bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Correlates of Complicated Grief in Military Primary Care: Implications for Healthcare Providers
Authors: Gibson Lauren P.
Published: March 2024

Grief is a universal experience, but for approximately 1 in 10 individuals, grief can become impairing. Despite servicemembers’ frequent exposure to death, research on grief in the military remains limited. The purpose of the study was to explore the prevalence and correlates of complicated grief (CG) in military primary care. A quantitative survey was conducted with 161 non-treatment-seeking service members, veterans, and their dependents, of whom 138 reported a significant loss. Results revealed that 35% of the respondents who were bereaved met the cut-off score of 25 on the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG). Furthermore, 10% met the cut-off score of 30 on the Prolonged Grief Disorder-13-Revised Scale (PG-13-R). Importantly, death by suicide and pre-existing mental health conditions were associated with greater symptom severity. These findings have important implications for primary care providers and other clinicians working with military populations.
Justice Perceptions, Sexual Identity, and Race: Likelihood of Police Reporting Intentions Following Sexual Assault
Authors: Culatta Elizabeth , Boyle Kaitlin M. , Shaiman Sophia , Sutton Tara E.
Published: March 2024

Perceptions of law enforcement shape a willingness to report crime and are particularly important for sex crimes and among groups oppressed or neglected by the legal system. We examine three types of perceptions of justice—the fairness of outcomes (distributive), procedures (procedural), and victim treatment (interpersonal). We expect each measure of justice perceptions to increase the likelihood of reporting, or recommending a friend report, a hypothetical sexual assault to police. Our survey of 18- to 24-year-old women ( N = 1,414) oversampled women of color and stratified the sample by educational attainment. In a series of path analyses, we find full support for our hypotheses about reporting one’s own sexual assault and partial support for encouraging a friend to report based on perceptions of three forms of justice. In addition, we examined indirect effects of sexual identity and race on reporting intentions and discuss how those patterns are partially driven by negative perceptions of justice.
How Social Networks Shape Refugee Movements in Wartime: Evidence from the Russian Attack on Ukraine
Authors: Hierro María , Maza Adolfo
Published: March 2024

This article analyzes the key factors guiding the destination choice of Ukrainian refugees in the EU between March and December 2022 in the framework of the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive. To this end, it specifies a migration model, computed for the whole period and two subperiods (March–May and June–December), that captures the influence of social networks. Furthermore, our migration model makes a distinction for the first time between prewar migrant communities and the new social networks that are emerging in wartime circumstances. The estimation of the model, using the Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood estimator by Santos Silva and Tenreyro (2006), confirmed the importance of both types of social networks in explaining refugees’ choice of destination. The results also revealed that some economic variables (expected earnings and the size of the informal sector) influenced the location choice of refugees since the outbreak of the war, while other socioeconomic and political factors (risk of social exclusion, anti-immigration sentiment, and rule of law) only did so after a few months, when it became increasingly self-evident that the war was going on for a long time.
Recognition of nuts and seeds in children with/without food allergies and their mothers: A reflection of culinary culture
Authors: İlgün Gürel Deniz , Parlak Zeynep , Şahiner Ümit Murat , Soyer Özge , Şekerel Bülent Enis
Published: March 2024

Background

Nuts and seeds are among the leading causes of food allergy. Effective food allergy management hinges on the ability to identify and avoid relevant foods.

Aim

To evaluate the nut/seed recognition ability in both children and mothers.

Methods

Primary caregivers (mothers) and their children (6–18 years old) with/without food allergies were shown photographs of nuts/seeds, and their products with visible/hidden allergens to assess their ability to recognize accurately.

Results

A total of 196 children and 184 mothers participated. The median ages of the children and mothers were 7.6 (6.8–10) and 37.8 (33.1–41.5) years, respectively. Over 75% of the children/adolescents and over 90% of the mothers accurately identified the kernel forms of nuts/seeds, except pine nuts. Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and cashews were the most accurately recognized kernel forms by both populations. Generally, the kernel forms were recognized 5–20% more accurately than their in-shell forms, followed by products with visible and hidden forms, respectively. Some Turkish culinary-specific products with visible/hidden allergens were recognized as frequently as the kernel/in-shell forms by both study groups. Although there was a similar recognition pattern between study groups and subgroups (nut/seed allergy, other food allergy, controls), higher rates of recognition were found in mothers than in their children and adolescents than in schoolchildren.

Conclusion

In Eastern Mediterranean region, nuts and sesame seeds are highly recognized by both mothers and their children. Accurate identification of these foods is likely a culinary feature, but not the result of increased awareness. More information is needed on whether this ability reduces the risk of exposure.
Study on the Enrichment of Pavement Marking Width and Retroreflectivity on Elderly Drivers’ Safety
Authors: Guan Yanyan , Hu Jiangbi , Wang Ronghua
Published: March 2024

Drivers’ visual function and cognitive ability deteriorate with age, and road marking improvements can better meet the driving safety and comfort needs of elderly drivers. To provide an optimal solution for marking setup and management for a large elderly community, the specific enrichment of marking width and retroreflective luminance coefficient on the driving safety of elderly drivers is investigated through an outdoor real-vehicle experiment. Twelve elderly drivers were randomly selected as experimental participants to visually detect the markings under the illumination of the vehicle high beam, and the visible distance data of white 10, 15, and 20 cm wide markings with retroreflective luminance coefficients ranging from 33 to 420 mcd.m−2.lx−1 were collected. The results showed that the visual detection ability of elderly drivers to pavement markings was significantly affected by the width and the retroreflective luminance coefficient of the markings and the enrichment of width on the detection ability of elderly drivers gradually increased with the increase of the width of markings, but the enrichment of the retroreflective luminance coefficient on the detection ability of elderly drivers gradually decreased with the increase of the retroreflective luminance coefficient of markings. The logarithmic function models of the retroreflective luminance coefficient of markings and the detection distance of elderly drivers with different marking widths were obtained by fitting. The results can provide a technical reference for proposing alternative countermeasures for the design, maintenance, and updating of pavement markings based on meeting elderly drivers’ safety with respect to economic cost and low carbon.
Theoretical derivation and analysis of strength calculation formulas of internal gear pair with double contact points
Authors: Liang Dong , Sun Qunlong , Li Ming
Published: March 2024

To describing the strength conditions of tooth surfaces of internal gear pair with double contact points (IGPDCP) accurately, theoretical calculation method of the strength of tooth surfaces is proposed in this paper. Theoretical derivation and analysis of strength calculation formulas of the IGPDCP drive are carried out. For contact strength analysis, based on Hertz point contact theory, general calculation idea of contact strength is provided. The main curvature of the active contact line on tooth surfaces of the pinion and internal gear are derived, respectively. Furtherly, according to theoretical calculation and derivation, the formula for calculating the contact strength of the IGPDCP drive is obtained. Orthogonal test method is used to derive the calculation formula of bending strength of the IGPDCP drive, considering test factors include the modulus, tooth number of gear, transmission ratio, helix angle, contact angle, pressure angle, and torque. Nonlinear regression equations of bending stress of the pinion and internal gear are derived, respectively. The discussion of results of contact and bending strength between formula calculation and finite element analysis are present. The conclusions show that the proposed formulas can satisfy theoretical analysis and engineering application.
Brincidofovir for disease progression due to suspected tecovirimat resistance in association with advanced HIV
Authors: Harrison Iris , DeSear Kathryn , Santevecchi Barbara A , Venugopalan Veena , Cherabuddi Kartikeya , Iovine Nicole , Radhakrishnan Nila
Published: March 2024

A man with advanced HIV presented with verrucous plaques 2-3 months after initial mpox infection. He received two courses of tecovirimat without resolution of initial mpox lesions and development of new lesions raising concern for resistance. He was treated with two doses of brincidofovir and demonstrated improvement 6 months later.
Scientists in the news photos: Photographic portraits of scientists in China (1949–2022)
Authors: Yu Hailing , Yu Yang
Published: March 2024

Photography plays an important role in science communication. This study investigates the photographic portraits of scientists in the news media in China from 1949 to 2022. The data consist of 1,071 photographs published in People’s Daily, the most influential newspaper in China. The photographs are analysed according to a framework based on previous studies on the visual representation of scientists. Analysis shows an overall image of scientists that demonstrates distinctive ‘Chinese’ features, such as the prominence of group photos and governmental honours. Diachronically, the visual image of scientists evolved from the early farmer scientists acclaimed in midst of political struggle to social elites and stars celebrated as China’s hope for indigenous innovation. The study enriches our understanding of the visual representation of scientists in China, and sheds light on the influence of culture, politics and social positioning of science and technology on the image of scientists created by the media.
“The Problem is the Law and Women's Rights…” A Study of Marriage Practices in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Dunn Holly
Published: March 2024

In this article, I explore gender justice in relation to the sociolegal status of marriage practices and how women address marital disputes. My research is based on 9 months of immersive fieldwork in Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The eastern DRC has experienced extensive interventions to prosecute sexual violence and advance women's rights. However, these interventions have tended to miss the complexity of gender dynamics and how rights and justice are understood and sought by women in their everyday lives. I argue that gender justice is a process rather than an end goal and that legal pluralism, and its hybrid manifestations, is a space where that process can unfold. Through prioritizing women's experiences of marriage and separation, I contribute to the scholarship that challenges simple narratives of gendered harms in “othered” contexts and highlight the flexible space of legal pluralism to develop dialogue, ideas, and practices of contextualized gender justice.
Music Therapy Intervention to Reduce Symptom Burden in Hospice Patients: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Estell Madison H. , Whitford Kevin J. , Ulrich Angela M. , Larsen Brianna E. , Wood Christina , Bigelow Maureen L. , Dockter Travis J. , Schoonover Kimberly L. , Stelpflug Amy J. , Strand Jacob J. , Walton Monica P. , Lapid Maria I.
Published: March 2024

Background: Music therapy (MT) offers benefits of improved symptom relief and quality of life at the end of life, but its impact on hospice patients and caregivers needs more research. Objective: To assess the impact of MT intervention on symptom burden and well-being of hospice patients and caregivers. Methods: A total of 18 hospice patients, selected based on scores ≥4 on the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) items on pain, depression, anxiety, or well-being, participated in MT sessions provided by a board-certified music therapist. Over a period of 2-3 weeks, 3-4 MT sessions were conducted for each. Patient Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the Linear Analogue Self-Assessment (LASA). Depression and anxiety were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). For the 7 caregivers enrolled, stress levels were measured using the Pearlin role overload measure and LASA. Results: Patients reported a reduction in symptom severity and emotional distress and an increase in QOL. All patients endorsed satisfaction with music therapy, describing it as particularly beneficial for stress relief, relaxation, spiritual support, emotional support, and well-being. Scores on overall QOL and stress were worse for caregivers. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that MT reduces symptom burden and enhances the quality of life for hospice patients. Hospice patients and their caregivers endorsed satisfaction with MT. Given the benefits observed, integrating MT into hospice care regimens could potentially improve patient and caregiver outcomes. Larger studies should be conducted to better assess the impact of MT in this population.
“Making the unimaginable imaginable?” The power of artmaking in understanding animal vulnerabilities and “humanimal” relationality in Organization Studies
Authors: Huopalainen Astrid , Jammaers Eline
Published: March 2024

The vulnerabilities of nonhuman animals in human–animal relationships have received scant attention in Organization Studies (OS). What could OS scholars learn about animal vulnerability and “humanimal” relationality by turning to the context of artmaking, where sensate animals, human artists, spaces, materialities, artworks, affects and critical audiences come together? Building on feminist vulnerability literature and insight from posthumanist affirmative ethics, we here analyze Finnish artists Terike Haapoja and Laura Gustafsson’s artmaking, works, and their exhibition Siat – Pigs in particular, where the agency and vulnerability of animals can be conceived in non-anthropocentric, immersive and affective ways. We contribute to OS research by demonstrating the affective power of posthumanist artmaking that comes with the radical repositioning of the human in relation to others, as well as political motivation to elicit empathy for the plight of animals in the factory-farming complex. Specifically, we show how these insights can illuminate what is currently not centered or discussed enough in OS, help us to better acknowledge co-constituted humanimal vulnerabilities, and extend discussions on empathy in OS to include (hyper-vulnerable) animals in the factory-farming complex. We contend that by extending vulnerability ascriptions to animals, caring with the unseen and silenced agents in society, acknowledging our shared vulnerability and by taking further action, we can gradually change the exploitive ways in which humans have treated other animals in our organized society, and more emphatically work for the well-being of the many unseen “others.”
Listening to a Voice From the Periphery: A Female German Life 1934–2022
Authors: Hutmacher Fabian
Published: March 2024

In this autoethnographic text, the author reflects on his grandmother’s life and embeds it into the broader societal and historical developments of her generation. Although the author’s grandmother was not a person of public interest, her life story leads right into the heart of many significant events and turning points of the history of the 20th century in Germany and beyond. Listening to the story of her life can serve as a starting point for writing a counter-history that investigates how the center of historical events looks like when viewed from the periphery.
Examining College Student Attitudes Toward Individuals with Disabilities: Implications for College Adaptive Sports Development
Authors: Townsend Jasmine , Whaley Derek , Gagnon Ryan , Tobar Felipe Bertazzo , Crowe Brandi M. M.
Published: March 2024

Attitudes toward students with disabilities play a crucial role in creating an inclusive and supportive campus environment. This study investigated college students’ attitudes toward peers with disabilities and explored the factors that influence these attitudes. Data from 457 students were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicated that students’ attitudes toward peers with disabilities were moderately positive overall, with room for improvement. Specifically, the findings highlighted several key factors that positively influenced attitudes including presence of a family member or friend with a disability and students’ involvement in disability-related programming. However, the study also identified areas that require attention including limited exposure to disability-related coursework among students, and low involvement in disability-related programming on campus. Implications highlight the significance of creating a supportive and inclusive campus climate for students with disabilities. Recommendations include various academic focused strategies, but focus on one social opportunity, namely intercollegiate adaptive sports.
Optimal initial insulin dosage for managing steroid-induced hyperglycemia in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A retrospective single-center study
Authors: Ketaroonrut Nuttavadee , Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , Sriphrapradang Chutintorn
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

To determine the optimal initial insulin dosage for controlling hyperglycemia in COVID-19 patients receiving steroids, an area with limited data.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 156 COVID-19 patients with steroid-induced hyperglycemia treated with insulin. Patients were categorized by their total daily dose of subcutaneous insulin therapy when starting dexamethasone ⩾6 mg/day or equivalent dose of glucocorticoid: Group A (⩽0.29 units/kg), Group B (0.3–0.49 units/kg), Group C (0.5–0.69 units/kg), and Group B (⩾0.7 units/kg). Treatment failure was defined as mean blood glucose level > 280 mg/dL for two consecutive days after initiating insulin or any blood glucose ⩾ 400 mg/dL.

Results:

The mean age was 64 ± 14 years, with 50% male, and a mean body mass index of 26.9 ± 6.9 kg/m2. Most had preexisting type 2 diabetes (62%). Mean admission blood glucose and HbA1c were 233 ± 112 mg/dL and 7.8 ± 2.3%, respectively. Group A had the lowest HbA1c (6.7 ± 1.2%), while group D had the highest (9.8 ± 2.5%). Median daily dexamethasone dosage or equivalent was 36 (IQR 16.72) mg, with no significant differences in among groups. Group A had the lowest treatment failure rate. There were no significant differences in treatment failure rate between Groups B, C, and D. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in mean BG across the groups: Group A 232 ± 42 mg/dL, Group B 247 ± 57 mg/dL, Group C 247 ± 61 mg/dL, and Group D 227 ± 67 mg/dL ( p = 0.2). Group D had a significantly higher rate of level 1 hypoglycemia ( p = 0.008), while no differences in clinically significant hypoglycemia (level 2 or 3) were observed between groups.

Conclusions:

Among patients requiring TDD ⩾ 0.3 units/kg/day, there was no significant difference in treatment failure rate between Groups B, C, and D. Group D had the highest rate of level 1 hypoglycemia. This initial insulin dosage for hospitalized COVID-19 patients on high-dose steroid therapy should be personalized.
Pericardial Effusion in Association With Periodontitis: Case Report and Review of 8 Patients in Literature
Authors: Matsuo Toshihiko , Matsuo Chie Nakago , Matsuo Nobuhiko , Mori Ayano , Murakami Masaaki , Ito Hiroshi
Published: March 2024

Periodontal diseases are well-known background for infective endocarditis. Here, we show that pericardial effusion or pericarditis might have origin also in periodontal diseases. An 86-year-old man with well-controlled hypertension and diabetes mellitus developed asymptomatic increase in pericardial effusion. Two weeks previously, he took oral new quinolone antibiotics for a week because he had painful periodontitis along a dental bridge in the mandibular teeth on the right side and presented cheek swelling. The sputum was positive for Streptococcus species. He was healthy and had a small volume of pericardial effusion for the previous 5 years after drug-eluting coronary stents were inserted at the left anterior descending branch 10 years previously. The differential diagnoses listed for pericardial effusion were infection including tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases, and metastatic malignancy. Thoracic to pelvic computed tomographic scan demonstrated no mass lesions, except for pericardial effusion and a small volume of pleural effusion on the left side. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography disclosed many spotty uptakes in the pericardial effusion. The patient denied pericardiocentesis, based on his evaluation of the risk of the procedure. He was thus discharged in several days and followed at outpatient clinic. He underwent dental treatment and pericardial effusion resolved completely in a month. He was healthy in 6 years until the last follow-up at the age of 92 years. We also reviewed 8 patients with pericarditis in association with periodontal diseases in the literature to reveal that periodontal diseases would be the background for developing infective pericarditis and also mediastinitis on some occasions.
Medical School Curriculum Relating to Clinical Ethical Decision Making During a Pandemic: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ali Aliza , Abodunrin Azeezat , Al Khayyat Sarah , Novakovic Dunja , O’Connor Niall , Hussein Ghaiath
Published: March 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for medical students to be prepared to make adequate decisions during unique challenges presented during pandemics.

Objective

This review aims to provide a comprehensive look into the current global literature that discusses medical curricula on clinical ethical issues during a pandemic.

Methods

The scoping review methodology was divided into three stages. Phase 1, planning, involved identifying key terms, selecting databases, creating a search criterion, and deciding on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Phase 2, study selection and data extraction, included screening the title and abstract, reviewing the complete text, and extracting data. Phase 3, analysis and write-up, comprised analyzing the extracted information and composing the review.

Results

10 studies were included and underwent data extraction as part of the review. The studies varied by country, study design, institution, education setting, and course titles. Ethical issues identified while reviewing the curriculums were resource allocation, healthcare worker obligations, personal protective equipment, disease control, communication, management protocols, and patient care.

Conclusion

This review revealed a lack of literature regarding the curriculum for medical students on ethical issues during a pandemic. This indicates a need for reform in medical education to cover pandemic preparedness and ethical concerns during a pandemic. If medical schools do not address this gap, future physicians may encounter the same issues healthcare workers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research-to-Resource: Technology-Integrated Instruction—New Possibilities for Teaching Culturally Diverse Musics
Authors: Yoo Hyesoo
Published: March 2024

In today’s constantly changing digital environment, schools are increasingly adopting innovative technologies to enhance students’ learning experiences. In this research-to-resource article, I present a model for technology-integrated instruction of culturally diverse musics that aligns with the National Core Music Standards for secondary music classes. I first address the role of technology in relation to music curricula, and then provide practical strategies and ideas for technology-integrated instruction of culturally diverse musics. Finally, I suggest important considerations for teaching culturally diverse musics with technology.
Peak ADAMTS13 activity to assess ADAMTS13 conformation and risk of relapse in immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Prasannan Nithya , Dragunaite Bertina , Subhan Maryam , Thomas Mari , de Groot Rens , Singh Deepak , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Scully Marie
Published: March 2024

Previous studies have demonstrated that >38% of patients with immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in remission with activity >50% had an open ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) conformation. We assessed ADAMTS13 conformation in remission (ADAMTS13 activity >60%), focusing on peak ADAMTS13 activity levels and longitudinal assessment in 420 samples across 157 patients. Fewer cases had an open conformation at peak ADAMTS13 activity than unselected remission samples with ADAMTS13 activity >60% (23% vs 43%). Patients with a closed ADAMTS13 conformation at peak ADAMTS13 activity had an eightfold lower relapse rate in the subsequent year (9% vs 46%) and a fivefold lower relapse rate within 2 years (23% vs 62%) compared with cases with an open conformation. Patients with an open conformation at peak ADAMTS13 activity required preemptive anti-CD20 treatment earlier than those with a closed conformation (median, 10 vs 25 months). Longitudinally, an open conformation was evident at, and often preceded relapse. When the conformation was already open before relapse, an increase in the conformation index at relapse was seen despite the undetectable anti-ADAMTS13 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. In cases with detectable anti-ADAMTS13 IgG antibody, these became undetectable before achieving a closed conformation, highlighting the relapse risk even with undetectable anti-ADAMTS13 IgG antibody and the clinical utility of open/closed during monitoring. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show an association between relapse risk and ADAMTS13 conformation when activity levels are at a peak. The open conformation identifies antibody-mediated subclinical disease that is not detectable by the current ADAMTS13 testing.
Brentuximab vedotin and chemotherapy in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma: a propensity score–matched analysis
Authors: Driessen Julia , de Wit Fer , Herrera Alex F. , Zinzani Pier Luigi , LaCasce Ann S. , Cole Peter D. , Moskowitz Craig H. , García-Sanz Ramón , Fuchs Michael , Müller Horst , Borchmann Peter , Santoro Armando , Schöder Heiko , Zijlstra Josée M. , Hutten Barbara A. , Moskowitz Alison J. , Kersten Marie José
Published: March 2024

Several single-arm studies have explored the inclusion of brentuximab vedotin (BV) in salvage chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for relapsed/refractory (R/R) classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). However, no head-to-head comparisons with standard salvage chemotherapy have been performed. This study presents a propensity score–matched analysis encompassing individual patient data from 10 clinical trials to evaluate the impact of BV in transplant-eligible patients with R/R cHL. We included 768 patients, of whom 386 were treated with BV with or without chemotherapy (BV cohort), whereas 382 received chemotherapy alone (chemotherapy cohort). Propensity score matching resulted in balanced cohorts of 240 patients each. No significant differences were observed in pre-ASCT complete metabolic response (CMR) rates (P = .69) or progression free survival (PFS; P = .14) between the BV and chemotherapy cohorts. However, in the BV vs chemotherapy cohort, patients with relapsed disease had a significantly better 3-year PFS of 80% vs 70%, respectively (P = .02), whereas there was no difference for patients with primary refractory disease (56% vs 62%, respectively; P = .67). Patients with stage IV disease achieved a significantly better 3-year PFS in the BV cohort (P = .015). Post-ASCT PFS was comparable for patients achieving a CMR after BV monotherapy and those receiving BV followed by sequential chemotherapy (P = .24). Although 3-year overall survival was higher in the BV cohort (92% vs 80%, respectively; P < .001), this is likely attributed to the use of other novel therapies in later lines for patients experiencing progression, given that studies in the BV cohort were conducted more recently. In conclusion, BV with or without salvage chemotherapy appears to enhance PFS in patients with relapsed disease but not in those with primary refractory cHL.
The genetics of resilience and its relationships with egg production traits and antibody traits in chickens
Authors: Berghof Tom V. L. , Bedere Nicolas , Peeters Katrijn , Poppe Marieke , Visscher Jeroen , Mulder Han A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Resilience is the capacity of an animal to be minimally affected by disturbances or to rapidly return to its initial state before exposure to a disturbance. Resilient livestock are desired because of their improved health and increased economic profit. Genetic improvement of resilience may also lead to trade-offs with production traits. Recently, resilience indicators based on longitudinal data have been suggested, but they need further evaluation to determine whether they are indeed predictive of improved resilience, such as disease resilience. This study investigated different resilience indicators based on deviations between expected and observed egg production (EP) by exploring their genetic parameters, their possible trade-offs with production traits, and their relationships with antibody traits in chickens.

Methods

Egg production in a nucleus breeding herd environment based on 1-week-, 2-week-, or 3-week-intervals of two purebred chicken lines, a white egg-laying (33,825 chickens) and a brown egg-laying line (34,397 chickens), were used to determine deviations between observed EP and expected average batch EP, and between observed EP and expected individual EP. These deviations were used to calculate three types of resilience indicators for two life periods of each individual: natural logarithm-transformed variance (ln(variance)), skewness, and lag-one autocorrelation (autocorrelation) of deviations from 25 to 83 weeks of age and from 83 weeks of age to end of life. Then, we estimated their genetic correlations with EP traits and with two antibody traits.

Results

The most promising resilience indicators were those based on 1-week-intervals, as they had the highest heritability estimates (0.02–0.12) and high genetic correlations (above 0.60) with the same resilience indicators based on longer intervals. The three types of resilience indicators differed genetically from each other, which indicates that they possibly capture different aspects of resilience. Genetic correlations of the resilience indicator traits based on 1-week-intervals with EP traits were favorable or zero, which means that trade-off effects were marginal. The resilience indicator traits based on 1-week-intervals also showed no genetic correlations with the antibody traits, which suggests that they are not informative for improved immunity or vice versa in the nucleus environment.

Conclusions

This paper gives direction towards the evaluation and implementation of resilience indicators, i.e. to further investigate resilience indicator traits based on 1-week-intervals, in breeding programs for selecting genetically more resilient layer chickens.
Chromosome-level genome assembly provides insights into the genome evolution and functional importance of the phenylpropanoid–flavonoid pathway in Thymus mongolicus
Authors: Dang Zhenhua , Xu Ying , Zhang Xin , Mi Wentao , Chi Yuan , Tian Yunyun , Liu Yaling , Ren Weibo
Published: March 2024

Background

Thymus mongolicus (family Lamiaceae) is a Thyme subshrub with strong aroma and remarkable environmental adaptability. Limited genomic information limits the use of this plant.

Results

Chromosome-level 605.2 Mb genome of T. mongolicus was generated, with 96.28% anchored to 12 pseudochromosomes. The repetitive sequences were dominant, accounting for 70.98%, and 32,593 protein-coding genes were predicted. Synteny analysis revealed that Lamiaceae species generally underwent two rounds of whole genome duplication; moreover, species-specific genome duplication was identified. A recent LTR retrotransposon burst and tandem duplication might play important roles in the formation of the Thymus genome. Using comparative genomic analysis, phylogenetic tree of seven Lamiaceae species was constructed, which revealed that Thyme plants evolved recently in the family. Under the phylogenetic framework, we performed functional enrichment analysis of the genes on nodes that contained the most gene duplication events (> 50% support) and of relevant significant expanded gene families. These genes were highly associated with environmental adaptation and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that Peroxidases, Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferases, and 4-coumarate-CoA ligases genes were the essential regulators of the phenylpropanoid–flavonoid pathway. Their catalytic products (e.g., apigenin, naringenin chalcone, and several apigenin-related compounds) might be responsible for the environmental tolerance and aromatic properties of T. mongolicus.

Conclusion

This study enhanced the understanding of the genomic evolution of T. mongolicus, enabling further exploration of its unique traits and applications, and contributed to the understanding of Lamiaceae genomics and evolutionary biology.
Comprehensive analysis of genomic complexity in the 5’ end coding region of the DMD gene in patients of exons 1–2 duplications based on long-read sequencing
Authors: Shen Jiandong , Ding Taoli , Sun Xueping , Yang Ji , Zhang Yue , Wang Jing , Ge Mengdi , Xu Heng , Xie Jiazi , Wang Fei , Diao Feiyang
Published: March 2024

Background

Dystrophinopathies are the most common X-linked inherited muscle diseases, and the disease-causing gene is DMD. Exonic duplications are a common type of pathogenic variants in the DMD gene, however, 5’ end exonic duplications containing exon 1 are less common. When assessing the pathogenicity of exonic duplications in the DMD gene, consideration must be given to their impact on the reading frame. Traditional molecular methods, such as multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), are commonly used in clinics. However, they cannot discriminate the precise physical locations of breakpoints and structural features of genomic rearrangement. Long-read sequencing (LRS) can effectively overcome this limitation.

Results

We used LRS technology to perform whole genome sequencing on three families and analyze the structural variations of the DMD gene, which involves the duplications of exon 1 and/or exon 2. Two distinct variant types encompassing exon 1 in the DMD Dp427m isoform and/or Dp427c isoform are identified, which have been infrequently reported previously. In pedigree 1, the male individuals harboring duplication variant of consecutive exons 1–2 in the DMD canonical transcript (Dp427m) and exon 1 in the Dp427c transcript are normal, indicating the variant is likely benign. In pedigree 3, the patient carries complex SVs involving exon 1 of the DMD Dp427c transcript showing an obvious phenotype. The locations of the breakpoints and the characteristics of structural variants (SVs) are identified by LRS, enabling the classification of the variants' pathogenicity.

Conclusions

Our research sheds light on the complexity of DMD variants encompassing Dp427c/Dp427m promoter regions and emphasizes the importance of cautious interpretation when assessing the pathogenicity of DMD 5' end exonic duplications, particularly in carrier screening scenarios without an affected proband.
Attitudes and knowledge about weight management among primary care physicians in Israel: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Or Unger Freinkel Keren , Yehoshua Ilan , Cohen Bar , Peleg Roni , Adler Limor
Published: March 2024

Background

The prevalence of obesity has been increasing worldwide and is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Weight management can reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of life of patients with obesity. This study explored primary care physicians’ (PCPs’) attitudes and knowledge about weight management.

Methods

An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 400 PCPs between 2020 and 2021. The survey included questions on treatment approaches (pharmaceutical and surgical) and items regarding the respondents’ demographic characteristics. We compared PCPs with low or high proactivity toward weight management. We explored attitudes and knowledge with the chi-square test for categorical variables or the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables.

Results

A total of 145 PCPs answered our survey (a response rate of 36.25%). More than half (53.8%) of the respondents showed low proactivity toward weight management in their practice. Proactive respondents were more likely to believe that pharmaceutical treatment effectively reduces weight and offered medical and surgical treatment options more frequently to their patients. Lack of knowledge was the most predominant reason for PCPs avoiding offering treatment to their patients, especially in less proactive PCPs (33.3% vs. 5.3%, p-value < 0.001). When comparing different pharmaceutical options, 46.6% of PCPs report they tend to prescribe liraglutide to their patients compared with only 11% who prescribe orlistat and 10.3% who prescribe phentermine (p-value < 0.001).

Conclusions

Many PCPs still do not actively provide obesity treatment despite improved awareness and therapeutic options. PCPs’ proactivity and attitudes are vital to this effort.
IT-assisted comprehensive geriatric assessment for residents in care homes: quasi-experimental longitudinal study
Authors: Attwood David , Vafidis Jim , Boorer James , Long Scarlett , Ellis Wendy , Earley Michelle , Denovan Jillian , Hart Gerard ’t , Williams Maria , Burdett Nicholas , Lemon Melissa , Hope Suzy
Published: March 2024

Background

Frailty interventions such as Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) can provide significant benefits for older adults living with frailty. However, incorporating such proactive interventions into primary care remains a challenge. We developed an IT-assisted CGA (i-CGA) process, which includes advance care planning (ACP). We assessed if, in older care home residents, particularly those with severe frailty, i-CGA could improve access to advance care planning discussions and reduce unplanned hospitalisations.

Method

As a quality improvement project we progressively incorporated our i-CGA process into routine primary care for older care home residents, and used a quasi-experimental approach to assess its interim impact. Residents were assessed for frailty by General Practitioners. Proactive i-CGAs were completed, including consideration of traditional CGA domains, deprescribing and ACP discussions. Interim analysis was conducted at 1 year: documented completion, preferences and adherence to ACPs, unplanned hospital admissions, and mortality rates were compared for i-CGA and control (usual care) groups, 1-year post-i-CGA or post-frailty diagnosis respectively. Documented ACP preferences and place of death were compared using the Chi-Square Test. Unplanned hospital admissions and bed days were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

Results

At one year, the i-CGA group comprised 196 residents (severe frailty 111, 57%); the control group 100 (severe frailty 56, 56%). ACP was documented in 100% of the i-CGA group, vs. 72% of control group, p < 0.0001. 85% (94/111) of severely frail i-CGA residents preferred not to be hospitalised if they became acutely unwell. For those with severe frailty, mean unplanned admissions in the control (usual care) group increased from 0.87 (95% confidence interval ± 0.25) per person year alive to 2.05 ± 1.37, while in the i-CGA group they fell from 0.86 ± 0.24 to 0.68 ± 0.37, p = 0.22. Preferred place of death was largely adhered to in both groups, where documented. Of those with severe frailty, 55% (62/111) of the i-CGA group died, vs. 77% (43/56) of the control group, p = 0.0013.

Conclusions

Proactive, community-based i-CGA can improve documentation of care home residents’ ACP preferences, and may reduce unplanned hospital admissions. In severely frail residents, a mortality reduction was seen in those who received an i-CGA.
The association between quality of life and diabetes: the Bushehr Elderly Health Program
Authors: Panahi Nekoo , Ahmadi Mohammad , Hosseinpour Marjan , Sedokani Amin , Sanjari Mahnaz , Khalagi Kazem , Mansourzadeh Mohammad Javad , Farhadi Akram , Nabipour Iraj , Larijani Bagher , Fahimfar Noushin , Ostovar Afshin
Published: March 2024

Background and objective

Considering the importance of diabetes and its increased prevalence with aging, this study aimed to evaluate the association between diabetes status and quality of life (QOL) and the determining factors in individuals over 60.

Methods

Two thousand three hundred seventy-five individuals including 819 (34.5%) with diabetes, aged 69.4 ± 6.4, from Bushehr Elderly Health Program (BEHP) were enrolled. We categorized the participants as non-diabetic, controlled diabetic, and poorly controlled diabetic. The QOL was assessed using the SF-12 questionnaire. The physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summaries of QOL were estimated. We compared the SF-12 domains and components between the categories using ANOVA. Further, the association of diabetes status with PCS and MCS was assessed after adjustment for possible confounders including age, sex, depression, cognitive impairment, physical activity, and other relevant factors using linear regression analysis.

Results

Individuals with diabetes had lower PCS (40.9 ± 8.8 vs. 42.7 ± 8.6, p-value < 0.001), and MCS scores (45.0 ± 10.2 vs. 46.4 ± 9.4, p-value < 0.001) compared to participants without diabetes. No significant differences were observed in PCS or MCS scores between controlled or poorly controlled individuals with diabetes. Diabetes status was associated with PCS and MCS scores in univariable analysis. Regarding physical component of QOL, after adjusting for other confounders, poorly controlled diabetes was significantly associated with PCS [beta: -1.27 (-2.02, -0.52)]; some other determinants include depression [-7.66 (-8.51, -6.80)], male sex [3.90 (3.24,4.57)], and good physical activity [1.87 (1.17,2.57)]. As for the mental component, controlled diabetes was significantly associated with MCS [-1.17 (-2.13, -0.22)]; other contributing factors include depression [-14.35 (-15.34, -13.37)], male sex [1.97 (1.20,2.73)], good physical activity [-1.55 (-2.35, -0.75)], and smoking [-1.42 (-2.24, -0.59)]. BMI had an inverse association with PCS [-0.19 (-0.26, -0.13)] and a direct association with MCS [0.14 (0.07,0.21)].

Conclusion

Individuals with diabetes exhibited reduced QOL scores. Upon adjusting for other variables, it was found that uncontrolled diabetes correlated with decreased PCS scores, whereas controlled diabetes was linked to lower MCS scores. Factors such as depression and being female were identified as contributors to diminished QOL in both physical and mental aspects. These results have the potential to guide healthcare decision-making, facilitating the creation of tailored interventions aimed at improving the QOL for individuals with diabetes, with a specific focus on women and depression.
Photobiomodulation combination therapy as a new insight in neurological disorders: a comprehensive systematic review
Authors: Farazi Narmin , Salehi-Pourmehr Hanieh , Farajdokht Fereshteh , Mahmoudi Javad , Sadigh-Eteghad Saeed
Published: March 2024

Preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that combining photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy with other therapeutic approaches may influence the treatment process in a variety of disorders. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine whether PBM-combined therapy provides additional benefits over monotherapies in neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, the review describes the most commonly used methods and PBM parameters in these conjunctional approaches.

To accomplish this, a systematic search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases through January 2024. 95 potentially eligible articles on PBM-combined treatment strategies for neurological and neuropsychological disorders were identified, including 29 preclinical studies and 66 clinical trials.

According to the findings, seven major categories of studies were identified based on disease type: neuropsychiatric diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, ischemia, nerve injury, pain, paresis, and neuropathy. These studies looked at the effects of laser therapy in combination with other therapies like pharmacotherapies, physical therapies, exercises, stem cells, and experimental materials on neurological disorders in both animal models and humans. The findings suggested that most combination therapies could produce synergistic effects, leading to better outcomes for treating neurologic and psychiatric disorders and relieving symptoms.

These findings indicate that the combination of PBM may be a useful adjunct to conventional and experimental treatments for a variety of neurological and psychological disorders.
Prediction of cervical cancer screening: application of the information-motivation-behavioral skills model
Authors: Ghasemi Marzieh , Savabi-Esfahani Mitra , Noroozi Mahnaz , Satari Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Screening is an effective method for preventing cervical cancer. The present study aimed to determine the predictability of cervical cancer screening using the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model, as this model can help understand the factors that influence health-related behaviors.

Method

The present cross-sectional study examined 310 women aged 20 to 60 in Isfahan, Iran, between 2020 and 2021. To this end, comprehensive health centers and gynecology clinics of hospitals were randomly selected by lot. Women who met the study’s inclusion criteria were selected via convenience sampling. An IMB skills questionnaire developed by researchers comprised the data collection tool. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software, descriptive and regression tests, and AMOS 24.0 software.

Findings

Approximately 18.1% of the participants had never undergone routine cervical cancer screening. The regression model results indicated that the model components accurately predicted regular cervical cancer screening (P < 0.00). Path analysis revealed that information (β = 0.05, P = 0.002), motivation (β = 0.187, P = 0.026), and behavioral skills (β = 0.95, P < 0.001) were directly associated with regular cervical cancer screening. Furthermore, behavioral skills had the greatest direct effect on regular cervical cancer screening.

Discussion and conclusion

The results demonstrated that the IMB model accurately predicted cervical cancer screening. Therefore, it is possible to improve cervical cancer screening in women by designing and implementing interventions based on this model’s components, particularly those that improve behavioral skills.