniards do. In the approach adopted in this article, the rhetorical and doctrinal features of these sermons are examined, and the information they contain about Nahua households compared with other sources of the period is highlighted.
The Baller and the Court: Hernando Ruiz de Alarcón’s Battle with Ololiuhqui and His Courtship of the Mexican Inquisition in Seventeenth-Century Mexico
Authors: Polanco Edward Anthony
Published: April 2024

Ololiuhqui, the seeds of coatl xoxouhqui (morning glory, Turbina corymbosa), contain a nonhuman life force within them that Central Mexican Nahua specialists have used to diagnose and prognosticate cocoliztli (illness) and help guide cocoxqueh (sick people) back to pactinemiliztli (health). In the seventeenth century, Spanish priest Hernando Ruiz de Alarcón went on a campaign against ololiuhqui and its users that lasted more than two decades. Early in his war against ololiuhqui, the priest became ill, and some Nahuas in his parish viewed his cocoliztli as a result of his contempt toward the seed. This further fueled his rage toward ololiuhqui and drove him to uncover and punish specialists and their clients. After 1617, when the archbishop of Mexico licensed Ruiz de Alarcón to investigate Native “heterodoxy,” the zealous priest quickly found that non-Native people were also involved in ololiuhqui networks and seldom wished to comply with his investigations. As a result, well into the 1630s the priest courted the Holy Office of the Inquisition in Mexico with the goal of obtaining jurisdiction over all colonial racial and ethnic categories in New Spain. Ruiz de Alarcón failed to extirpate the relationship Nahuas had with ololiuhqui, and he also failed to become an official member of the Holy Office’s networks.
A Strong Approach for Overcoming the FoRE: Fear of Resistance Exercise
Authors: Faigenbaum Avery D. , Kamis Danielle , Rial Rebullido Tamara
Published: April 2024

Apply It!

• A vast majority of adults do not engage in sufficient resistance exercise to achieve health, fitness, and functional benefits.

• The Fear of Resistance Exercise, or FoRE, is a unique term that describes a phenomenon observed in individuals who develop an avoidance behavior to resistance exercise due to persistent feelings of worry, apprehension, or misunderstanding.

• Leadership from health and fitness professionals can help adults set clear objectives, challenge irrational thoughts, deal with barriers, and adhere to resistance exercises.
Fatores fiscais e socioeconômicos que afetam a criminalidade no Brasil
Authors: Oliveira de Souza Rhomenig , Storch Damasceno Felipe , Tardin Neyla , Correa Gomes Marques Rebeca
Published: April 2024

Este estudo objetiva verificar o impacto de fatores fiscais e socioeconômicos nas taxas de homicídio e analisar se essa influência é diferente em estados com boa gestão fiscal. Para isso, o Indicador de Gestão Fiscal Estadual (IGFE) foi fundamentado na metodologia do Índice Firjan de Gestão Fiscal (IFGF) para diferenciar estados com boa saúde financeira daqueles cujas contas estão em situação crítica. Ainda, foi realizada uma regressão linear múltipla em dados em painel, pelos métodos de efeitos fixos e aleatórios. Essa pesquisa encontrou evidências deque fatores socioeconômicos afetam as taxas de homicídio dos estados. Além disso, verificou-se que, em média, fatores fiscais, como as transferências voluntárias e os gastos municipais com segurança pública, são negativamente relacionados com as taxas estaduais de homicídios.
Transparência dos bancos de desenvolvimento subnacionais brasileiros: Entre o sigilo da burocracia e a democratização da informação
Authors: Garschagen Gonçalves Bárbara , Zuccolotto Robson , Pinto de Souza Frederico , Roriz Caliman Douglas
Published: April 2024

O objetivo da pesquisa consiste na realização de um diagnóstico da transparência ativa dos Bancos de Desenvolvimento (BD) em atividade no Brasil, baseado no Guia de Transparência do Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES). O protocolo de observação foi composto por 33 itens distribuídos entre oito pilares, sendo: Políticas e Diretrizes; Institucional; Finanças e Empregos; Informações do Portfólio; Dados dos Clientes; Dados das Operações; Impacto; e Participação Social. Os resultados evidenciam que os BD apresentam um processo de transparência ainda insuficiente e que a realidade encontrada nos portais institucionais é marcada pela ausência de informações importantes que tornariam claros os critérios utilizados para definir a alocação das verbas estatais. Muitos dos avanços ocorridos no contexto federal não foram incorporados nos BD subnacionais, sobretudo em função de uma complexa legislação que privilegia o sigilo nessas instituições.
O papel da taxa de câmbio na Teoria Novo-Desenvolvimentista
Authors: Feijo Carmem , Araujo Eliane
Published: April 2024

O presente artigo destaca a relevância da contribuição do professor Bresser-Pereira ao colocar a Teoria Novo-Desenvolvimentista como a referência para pautar o debate macroeconômico em economias em desenvolvimento e, em particular, ao colocar a determinação da taxa real de câmbio como variável-chave para explicar a dinâmica de crescimento e desenvolvimento ao longo do tempo. Para tanto, o artigo inicialmente resume a abordagem de Bresser-Pereira para a determinação da taxa de câmbio, uma de suas contribuições mais originais para a Teoria do Novo-Desenvolvimento. Na sequência, discute a relação entre taxa de câmbio e taxa de juros para explicar como a autonomia de política é restrita em economias em desenvolvimento integradas financeiramente. Por fim, o artigo conclui que a Teoria Novo- Desenvolvimentista oferece insights relevantes e originais para o entendimento da trajetória de crescimento de economias em desenvolvimento integradas financeiramente.