bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female desire in phallocentric industries: A duo-ethnographic interrogation
Authors: Brock Maria , Persson Sara
Published: January 2024

The persistence of workplace inequality requires female subjects to examine their place in exploitative systems of production and consumption, and to identify means for emancipation beyond masculine dominant orders. In this paper we examine our past experiences as young women in the finance and oil industries, the phallocentric and extractive engines of global capitalism. We do this by employing a duo-ethnographic approach and a feminist reading of Jacques Lacan’s ideas on sexual difference, aiming to contribute to the literature on female identification in phallocentric organizations. Our analysis reveals how we oscillated between accepting subordinate feminine subject positions linked to emotional work and striving to access ‘universal’ masculine subject positions linked to success and achievement. At the same time, we both engaged with imaginaries of uniqueness and critique, control and success in order to keep functioning in our roles. Both our stories feature moments of rupture experienced as affective embodied responses, when our organizations placed ourselves or others at risk. We analyse these as moments when cracks were exposed in our fantasmatic survival strategies, leading to our eventual exit from these industries. We conclude that while a feminist Lacanian framework provides a useful lens for understanding processes of female identification in phallocentric organizations, the quest for female desire and subjectivity outside the masculine dominant order requires other (feminist) frameworks.
The Unconventional Effects of the Ketogenic Diet (KD) in Preclinical Epilepsy
Authors: Simeone Timothy , Simeone Kristina
Published: January 2024

The integration of metabolic therapeutics in the available clinical armory is becoming more commonplace in health care as our understanding about the dependence of disease on metabolism continues to deepen and evolve. In the epilepsy field, we often think about the ketogenic diet (KD, high fat: carbohydrate ratio) in terms of its anti-seizure efficacy. The aim of this article is to review what we’ve learned from preclinical studies about the KD’s more unconventional effects, including its neuroprotective effects, anti-epileptogenic and disease-modifying effects, and how the KD influences comorbidities associated with epilepsy. As time moves us into the future and metabolic therapies become more common place, the effects of the KD considered unconventional herein, may end up being referred to as traditional.
Weightlifting Induced Spinal Accessory Nerve Palsy and Winged Scapula: A Case Report
Authors: Anass Adnine , Fatima Zahrae Taik , Fatima Zahra Aharrane , Nihad Takhrifa , Hicham Fadel , Fatima Ezzahra Abourazzak
Published: January 2024

Winged scapula is a rare musculoskeletal condition with numerous etiologies including spinal accessory nerve (SAN) palsy. Sport activities are rarely implicated with few scattered case reports. We report a case of an 18-year-old bodybuilder who suffered SAN palsy secondary to weightlifting exercises. Physical examination revealed winged scapula with painful mobility of the shoulder. A scapular magnetic resonance imaging scan and electromyography of the trapezius muscle were performed and confirmed the diagnosis of SAN palsy. Through this case, we review the literature of common and rare causes of SAN palsy and outline accepted treatment options.
Impact of Running Exercise on Intervertebral Disc: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shu Dingbo , Dai Siyu , Wang Jianping , Meng Fanjing , Zhang Chuan , Zhao Zhenhua
Published: January 2024

Context:

Running is one of the most popular sports worldwide. However, controversies exist regarding how running affects runner’s intervertebral discs (IVD).

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to systematically review studies that evaluated IVD morphology or composition changes in response to running exercise, to determine the impact of running exercise on IVD.

Data Sources:

A systematic literature search was performed for 4 major databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science.

Study Selection:

Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) healthy people without known IVD disease or major complications such as tuberculosis (IVD degeneration or low back pain are considered as minor complications); (2) subjects performed 1-time or regular running exercises; (3) pre and post comparison of runners or comparison between runners and healthy control subjects; (4) direct or indirect IVD morphology or composition measured; (5) IVD assessed before and after either acute or chronic running exercise, or compared cross-sectionally between runners and controls. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) reviews, editorials, letters or abstracts only; (2) animal studies; (3) subjects performed exercise other than running.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Data Extraction:

The extracted data included study design and primary outcomes of the included studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to evaluate study quality and risk of bias.

Results:

A total of 13 studies with 632 participants were included in the final analysis; 4 studies measured IVD changes using stature or spinal height, and the other 9 measured IVD changes using magnetic resonance imaging; 6 studies found that running acutely and negatively impacts IVD; 3 out of 5 cross-sectional studies found that IVD parameters are better for runners than controls; 1 longitudinal study found no significant difference in IVD before and after training for marathon in runners; 1 longitudinal study found no significant difference in changes of IVD between runners and controls after 15 years of follow-up.

Conclusion:

Negative changes in IVD exist for a short period of time after running, which may be due to the temporary compression pushing water content out of the disc. Cross-sectional studies suggest that long-term running exerts a mild positive effect on IVD; however, this inference has not been confirmed by high-quality longitudinal studies.
Patterns, Clinical Outcome, and Factors Associated with Poisoning Outcomes among Poisoned Patients in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Teym Abraham , Melese Mebrat , Fenta Enyew , Ayenew Temesgen , Fentahun Firehiwot , Tegegne Eniyew , Alamneh Alehegn Aderaw
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Poison is a substance that can hurt or cause dysfunction in the body due to its chemical action. Poisoning related to pesticides used in agriculture is a major public health issue in developing countries. However, there is a limited epidemiological data on poisoning in Ethiopia.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine poisoning patterns, clinical outcome, and factors associated with poisoned patients in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2021 to include data of 1 year period. Data of all poisoned patients were collected using a standardized checklist from the registration book and patient medical records. The association between variables and outcomes was analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to declare a statistically significant association.

Result

Over one-third of the poisoning cases (35.9%) were seen in the spring, according to a survey of 315 patient medical data. The majority of patients were in the age group of 21–30 years (44.1%). The most common form of poison consumed was organophosphate (OP), which accounts for 61.3% of all visits, and the least common was food poisoning, which accounts for 1.9%. About 82.5% of poisoning cases survived, while the remaining 17.5% were died. Time of arrival to the hospital ≥1 h (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 7.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 11.40), lack of oxygen support (AOR = 6.64; 95% CI: 3.56–6.78), and lack of adrenaline/dopamine medication (AOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 1.17–5.78) were all substantially linked with death of poisoned cases.

Conclusions

Three-fourth of poisoning cases survived, while the remaining one-fourth died. Ingestion of OPs is the most prevalent type of poisoning, and most cases are intentional. Delayed arrival ≥1 h, lack of oxygen support, and adrenaline/dopamine treatment were all linked to death. On-time arrival, oxygen assistance, and adrenaline/dopamine treatment in a healthcare setting are all recommended.
Modeling the relationship between urban tree canopy, landscape heterogeneity, and land surface temperature: A machine learning approach
Authors: Wilson Bev , Kashem Shakil Bin , Slonim Lily
Published: January 2024

Cities across the United States and around the globe are embracing urban greening as a strategy for mitigating the effects of rising temperatures on human health and quality-of-life. Better understanding how the spatial configuration of tree canopy influences land surface temperature should help to increase the positive impacts of urban greening. This study applies a machine learning approach for modeling the relationship between urban tree canopy, landscape heterogeneity, and land surface temperature (LST) using data from nine cities located in nine different climate zones of the United States. We collected summer LST data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Analysis Ready Data series and processed them to derive mean, minimum, and maximum LST in degrees Fahrenheit for each Census block group within the cities considered. We also calculated the percentage of each block group comprised by the land cover designations in the 2016 or 2019 National Land Cover Database (NLCD) maintained by the USGS, depending on the vintage of the available LST data. High resolution tree canopy data were purchased for all the study cities and the spatial configuration of tree canopy was measured at the block group level using established landscape metrics. Landscape metrics of the waterbodies were also calculated to incorporate the cooling effects of waterbodies. We used a Generalized Boosted Regression Model (GBM) algorithm to predict LST from the collected data. Our results show that tree canopy exerts a consistent and significant influence on predicted land surface temperatures across all study cities, but that the configuration of tree canopy and water patches matters more in some locations than in others. The findings underscore the importance of considering the local climate and existing landscape features when planning for urban greening.
Don’t waste the crisis: The COVID-19 Anthropause as an experiment for rethinking human–environment relations
Authors: Fiske Amelia , Radhuber Isabella M , Salvador Consuelo Fernández , Araújo Emilia Rodrigues , Jasser Marie , Saxinger Gertrude , Zimmermann Bettina M , Prainsack Barbara
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked radical changes in the way life was lived around the globe. With the rapid reduction in human mobility, short-term environmental improvements were seen across the world. Work and social routines were altered, and political action to reduce case numbers seemed to open a window of opportunity for socio-environmental change in a post-pandemic world. Inspired by conversations around the “COVID-19 Anthropause,” this paper probes the lived experiences and reflections that emerged in the pandemic pause. Three years after the onset of the pandemic, many initial environmental gains have been limited. Nonetheless, the COVID-19 Anthropause has brought human–environment relations into new light, sparking introspection and forms of broader social critique surrounding what kinds of socio-political courage and structural change is necessary to achieve new post-pandemic realities. Our research shows the heterogeneity of experiences of the Anthropause, highlighting the ways that uncritical engagement with the concept can obscure overlapping structural inequalities, and reinforce harmful binaries around the presence and absence of humans in nature. Drawing on longitudinal, qualitative data from Latin America and Europe, we enrich debates over the implications of the pandemic for human–environment relations and underscore the need to attend to radical forms of difference amid any global environmental concept.
Sonrotoclax overcomes BCL2 G101V mutation–induced venetoclax resistance in preclinical models of hematologic malignancy
Authors: Liu Jiuyang , Li Shuran , Wang Qin , Feng Yingcai , Xing Haimei , Yang Xuefei , Guo Ying , Guo Yunhang , Sun Hanzi , Liu Xiaoxin , Yang Shasha , Mei Zhu , Zhu Yutong , Cheng Zhenzhen , Chen Shuaishuai , Xu Min , Zhang Wenjing , Wan Nanyan , Wang Jia , Ma Yanwen , Zhang Shuo , Luan Xudong , Xu Aiying , Li Lin , Wang Haitao , Yang Xiaolong , Hong Yuan , Xue Hai , Yuan Xi , Hu Nan , Song Xiaomin , Wang Zhiwei , Liu Xuesong , Wang Lai , Liu Ye
Published: January 2024

Venetoclax, the first-generation inhibitor of the apoptosis regulator B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), disrupts the interaction between BCL2 and proapoptotic proteins, promoting the apoptosis in malignant cells. Venetoclax is the mainstay of therapy for relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia and is under investigation in multiple clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers. Although venetoclax treatment can result in high rates of durable remission, relapse has been widely observed, indicating the emergence of drug resistance. The G101V mutation in BCL2 is frequently observed in patients who relapsed treated with venetoclax and sufficient to confer resistance to venetoclax by interfering with compound binding. Therefore, the development of next-generation BCL2 inhibitors to overcome drug resistance is urgently needed. In this study, we discovered that sonrotoclax, a potent and selective BCL2 inhibitor, demonstrates stronger cytotoxic activity in various hematologic cancer cells and more profound tumor growth inhibition in multiple hematologic tumor models than venetoclax. Notably, sonrotoclax effectively inhibits venetoclax-resistant BCL2 variants, such as G101V. The crystal structures of wild-type BCL2/BCL2 G101V in complex with sonrotoclax revealed that sonrotoclax adopts a novel binding mode within the P2 pocket of BCL2 and could explain why sonrotoclax maintains stronger potency than venetoclax against the G101V mutant. In summary, sonrotoclax emerges as a potential second-generation BCL2 inhibitor for the treatment of hematologic malignancies with the potential to overcome BCL2 mutation–induced venetoclax resistance. Sonrotoclax is currently under investigation in multiple clinical trials.
Determination of nuclear magnetic resonance surface relaxivity for the macropore system from wood cell lumen
Authors: Jin Zhi , Fu Yuejin , Chen Qian , Zeng Zhen
Published: January 2024

To determine the surface relaxivity of pores plays a vital role in the application of time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) technology to porous structure characterization for wood. Currently, the surface relaxivity of pores is calibrated using a standard sample with a pore size of the same order as the wood pore system. However, the uniformly distributed pore size of standard sample is unfit to accurately indicate the complexity of porous structure of wood, which significantly affects the accuracy of test results. By integrating the TD-NMR technology with mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), the surface relaxivity of macropores in the lumen of wood cells is calibrated in this study using the tested sample, so as to avoid the error in measurement as caused by existing method. Data processing is performed using several mathematical methods including interpolation arithmetic and least square principle. Notably, the node segmentation method is applied to identify the T2 boundary of pores in cell lumen and to classify the porous structure of cell lumen into different pore systems. The approach proposed in this study is demonstrated to be effective in improving the accuracy of TD-NMR technology for characterizing the porous structure of wood. Also, it contributes a potential solution to accounting for the porous structure of wood based on the phenomenon of pore relaxation, which can improve the understanding of wood pore conformation.
Analysis of maternal genetic structure of mitochondrial DNA control region from Tai-Kadai-speaking Buyei population in southwestern China
Authors: Feng Yuhang , Chen Li , Wang Xiaoxue , Zhang Hongling , Wang Qiyan , Liu Yubo , Jin Xiaoye , Yang Meiqing , Huang Jiang , Ren Zheng
Published: January 2024

Background

Even though the Buyei are a recognised ethnic group in southwestern China, there hasn’t been much work done on forensic population genetics, notably using mitochondrial DNA. The sequences and haplogroups of mitochondrial DNA control regions of the Buyei peoples were studied to provide support for the establishment of a reference database for forensic DNA analysis in East Asia.

Methods and results

The mitochondrial DNA control region sequences of 200 Buyei individuals in Guizhou were investigated. The haplotype frequencies and haplogroup distribution of the Buyei nationality in Guizhou were calculated. At the same time, the paired Fst values of the study population and other populations around the world were computed, to explore their genetic polymorphism and population relationship. A total of 179 haplotypes were detected in the Buyei population, with frequencies of 0.005–0.015. All haplotypes were assigned to 89 different haplogroups. The haplotype diversity and random matching probability were 0.999283 and 0.0063, respectively. The paired Fst genetic distances and correlation p-values among the 54 populations revealed that the Guizhou Buyei was most closely related to the Henan Han and the Guizhou Miao, and closer to the Hazara population in Pakistan and the Chiang Mai population.

Conclusions

The study of mitochondrial DNA based on the maternal genetic structure of the Buyei nationality in Guizhou will benefit the establishment of an East Asian forensic DNA reference database and provide a reference for anthropological research in the future.
Genomic characterization of Pseudomonas spp. on food: implications for spoilage, antimicrobial resistance and human infection
Authors: Bloomfield Samuel J. , Palau Raphaёlle , Holden Emma R. , Webber Mark A. , Mather Alison E.
Published: January 2024

Background

Pseudomonas species are common on food, but their contribution to the antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) burden within food or as a source of clinical infection is unknown. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections and is often hard to treat due to intrinsic and acquired ARGs commonly carried by this species. This study aimed to understand the potential role of Pseudomonas on food as a reservoir of ARGs and to assess the presence of potentially clinically significant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains on food. To achieve this, we assessed the genetic relatedness (using whole genome sequencing) and virulence of food-derived isolates to those collected from humans.

Results

A non-specific culturing approach for Pseudomonas recovered the bacterial genus from 28 of 32 (87.5%) retail food samples, although no P. aeruginosa was identified. The Pseudomonas species recovered were not clinically relevant, contained no ARGs and are likely associated with food spoilage. A specific culture method for P. aeruginosa resulted in the recovery of P. aeruginosa from 14 of 128 (11%) retail food samples; isolates contained between four and seven ARGs each and belonged to 16 sequence types (STs), four of which have been isolated from human infections. Food P. aeruginosa isolates from these STs demonstrated high similarity to human-derived isolates, differing by 41–312 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). There were diverse P. aeruginosa collected from the same food sample with distinct STs present on some samples and isolates belonging to the same ST differing by 19–67 SNPs. The Galleria mellonella infection model showed that 15 of 16 STs isolated from food displayed virulence between a low-virulence (PAO1) and a high virulence (PA14) control.

Conclusion

The most frequent Pseudomonas recovered from food examined in this study carried no ARGs and are more likely to play a role in food spoilage rather than infection. P. aeruginosa isolates likely to be able to cause human infections and with multidrug resistant genotypes are present on a relatively small but still substantial proportions of retail foods examined. Given the frequency of exposure, the potential contribution of food to the burden of P. aeruginosa infections in humans should be evaluated more closely.
Prescription Sequence Symmetry Analysis (PSSA) to assess prescribing cascades: a step-by-step guide
Authors: Hendrix Mandy R. S. , Yasar Mustafa , Mohammad Atiya K. , Hugtenburg Jacqueline G. , Vanhommerig Joost W. , Gündoğan-Yilmaz Ruveyda , van den Bemt Patricia M. L. A. , Denig Petra , Karapinar-Carkıt Fatma
Published: January 2024

Prescribing cascades occur when patients are prescribed medication to treat the adverse drug reaction of previously prescribed medication. Prescription sequence symmetry analysis (PSSA) can be used to assess the association between two medications in prescription or dispensing databases and thus the potential occurrence of prescribing cascades. In this article, a step-by-step guide is presented for conducting PSSA to assess prescribing cascades. We describe considerations for medication data collection and setting time periods for relevant parameters, including washout window, exposure window, continued exposure interval and blackout period. With two examples, we illustrate the impact of changes in these parameters on the strengths of associations observed. Given the impact seen, we recommend that researchers clearly specify and explain all considerations regarding medication included and time windows set when studying prescribing cascades with PSSA, and conduct subgroup and sensitivity analyses.
Efficacy of sensory-based static balance training on the balance ability, aging attitude, and perceived stress of older adults in the community: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ni Yingyuan , Li Shasha , Lv Xiaoying , Wang Yuecong , Xu Lijun , Xi Yingxue , Sun Yanhua , Bao Jianyi , Liao Shufang , Li Yue
Published: January 2024

Background

This study explores the effect of sensory-based static balance training on the balance ability, aging attitude, and perceived stress of older adults in the community. It provides a practical basis for the in-depth implementation and revision of the community health management model.

Methods

A randomized controlled intervention study was conducted from 2022 to 2023. A total of 72 older adults were recruited and randomly divided into an intervention group (36 individuals) and a control group (36 individuals). Balance ability (measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery and One Leg Stand Test), aging attitudes, and perceived stress were assessed at baseline and at the 12-week and 24-week follow-ups. Repeated-measures ANOVA and generalized estimating equations were used to compare outcome measures.

Results

Sensory-based static balance training was beneficial for balance ability and aging attitude among participants in the intervention group. At the end of the intervention, participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in SPPB scores and OLST scores compared with the control group (FSPPB = 12.347, P = 0.001, Waldχ2OLST = 45.530, P < 0.001), as well as significant differences in aging attitudes (FAAQ = 18.549, P < 0.001). Multiple comparisons at different time points in the intervention group reveal a significant intervention effect (FSPPB = 29.211, Waldχ2OLST = 80.428, FAAQ = 45.981, all P < 0.05). However, the difference in perceived stress before and after the intervention was not significant (FCPSS = 2.876, P = 0.095).

Conclusions

Sensory-based static balance training significantly improved balance ability and aging attitudes among older adults in the community. The effect on perceived stress among older adults in the community was not significant.

Trial registration

Registered in the Chinese Clinic on 04/06/2022. The registration number is ChiCTR2200060541.
Oral frailty among dentate and edentate older adults in long-term care
Authors: Julkunen Lina , Saarela Riitta , Roitto Hanna-Maria , Kautiainen Hannu , Pitkälä Kaisu , Mäntylä Päivi , Hiltunen Kaija
Published: January 2024

Background

The objectives of this study were to compare oral frailty (OFr) among edentate and dentate older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCF) and to clarify how edentulism and oral disease burden (ODB) of dentate older adults are associated with OFr.

Methods

The population of this study comprised 94 edentate and 209 dentate residents in LTCF in Helsinki, Finland, who had previously participated in a nutritional study. The participants underwent a clinical oral examination. The dentate residents were further divided into three ODB groups based on asymptotic dental score. The edentate and different ODB groups were compared with each other regarding demographics and oral and medical findings. OFr was defined as ≥ 2 of following: having a diet of soft/pureed food, residue of food in the oral cavity, inability to keep the mouth open during examination, unclearness of speech, dry mouth. The association between OFr and edentulousness and various levels of ODB was analyzed by a multivariate logistic model.

Results

Participants with low ODB had significantly less OFr than their edentate peers (p = 0.009). Furthermore, the edentate and dentate with high ODB had similar odds for OFr.

Conclusions

Edentulousness and high ODB are equally harmful conditions and may predispose to OFr. This study suggests that maintaining healthy natural teeth and good oral health (low ODB) may protect against OFr.

Trial registration

The Ethics Committee of the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa approved the protocols for the nutritional status and oral healthcare studies and the merging of the data, including patient medical records (Register number HUS/968/2017).
The effect of paternal anxiety on mother-infant bonding in neonatal intensive care
Authors: Ettenberger Mark , Bieleninik Łucja , Stordal Andreas Størksen , Ghetti Claire
Published: January 2024

Background

The hospitalization of a preterm infant in the NICU can lead to mental health difficulties in parents, but not much is known how paternal anxiety might affect the mother-infant relationship.

Methods

This prospective cohort study is a secondary analysis investigating how paternal anxiety levels might affect maternal bonding in the NICU using the dataset of the multinational pragmatic randomized controlled trial LongSTEP. A linear mixed-effects model was used for correlations of paternal anxiety (GAD-7) and maternal bonding (PBQ) at NICU discharge, and at 6 and 12 months infant corrected age. Secondary analyses examined effects on paternal anxiety related to: site (Argentina, Colombia, Israel, Norway, and Poland), maternal depression (EPDS), infant gestational age at birth, paternal age, and type of pregnancy.

Results

Paternal anxiety did not predict maternal bonding at NICU discharge (p = 0.096), at 6 months (p = 0.316), or at 12 months infant corrected age (p = 0.473). Secondary outcomes showed a statistically significant site effect, with higher paternal anxiety levels at the two Colombian sites at baseline (p = 0.014 and p = 0.020) and for one site at discharge (p = 0.012), but not for paternal age (p = 0.925 and p = 0.793), infant gestational age at birth (p = 0.974 and p = 0.686 and p = 0.340), or type of pregnancy (p = 0.381). Maternal depression predicted paternal anxiety at baseline (p < 0.001) and at discharge (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

In this study, paternal anxiety did not predict maternal bonding. Paternal anxiety varied by site, indicating a need for research on potential cultural differences in manifestation of paternal anxiety. Maternal depression predicted paternal anxiety, confirming a previously reported correlation. Further research on variations in paternal mental health in the neonatal period is warranted, as well as exploration of the social contagion of mental health in preterm parents.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03564184.
Changes in the shape and function of the fetal heart of pre- and gestational diabetes mothers
Authors: Li Shuang , Wang Linlin , Yang Huixia , Fan Lixin
Published: January 2024

Background

Hyperglycemia during pregnancy can affect fetal heart in many ways, including causing cardiac malformation, leading to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac dysfunction. Echocardiographic evaluation can assist identify alterations in heart structure, morphology and function, enabling prompt monitoring and management. However, according to earlier research, the cardiac alterations are modest in hyperglycemic mothers’ fetuses, and might not be detectable using conventional methods and it is also unclear whether these changes are related to the metabolism of mothers. Fetal Heart Quantification (Fetal HQ) can assess ventricular geometry and function more sensitively and thoroughly, and identify sub-clinical cardiac dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fetal heart by Fetal HQ in fetuses of hyperglycemic mothers who either had pre-gestational or gestational diabetes and to correlate them with maternal metabolic indices.

Methods

The fetuses of 25 gestational age-matched control mothers, 48 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and 11 women with diabetes mellitus (DM) were included in the prospective case-control research. Using fetal echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), the heart of the fetus was evaluated. Differences in the groups’ anthropometric, metabolic, and cardiac parameters were examined. It was assessed whether maternal features, prenatal glucose, lipids, and maternal hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) correlated with fetal cardiac parameters.

Results

The LV EDV and ESV were significantly higher in the GDM group as compared to the DM group (p < 0.05). The GSI% was significantly lower in the GDM group compared with the control (p < 0.05). The LV SV and CO of the GDM group were both significantly higher compared with the DM group (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in RV FS for segments 1–7 in GDM fetuses compared to the control (p < 0.05) and for segments 5–10 compared to DM (p < 0.05). Fetal cardiac morphology and function indices correlate with maternal pregestational weight, BMI, early pregnancy fast glucose, lipids, and glycemic control levels.

Conclusions

Fetuses exposed to gestational diabetes have altered heart morphology and function that is linked to maternal metabolic parameters, which presents a special indication for performing geometry and function cardiac assessment. Fetal HQ can be employed to evaluate the fetal cardiac shape and function in fetuses exposed to gestational diabetes.
Machine-learning model predicting quality of life using multifaceted lifestyles in middle-aged South Korean adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Junho , Jeong Kyoungsik , Lee Siwoo , Baek Younghwa
Published: January 2024

Background

In the context of population aging, advances in healthcare technology, and growing interest in healthy aging and higher quality of life (QOL), have gained central focus in public health, particularly among middle-aged adults.

Methods

This study presented an optimal prediction model for QOL among middle-aged South Korean adults (N = 4,048; aged 30–55 years) using a machine-learning technique. Community-based South Korean population data were sampled through multistage stratified cluster sampling. Twenty-one variables related to individual factors and various lifestyle patterns were surveyed. QOL was assessed using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and categorized into total QOL, physical component score (PCS), and mental component score (MCS). Seven machine-learning algorithms were used to predict QOL: decision tree, Gaussian Naïve Bayes, k-nearest neighbor, logistic regression, extreme gradient boosting, random forest, and support vector machine. Data imbalance was resolved with the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE). Random forest was used to compare feature importance and visualize the importance of each variable.

Results

For predicting QOL deterioration, the random forest method showed the highest performance. The random forest algorithm using SMOTE showed the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) for total QOL (0.822), PCS (0.770), and MCS (0.786). Applying the data, SMOTE enhanced model performance by up to 0.111 AUC. Although feature importance differed across the three QOL indices, stress and sleep quality were identified as the most potent predictors of QOL. Random forest generated the most accurate prediction of QOL among middle-aged adults; the model showed that stress and sleep quality management were essential for improving QOL.

Conclusion

The results highlighted the need to develop a health management program for middle-aged adults that enables multidisciplinary management of QOL.
Compensatory behavior of physical activity in adolescents – a qualitative analysis of the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors
Authors: Beck Franziska , Swelam Brittany Amel , Dettweiler Ulrich , Krieger Claus , Reimers Anne Kerstin
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Compensatory behavior of physical activity (PA) based on the ActivityStat hypothesis in adolescents is scarcely investigated, and existing studies showed inconclusive results. Understanding the compensatory behavior in a holistic way is important as this can help to improve intervention outcomes and thus, increase the PA levels in adolescents. Thus, the aim of the present study is to investigate the occurrence, direction, timeframe, and ratio of habitual activity compensation in adolescents. Furthermore, we want to identify the awareness of compensation and factors that influence compensatory behavior.

Methods

The present qualitative study used a mixed methods crossover analysis design. Participants (N = 15, 8 boys and 7 girls) were adolescents aged 11–15 years (mean age 13.04 ± 1.28). They provided a habitual weekly schedule with habitual/regular activities and their intensity. Participants then kept an activity diary over one week to capture their actual behavior. After that, data were compared and deviations > ±20% were considered as compensation opportunities. On this basis, deviations were descriptively analyzed for compensatory behavior and were coded as positive and negative compensatory behavior. Further, for each compensation, the ratio of compensation (MET-minutes of the compensating activity/MET-minutes of the activity that was compensated) was calculated. Additionally, interviews were conducted to explore perceptions and influencing factors for (no) compensation.

Results

Overall, 198 compensation opportunities were identified with deviations greater ± 20%. Of these, 109 opportunities were compensated overall (69 within-day, 40 between-day). Negative compensation took place in 57 opportunities and 52 opportunities were compensated positively. Most of the deviations were overcompensated (compensation/deviation > 100%). About half of the adolescents (N = 8) were not aware about their compensatory behavior, and only one boy was aware of all his compensatory behavior. The most mentioned influence for positive compensation were social support by friends and good weather. As influencing factors for negative compensation, tiredness as well as no need for movement were mentioned predominantly. No negative compensation occurred because adolescents wanted to stick to their routines or participated in hedonistic activities.

Discussion

Summarizing the findings, the present study delivered new insights into the field of compensatory behavior in adolescents. Nevertheless, compensatory behavior was not consistently observed regarding the occurrence of compensation, direction, timeframe and ratio. However, social support appears to be an important factor to compensate positively or to avoid a negative compensatory behavior. Further, it seems to be helpful to support individuals in their search for hedonistic activities as well as in the establishment of routines.
Normalisation and equity of referral to the NHS Low Calorie Diet programme pilot; a qualitative evaluation of the experiences of health care staff
Authors: Drew Kevin J. , Homer Catherine , Radley Duncan , Jones Susan , Freeman Charlotte , Bakhai Chirag , Ells Louisa
Published: January 2024

Background

Health and wellbeing can be profoundly impacted by both obesity and type 2 diabetes, while the normalisation and equity of care for people living with these non-communicable diseases remain as challenges for local health systems. The National Health Service Low Calorie Diet programme in England, aims to support people to achieve type 2 diabetes remission, while also reducing health inequalities. We have explored the experiences of health care staff who have made a referral to the LCD programme, while identifying effective and equitable delivery of programme referrals, and their normalisation into routine care.

Methods

Nineteen individual semi-structured interviews were completed health care staff in the first year of the Low Calorie Diet programme. Interviewees were purposively sampled from the ten localities who undertook the Low Calorie Diet programme pilot. Each interview explored a number of topics of interest including communication and training, referrals, equity, and demands on primary care, before being subjected to a thematic analysis.

Results

From the data, five core themes were identified: Covid-19 and the demands on primary care, the expertise and knowledge of referrers, patient identification and the referral process, barriers to referrals and who gets referred to the NHS LCD programme. Our findings demonstrate the variation in the real world settings of a national diabetes programme. It highlights the challenge of COVID-19 for health care staff, whereby the increased workload of referrals occurred at a time when capacity was curtailed. We have also identified several barriers to referral and have shown that referrals had not yet been normalised into routine care at the point of data collection. We also raise issues of equity in the referral process, as not all eligible people are informed about the programme.

Conclusions

Referral generation had not yet been consistently normalised into routine care, yet our findings suggest that the LCD programme runs the risk of normalising an inequitable referral process. Inequalities remain a significant challenge, and the adoption of an equitable referral process, normalised at a service delivery level, has the capacity to contribute to the improvement of health inequalities.
HIV knowledge, self-perception of HIV risk, and sexual risk behaviors among male Tajik labor migrants who inject drugs in Moscow
Authors: Luc Casey Morgan , Levy Judith , Bahromov Mahbat , Jonbekov Jonbek , Mackesy-Amiti Mary E.
Published: January 2024

Background

The interplay of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge and self-perception of risk for HIV among people who inject drugs is complex and understudied, especially among temporary migrant workers who inject drugs (MWID) while in a host country. In Russia, Tajik migrants make up the largest proportion of Moscow’s foreign labor. Yet, HIV knowledge and self-perceived risk in association with sexual risk behavior among male Tajik MWID in Moscow remains unknown.

Objective

This research examines knowledge about HIV transmission, self-perception of HIV risk, and key psychosocial factors that possibly contribute to sexual risk behaviors among male Tajik labor MWID living in Moscow.

Methods

Structured interviews were conducted with 420 male Tajik labor MWID. Modified Poisson regression models investigated possible associations between major risk factors and HIV sexual risk behavior.

Results

Of the 420 MWID, 255 men (61%) reported sexual activity in the last 30 days. Level of HIV knowledge was not associated in either direction with condom use or risky sexual partnering, as measured by sex with multiple partners or female sex workers (FSW). Lower self-perceived HIV risk was associated with a greater likelihood of sex with multiple partners (aPR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.40) and FSW (aPR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.59), but was not associated with condom use. Police-enacted stigma was associated with sex with multiple partners (aPR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.49) and FSW (aPR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.54). While depression and lower levels of loneliness were associated with condomless sex (aPR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.24; aPR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.92, respectively), only depression was associated with condomless sex with FSW (aPR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.54).

Conclusions

HIV prevention programing for male Tajik MWID must go beyond solely educating about factors associated with HIV transmission to include increased awareness of personal risk based on engaging in these behaviors. Additionally, psychological services to counter depression and police-enacted stigma are needed.
Changes in, and factors associated with family functioning: results of four cross-sectional household surveys from 2011 to 2017 in Hong Kong
Authors: Lo Camilla Kin Ming , Chen Qiqi , Chen Mengtong , Chan Ko Ling , Ip Patrick
Published: January 2024

Background

Previous research has well-documented that family functioning is an important predictor of individuals’ physical and mental health. However, relatively little research has explored family functioning at the family and population levels, such as changes in family functioning across years and whether predictors of family functioning differ across different family structures. Understanding of the changes in family functioning across years and factors promoting family functioning will inform the development of preventive measures to enhance family health and resilience. Objectives of the study were: (1) to examine the changes in family functioning across a 6-year study period and (2) to study protective factors associated with family functioning and the extent to which the factors are the same or different across different family structures. Method: The study involved secondary data analysis of the biannual Family Survey carried out by the Family Council, an advisory body to the Hong Kong government. A series of ANOVA and regression analyses were conducted using data of four population-based cross-sectional household surveys conducted in Hong Kong in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. Results: There were some fluctuations in overall family functioning scores across the study period, but no significant difference was found between the scores in 2011 and 2017. Different predictors of family functioning were found for different family types, and frequent family communication was a common protective factor for most family types, including never married, married/cohabiting with children, and married/cohabiting with no children. Conclusion: The study is among the first to examine changes in family functioning at the population level. Monitoring and addressing family functioning may help tackle various social problems and future public health crises. Interventions to promote family functioning should address both common and different protective factors of different family types.
Comorbidity increases the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis: a nested case-control study using multi-source big data
Authors: Wang Bao-Yu , Song Ke , Wang Hai-Tao , Wang Shan-Shan , Wang Wen-Jing , Li Zhen-Wei , Du Wan-Yu , Xue Fu-Zhong , Zhao Lin , Cao Wu-Chun
Published: January 2024

Background

Some medical conditions may increase the risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB); however, no systematic study on PTB-associated comorbidities and comorbidity clusters has been undertaken.

Methods

A nested case-control study was conducted from 2013 to 2017 using multi-source big data. We defined cases as patients with incident PTB, and we matched each case with four event-free controls using propensity score matching (PSM). Comorbidities diagnosed prior to PTB were defined with the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10). The longitudinal relationships between multimorbidity burden and PTB were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation. The associations between PTB and 30 comorbidities were examined using conditional logistic regression, and the comorbidity clusters were identified using network analysis.

Results

A total of 4265 cases and 17,060 controls were enrolled during the study period. A total of 849 (19.91%) cases and 1141 (6.69%) controls were multimorbid before the index date. Having 1, 2, and ≥ 3 comorbidities was associated with an increased risk of PTB (aOR 2.85–5.16). Fourteen out of thirty comorbidities were significantly associated with PTB (aOR 1.28–7.27), and the associations differed by sex and age. Network analysis identified three major clusters, mainly in the respiratory, circulatory, and endocrine/metabolic systems, in PTB cases.

Conclusions

Certain comorbidities involving multiple systems may significantly increase the risk of PTB. Enhanced awareness and surveillance of comorbidity are warranted to ensure early prevention and timely control of PTB.
Effect of body fat mass loss on prognosis of radical resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma based on bioelectrical impedance analysis
Authors: Shibata Yoshiyuki , Sudo Takeshi , Tazuma Sho , Sada Haruki , Tanimine Naoki , Shimada Norimitsu , Tazawa Hirofumi , Suzuki Takahisa , Onoe Takashi , Shimizu Yosuke , Tashiro Hirotaka , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Takahashi Shinya
Published: January 2024

Background

Few reports have performed a prognostic analysis based on bioelectrical impedance analysis in patients with radical resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and its usefulness in prognostic analysis remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate body composition changes in patients undergoing radical resection for PDAC and analyze its impact on prognosis.

Methods

The medical records of radical resection for patients with PDAC were retrospectively reviewed, and the parameters of body composition, including body weight, skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass (BFM), and extracellular water-total body water ratio, from preoperatively to 12 months postoperatively, for each surgical procedure were measured based on direct segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis with an InBody 770 (InBody Inc., Tokyo, Japan) device. The clinicopathological and prognostic factors were analyzed.

Results

Among 79 patients who underwent radical resection for PDAC, 36 (46%), 7 (8%), and 36 (46%) underwent pancreatoduodenectomy, total pancreatectomy, and distal pancreatectomy, respectively. The multivariate overall survival analysis demonstrated that BFM loss percentage at 1 month postoperatively ≧14% (p = 0.021), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.014), and non-adjuvant chemotherapy (p <  0.001) were independent poor prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative BFM < 12 kg and preoperative albumin < 3.5 g/dL were independently associated with BFM loss percentage at 1 month postoperatively ≧14% (p = 0.021 and p = 0.047, respectively).

Conclusions

Loss of BFM in the early postoperative period may have a poor prognosis in radical resection of PDAC.