bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on association factors of intestinal infectious diseases based-Bayesian spatio-temporal model
Authors: Zhan Yancen , Gu Hua , Li Xiuyang
Published: October 2023

Background

Intestinal infectious diseases (IIDs) are a significant public health issue in China, and the incidence and distribution of IIDs vary greatly by region and are affected by various factors. This study aims to describe the spatio-temporal trends of IIDs in the Chinese mainland and investigate the association between socioeconomic and meteorological factors with IIDs.

Methods

In this study, IIDs in mainland China from 2006 to 2017 was analyzed using data obtained from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Spatio-temporal mapping techniques was employed to visualize the spatial and temporal distribution of IIDs. Additionally, mean center and standard deviational ellipse analyses were utilized to examine the spatial trends of IIDs. To investigate the potential associations between IIDs and meteorological and socioeconomic variables, spatiotemporal zero-inflated Poisson and negative binomial models was employed within a Bayesian framework.

Results

During the study period, the occurrence of most IIDs has dramatically reduced, with uneven reductions in different diseases. Significant regional differences were found among IIDs and influential factors. Overall, the access rate to harmless sanitary toilets (ARHST) was positively associated with the risk of cholera (RR: 1.73, 95%CI: 1.08-2.83), bacillary dysentery (RR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06-1.63), and other intestinal infectious diseases (RR: 1.88, 95%CI: 1.52-2.36), and negatively associated with typhoid fever (RR: 0.66, 95%CI: 0.51-0.92), paratyphoid fever (RR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.55-0.92). Urbanization is only associated with hepatitis E (RR: 2.48, 95%CI: 1.12-5.72). And GDP was negatively correlated with paratyphoid fever (RR: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.70-0.97), and bacillary dysentery (RR: 0.77, 95%CI: 0.68-0.88), and hepatitis A (RR: 0.84, 95%CI: 0.73-0.97). Humidity showed positive correlation with some IIDs except for amoebic dysentery (RR: 1.64, 95%CI: 1.23-2.17), while wind speed showed a negative correlation with most IIDs. High precipitation was associated with an increased risk of typhoid fever (RR: 1.52, 95%CI: 1.09-2.13), and high temperature was associated with an increased risk of typhoid fever (RR: 2.82, 95%CI: 2.06-3.89), paratyphoid fever (RR: 2.79, 95%CI: 2.02-3.90), and HMFD (RR: 1.34, 95%CI: 1.01-1.77).

Conclusions

This research systematically and quantitatively studied the effect of socioeconomic and meteorological factors on IIDs, which provided causal clues for future studies and guided government planning.
Interleukin-21 modulates balance between regulatory T cells and T-helper 17 cells in chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Cai Yun , Ji Hailei , Zhou Xin , Zhao Kai , Zhang Xiaoping , Pan Liang , Shi Ruihua
Published: October 2023

Background

Chronic HBV infection is always accompanied by differences in the balance between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T-helper 17 (Th17) cells in infection phases. IL-21 plays an important role in the progression of chronic HBV infection. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the role of the regulatory function of IL-21 in maintaining the balance between Tregs and Th17 cells in chronic HBV infection.

Methods

Twenty-five chronic HBV-infected patients in the immune-tolerant (IT) phase and 23 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients were recruited in this study. Cytokines production was measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels were determined by qPCR. CD4+T cells were stimulated with or without IL-21. Tregs and Th17 cells were measured by flow cytometry. pSTAT3 and STAT3 expression was assessed by Western blotting.

Results

The concentration of IL-21 in the serum of CHB were significantly higher than that in the serum from IT patients, and IL-21 and IL-21R levels in the PBMCs from CHB were higher than those from IT patients. IL-21 promoted Th17 cells differentiation and function but inhibited Treg cells differentiation and function by activating STAT3 signaling pathways, upregulating RORγt expression, downregulating Foxp3 expression, by increasing IL-17and IL-22 secretion, and decreasing TGF-β secretion in chronic HBV infection. The proportion of Tregs and TGF-β concentrations in CHB was significantly lower than that in IT patients. Furthermore, the percentage of Th17 cells and the IL-17 concentration in CHB was markedly higher than that in IT patients, causing a reduction in the Tregs/Th17 ratio in CHB patients.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that IL-21 may contribute to inflammation in chronic HBV infection by modulating the balance between Treg and Th17 cells.
The evolution of age-specific smoking cessation rates in the United States from 2009 to 2017: a Kalman filter based approach
Authors: Le Thuy T. T. , Warner Kenneth E. , Mendez David
Published: October 2023

Background

Tracking the US smoking cessation rate over time is of great interest to tobacco control researchers and policymakers since smoking cessation behaviors have a major effect on the public’s health. Recent studies have employed dynamic models to estimate the US cessation rate through observed smoking prevalence. However, none of those studies has provided annual estimates of the cessation rate by age group. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to estimate annual smoking cessation rates specific to different age groups in the US from 2009 to 2017.

Methods

We employed a Kalman filter approach to investigate the annual evolution of age-group-specific cessation rates, unknown parameters of a mathematical model of smoking prevalence, during the 2009–2017 period using data from the 2009–2018 National Health Interview Surveys. We focused on cessation rates in the 25–44, 45–64 and 65 + age groups.

Results

The findings show that cessation rates followed a consistent u-shaped curve over time with respect to age (i.e., higher among the 25–44 and 65 + age groups, and lower among 45-64-year-olds). Over the course of the study, the cessation rates in the 25–44 and 65 + age groups remained nearly unchanged around 4.5% and 5.6%, respectively. However, the rate in the 45–64 age group exhibited a substantial increase of 70%, from 2.5% to 2009 to 4.2% in 2017. The estimated cessation rates in all three age groups tended to converge to the weighted average cessation rate over time.

Conclusions

The Kalman filter approach offers a real-time estimation of cessation rates that can be helpful for monitoring smoking cessation behavior.
POMSNAME: an aide-mémoire to improve the assessment and documentation of palliative care – a longitudinal project
Authors: Dadich Ann , Gliniecka Martyna , Cull Michelle , Womsley Kerrie
Published: October 2023

Background

Evidence-based palliative care requires comprehensive assessment and documentation. However, palliative care is not always systemically documented – this can have implications for team communication and patient wellbeing. The aim of this project was to determine the effectiveness of an aide-mémoire – POMSNAME – to prompt the comprehensive assessment of the following domains by clinicians: pain, orientation and oral health, mobility, social situation, nausea and vomiting, appetite, medication, and elimination.

Methods

A placard depicting the aide-mémoire was distributed to community-based nurses who received training and support. The case notes of palliative care patients were evaluated one month before the intervention, and was repeated at one month, eight months, and fifty months following the intervention. The 235 case notes pertained to patients who received palliative care from a team of 13 registered nurses at one community health service.

Results

The documented assessment of palliative care patients improved across all nine domains. The most significant improvements pertained to patients’ social situation, orientation, and nausea, eight months after the aide-mémoire was introduced (170.1%, 116.9%, and 105.6%, respectively, all at p < .001). Although oral health and medication assessment declined one-month after the aide-mémoire was introduced (-41.7% and-2.1%, respectively), both subsequently improved, thereafter, at both 8 months and 50 months after the aide-mémoire was introduced.

Conclusions

The improvement of palliative care documentation across all nine domains demonstrates the potential of the POMSNAME aide-mémoire to prompt the comprehensive assessment of patients by clinicians with generalist expertise. Research is required to determine whether other domains warrant inclusion and how.
Training nurses to facilitate and implement CURA in palliative care institutions: development and evaluation of a blended learning program
Authors: van Schaik Malene , Kröger Charlotte , Zuidema Lisa , Stolper Margreet , Widdershoven Guy , Pasman H. Roeline , Metselaar Suzanne
Published: October 2023

Background

Healthcare professionals in palliative care are found to be confronted with moral challenges on a frequent basis. CURA is a low-threshold instrument for dialogical ethical reflection that was developed to deal with these challenges. A previous study identified the need of healthcare professionals to be trained to introduce CURA in their organization, initiate and facilitate reflections with CURA, and contribute to the implementation of CURA. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a training for professionals to become ‘CURA-ambassadors’.

Methods

The training was developed in a participatory way in two cycles. We trained 72 healthcare professionals. The training was evaluated by means of a questionnaire and six semi-structured interviews.

Results

The study resulted in a blended learning training combining training sessions with an e-module and with practicing with organizing and facilitating CURA in daily healthcare practice. The main objectives of the training are to enable CURA-ambassadors to introduce CURA within their organization, initiate and facilitate ethical reflections using CURA, and contribute to the implementation of CURA. Participants were generally positive about the training program and the trainers. Technical difficulties related to the e-module were mentioned as main point of improvement.

Discussion

The training program can generate ownership, responsibility, and competency among CURA-ambassadors, which are essential foundations for implementing complex interventions in healthcare practice. The training program received positive evaluations shortly after completing the program. This study adds to our understanding of what is needed for healthcare professionals to use CURA, in order to support them in dealing with moral challenges and to foster their moral resilience. Further research is needed to assess whether participants experience the training as sufficient and effective when using and implementing CURA structurally in their organizations over a longer period of time.
Factors influencing maternal healthcare utilization in Papua New Guinea: Andersen’s behaviour model
Authors: Li Yan , Li Hao , Jiang Yi
Published: October 2023

Background

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has recorded the highest maternal mortality ratio in the Western Pacific Region and faces major challenges in achieving SDG 3. Antenatal care (ANC), skilled birth attendant (SBA) and postnatal care (PNC) services are critical components of maternal healthcare services (MHS) for reducing maternal mortality and promoting maternal health in PNG. The study sought to assess the prevalence and determinants of ANC, SBA and PNC services amongst women in PNG.

Methods

The study was conducted using the 2016–2018 Papua New Guinea Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 5248 reproductive-age women were considered as the analytical sample. The outcome variables were utilisation of ANC, SBA and PNC services. Chi-square test, multivariable logistic regression and dominance analysis were conducted. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence rates of ANC, SBA and PNC services were 52.3%, 58.7% and 26.6%, respectively. Women’s employment, education, media exposure, distance to health facility, household wealth, region, residence and parity were determinants of MHS utilisation. ANC, SBA and PNC services utilisation were all primarily influenced by enabling factors, followed by predisposing and need factors.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that enabling factors such as media exposure, distance to health facility, household wealth, region and residence have the greatest impact on MHS utilisation, followed by predisposing (working, education) and need factors (parity). Therefore, enabling factors should be prioritised when developing maternal health programmes and policies. For example, transport and health infrastructure should be strengthened and women’s education and vocational training should be increased, especially in Highlands region, Momase region and rural areas, to increase the utilisation of MHS.
The effect of albumin and hemoglobin levels on the prognosis of early-stage cervical cancer: a prospective, single-center–based cohort study
Authors: Wang Xinmei , Xu Juan , Zhang Hongyuan , Qu Pengpeng
Published: October 2023

Background

Serum albumin (ALB) and hemoglobin (HGB) are important serum biochemical indices of the nutritional status of patients and are associated with cancer development. We investigated the relationship between ALB and HGB levels and clinicopathologic characteristics of early-stage cervical cancer to determine the influence of ALB and HGB on the prognosis of early-stage cervical cancer.

Methods

The clinical data of 560 patients with International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO, 2009) stage IA1-IIA2 cervical cancer from January 2005 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between serum ALB and HGB levels and clinicopathological characteristics of patients were analyzed. The patients were followed-up for 12–138 months. The effects of ALB and HGB levels on the prognosis were analyzed by Cox regression, log-rank test, and the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

The rate of patients with pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM), tumor diameter ≥ 4 cm, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), and deep stromal invasion was significantly higher in the anemia and hypoalbuminemia group than in the normal group (P < 0.05). The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients in the hypoalbuminemia group and anemia group were significantly lower than that of the normal group (P < 0.05). FIGO stage, tumor diameter, PLNM, depth of stromal invasion, LVSI, the levels of ALB and HGB were risk factors for the prognosis of cervical cancer patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with hypoproteinemia and anemia in early-stage cervical cancer are more likely to have higher tumor stage, larger tumor size, PLNM, LVSI, and deep stromal invasion. In addition, patients with hypoproteinemia and anemia have a poorer prognosis than those without the condition. Therefore, it is of great significance to detect the ALB and HGB levels of patients and improve the nutritional status of patients in a timely manner for better prognosis of cervical cancer.
Usage of Natural Health Products (NHPs) for respiratory diseases: user characteristics and NHP-Consumption behavior during the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Wolf Miriam , Emberger-Klein Agnes , Menrad Klaus
Published: October 2023

Background

Respiratory diseases (RD) can challenge healthcare systems around the globe. Natural health products (NHPs) are popular complementary and alternative medicine options for health issues concerning non-fatal RD. Little is known about the characteristics of the users of RD-NHPs and about their NHP consumption behavior during the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany.

Methods

A representative online survey was conducted in Germany in 2022. 1707 participants were classified based on having used NHPs for RD within the previous 12 months, having used NHPs but not for RD within the previous 12 months and not having used NHPs. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods as well as a multinomial logistic regression model.

Results

Users of RD-NHPs within the previous 12 months were more likely to be employed and to consult pharmacists more often for non-fatal health issues than individuals who did not take RD-NHPs. RD-NHP users were more likely to suffer from a Covid-19 infection and to have children living in the same household than other NHP users. Compared to non-NHP users, RD-NHP users were more likely to be female, highly educated and have stronger openness-to-change value orientations. Vaccination-related behavior was no indicator of RD-NHP usage. Most RD-NHP users took NHPs in self-medication. Few reported informing their practitioner about their self-medication. Drugstores were the most visited supply source for NHPs during the pandemic, followed by pharmacies. Common information sources regarding NHPs were the products themselves and pharmacists.

Conclusion

This study emphasized the important role of NHPs as a popular prevention and treatment option for RD. RD-NHPs were more likely used by individuals who were employed, who suffered from a RD and who consult pharmacists for non-fatal health issues. The importance of product information and pharmacies as information sources should be considered to make communication strategies about safe self-medication options with RD-NHPs more effective, which could help to reduce the burden of health facilities regarding non-fatal RD. To improve and develop future pandemic-control strategies, health professionals and policy makers should consider NHP usage behavior and provide critical information about chances and risks of self-medicated NHP consumption.
Medical students’ experiences, perceptions, and management of second victim: an interview study
Authors: Krogh Tobias Browall , Mielke-Christensen Anne , Madsen Marlene Dyrløv , Østergaard Doris , Dieckmann Peter
Published: October 2023

Background

The term second victim describes a healthcare professional who has been involved in an adverse event and feels wounded by the event. The effects of this experience differ. It can present as second victim syndrome, describing a wide range and degree of emotional and behavioural responses. Studies show that medical students can also experience second victim. The aim of this study was to elucidate medical students’ experiences, perceptions, and management of second victim and second victim syndrome and to describe possible learning needs around these issues.

Methods

Thirteen medical students and two recent medical graduates participated in semi-structured focus group interviews. The interviews lasted 1.5–2 h and were audiotaped, transcribed, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step approach for thematic analysis.

Results

Four main themes were identified: contributing factors; current coping strategies; perception of own requirements and learning needs; wishes for the future healthcare system. Students’ behavioural and emotional response to dilemmas were affected by stakeholders and practices embedded in the healthcare system. Students described patient-injury and unexpected events as triggers for second victim, but also harmful interactions with individuals and feelings of self-blame. Students’ coping centred around their network, formal offers, and separation of personal- and work-life. Students sought a clear definition of second victim and a desire for role-models. Students' wished to learn how to handle feeling like a burden to others, managing waiting time after patient complaints, and learning how to help second victims recover. Students emphasized the importance of the healthcare organisation understanding students’ needs and providing them relevant support.

Conclusion

Students experience second victim as described in the literature. Students’ emotional responses were caused by classical second victim triggers, but also other triggers in the educational environment: harmful interactions and self-blame. Although some triggers differ from the second victim definition, these different triggers should be considered equally serious and acknowledged. We must aim to prepare students for future adverse events and emotional responses. The health organisation and healthcare professionals must support students’ mental well-being and contribute to ideal conditions for students' professional development and management of second victim as future physicians.
Perception of learners on the effectiveness and suitability of MyDispense: a virtual pharmacy simulation and its integration in the clinical pharmacy module in Viet Nam
Authors: Nguyen Kim TT , Dao My LC , Nguyen Khoi N , Nguyen Ho N , Nguyen Hoang TM , Nguyen Hoa Q
Published: October 2023

Background

My Dispense is a virtual pharmacy simulation developed for students to train and practice dispensing skills in a safe environment that causes no harm to patients. This study was aimed to investigate learners’ perspectives on the effectiveness of MyDispense and its suitability to integrate into the clinical pharmacy module in Viet Nam.

Methods

A mixed method approach was undertaken. Fourth- and fifth-year pharmacy students at University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city and community pharmacists were invited to complete a survey questionnaire and to participate in semi-structured interviews.

Results

A total of 92/99 participants agreed to take part, of which 75% of participants were students and 65.2% were female. About three-quarters of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that MyDispense improved their dispensing skills, such as patient counselling (70.6%) and collecting patient infomation (85.9%). The majority of the participants (84.8%) considered that MyDispense was suitable to integrate into the clinical pharmacy module. Qualitative analysis from the interviews highlighted the advantages of MyDispense, comprising high interactivity with users, safe environment for practicing medication dispensing, and diversity of common marketed medications. In addition, certain barriers of this programme were also reported, including the complicated process, inconsistent quality of product images, and mixed English-Vietnamese languages.

Conclusions

From learner’s perspectives, MyDispense was an effective tool to enhance dispensing skills and was suitable to integrated into the clinical pharmacy module in Viet Nam.
Bionomics of malaria vectors in Lao PDR, 2018–2020: entomological surveillance as a key tool for malaria elimination
Authors: Marcombe Sébastien , Maithaviphet Santi , Reyburn Rita , Kunlaya Khamfong , Silavong Khambang , Hongvanthong Bouasy , Vanisaveth Viengxay , Sengsavath Viengphone , Banouvong Vilasack , Chindavongsa Keobouphaphone , Khamlome Boualam , Shortus Matthew
Published: October 2023

Background

The Lao PDR National Strategic Plan for malaria control and elimination for year 2021–2025 emphasizes the importance of routine entomological surveillance being conducted in areas with high transmission and in active malaria foci in elimination targeted areas. The collection of entomological surveillance data that is closely linked to recent epidemiological data is crucial for improving impact, as it contributes to the evidence package that supports operational and strategic decision-making of national malaria programmes, as they accelerate their last mile of elimination.

Methods

The Center for Malariology Parasitology and Epidemiology (CMPE) entomology team conducted entomological surveillance activities at 13 sentinel sites in 8 provinces and at active transmission foci sites from 2018 to 2020. The techniques used for the mosquito collection were indoor and outdoor human landing collections (from houses and from cultivation areas) and cattle baited net trap collections.

Results

There were 5601 Anopheles mosquito females captured and identified throughout the study, on both human and cow bait. They represented 15 different species or species complexes. The primary malaria vectors as well as the secondary vectors were present in all collection sites in the south, indicating that people living in these rural areas with high malaria incidence are exposed to the vectors. The vectors were highly zoophilic, but they still bite humans throughout the night with a high peak of activity before midnight, both indoors and outdoors. Overall, 17% of the malaria vectors were collected indoors when the people are sleeping. This confirms the importance of bed net use during the night. Thirty-two percent of primary and secondary vectors were collected outdoors at times when people are usually awake and outdoors, which shows that people are exposed to potentially infectious mosquitoes and the importance of personal protection at these times. The findings showed that residual transmission may occur outdoors in the villages, and outside the villages in cultivation fields and forested areas. Epidemiological data showed that transmission was higher in surveillance sites which were targeted as part of a malaria response rather than sentinel sites.

Conclusions

Understanding where and how transmission is persisting, monitoring and mapping vector species distribution in areas with active transmission, monitoring biting trends, and designing evidence based and effective vector control interventions are critical to accelerating progress toward malaria elimination. In this context, the role of entomological surveillance combined with epidemiological data should be considered as a cornerstone in achieving malaria elimination.
Stillbirth rates and their determinants in a national maternity hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2017–2020: a cross-sectional assessment with a nested case–control study
Authors: Christou Aliki , Mbishi Jackline , Matsui Mitsuaki , Beňová Lenka , Kim Rattana , Numazawa Ayako , Iwamoto Azusa , Sokhan Sophearith , Ieng Nary , Delvaux Thérèse
Published: October 2023

Background

In Cambodia, stillbirths and their underlying factors have not been systematically studied. This study aimed to assess the proportion and trends in stillbirths between 2017 and 2020 in a large maternity referral hospital in the country and identify their key determinants to inform future prevention efforts.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis with a nested case–control study of women giving birth at the National Maternal and Child Health Centre (NMCHC) in Phnom Penh, 2017–2020. We calculated percentages of singleton births at ≥ 22 weeks’ gestation resulting in stillbirth and annual stillbirth rates by timing: intrapartum (fresh) or antepartum (macerated). Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with stillbirth, where cases were all women who gave birth to a singleton stillborn baby in the 4-year period. One singleton live birth immediately following each case served as an unmatched control. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing data for gestational age.

Results

Between 2017 and 2020, 3.2% of singleton births ended in stillbirth (938/29,742). The stillbirth rate increased from 24.8 per 1000 births in 2017 to 38.1 per 1000 births in 2020, largely due to an increase in intrapartum stillbirth rates which rose from 18.8 to 27.4 per 1000 births in the same period. The case–control study included 938 cases (stillbirth) and 938 controls (livebirths). Factors independently associated with stillbirth were maternal age ≥ 35 years compared to < 20 years (aOR: 1.82, 95%CI: 1.39, 2.38), extreme (aOR: 3.29, 95%CI: 2.37, 4.55) or moderate (aOR: 2.45, 95%CI: 1.74, 3.46) prematurity compared with full term, and small-for-gestational age (SGA) (aOR: 2.32, 1.71, 3.14) compared to average size-for-age. Breech/transverse births had nearly four times greater odds of stillbirth (aOR: 3.84, 95%CI: 2.78, 5.29), while caesarean section reduced the odds by half compared with vaginal birth (aOR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.39, 0.64). A history of abnormal vaginal discharge increased odds of stillbirth (aOR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.81) as did a history of stillbirth (aOR: 3.08, 95%CI: 1.5, 6.5).

Conclusions

Stillbirth prevention in this maternity referral hospital in Cambodia requires strengthening preterm birth detection and management of SGA, intrapartum care, monitoring women with stillbirth history, management of breech births, and further investigation of high-risk referral cases.
Long read sequencing to reveal the full complexity of a plant transcriptome by targeting both standard and long workflows
Authors: Al-Dossary Othman , Furtado Agnelo , KharabianMasouleh Ardashir , Alsubaie Bader , Al-Mssallem Ibrahim , Henry Robert J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Long read sequencing allows the analysis of full-length transcripts in plants without the challenges of reliable transcriptome assembly. Long read sequencing of transcripts from plant genomes has often utilized sized transcript libraries. However, the value of including libraries of differing sizes has not been established.

Methods

A comprehensive transcriptome of the leaves of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) was generated from two different PacBio library preparations: standard workflow (SW) and long workflow (LW).

Results

The importance of using both transcript groups in the analysis was demonstrated by the high proportion of unique sequences (74.6%) that were not shared between the groups. A total of 37.8% longer transcripts were only detected in the long dataset. The completeness of the combined transcriptome was indicated by the presence of 98.7% of genes predicted in the jojoba male reference genome. The high coverage of the transcriptome was further confirmed by BUSCO analysis showing the presence of 96.9% of the genes from the core viridiplantae_odb10 lineage. The high-quality isoforms post Cd-Hit merged dataset of the two workflows had a total of 167,866 isoforms. Most of the transcript isoforms were protein-coding sequences (71.7%) containing open reading frames (ORFs) ≥ 100 amino acids (aa). Alternative splicing and intron retention were the basis of most transcript diversity when analysed at the whole genome level and by specific analysis of the apetala2 gene families.

Conclusion

This suggests the need to specifically target the capture of longer transcripts to provide more comprehensive genome coverage in plant transcriptome analysis and reveal the high level of alternative splicing.
Principle-Guided Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents (FIRST): study protocol for a randomized controlled effectiveness trial in outpatient clinics
Authors: Bailin Abby , Cho Evelyn , Sternberg Ariel , Evans Spencer C. , Hollinsaid Nathan L. , Bearman Sarah Kate , Weisz John R.
Published: October 2023

Background

Hundreds of youth psychotherapy randomized trials have generated scores of helpful empirically supported treatments (ESTs). However, the standardized structure of many ESTs and their focus on a single disorder or homogeneous cluster of problems may not be ideal for clinically referred youths who have comorbidity and whose treatment needs may shift from week to week. This concern has prompted development of flexible transdiagnostic, modular youth psychotherapies. One of these, designed for efficient training and implementation, is FIRST—a transdiagnostic intervention built on five empirically supported principles of change (i.e., feeling calm, increasing motivation, repairing thoughts, solving problems, and trying the opposite) and targeting common internalizing and externalizing youth mental health disorders and problems. FIRST has shown promise in improving youth mental health in three open trials. Now, in a more rigorous test, we seek to (1) conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing FIRST to usual care in real-world clinical practice settings; (2) examine a promising candidate mediator of change—regulation of negative emotions; and (3) explore variables that may influence clinicians’ treatment implementation.

Methods

This is an assessor-naïve randomized controlled effectiveness trial in youth outpatient community clinics in New England and Texas. Using double randomization, clinic-employed clinicians and treatment-referred youths (7–15 years old) are independently randomly allocated (1:1) to FIRST or usual care. We aim to recruit 212 youth participants, all referred through normal community pathways, with elevated symptoms of anxiety, depression, conduct problems, or post-traumatic stress. This study will test the effectiveness of FIRST compared to usual care on mental health outcomes, examine whether those outcomes are mediated by regulation of negative emotions, and explore clinician factors that may be associated with FIRST implementation and outcomes. Session recordings are coded to assess treatment fidelity.

Discussion

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of FIRST in youth community mental health settings, relative to the care usually provided in those settings. If FIRST is found to be effective, it could offer an efficient and practical method to increase use of empirically supported treatment principles in real-world practice contexts.

Trial registration

NIH Clinical Trials Registry, NCT04725721. Registered 27 January 2021,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04725721
Development of an eco-friendly HPLC method for the stability indicating assay of binary mixture of ibuprofen and phenylephrine
Authors: Kelani Khadiga M. , Fayez Yasmin M. , Abdel-Raoof Ahmed M. , Fekry Reham A. , Hassan Said A.
Published: October 2023

The development and validation of the stability indicating HPLC technique has contributed to the understanding of the stability profile of ibuprofen (IBU) and phenylephrine (PHE). Stability profile was achieved for PHE; the drug was found to be liable to be influenced by stress oxidative conditions; two oxidative degradants (Deg1 & Deg2) were formed and their structures were confirmed using IR and mass spectrometry. The drugs and degradation products were successfully separated using a gradient elution method on YMC-C8 column with 0.1% hexanesulfonic acid and acetonitrile as a mobile phase at pH 6.6. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, and a diode array detector operating at 220 nm was used for UV detection. The retention times of degradants Deg1, Deg2, ibuprofen (IBU), and phenylephrine hydrochloride (PHE) were 2.0, 2.2, 3.2 and 7.0 min, respectively. The proposed method was validated with respect to linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, and robustness using ICH guidelines. The linearities of ibuprofen and phenylephrine hydrochloride were in the range of 10–100 μg/mL and 0.3–10 μg/mL, respectively. The % recoveries of the two drugs were found to be 100.75 ± 1.44%, 99.67% ± 1.67, and the LOD was found to be 2.75/mL and 0.09/mL for IBU, and PHE, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the estimation of ibuprofen and phenylephrine hydrochloride combination in pharmaceutical dosage form. The proposed technique was validated using ICH guidelines and its greenness was assessed according to Analytical Eco Scale metric (AES). Molecular docking was used to assess the two drugs and PHE oxidative degradants interaction with the stationary phase and to confirm the outcomes of the proposed method with regard to the order of elution of the two drugs and PHE degradation products. Eco-friendly and environmental safety were assessed through the application of one of the most applicable greenness assessment tool; Analytical Eco Scale metric (AES).
Why too soon? Predictors of time to diabetic peripheral neuropathy among newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients: a multicenter follow-up study at health-care setting of Ethiopia
Authors: Debele Gebiso Roba , Kuse Samuel Abdisa , Kefeni Bilisumamulifna Tefera , Geda Abdi , Jifar Wakuma Wakene , Kitila Keno Melkamu , Hajure Mohammedamin
Published: October 2023

Background

Due to the rising number of diabetic patients, the burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is clearly posing a major challenge to the long-term viability of the health-care system. Despite this, most DPN epidemiological research in eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, has so far been limited to survey studies. Thus, we determined the incidence of DPN and its predictors among diabetic patients in tertiary health-care setting of southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective follow-up study was carried out on 567 randomly selected diabetic patients. Data were entered using Epi-Data v4.6 and analyzed using R v4.0.4. The survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier, and compared using Log-rank test between groups of categorical variables. The PHA were evaluated using the Schoenfeld residuals test. Multivariable Gompertz proportional hazard model was used to examine the predictors of DPN at 5% level of significance.

Results

Overall, of 567 DM patients 119 developed DPN with an incidence rate of 3.75, 95%CI [3.13, 4.49] per 100 PY. About 15.13% and 69% of DPN cases occurred within 2 and 5 years of DM diagnosis, respectively. In the multivariable Gompertz PH model, being female [AHR = 1.47; 95% CI (1.01, 2.15)], T2DM [AHR = 3.49 95% CI (1.82, 6.71)], having diabetic retinopathy [AHR = 1.9 95% CI (1.25, 2.91)], positive proteinuria [AHR = 2.22 95% CI (1.35, 3.65)], being obese [AHR = 3.94 95% CI (1.2, 12.89)] and overweight [AHR = 3.34 95% CI (1.09, 10.25)] significantly predicts the future risk of DPN.

Conclusion

Nearly, 7 in 10 of DPN cases occurred within short period of time (5 year) of DM diagnosis. Being female, T2DM, DR, positive proteinuria, obese and overweight significantly predicts the risk of DPN. Therefore, we recommend screening and early diagnosis of diabetes with its complication. While doing so, attention should be given for DM patients with DR and positive proteinuria at baseline.
The association between online class-related enjoyment and academic achievement of college students: a multi-chain mediating model
Authors: Zeng Youlai , Zhang Wenting , Wei Jiaxin , Zhang Wen
Published: October 2023

Background

Based on the control-value theory of achievement emotion and self-determination motivation theory, this study attempted to examine the multi-chain mediating relationships among online class-related enjoyment, school motivation, learning engagement and academic achievement.

Methods

This is an empirical study based on cross-sectional data. Online class-related enjoyment is the independent variable, academic achievement is the dependent variable, and school motivation and learning engagement are the mediating variables. Sample data were collected from 1294 Chinese college students, and SPSS macro program PROCESS 3.3 was used for data analysis.

Results

The present study confirmed that students’ online class-related enjoyment has a significant positive correlation with academic achievement. And there is a positive correlation between college students’ school motivation with learning engagement and college students’ learning engagement with academic achievement. In addition, online class-related enjoyment affects academic achievement through the chain mediating effect of school motivation and learning engagement.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that online class-related enjoyment has a significant impact on academic achievement. Both of these factors should be considered when determining the optimal multi-chain mediating model for Online Class-related Enjoyment and Academic Achievement of college students.
Flight heights obtained from GPS versus altimeters influence estimates of collision risk with offshore wind turbines in Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus
Authors: Johnston Daniel T. , Thaxter Chris B. , Boersch-Supan Philipp H. , Davies Jacob G. , Clewley Gary D. , Green Ros M. W. , Shamoun-Baranes Judy , Cook Aonghais S. C. P. , Burton Niall H. K. , Humphreys Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2023

The risk posed by offshore wind farms to seabirds through collisions with turbine blades is greatly influenced by species-specific flight behaviour. Bird-borne telemetry devices may provide improved measurement of aspects of bird behaviour, notably individual and behaviour specific flight heights. However, use of data from devices that use the GPS or barometric altimeters in the gathering of flight height data is nevertheless constrained by a current lack of understanding of the error and calibration of these methods. Uncertainty remains regarding the degree to which errors associated with these methods can affect recorded flight heights, which may in turn have a significant influence on estimates of collision risk produced by Collision Risk Models (CRMs), which incorporate flight height distribution as an input. Using GPS/barometric altimeter tagged Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus from two breeding colonies in the UK, we examine comparative flight heights produced by these devices, and their associated errors. We present a novel method of calibrating barometric altimeters using behaviour characterised from GPS data and open-source modelled atmospheric pressure. We examine the magnitude of difference between offshore flight heights produced from GPS and altimeters, comparing these measurements across sampling schedules, colonies, and years. We found flight heights produced from altimeter data to be significantly, although not consistently, higher than those produced from GPS data. This relationship was sustained across differing sampling schedules of five minutes and of 10 s, and between study colonies. We found the magnitude of difference between GPS and altimeter derived flight heights to also vary between individuals, potentially related to the robustness of calibration factors used. Collision estimates for theoretical wind farms were consequently significantly higher when using flight height distributions generated from barometric altimeters. Improving confidence in telemetry-obtained flight height distributions, which may then be applied to CRMs, requires sources of errors in these measurements to be identified. Our study improves knowledge of the calibration processes for flight height measurements based on telemetry data, with the aim of increasing confidence in their use in future assessments of collision risk and reducing the uncertainty over predicted mortality associated with wind farms.
EXABSUM: a new text summarization approach for generating extractive and abstractive summaries
Authors: Alami Merrouni Zakariae , Frikh Bouchra , Ouhbi Brahim
Published: October 2023

Due to the exponential growth of online information, the ability to efficiently extract the most informative content and target specific information without extensive reading is becoming increasingly valuable to readers. In this paper, we present 'EXABSUM,' a novel approach to Automatic Text Summarization (ATS), capable of generating the two primary types of summaries: extractive and abstractive. We propose two distinct approaches: (1) an extractive technique (EXABSUMExtractive), which integrates statistical and semantic scoring methods to select and extract relevant, non-repetitive sentences from a text unit, and (2) an abstractive technique (EXABSUMAbstractive), which employs a word graph approach (including compression and fusion stages) and re-ranking based on keyphrases to generate abstractive summaries using the source document as an input. In the evaluation conducted on multi-domain benchmarks, EXABSUM outperformed extractive summarization methods and demonstrated competitiveness against abstractive baselines.
Radical surgery for intractable thoracic empyema complicating traumatic pneumothorax and rib fractures
Authors: Tokumaru Teppei , Kurata Hideaki , Mitsui Jin , Tomioka Joji
Published: October 2023

Background

Few cases of traumatic pneumothorax complicated by thoracic empyema have been reported. The indication of antibiotic prophylaxis administration for traumatic pneumothorax during tube thoracostomy remains controversial, and thoracic injury complicated by empyema can be life-threatening and intractable.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old male patient was injured during a collision with a passenger car while driving a motorcycle. The patient (body mass index, 37 kg/m2) was diagnosed with right first-to-sixth-rib fractures without a flail segment, right clavicle fracture, and slight hemopneumothorax. Tube thoracostomy was performed for traumatic pneumothorax on day 3 without antibiotic prophylaxis. The patient demonstrated a progressive displaced rib fracture complicated by empyema on day 11. Radical surgery was performed for the empyema with rib fixation on day 15. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on day 31.

Conclusions

A traumatic pneumothorax can be complicated by empyema. Thoracic injuries complicated by empyema can be life-threatening and intractable. Antibiotic prophylaxis for traumatic pneumothorax with tube thoracotomy should therefore be considered in select cases. The strategy for thoracic injury requires the assumption of an occult thoracic infection and chest wall instability.
Chronic Effects of Different Intensities of Power Training on Neuromuscular Parameters in Older People: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: Bandeira-Guimarães Marcelo , Blanco-Rambo Eduarda , Vieira Alexandra Ferreira , Sáez de Asteasu Mikel L. , Pinto Ronei S. , Izquierdo Mikel , Cadore Eduardo Lusa
Published: October 2023

Background

Power training (PT) has been shown to be an effective method for improving muscle function, including maximal strength, measured by one-repetition maximum (1RM), and power output in older adults. However, it is not clear how PT intensity, expressed as a percentage of 1RM, affects the magnitude of these changes. The aim of this systematic review (International prospective register of systematic reviews—PROSPERO—registration: CRD42022369874) was to summarize the evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCT) assessing the effects of low-intensity (≤ 49% of 1RM) and moderate-intensity (50–69% of 1RM) versus high-intensity (≥ 70% of 1RM) PT on maximal power output and maximal strength in older adults.

Methods

We included RCTs that examined the effects of different intensities of power training on maximum strength and power output in older people. The search was performed using PubMed, LILACS, Embase, and Scopus. Methodological quality was assessed using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA 2020 statement checklist), and the quality of evidence was determined using the PEDro scale. Data were analyzed using standardized mean differences (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and random effects models were used for calculations. A significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was accepted.

Results

Three RCTs assessing 179 participants, all of high methodological quality, were included. There were no significant differences between different PT intensities in terms of power output gains for leg press [SMD = 0.130 (95% CI − 0.19, 0.45), p = 0.425] and knee extension exercises [SMD: 0.016 (95% CI − 0.362, 0.395), p = 0.932], as well as leg press 1RM increases [SMD: 0.296 (95% CI − 0.03, 0.62); p = 0.072]. However, high-intensity PT (70–80% of 1RM) was significantly more effective than low-intensity PT in increasing 1RM for knee extension exercise [SMD: 0.523 (95% CI 0.14, 1.91), p = 0.008].

Conclusions

PT performed at low-to-moderate intensities induces similar power gains compared to high-intensity PT (70–80% of 1RM) in older adults. Nonetheless, the influence of PT intensity on lower-limb strength gains seems to be dependent on the assessed exercise. Cautious interpretation is warranted considering the inclusion of only three studies.