bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eating habits and physical activity in patients with colorectal cancer in a city of Mato Grosso
Authors: Rodrigues Evelyn Angrevski , Lampugnani Lucas Delfino , Carneiro Polyana Bárbara Freese , Rossini Airton , Silveira Érico Folchini da , Queiroz Diogo Albino de , Queiroz Eveline Aparecida Isquierdo Fonseca , Alegranci Pâmela
Published: December 2024

Colorectal cancer has been the cause of death in men and women before the age of 50. It is known that tumor development is influenced by several factors, such as obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity and bad eating habits. The present study aimed to analyze the daily habits of patients with colorectal cancer in a local hospital. The study was longitudinal and descriptive with participants diagnosed between 2019 and 2023 with tumors in the colon and rectum that were not derived from metastasis. Using questionnaires, based on the "Food Guide: how to have a Healthy Diet" from the Ministry of Health (Brazil), adding questions about practicing physical activity. The data on weight and height was extracted from medical records, and Body Mass Index (BMI) divided patients into two groups: control group (BMI between 18.6 kg/m2 and 24.9 kg/m2) and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). The data were arranged as relative and absolute frequencies and analyzed using the GraphPad Prism® 8 program using the chi-square (χ2) statistical test with a minimum acceptable significance level of p < 0.05. According to the results, it was noted that most participants need to pay attention to their eating habits according to the instrument score and daily physical activity and that a very small portion have a considerably healthy lifestyle.
Biomolecular Systems in the Context of Sustainable Applications Studied by NMR
Authors:   , Safeer Adil Ahmed
Published: December 2024

The rapid substitution of non-sustainable practices at all levels of global industrial production processes has become of primary importance due to the strain worldwide ecosystems nowadays face. Notably, biomolecular complexes formed by renewable fungal sources can be employed as biodegradable mycelium-based materials to reduce the use of for instance (petro)chemical plastics that are major contributors to worldwide pollution. Meanwhile, the pervasive use of biohazardous solvents in large scale reactions for the production of everyday compounds may be alleviated by the introduction of biocatalytic approaches. Favorably, advancements are being made in the field of designer enzyme based (bio)catalysis of novel new-to-nature reactions that abolish harsh reaction conditions. However, full exploitation of (large) biomolecular complexes remains limited as long as structural, dynamical and chemical insight in native conditions remain elusive. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in both solution and solid-state (ss) applications has emerged as a powerful tool for the non-destructive study of molecules and their motions and structures at atomic-level resolution. In this work, we applied diverse NMR tools to disentangle the composition and arrangement of the carbohydrates in fungal cell walls that are essential to the properties of the mycelial ensemble, and the structural and chemical equilibria of the artificial metalloenzyme (ArM) based on the lactococcal multidrug resistance regulator (LmrR) following directed evolution steps to improve its reactivity.
Crossing free-energy barriers
Authors:   , de Jager Marjolein Esther
Published: December 2024

Nucleation is one of the most common and important processes in our lives. It not only plays a crucial role in many biological processes within our cells, but is also essential for the production of everyday products such as chocolate, toothpaste, and medicines. In short, nucleation is the process by which a phase transition, such as freezing or evaporation, begins by first forming a small amount of the new phase, which then continues to grow. For example, think of the formation of small ice crystals when water freezes, or the gas bubbles that appear when water starts to boil.
The goal of my PhD research is to gain a better fundamental understanding of nucleation and address several open questions surrounding this process. For this, we delve into the theory behind crystal nucleation and determine the effect of the interface between the fluid phase and the crystal phase. Additionally, we study the nucleation of different systems to gain better insight into the precise onset of nucleation. To this end, I use computer simulations and primarily focus on crystal nucleation in colloidal systems. These systems consist of microscopic particles, called colloids, with sizes ranging from tens of nanometers to a few micrometers, which move freely in a solvent. I investigate whether we can predict where in the fluid phase the crystal will form. Knowledge of this can help control nucleation more precisely, for example, in the production of substances such as medicines. Finally, I study an example of nucleation in a biological system, specifically the compaction of HIV DNA under the influence of a protein called HIV integrase. This contributes to a better understanding of a crucial step in the HIV life cycle, which can aid in the more targeted development of medications.
Missing and clustered data in healthcare research
Authors:   , Munoz Avila Johanna
Published: December 2024

This thesis describes the challenges and methods for dealing with missing and hierarchical or clustered data, which often occur together in epidemiological studies. It provides a comprehensive overview of imputation methods tailored to hierarchical data and introduces a new approach to handle data that is not missing completely at random. Additionally, the thesis highlights the complexity of and introduces methods for generating illustrations of calibration during the external validation of clinical prediction models in the context of datasets with incomplete data. It also discusses the challenges and methods for producing calibration plots based on clustered datasets.
Pertussis Immunization Before 24 Weeks of Pregnancy
Authors:   , Immink Maarten Maurits
Published: December 2024

In this thesis, we describe several aspects of early maternal tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination before 24 weeks of pregnancy in order to protect the infant against severe pertussis in the first months of life. Data from a longitudinal cohort study after maternal Tdap vaccination between 20-24 weeks of gestation were compared with a reference cohort after Tdap vaccination between 30-33 weeks of gestation. Pertussis-specific antibodies in term infants were compared with those of preterm infants, together with reactogenicity and acceptance of maternal Tdap vaccination before 24 weeks of gestation.
The results indicate that vaccination before 24 weeks of gestation is suboptimal for transplacental antibody transfer and leads to two-fold lower antibody concentrations at the age of two months in term-born infants, compared with vaccination at 30-33 weeks. In early premature infants, i.e. born before 32 weeks of gestation, this may be up to 3-fold lower antibody levels, while in late-preterm infants, i.e. born after 32 weeks of gestation, similar antibody concentrations were found in preterm infants. The side reactogenicity and acceptance were unaffected by earlier administration of Tdap-vaccination during pregnancy. More research is needed to investigate whether the impared transfer may lead to a weaker protection against pertussis.
Beside the results of the cohort study, this thesis also describes antibody transfer after maternal Tdap vaccination in pregnant women with chronic inflammatory diseases who use immune-modulating medication. Also, the pertussis incidence in the Caribbean part of the Netherlands was estimated based on a serosurveillance study from 2017, which implicates that up to 8% of adolescents were recently infected by Bordettella pertussis.
Disclosure of environmental issues in compliance with ESRS in non-financial statements of state-owned enterprises of Ukraine
Authors:   Tallinn University of Technology, Ozeran Alla , Korshykova Renata ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Modern challenges related to environmental sustainability require Ukrainian state-owned enterprises to enhance the disclosure of information on the environmental aspects of their activities in non-financial reports. The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) establish the requirements for environmental reporting, which are important for adapting the national approach to non-financial reporting.

Problem Statement. The inconsistency of the depth of disclosure of information on the environmental direction of activity in the non-financial reports of Ukrainian state-owned enterprises with the requirements of the European Sustainable Development Standards and the lack a detailed list of indicators that reflect the progress of enterprises toward sustainable development, specifically regarding environmental issues, in the current Methodological Recommendations for preparing a management report.

The purpose is to identify areas for improving the domestic regulatory framework based on a study of the level and scope of disclosure of environmental aspects in the non-financial reporting of Ukrainian state-owned enterprises and their compliance with the ESRS requirements.

Results. The analysis revealed that most Ukrainian state-owned enterprises do not disclose complete information on environmental aspects in their non-financial reporting, although for the most part the relevant data and indicators can be obtained from the accounting system or alternative sources – forms of statistical observations. On the other hand, the Methodological Guidelines for preparing a management report do not contain a list of necessary indicators that would allow providing meaningful information on the mutual impact of the enterprise and the environment. As a result, certain indicators specified by the European Sustainability Standards, particularly those related to pollution, biodiversity, and the circular economy, are not communicated to stakeholders.

Conclusions. To ensure compliance with the ESRS requirements, it is advisable to enhance the valid Methodological Guidelines by integrating sustainable development issues, which will help reduce duplication of information, reduce the administrative burden and ensure consistency of reporting approaches.
Frataxin is essential for zebrafish embryogenesis and pronephros formation
Authors: Ercanbrack Wesley S. , Dungan Austin , Gaul Ella , Ramirez Mateo , J. DelVecchio Alexander , Grass Calvin , Wingert Rebecca A.
Published: December 2024

Background and objectives

Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA) is a genetic disease that affects a variety of different tissues. The disease is caused by a mutation in the frataxin gene (FXN) which is important for the synthesis of iron-sulfur clusters. The primary pathologies of FRDA are loss of motor control and cardiomyopathy. These occur due to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain and the heart due to their high metabolic rates. Our research aims to understand how developmental processes and the kidney are impacted by a deficiency of FXN.

Methods

We utilized an antisense oligomer, or morpholino, to knockdown the frataxin gene (fxn) in zebrafish embryos. Knockdown was confirmed via RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, and Sanger sequencing. To investigate phenotypes, we utilized several staining techniques including whole mount in situ hybridization, Alcian blue, and acridine orange, as well as dextran-FITC clearance assays.

Results

fxn deficient animals displayed otolith malformations, edema, and reduced survival. Alcian blue staining revealed craniofacial defects in fxn deficient animals, and gene expression studies showed that the pronephros, or embryonic kidney, had several morphological defects. We investigated the function of the pronephros through clearance assays and found that the renal function is disrupted in fxn deficient animals in addition to proximal tubule endocytosis. Utilizing acridine orange staining, we found that cell death is a partial contributor to these phenotypes.

Discussion and conclusion

This work provides new insights about how fxn deficiency impacts development and kidney morphogenesis. Additionally, this work establishes an additional model system to study FRDA.
Deciphering the gut microbiota’s role in diverticular disease: insights from a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zheng Biaohui , Chen Dongbo , Zeng Hao , Lin Shuangming
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous studies have indicated a potential association between gut microbiota and diverticular disease. However, the precise nature of this relationship remains unclear. In light of this, we decided to use a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and intestinal diverticular disease in greater depth.

Methods

To investigate the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and intestinal diverticular disease, we conducted a two-sample MR study in a European ancestry. Genetic instrumental variables for gut microbiota were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 5,959 participants. Summary statistics for intestinal diverticular disease were sourced from the IEU Open GWAS project, which included data from 5,193 cases and 457,740 controls. The analysis was primarily conducted using the inverse variance weighted method, with additional sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of the findings.

Results

With regard to the findings, 11 microbial taxa were identified as having a potential causal relationship with intestinal diverticular disease. Specifically, the microbial taxa Caryophanales, Paenibacillaceae, Herbinix, Turicibacter, Turicibacteraceae, and Staphylococcus fleurettii were found to be positively associated with the risk of developing intestinal diverticular disease, while Chromatiales, Arcobacter, Herbidospora, Ligilactobacillus ruminis, and Megamonas funiformis were found to be negatively associated with the risk. Further reverse MR analysis did not reveal a reverse causal effect between these microbial taxa and intestinal diverticular disease.

Conclusion

Our MR analyses revealed a potential causal relationship between certain gut microbiota and intestinal diverticular disease, which may provide new directions for future intestinal diverticular disease prevention and treatment strategies.
Endodontic treatment of a two-rooted mandibular first premolar with four root canals: a case report
Authors: Hu Peiling , Feng Shuang , Li Xin , Li Guangwen , Li Shiting
Published: December 2024

Background

Mandibular first premolar has a complex and variable anatomy of the root canal system, which often leads to failure of endodontic treatment due to missing root canals. Identifying the complete structure of the root canal system to ensure that all root canals are perfectly cleared and filled becomes critical to the success of root canal therapy. This report introduced a unique case of endodontic treatment of a two-rooted mandibular first premolar in the buccolingual direction with a total of four canals.

Case presentation

An adult male patient with a lower left first premolar was diagnosed with acute apical periodontitis and treated with open pulp drainage in a general hospital. One day later, due to the complexity of the root canal structure, the patient was referred to our clinic for subsequent treatment. The tooth #34 was diagnosed with abnormal central cusp, apical periodontitis, and incomplete fracture through clinical and x-ray examinations. Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) results showed that the tooth #34 processed two roots with a buccolingual bifurcation and a total of 4 root canals: 1 lingual canal, 2 mesiobuccal canals, and 1 distobuccal canal. Notably, the buccal root presented a C-shaped configuration, and the mesiobuccal canals were of 2-1 type. The tooth was treated with microendodontics and crown restoration. One year after the treatment, the follow-up results showed that the tooth #34 was functioning normally without any abnormalities.

Conclusion

This report enhances our understanding of the anatomical variations in the root canal system of the mandibular first premolar and emphasizes the importance of CBCT in identifying anatomical variations within the root canal system. Clinicians must be aware of such changes in the mandibular first premolar during treatment to ensure a perfect treatment and better prognosis in clinical practice.
Assessing learning and development through transdisciplinary problem-based invention education offerings
Authors: Couch Stephanie , Paul Kelli M. , Sullivan Michelle , Sultana Sabiha
Published: December 2024

Invention Education (IvE), a form of problem-based learning, presents new challenges for educational assessments in public schooling because traditional assessments were designed to evaluate learning in singular disciplines. This study explores the challenges and possibilities for assessing new knowledge and capabilities acquired through students’ engagement with multiple disciplines through IvE. Guided by constructivist and sociocultural theories, as well as an understanding of IvE principles and practices derived from the literature on IvE, we examine the phases of work within a national IvE program for high school students and educators. We then examine ways existing assessments align with the work at each stage of the IvE process. Findings from this case study underscore the need for a flexible assessment system with multiple measures (e.g., disciplinary knowledge and practices, skill inventories, etc.). The system must account for variations in learning contexts, individual and collective achievements, and varying lengths of time students engage in IvE.
The effect of digital technology usage on higher vocational student satisfaction: the mediating role of learning experience and learning engagement
Authors: Zhang Xiangping , Qian Wensheng , Chen Chengxi
Published: December 2024

The fourth industrial revolution and the digital transformation represented by Industry 4.0 have stimulated digital innovations in economic and social spheres, accelerating the structural transformation of the labor market and increasing the demand for high-quality vocational education and training. The influence of digital technology on student satisfaction is acknowledged; nonetheless, the precise mechanisms via which it impacts student satisfaction related to learning experience and learning engagement remain largely unexplored. This study seeks to investigate the impact of digital technology usage on student satisfaction of Chinese higher vocational college students, mediated by learning experience and learning engagement, employing Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as the theoretical framework. In June and July 2023, 424 participants were chosen from public vocational institutions in Hubei Province, Central China, using the simple random sampling method. Results were analyzed utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) in AMOS 24.0 and SPSS 26.0. The findings indicated a significant correlation between digital technology usage and student satisfaction. Moreover, the digital technology usage exhibited an indirect and positive correlation with student satisfaction of vocational students through learning experience and learning engagement, respectively. The findings highlight the importance of learning experience as a crucial element connecting digital technology usage to student satisfaction. This study urges administrators and educators to recognize the significance of learning experiences and learning engagement in the use of digital technology, fosters a supportive educational environment through digital resources, facilitates substantial changes in teaching and learning in higher vocational education, and executes strategies to connect academia with industry. This study’s distinctiveness lies in its enhancement of theoretical understanding of digital technology usage by investigating the mechanisms via which it affects student satisfaction. This clarifies the complex interconnections among digital technology usage, learning experience, learning engagement, and student satisfaction, emphasizing the mediating roles of learning experience and learning engagement in the Chinese context.
Evaluation of photosynthetic Taxa in the Venice Lagoon from the nineteenth century to present day
Authors: Drigo Filippo , Stefanelli Chiara , Moro Isabella , De Pittà Cristiano
Published: December 2024

The Venice Lagoon is the largest transitional environment within the Mediterranean Sea (almost 550 km2). Being a transitional environment, it contains many different ecological niches, hence the biodiversity in this environment is very high. However, at the same time, this lagoon system is under constant pressure from human activities, and it has been greatly modified by humans during the centuries. Examples are the construction of the city of Venice, the digging of the canals for commercial ships, and the modifications of the three inlets to the lagoon. All these activities altered the circulation inside the lagoon, modifying the equilibrium between river and sea inputs, also influencing the sediment intake, fundamental for saltmarshes stability. During the centuries, many authors monitored the photosynthetic taxa (seaweeds, halophytes, and seagrasses) inhabiting the Venice Lagoon. In this study, we reviewed works from the nineteenth century to the present time to obtain a complete and updated view of the photosynthetic species that inhabit this environment, observing a decrease in the presence of charophytes and heterokontophytes and an increase in rhodophytes in the analyzed period. Moreover, we also considered the ecological valence of the species reported in this environment through two different ecological indexes (Macroalgae Quality Index – MaQI, Ecological Evaluation Index – EEI), observing a decrease in the relative contribution of the species with high ecological valence along the centuries. We also reviewed the presence of threatened and non-indigenous species, observing some differences in the considered works. Finally, we also considered the molecular resources available on online databases, finding only half macroalgal species with a reference sequence, compared to almost 90% for higher plants.
Seasonal differences of Wyrtki Jet intraseasonal variabilities
Authors: Cao Guojiao , Xu Tengfei , Wei Zexun
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the intraseasonal variabilities (ISVs) of the Wyrtki Jet in boreal spring and fall and their impacts on the oceanic ISVs along the southern coast of Sumatra-Java Island. The results reveal that the Wyrtki Jet ISVs in spring are significantly stronger than those in fall, with the standard deviation of the 0-30m-averaged zonal current reaching up to 0.25 m/s in spring, while the highest value in fall is only 0.2 m/s. The Wyrtki Jet ISVs are significantly correlated with surface zonal wind anomalies and sea level anomalies (SLAs) in the equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) at intraseasonal timescale, and are modulated by the propagation of equatorial Kelvin waves. The intraseasonal SLAs along the southern coast of the Sumatra-Java Island are significantly correlated with the Wyrtki Jet ISVs, exhibiting similar seasonal fluctuation characteristics. In spring, the Wyrtki Jet intraseasonal signals initially appear near 75°E at the equator, approximately 10 days before the positive peaks of the intraseasonal SLAs, while in fall, the Wyrtki Jet intraseasonal signals first appear about 15 days before the peaks near 60°E at the equator, which is relatively further west compared to signals in spring. In addition, the composite Wyrtki Jet ISVs in spring are approximately 0.2 m/s stronger than those in fall. The enhanced ISVs of sea surface zonal wind forcing and Wyrtki Jet in spring, relative to those in fall, indicate that the seasonality in the intraseasonal SLAs along the southern coast of Sumatra-Java is attributable to the combined effects of surface wind forcing and current fields.
Dynamic changes of gut microbiota between the first and second trimester for women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their correlations with BMI: a nested cohort study in China
Authors: Zhong Shilin , Yang Bingcai , Liu Yuzhen , Dai Wenkui , Li Guanglei , Yang Juan , Yang Ao , Wang Ying , Wang Min , Xu Chang , Deng Yuqing
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Gut microbiota (GM) has been implicated in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), yet longitudinal changes across trimesters remain insufficiently explored.

Methods

This nested cohort study aimed to investigate GM alterations before 24 weeks of gestation and their association with GDM. Ninety-three Chinese participants provided fecal samples during the first and second trimesters. Based on oral glucose tolerance tests, 11 participants were classified as GDM, and 82 as non-diabetic (ND). Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we analyzed both cross-sectional and longitudinal differences in GM structure between those two groups.

Results

In the first trimester, GDM group exhibited lower levels of Bacteroides_H and Acetatifactor compared to ND group (p < 0.05). In the second trimester, GDM individuals showed increased abundance of Fusobacteriota and Firmicutes_D, and genera including Fusobacterium_A and Fournierella, while Anaerotruncus and others decreased (P<0.05). Inflammation-associated genera like Gemmiger_A_73129 and Enterocloster increased, while Megamonas decreased in overweight or obese GDM women, which was not identified in normal-weight women. The ratios of relative abundance of genera Streptococcus, Enterocloster, and Collinsella exceeded 1.5 in the GDM group, particularly in overweight or obese individuals. Inflammatory pathways related to African trypanosomiasis and Staphylococcus aureus infection were predicted to be up-regulated in overweight or obese GDM individuals but not in normal-weight GDM women.

Discussion

This study suggests that GM of women with GDM undergoes significant alterations between the first and second trimesters, potentially linked to inflammation, with more pronounced changes observed in overweight or obese individuals.
The SlDLK2 receptor, involved in the control of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, regulates hormonal balance in roots
Authors: Ramos-Alvelo Martín , Molinero-Rosales Nuria , Tamayo-Navarrete María Isabel , Ćavar Zeljković Sanja , Tarkowski Petr , García-Garrido José Manuel , Ho-Plágaro Tania
Published: December 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) represents a symbiotic mutualistic association between most land plants and Glomeromycota fungi. AM fungi develops specialized intraradical and highly branched structures, called arbuscules, where bidirectional exchange of nutrients between plant and fungi partners occurs, improving plant growth and fitness. Transcriptional reprogramming and hormonal regulation are necessary for the formation of the arbuscules. SlDLK2, a member of the third clade from the DWARF14 family of α, β-hydrolases closely related to the strigolactone receptor D14, is a negative regulator of arbuscule branching in tomato, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We explored the possible role of SlDLK2 on the regulation of hormonal balance. RNA-seq analysis was performed on roots from composite tomato plants overexpressing SlDLK2 and in control plants transformed with the empty vector. Analysis of transcriptomic data predicted that significantly repressed genes were enriched for genes related to hormone biosynthesis pathways, with a special relevance of carotenoid/apocarotenoid biosynthesis genes. Stable transgenic SlDLK2 overexpressing (OE) tomato lines were obtained, and hormone contents were analyzed in their roots and leaves. Interesting significant hormonal changes were found in roots of SlDLK2 OE lines with respect to the control lines, with a strong decrease on jasmonic acid and ABA. In addition, SlDLK2 OE roots showed a slight reduction in auxin contents and in one of the major strigolactones in tomato, solanacol. Overall, our results suggest that the negative regulation of AM symbiosis by SlDLK2 is associated with the repression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of AM-promoting hormones.
Isolation and characterization of a Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus from fish pond water
Authors: Hong Qian-Ming , Yuan Kai , Zhang Meng-En , Yang Xin-Rui , Chen Qi , Xu Shi-Wei , Chen Wan-Yi , Qian Shi-Xin , Miao Yu-Tao , Zhu Zhi-Ming , Chen Yi-Hong
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The intricate habitats of aquatic organisms, coupled with the prevalence of pathogens, contribute to a high incidence of various diseases, particularly bacterial infections. Consequently, the formulation of sustainable and effective disease management strategies is crucial for the thriving aquaculture sector.

Methods and results

In this investigation, a strain of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, designated B. bacteriovorus FWA, was isolated from a freshwater fish pond. Identification was achieved through microscopic examination of morphological characteristics, biochemical property assessment, and phylogenetic analysis. The lysogenic capability of B. bacteriovorus FWA was evaluated, revealing its effectiveness in lysing Escherichia coli, Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Edwardsiella tarda. Physiological analysis indicated that the optimal ratio of B. bacteriovorus FWA to host bacteria was 1:10,000, with strict aerobic requirements. The optimal pH range for growth and reproduction was 7.0–8.0, the ideal temperature was found to be 30–35°C, with a preferred Na+ concentration of 0% and a Ca2+ concentration of 15–25 mM. Additionally, B. bacteriovorus FWA demonstrated enhanced lytic activity against bacteria in aquaculture effluent while effectively managing ammonia-nitrogen levels.

Discussion

In summary, B. bacteriovorus FWA holds significant promise for development as a probiotic agent in aquaculture.
Association of dietary inflammatory index and systemic inflammatory markers with mortality risk in depressed adults: a mediation analysis of NHANES data
Authors: Tang Ming , Chang Xindong , Zheng Haiyan , Zeng Fanyi , Zhang Guangdong , He Mingfei , Fang Qingqing , Yin Shiwu
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous research has linked systemic inflammatory markers and the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) with depression. However, the relationship between DII and these markers, and their impact on mortality risk among depressed adults, remains underexplored. This study aims to explore the association between DII and systemic inflammatory markers and their mediating effect on mortality risk in adults with depression.

Methods

This study analyzed data from 4,981 adults with depression in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This study quantified dietary inflammatory potential with the DII and systemic inflammation with the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI). Cox proportional hazards regression and inverse probability weighting evaluated the impact of DII, SII, and SIRI on mortality risk in depressed adults, as well as their mediating effects. Multiple linear regression analyzed the associations between DII and SII/SIRI. Restricted cubic spline analysis explored the non-linear relationship between DII and mortality risk.

Results

In adjusted regression models, DII, SII, and SIRI were significantly associated with all-cause mortality risk in depressed adults, with hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CIs) from 1.333 to 1.497 (1.051–1.233, 1.689–1.832). DII was linearly related to SII, with βs (95% CIs) from 0.001 to 0.121 (0.001–0.017, 0.001–0.224). SII significantly mediated the DII-mortality risk link, especially in males (8.07%). The DII-mortality relationship was linear (Pnon-linear = 0.174), with a beneficial threshold at 1.62.

Conclusion

DII and SII are associated with increased all-cause mortality risk in depressed adults. The DII-related mortality risk in depression can be partially mediated by SII, with a more pronounced effect in males.
Yogurt consumption and risk of accelerated aging: A population-based study from the NHANES 2003–2006
Authors: Yue Xinghai , Liu Hongfei , Guo Wenzhao , Gao Yuhang , Shi Shaoshun
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Yogurt consumption is beneficial to health, but its association with aging remains unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between yogurt consumption and aging using data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

We used data from 4,056 participants to examine the relationship between yogurt consumption and aging. Yogurt consumers were defined as individuals who consumed yogurt at least once per year. Phenotypic age acceleration was used as a surrogate marker for aging. Nearest-neighbor propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to reduce bias, followed by weighted multivariate logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) to investigate the relationship between yogurt consumption and aging.

Results

Yogurt consumption was associated with a lower risk of accelerated aging compared to non-consumers (OR = 0.544, 95% CI: 0.354–0.836, p = 0.020). A U-shaped relationship was observed between the frequency of yogurt intake and the risk of accelerated aging. Additionally, yogurt consumption was related to a lower risk of overweight status.

Discussion

These findings suggest that yogurt consumption may reduce the risk of accelerated aging and may also be linked to a lower risk of overweight status. This could provide a promising avenue for exploring the beneficial effects of dietary factors on lifespan extension.
Prediction of soft tissue sarcoma grading using intratumoral habitats and a peritumoral radiomics nomogram: a multi-center preliminary study
Authors: Wang Bo , Guo Hongwei , Zhang Meng , Huang Yonghua , Duan Lisha , Huang Chencui , Xu Jun , Wang Hexiang
Published: December 2024

Background

Accurate identification of pathologic grade before operation is helpful for guiding clinical treatment decisions and improving the prognosis for soft tissue sarcoma (STS).

Purpose

To construct and assess a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics nomogram incorporating intratumoral habitats (subregions of clusters of voxels containing similar features) and peritumoral features for the preoperative prediction of the pathological grade of STS.

Methods

The MRI data of 145 patients with STS (74 low-grade and 71 high-grade) from 4 hospitals were retrospectively collected, including enhanced T1-weighted and fat-suppressed-T2-weighted sequences. The patients were divided into training cohort (n = 102) and validation cohort (n = 43). K-means clustering was used to divide intratumoral voxels into three habitats according to signal intensity. A number of radiomics features were extracted from tumor-related regions to construct radiomics prediction signatures for seven subgroups. Logistic regression analysis identified peritumoral edema as an independent risk factor. A nomogram was created by merging the best radiomics signature with the peritumoral edema. We evaluated the performance and clinical value of the model using area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.

Results

A multi-layer perceptron classifier model based on intratumoral habitats and peritumoral features combined gave the best radiomics signature, with an AUC of 0.856 for the validation cohort. The AUC of the nomogram in the validation cohort was 0.868, which was superior to the radiomics signature and the clinical model established by peritumoral edema. The calibration curves and decision curve analyses revealed good calibration and a high clinical application value for this nomogram.

Conclusion

The MRI-based nomogram is accurate and effective for predicting preoperative grading in patients with STS.
Global, regional, and national burden of childhood cardiovascular disease: trends from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Wang Mingling , Yi Junling , Chen Zuolei
Published: December 2024

Background

Childhood cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an emerging public health concern, with rising incidence linked to obesity and diabetes. Despite advancements in care, significant disparities persist across regions and socioeconomic groups. This study analyzed the global, regional, and national burden of childhood CVD from 1990 to 2021.

Methods

A cross-sectional study utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 was conducted. We analyzed children aged 0–14 years, categorizing them into age groups and assessing trends in incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across 204 countries. Statistical analyses included linear regression to calculate estimated annual percentage changes and assess temporal trends.

Results

The study revealed a 25% global increase in childhood CVD incidence over three decades, with significant disparities observed across different socioeconomic regions. Mortality and DALYs associated with CVD had decreased globally by 59% and 55% respectively, reflecting advances in medical technology and healthcare access. However, these improvements were not uniformly distributed, with low socio-demographic index regions exhibiting both the highest incidences and slowest declines in CVD-related health burdens. Environmental risks, such as extreme temperatures, also contributed to CVD mortality.

Conclusions

While mortality and DALYs due to childhood CVD have declined globally, rising incidence and persistent disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions. Addressing socio-economic factors and enhancing access to quality care are crucial for reducing the global burden of childhood CVD.
Cognitive rehabilitation in schizophrenia research: a bibliometric and visualization analysis
Authors: Shu Xiaofeng , Dai Yubin , Tang Juanping , Huang Yi , Hu Rong , Lin Yong
Published: December 2024

Objective

Cognitive impairment is notably prevalent among schizophrenic individuals and is acknowledged as one of the core features of the disorder. Despite the proliferation of literature on cognitive rehabilitation treatments for schizophrenia in recent years, there remains a dearth of systematic reviews and selections of research in this area. From a bibliometric perspective, this study aims to analyze and discuss the current state, developmental trends, and potential research hotspots of cognitive rehabilitation in schizophrenia over the past two decades.

Methods

The Core database of Web of Science was utilized to retrieve articles on cognitive rehabilitation in Schizophrenia that were published from 2004 to 2024. Bibliometrics was applied to perform both quantitative and qualitative analyses of authors, institutions, countries, journals, references, and keywords, leveraging tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the R software package Bibliometrix.

Results

A total of 2,413 articles were encompassed in this study, comprising 1,774 regular articles and 373 review articles. The United States emerged as the country with the highest productivity and citation counts, engaging in academic collaborations with over 40 nations. This was followed by the United Kingdom and Spain. King’s College London stood out as the leading institution in the field. However, the article with the highest average citation rate was authored by Susan R. McGurk from the Dartmouth Centre for Psychiatric Research in the United States. Schizophrenia Research proved to be the most influential journal in this domain, with its articles being cited over 10,000 times.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive review of research achievements in cognitive rehabilitation for schizophrenia spanning from 2004 to 2024, and outlines global research hotspots and trends with future projections. Currently, methods for cognitive rehabilitation in schizophrenia and neural plasticity in the brain represent the cutting-edge of research. The safety, efficacy, and standardization of virtual reality are poised to emerge as potential future hotspots and trends in research. Additionally, the neurobiological foundations of cognitive remediation therapy constitute an unexplored territory ripe for further investigation.
Challenges of maternity continuum of care within the primary health care in northwest Ethiopia: interpretive description using a socio-ecological model
Authors: Mihret Muhabaw Shumye , Alemu Kassahun , Beshah Debrework Tesgera , Gezie Lemma Derseh , Erlandsson Kerstin , Lindgren Helena
Published: December 2024

Background

The maternity continuum of care plays a vital role in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, its uptake remains low in Ethiopia, highlighting the need to identify challenges within the primary health care system to inform practice. Hence, this study aimed to explore the challenges of the maternity continuum of care within the primary health care system in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An interpretive description approach was employed from March 3, 2022, to November 27, 2022, within the primary health care system in northwest Ethiopia. Maximum variation sampling was utilized, comprising 28 in-depth interviews, three focus group discussions with 29 participants, and four key informant interviews. The reflexive thematic analysis method was applied, and the results were mapped onto the constructs of the socio-ecological model.

Results

The analysis identified four main themes: low maternity healthcare-seeking behavior (intrapersonal level), lack of peer and family support (interpersonal level), cultural influences on maternity care and low community responsiveness (community level), and inadequate health system readiness and response (health facility/system level). Some of the sub-themes include low health literacy and self-efficacy and misconceptions regarding maternity care at the intrapersonal level; peer and family pressure against seeking maternity care, low autonomy, and intimate partner violence at the interpersonal level; cultural influences on pregnancy disclosure and postnatal care and low social accountability at the community level; and delays in accessing ambulance services, long waiting times for maternity care, shortages of essential healthcare supplies, poor coordination of care, inadequate monitoring and evaluation, disrespectful maternity care, and dissatisfaction among healthcare workers at the health facility/system level.

Conclusion

Intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and health facility- and system-level challenges have influenced the maternity continuum of care within the primary health care in northwest Ethiopia. Since these challenges are interdependent, considering a holistic approach within primary health care could lead to an improved maternity continuum of care.
AI frontiers in emergency care: the next evolution of nursing interventions
Authors: Mani Zakaria , Albagawi Bander
Published: December 2024

This scoping review explores the utilization of artificial intelligence in emergency nursing, assessing its impact, potential benefits, and the obstacles faced in its adoption. It covers the scope of AI from advanced triage protocols to continuous monitoring of patients, assistance in diagnosis, and providing support for clinical decisions. The review notes that AI in emergency healthcare can lead to more efficient care and timely, data-driven actions, but also highlights significant issues such as safeguarding patient data, the necessity for dependable infrastructure, and concerns over discriminatory algorithms. The promise of AI in improving emergency healthcare practices and patient care is clear, yet the identified challenges must be carefully navigated to promote safe and ethical use. Further empirical research is called for to confirm the effectiveness of AI applications in the dynamic environment of emergency care setups.
Ethics, One Health approaches, and SDGs: conference lessons for an emerging field
Authors: Lerner Henrik , Nordquist Rebecca E. , Lederman Zohar , Keyel Jared , Nickel Patricia Mooney , Berg Charlotte
Published: December 2024

One Health ethics is an emerging field that has gained traction since its origin in approximately 2015. This article builds upon the insights shared during a panel discussion on One Health, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ethical conflicts at the 28th Annual International Sustainable Development Research Society Conference. The conference, themed Sustainable Development and Courage: Culture, Art, and Human Rights, aimed to advance and expand recent knowledge in the field. Key themes discussed during the conference panel included interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinary, risk, resilience, wicked problems with no readily available solutions, and praxis. A conclusion is that ethics should become more prominent within One Health discussions. Four aspects emerged from this discussion: (1) Ethics is needed to solve wicked problems within One Health approaches. (2) Aspects of multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinarity need to be considered together with their implications for ethics. (3) Two crucial concepts, risk and resilience, need to be addressed. (4) Ethical decision models are called for and need to be developed.
Spatial–temporal distribution of chikungunya virus in Brazil: a review on the circulating viral genotypes and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus as a potential vector
Authors: Resck Maria Eduarda Barreto , Câmara Daniel Cardoso Portela , dos Santos Flávia Barreto , dos Santos Jefferson Pereira Caldas , Alto Barry Wilmer , Honório Nildimar Alves
Published: December 2024

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is mainly transmitted by the invasive mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. However, genetic adaptations of the virus to the peri domestic mosquito vector Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus has resulted in enhanced vector competence and associated epidemics and may contribute to further geographic expansion of CHIKV. However, evidence-based data on the relative role of Ae. albopictus in CHIKV transmission dynamics are scarce, especially in regions where Ae. aegypti is the main vector, such as in Brazil. Here, we review the CHIKV genotypes circulating in Brazil, spatial and temporal distribution of Chikungunya cases in Brazil, and susceptibility to infection and transmission (i.e., vector competence) of Ae. albopictus for CHIKV to better understand its relative contribution to the virus transmission dynamics.
The use of artificial intelligence for automatic analysis and reporting of software defects
Authors: Esposito Mark , Sarbazvatan Saman , Tse Terence , Silva-Atencio Gabriel
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a before and after in the business world, causing a growing demand for applications that streamline operations, reduce delivery times and costs, and improve the quality of products. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) has taken a relevant role in improving these processes, since it incorporates mathematical models that allow analyzing the logical structure of the systems to detect and reduce errors or failures in real-time. This study aimed to determine the most relevant aspects to be considered for detecting software defects using AI. The methodology used was qualitative, with an exploratory, descriptive, and non-experimental approach. The technique involved a documentary review of 79 bibliometric references. The most relevant finding was the use of regression testing techniques and automated log files, in machine learning (ML) and robotic process automation (RPA) environments. These techniques help reduce the time required to identify failures, thereby enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the lifecycle of applications. In conclusion, companies that incorporate AI algorithms will be able to include an agile model in their lifecycle, as they will reduce the rate of failures, errors, and breakdowns allowing cost savings, and ensuring quality.