bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the association between hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score and all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Wanxiang , Yan Yize , Cui Xinguang , Bian Jichao , Yuan Long , Wang Guodong
Published: August 2024

Integrating hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelets (HALP) scores can simultaneously reflect systemic inflammation and nutritional status. Some evidence suggests its prognostic value in certain malignancies, however, the impact of HALP on individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) who are middle-aged and older remains unknown. This retrospective cohort study included 3566 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2018. The study endpoint was the all-cause mortality of OA patients. Weighted Cox models were used to assess the relationship between HALP score and all-cause mortality. Subgroup analyses stratified by age, gender, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease were conducted. After the follow-up was terminated, 920 participants experienced all-cause mortality, and 2646 participants survived. After adjusting for covariates, the continuous analysis revealed an inverse association between HALP score and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83–0.95). The categorical analysis indicated that the lowest quartile of HALP score was related to higher all-cause mortality by using the highest quartile of HALP score as a reference (HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.18–1.81). The association between HALP score with lowest quartile and all-cause mortality remained significant across different subgroups. This study suggested that HALP score was linked with all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older individuals diagnosed with OA, thereby indicating its potential as a reliable prognostic indicator for this patient population.
Preparation and properties of thermal insulation felts for firefighting protective clothing
Authors: Zheng Zhenrong , Ren Lingli , Wang Hongyang
Published: August 2024

In this paper, preoxidized fibers, flame-retardant acrylic fibers and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fibers were chosen to prepare thermal insulation felts by the spunlaced process. The preparation of thermal insulation felts by single-component fibers, bicomponent fibers and multi-component fibers was studied. The breaking strength of the single fibers, flame retardancy, thermal conductivity, air permeability, thermal stability, shrinkage rate after washing, and the breaking strength of the thermal insulation felts were characterized. The results show that, for the single-component felts, preoxidized fiber felt had a longitudinal char length of only 35 mm, which was less than that of flame-retardant acrylic fiber felts and PPS felts. However, its longitudinal breaking strength was only 39.8  N. The bicomponent thermal insulation felt, blended with flame-retardant acrylic fibers and preoxidized fibers, had a higher breaking strength than the single-component felt, but it had char lengths greater than 100 mm after the vertical burning test. When the ratio of the multi-component insulation felts (preoxidized fibers, PPS fibers and flame-retardant acrylic fibers) was 35:60:5, the felt’s longitudinal char length measured 23 mm, which was less than that of the aramid felt 72 mm. This felt’s thermal conductivity was 0.0515 W/mK. It had an air permeability of 1995 mm/s, and the longitudinal dimensional shrinkage rate following the thermal stability test was only 1.1%. Multi-component thermal insulation felts are very important for the development of high-performance firefighting protective clothing.
Paul Davidoff’s Life in Prospect: Building a Progressive Planning Research Agenda Through Engaged Scholarship
Authors: Raciti Antonio , Reardon Kenneth
Published: August 2024

This article explores Paul Davidoff’s life and its relevance to the epochal turn for the planning discipline when theories in planning gave up ground to new theories of planning. By using biography as a method of inquiry, this article highlights the intertwined relations between Davidoff’s scholarship, his public and private life, and his efforts to face structural racism in planning. The article offers suggestions for progressive planning by reflecting on the relevance of scholars’ entrenchment with their context to foster practice and research through engagement.
Disability Moderates Dual Task Walking Performance and Neural Efficiency in Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hernandez Manuel E. , Motl Robert W. , Foley Frederick W. , Picone Mary Ann , Izzetoglu Meltem , Lipton Michael L. , Wagshul Mark , Holtzer Roee
Published: August 2024

Background

Mobility and cognitive impairment are prevalent and co-occurring in older adults with multiple sclerosis (OAMS), yet there is limited research concerning the role of disability status in the cognitive control of gait among OAMS.

Objective

We investigated the levels of prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation, using oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2), during cognitively-demanding tasks in OAMS with lower and higher disability using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to: (1) identify PFC activation differences in single task walk and cognitively-demanding tasks in OAMS with different levels of disability; and (2) evaluate if disability may moderate practice-related changes in neural efficiency in OAMS.

Methods

We gathered data from OAMS with lower (n = 51, age = 65 ± 4 years) or higher disability (n = 48, age = 65 ± 5 years), using a cutoff of 3 or more, in the Patient Determined Disease Steps, for higher disability, under 3 different conditions (single-task walk, Single-Task-Alpha, and Dual-Task-Walk [DTW]) administered over 3 counterbalanced, repeated trials.

Results

OAMS who had a lower disability level exhibited decreased PFC activation levels during Single-Task-Walk (STW) and larger increases in PFC activation levels, when going from STW to a cognitively-demanding task, such as a DTW, than those with higher disability. OAMS with a lower disability level exhibited greater declines in PFC activation levels with additional within session practice than those with a higher disability level.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that disability moderates brain adaptability to cognitively-demanding tasks and demonstrate the potential for fNIRS-derived outcome measures to complement neurorehabilitation outcomes.
‘It's Just Not Safe’: Gender-Based Harassment and Toxicity Experiences of Women in Esports
Authors: Crothers Heather , Scott-Brown Kenneth C. , Cunningham Sheila J.
Published: August 2024

Women remain underrepresented across most roles in the esports industry, which has long been associated with gender-based harassment and toxicity. While research has tended to focus on the experiences of women in professional esports careers, the current study investigated the nature and impact of harassment and toxicity on amateur players. Through interviews with eight women experienced in esports participation, experiences and costs of gender-based exclusion were documented. Stereotyped roles were common, with women facing gender stereotypes of both ability and character appropriateness, as well as sexual objectification. The women reported resignation about systemic misogyny, juxtaposed with hope that specific industry-level changes could elicit improvements. While the women often avoided revealing their gender, there was a strong sense that visible role models and solidarity among the female community in esports can provide an effective protection against gender-based harassment, potentially combatting low rates of women participating in esports in the longer term.
Cerebrospinal fluid venous fistula causing spontaneous intracranial hypotension resulting in venous sinus thrombosis and coma
Authors: White Timothy G. , Turpin Justin , Shao Miriam , Bassett Jared B. , Baris Christina , Libman Richard B. , Patsalides Athos
Published: August 2024

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas have recently been recognized as a cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), predominantly presenting with headaches, especially positional headaches. Atypical presentations like tinnitus and cranial nerve symptoms have also been reported. SIH has been linked to venous sinus thrombosis; however, to our knowledge, no prior cases describe a CSF venous fistula causing SIH that leads to cerebral venous thrombosis and coma. We report a patient who developed progressive venous sinus thrombosis, leading to coma, and was found to have low intracranial pressure indicative of SIH. Invasive monitoring and imaging confirmed the low intracranial pressure, prompting a dynamic myelogram that revealed a T2/3 CSF venous fistula. The patient underwent transvenous embolization of the fistula, which resulted in the resolution of symptoms and almost immediate improvement in both venous thrombosis and intracranial hypotension. CSF venous fistulae as a cause of SIH is a recently recognized entity, with ongoing research into its treatment through transvenous embolization. Most documented cases focus on patients with headaches. This case highlights a novel presentation, emphasizing the importance of thorough diagnostic workup in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis. Early detection and treatment of this condition can lead to significant clinical improvement, including the resolution of coma.
Perspectives of Young People with Neuromuscular Diseases Regarding Their Choice of Educational Programs and Possibilities to Complete Program Requirements
Authors: Handberg Charlotte , Munkholm Helle , Højberg Ann-Lisbeth
Published: August 2024

Young people with impaired functioning and/or disability do not receive as much education or as high an education as fully functioning young people, thus limiting their job opportunities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate perspectives of young people with neuromuscular diseases regarding their choice of educational programs and possibilities to complete program requirements to gain knowledge for use in future counselling and the development of a national questionnaire survey. The design for this study was qualitative using the interpretive description methodology and Anthony Giddens’ theory on modernity and self-identity. Data were generated through two focus group interviews with seven people between 18 and 30 years of age. Beginning and completing an education was influenced by the creation of identity: the importance of experiencing demands and expectations, the meaning of social relations when learning, and the consequences of accessibility for educational opportunities. The participants’ sense of self-identity was built by testing boundaries and developing images through social relations with peers, parents, and teachers. How they acted and behaved in the social arena of school and education influenced their choices and chances of completing educational programs.
Computation of rheological nanofluid coating boundary layer transport with convective wall heating
Authors: Uddin Mohammed Jashim , Bég Osman Anwar , Kuharat Sireetorn
Published: August 2024

Non-Newtonian nanofluids offer significant advantages in thermal enhancement in a variety of applications including in numerous areas of engineering including solar collectors and nano-coating manufacturing processes. When combined with porous media, yet further benefits can be gained in for example flow and heat transfer manipulation in nano-rheological coating extrusion. Motivated by exploring this industrial application, to furnish a deeper understanding of the rheological and nanoscale effects of such fluids in porous media, we examine the steady two dimensional (2-D) laminar buoyancy-driven boundary layer flow of power-law nanofluids along vertically upward surface adjacent to an isotropic Darcian porous filtration medium. Buongiorno’s two-component nanofluid model is deployed. Scaling group transformations followed by dimensional analysis is used to developed group invariants and hence the primitive conservation equations for momentum, heat and NVF are transformed from partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations with associated wall and free stream boundary conditions. The reduced nonlinear boundary value problem has been solved computationally with the stable, rapidly convergent Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg fourth-fifth order numerical method available in the symbolic platform, Maple 18. Verification of the methodology with earlier Blottner finite difference computations in the literature for the special case of Nc =  Nd = 0 is included. It is found that the reduced Nusselt number increases with convective-conduction parameter, Nc, while it is suppressed with increasing power-law index, n and thermophoresis parameter, Nt. The reduced Sherwood number is enhanced with Lewis number, Le and convective-diffusion parameter, Nd whereas it is substantially depleted with increasing power-law index, n. Strong boundary layer flow acceleration is induced with higher Nc values. Temperature is also strongly boosted with an elevation in power-law index and both convection-conduction Nc and convection-diffusion Nd parameters. Dilatant that is shear-thickening nanofluids ( n > 1) are observed to achieve the best thermal enhancement. The novelty of the current work is the rigorous analysis of different rheological and wall heating and nanoparticle volume fraction effects on nano-polymer coating flows which significantly extends existing studies.
TIANA: transcription factors cooperativity inference analysis with neural attention
Authors: Li Rick Z. , Han Claudia Z. , Glass Christopher K.
Published: August 2024

Background

Growing evidence suggests that distal regulatory elements are essential for cellular function and states. The sequences within these distal elements, especially motifs for transcription factor binding, provide critical information about the underlying regulatory programs. However, cooperativities between transcription factors that recognize these motifs are nonlinear and multiplexed, rendering traditional modeling methods insufficient to capture the underlying mechanisms. Recent development of attention mechanism, which exhibit superior performance in capturing dependencies across input sequences, makes them well-suited to uncover and decipher intricate dependencies between regulatory elements.

Result

We present Transcription factors cooperativity Inference Analysis with Neural Attention (TIANA), a deep learning framework that focuses on interpretability. In this study, we demonstrated that TIANA could discover biologically relevant insights into co-occurring pairs of transcription factor motifs. Compared with existing tools, TIANA showed superior interpretability and robust performance in identifying putative transcription factor cooperativities from co-occurring motifs.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that TIANA can be an effective tool to decipher transcription factor cooperativities from distal sequence data. TIANA can be accessed through: https://github.com/rzzli/TIANA.
Housing status is protective of neuropsychiatric symptoms among dementia-free multi-ethnic Asian elderly
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Wang Yuwei , Zhang Yaping , Hilal Saima , Cheng Ching-Yu , Wong Tien Yin , Chen Christopher , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Xu Xin
Published: August 2024

Background

Housing has been associated with dementia risk and disability, but associations of housing with differential patterns of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) among dementia-free older adults remain to be explored. The present study sought to explore the contribution of housing status on NPS and subsyndromes associated with cognitive dysfunction in community-dwelling dementia-free elderly in Singapore.

Methods

A total of 839 dementia-free elderly from the Epidemiology of Dementia in Singapore (EDIS) study aged ≥ 60 were enrolled in the current study. All participants underwent clinical, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) assessments. The housing status was divided into three categories according to housing type. Cognitive function was measured by a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. The NPS were assessed using 12-term NPI and were grouped into four clinical subsyndromes: psychosis, hyperactivity, affective, and apathy. Associations of housing with composite and domain-specific Z-scores, as well as NPI scores, were assessed using generalized linear models (GLM). Binary logistic regression models analysed the association of housing with the presence of NPS and significant NPS (NPI total scores ≥ 4).

Results

Better housing status (5-room executive apartments, condominium, or private housing) was associated with better NPS (OR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.24 to 0.98, P < 0.05) and significant NPS profile (OR = 0.20, 95%CI = 0.08 to 0.46, P < 0.01), after controlling for demographics, risk factors, and cognitive performance. Compared with those living in 1–2 room apartments, older adults in better housing had lower total NPI scores (β=-0.50, 95%CI=-0.95 to -0.04, P = 0.032) and lower psychosis scores (β=-0.36, 95%CI=-0.66 to -0.05, P = 0.025), after controlling for socioeconomic status (SES) indexes. Subgroup analysis indicated a significant correlation between housing type and NPS in females, those of Malay ethnicity, the more educated, those with lower income, and those diagnosed with cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND).

Conclusions

Our study showed a protective effect of better housing arrangements on NPS, especially psychosis in a multi-ethnic Asian geriatric population without dementia. The protective effect of housing on NPS was independent of SES and might have other pathogenic mechanisms. Improving housing could be an effective way to prevent neuropsychiatric disturbance among the elderly.
Genome characterization of Rift Valley fever virus isolated from cattle, goats and sheep during interepidemic periods in Kenya
Authors: Onwongá Amos A. , Oyola Samuel O. , Juma John , Konongoi Samson , Nyamota Richard , Mwangi Reuben , Muli Collins , Dobi Paul , Bett Bernard B. , Ongus Juliette R.
Published: August 2024

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus of the Phlebovirus genus in the phenuviridae family. Its genome is trisegmented with small (S), medium (M) and large (L) fragments. In nature, the virus exists as a single serotype that is responsible for outbreaks of Rift Valley fever (RVF), a zoonotic disease that often occurs in Africa and the Middle East. RVFV genomes are thought to undergo both recombination and reassortment and investigations of these events is important for monitoring the emergence of virulent strains and understanding the evolutionary characteristics of this virus. The aim of this study was to characterize the genomes of RVFV isolates from cattle, sheep, and goats collected during an interepidemic period in Kenya between June 2016 and November 2021. A total of 691 serum samples from cattle (n = 144), goats (n = 185) and sheep (n = 362) were analysed at the Central Veterinary Laboratories. The competitive IgM-capture ELISA, was used to screen the samples; 205 samples (29.67%) tested positive for RVFV. Of the 205 positive samples, 42 (20.5%) were from cattle, 57 (27.8%) from goats, and 106 (51.7%) from sheep. All the IgM-positive samples were further analyzed by qPCR, and 24 (11.71%) tested positive with Ct values ranging from 14.788 to 38.286. Two samples, 201808HABDVS from sheep and 201810CML3DVS from cattle, had Ct values of less than 20.0 and yielded whole genome sequences with 96.8 and 96.4 coverage, respectively. There was no statistically significant evidence of recombination in any of the three segments and also phylogenetic analysis showed no evidence of reassortment in the two isolated RVFV segments when compared with other isolates of different lineages from previous outbreaks whose genomes are deposited in the GenBank. No evidence of reassortment leaves room for other factors to be the most probable contributors of change in virulence, pathogenicity and emergence of highly virulent strains of the RVFV.
Blood coagulation in Prediabetes clusters–impact on all-cause mortality in individuals undergoing coronary angiography
Authors: Hörber Sebastian , Prystupa Katsiaryna , Jacoby Johann , Fritsche Andreas , Kleber Marcus E. , Moissl Angela P. , Hellstern Peter , Peter Andreas , März Winfried , Wagner Robert , Heni Martin
Published: August 2024

Background

Metabolic clusters can stratify subgroups of individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and related complications. Since obesity and insulin resistance are closely linked to alterations in hemostasis, we investigated the association between plasmatic coagulation and metabolic clusters including the impact on survival.

Methods

Utilizing data from the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study, we assigned 917 participants without diabetes to prediabetes clusters, using oGTT-derived glucose and insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and anthropometric data. We performed a comprehensive analysis of plasmatic coagulation parameters and analyzed their associations with mortality using proportional hazards models. Mediation analysis was performed to assess the effect of coagulation factors on all-cause mortality in prediabetes clusters.

Results

Prediabetes clusters were assigned using published tools, and grouped into low-risk (clusters 1,2,4; n = 643) and high-risk (clusters 3,5,6; n = 274) clusters. Individuals in the high-risk clusters had a significantly increased risk of death (HR = 1.30; CI: 1.01 to 1.67) and showed significantly elevated levels of procoagulant factors (fibrinogen, FVII/VIII/IX), D-dimers, von-Willebrand factor, and PAI-1, compared to individuals in the low-risk clusters. In proportional hazards models adjusted for relevant confounders, elevated levels of fibrinogen, D-dimers, FVIII, and vWF were found to be associated with an increased risk of death. Multiple mediation analysis indicated that vWF significantly mediates the cluster-specific risk of death.

Conclusions

High-risk prediabetes clusters are associated with prothrombotic changes in the coagulation system that likely contribute to the increased mortality in those individuals at cardiometabolic risk. The hypercoagulable state observed in the high-risk clusters indicates an increased risk for cardiovascular and thrombotic diseases that should be considered in future risk stratification and therapeutic strategies.

Graphical Abstract
The inverse associations of glycine and histidine in diet with hyperlipidemia and hypertension
Authors: Rahemi Mohammad Haroon , Zhang Yuting , Li Zican , Guan Dongwei , Li Defang , Fu Hongxin , Yu Jiaying , Lu Junrong , Wang Cheng , Feng Rennan
Published: August 2024

Background

Amino acids are crucial for nutrition and metabolism, regulating metabolic pathways and activities vital to organismal health and stability. Glycine and histidine act as potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents; however, limited knowledge exists regarding the associations between these amino acids and hyperlipidemia and hypertension. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between dietary glycine and histidine, and hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

Methods

This population-based cross-sectional study evaluated the influence of dietary glycine and histidine, as well as their combined effect, on hyperlipidemia and hypertension in Chinese adults participating in the Nutrition Health Atlas Project (NHAP). General characteristics were acquired using a verified Internet-based Dietary Questionnaire for the Chinese. Binary logistic regression, along with gender, age groups, and median energy intake subgroup analyses, was employed to investigate the associations between dietary glycine and histidine and hyperlipidemia and hypertension. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of excluding individuals who smoke and consume alcohol on the results.

Results

Based on the study’s findings, 418 out of 1091 cases had hyperlipidemia, whereas 673 had hypertension. A significant inverse relationship was found between dietary glycine, histidine, and glycine + histidine and hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Compared with the 1st and 2nd tertiles, the multivariable-adjusted odd ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals) (CIs) of the 3rd tertile of dietary glycine for hyperlipidemia and hypertension were 0.64 (0.49–0.84) (p < 0.01) and 0.70 (0.56–0.88) (p < 0.001); histidine was 0.63 (0.49–0.82) (p < 0.01) and 0.80 (0.64–0.99) (p < 0.01); and glycine + histidine was 0.64 (0.49–0.83) (p < 0.01) and 0.74 (0.59–0.92) (p < 0.001), respectively. High glycine and high histidine (HGHH) intake were negatively associated with hyperlipidemia and hypertension OR (95% CIs) were: 0.71 (0.58–0.88) (p < 0.01) and 0.73 (0.61–0.87) (p < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions

Dietary glycine and histidine, as well as their HGHH group, revealed an inverse relationship with hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Further investigations are needed to validate these findings.
A longitudinal study on the impact of the TyG Index and TG/HDL-C ratio on the risk of type 2 diabetes in Chinese patients with prediabetes
Authors: Chen Bo , Zeng Jingjing , Fan Menglin , You Qiqi , Wang Chenyue , Wang Ke , Qin Minghui , Xu Shaoyong
Published: August 2024

Objective

To elucidate the impact and predictive value of the Triglyceride Glucose Index (TyG) and the ratio of Triglycerides to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) in identifying the risk of diabetes progression in Chinese individuals with prediabetes.

Methods

This longitudinal study enrolled 15,012 prediabetic adults from the Rich Healthcare Group between 2010 and 2016. Diabetes was defined as self-reported diabetes or a fasting glucose level ≥ 7.0 mmol/L. The Cox proportional hazards models was utilized to assess the relationship between the two indices and the risk of developing diabetes. The predictive efficacy of the two markers was gauged by the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Over a median follow-up period of 2.87 years, 1,730 (11.5%) prediabetic participants developed diabetes. The adjusted hazard ratios for the top quartile of the TyG index and the TG/HDL-C ratio were 2.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.71–2.40) and 2.59 (95% CI: 2.20–3.05), respectively, compared to the lowest quartile. A significant trend of increasing diabetes risk with higher quartiles of both indices was observed. The AUC for the adjusted prediction model for prediabetes-to-diabetes transition was 0.726 for the TyG index and 0.710 for the TG/HDL-C ratio. The difference in AUCs was statistically significant (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The baseline TyG index or TG/HDL-C ratio was significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes in prediabetic individuals. The TyG index demonstrated superior predictive accuracy, underscoring its importance in preventing diabetes in prediabetic individuals.
Circulating cell-free and extracellular vesicles-derived microRNA as prognostic biomarkers in patients with early-stage NSCLC: results from RESTING study
Authors: Petracci Elisabetta , Pasini Luigi , Urbini Milena , Felip Enriqueta , Stella Franco , Davoli Fabio , Salvi Maurizio , Beau-Faller Michele , Tebaldi Michela , Azzali Irene , Canale Matteo , Solli Piergiorgio , Lai Giulia , Amat Ramon , Carbonell Caterina , Falcoz Pierre-Emmanuel , Martinez-Marti Alex , Pencreach Erwan , Delmonte Angelo , Crinò Lucio , Ulivi Paola
Published: August 2024

Background

Factors to accurately stratify patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in different prognostic groups are still needed. This study aims to investigate 1) the prognostic potential of circulating cell-free (CF) and extracellular vesicles (EVs)-derived microRNA (miRNAs), and 2) their added value with respect to known prognostic factors (PFs).

Methods

The RESTING study is a multicentre prospective observational cohort study on resected stage IA-IIIA patients with NSCLC. The primary end-point was disease-free survival (DFS), and the main analyses were carried out separately for CF- and EV-miRNAs. CF- and EV-miRNAs were isolated from plasma, and miRNA-specific libraries were prepared and sequenced. To reach the study aims, three statistical models were specified: one using the miRNA data only (Model 1); one using both miRNAs and known PFs (age, gender, and pathological stage) (Model 2), and one using the PFs alone (Model 3). Five-fold cross-validation (CV) was used to assess the predictive performance of each. Standard Cox regression and elastic net regularized Cox regression were used.

Results

A total of 222 patients were enrolled. The median follow-up time was 26.3 (95% CI 25.4–27.6) months. From Model 1, three CF-miRNAs and 21 EV-miRNAs were associated with DFS. In Model 2, two CF-miRNAs (miR-29c-3p and miR-877-3p) and five EV-miRNAs (miR-181a-2-3p, miR-182-5p, miR-192-5p, miR-532-3p and miR-589-5p) remained associated with DFS. From pathway enrichment analysis, TGF-beta and NOTCH were the most involved pathways.

Conclusion

This study identified promising prognostic CF- and EV-miRNAs that could be used as a non-invasive, cost-effective tool to aid clinical decision-making. However, further evaluation of the obtained miRNAs in an external cohort of patients is warranted.
Dysregulation of cerebrospinal fluid metabolism profiles in spinal muscular atrophy patients: a case control study
Authors: Zhuang Wei , Wang Minying , Lu Mei , Chen Zhehui , Luo Meifen , Lin Wanlong , Wang Xudong
Published: August 2024

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disorder. Although prior studies have investigated the metabolomes of SMA in various contexts, there is a gap in research on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolomics compared to healthy controls. CSF metabolomics can provide insights into central nervous system function and patient outcomes. This study aims to investigate CSF metabolite profiles in untreated SMA patients to enhance our understanding of SMA metabolic dysregulation.

Methods

This case control study included 15 SMA patients and 14 control subjects. CSF samples were collected, and untargeted metabolomics was conducted to detect metabolites in SMA and control groups.

Results

A total of 118 metabolites abundance were significantly changed between the SMA and control groups. Of those, 27 metabolites with variable importance for the projection (VIP) ≥ 1.5 were identified. The top 5 differential metabolites were N-acetylneuraminic acid (VIP = 2.38, Fold change = 0.43, P = 5.49 × 10–5), 2,3-dihydroxyindole (VIP = 2.33, Fold change = 0.39, P = 1.81 × 10–4), lumichrome (VIP = 2.30, Fold change = 0.48, P = 7.90 × 10–5), arachidic acid (VIP = 2.23, Fold change = 10.79, P = 6.50 × 10–6), and 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (VIP = 2.23, Fold change = 0.60, P = 1.44 × 10–4). Cluster analysis demonstrated that the differentially metabolites predominantly clustered within two main categories: protein and amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the complexity of SMA, with widespread effects on multiple metabolic pathways, particularly in amino acid and lipid metabolism. N-acetylneuraminic acid may be a potential treatment for functional improvement in SMA. The exact mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets associated with metabolic dysregulation in SMA require further investigation.
Universal testing in endometrial cancer in Sweden
Authors: Andersson Emil , Keränen Anne , Lagerstedt-Robinson Kristina , Ghazi Sam , Lindblom Annika , Tham Emma , Mints Miriam
Published: August 2024

Background

The aim of the study was to test a universal screening strategy on endometrial cancer to evaluate its effectiveness to find Lynch Syndrome (LS) cases to two established clinical criteria: Amsterdam II criteria, and the revised Bethesda criteria to select cases for prescreening with immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cases were subsequently screened for germline disease causing variants regarding the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes.

Methods

IHC was performed on 221 endometrial cancer (EC) cases, using antibodies against the DNA mismatch repair proteins MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6. MMR loss was found in 54 cases, and gene mutation screening was undertaken in 52 of those.

Results

In this set of patients, the use of Amsterdam II criteria detected two (0.9%), the Bethesda criteria two (0.9%), and universal testing five (2.3%) cases of LS. The combination of universal testing and family history criteria resulted in detection of five patients (2.3%) with LS.

Conclusions

Based on our results and other similar studies to date we propose a screening protocol for LS on EC tumors with prescreening using IHC for the four MMR proteins on all new EC cases diagnosed before 70 years of age, followed by mutation screening of all tumors with loss of MSH2 and/or MSH6 or only PMS2, plus consideration for mutation screening of all LS genes in cases fulfilling the clinical Amsterdam II criteria regardless of MMR status on IHC.
Advancing spatial repellents for malaria control: effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a spatial repellent under operational use in Northern Uganda—study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nakyaze Esther , Van Hulle Suzanne , Hembling John , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Mbodji Momar , Alwano Mary Grace , Lamwaka Felly Christine , Tukwasibwe Stephen , Gonahasa Samuel , Liu Fang , Grieco John P. , Achee Nicole L.
Published: August 2024

Background

Spatial repellents (SRs) have been widely used for the prevention of mosquito bites, and preliminary findings suggest efficacy against both malaria (1) and Aedes-borne viruses (2) but their effectiveness in reducing mosquito-borne diseases under operational use has never been evaluated. SRs have the potential of being critical tools in the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases in contexts where typical vector control strategies, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying, are inaccessible or underutilized such as among displaced persons or in emergency relief settings.

Methods

Children will be enrolled in 3 separate cohorts to establish the effectiveness of SRs in reducing malaria infection in different distribution channels. One cohort will estimate the direct effect of the SR distributed through a reference channel (study personnel distribution). The two remaining cohorts will estimate the protection of the SR distributed through a voucher channel and the Village Health Team channel. Cohorts will be followed twice a month (approximately every 15 days): during the first scheduled household visit in the month, a blood sample will be taken for malaria rapid diagnostic test (Monthly Visit #1); and, during the second scheduled household visit, a blood sample will only be taken if the participant has a recent history of fever (Monthly Visit #2). The incidence of malaria in each cohort will be estimated and compared to the reference cohort to determine the benefit of using a SR in an area with high, year-round transmission of malaria.

Discussion

This study will address the knowledge gap of whether or not SRs are effective in reducing human malaria disease in humanitarian assistance and emergency response settings in sub-Saharan Africa where underlying transmission rates are historically high and ITNs may or may not be widely deployed. This research will inform policy makers on whether to recommend SRs as a means to further reduce malaria transmission for such operational programs.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06122142. Registered on November 8, 2023.
Relapses in canine leishmaniosis: risk factors identified through mixed-effects logistic regression
Authors: Sarquis Juliana , Raposo Letícia Martins , Sanz Carolina R. , Montoya Ana , Barrera Juan Pedro , Checa Rocío , Perez-Montero Blanca , Rodríguez María Luisa Fermín , Miró Guadalupe
Published: August 2024

Background

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), caused by Leishmania infantum, is an important vector-borne parasitic disease in dogs with implications for human health. Despite advancements, managing CanL remains challenging due to its complexity, especially in chronic, relapsing cases. Mathematical modeling has emerged as a powerful tool in various medical fields, but its application in understanding CanL relapses remains unexplored.

Methods

This retrospective study aimed to investigate risk factors associated with disease relapse in a cohort of dogs naturally infected with L. infantum. Data from 291 repeated measures of 54 dogs meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Two logistic mixed-effects models were created to identify clinicopathological variables associated with an increased risk of clinical relapses requiring a leishmanicidal treatment in CanL. A backward elimination approach was employed, starting with a full model comprising all potential predictors. Variables were iteratively eliminated on the basis of their impact on the model, considering both statistical significance and model complexity. All analyses were conducted using R software, primarily employing the lme4 package, and applying a significance level of 5% (P < 0.05).

Results

This study identified clinicopathological variables associated with an increased risk of relapses requiring a leishmanicidal treatment. Model 1 revealed that for each 0.1 increase in the albumin/globulin ratio (A/G) ratio, the odds of requiring treatment decreased by 45%. Conversely, for each unit increase in the total clinical score (CS), the odds of requiring treatment increase by 22–30%. Indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) was not a significant risk factor in model 1. Model 2, incorporating individual albumin and globulins values, showed that dogs with high IFAT titers, hyper beta-globulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, anemia, and high CS were at increased risk of relapse. Both models demonstrated a good fit and explained a substantial amount of variability in treatment decisions.

Conclusions

Dogs exhibiting higher CS, dysproteinemia, anemia, and high IFAT titers are at increased risk of requiring leishmanicidal treatment upon clinical relapse in CanL. Regular monitoring and assessment of risk factors prove essential for early detection of relapses and effective intervention in CanL cases. The contrasting findings between the two models highlight the complexity of aspects influencing treatment decisions in this disease and the importance of tailored management strategies to improve outcomes for affected dogs.

Graphical Abstract
The effect of Dynamic tape’s directional support on shoulder fatigue and pitching performance in amateur baseball players: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Huang Haw-Ming , Hsu Chih-Yang , Hsu Ting-Hsuan , Hsieh I-Fan , Yang Po-Chieh , Cheng Yu-Hsuan
Published: August 2024

Background

To evaluate whether the application of Dynamic tape to the pitching shoulder could result in reduced shoulder fatigue, reduced delayed onset muscle soreness, or improved performance.

Methods

This is a randomized crossover study, in which participants and investigators were blinded, included 20 amateur adult baseball players without shoulder pain. Sham taping and Dynamic taping were randomized, using an internal rotation support taping method in both groups. Bilateral shoulder strength and range of motion were measured with a handheld dynamometer and clinical goniometer before and after each test. The percentage of strength decrease, range of motion, pitch velocity, spin rate, and shoulder pain were recorded. The post-pitching decrease in strength and percentage of strength decrease were calculated by paired t-test and the pitching speed and spin rates in the innings for both the sham and Dynamic taping groups were analyzed using two-way ANOVA.

Results

Compared with the sham group, the Dynamic tape group showed a significant loss in the percentage of strength decrease in internal rotation compared to the sham group (-1.4% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.03). However, no significant differences were observed in other strength declines, shoulder range of motion, pain, pitching velocity, or spin rate.

Conclusions

Dynamic tape reduced direction-specific shoulder fatigue but did not significantly enhance pitching performance or prevent delayed onset muscle soreness.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials: N201912094.
Change of self-rated physical health predicts mortality in aging individuals: results of a population-based cohort study
Authors: Reinwarth Anna Celine , Wicke Felix S. , Rückert Kamiar K. , Schattenberg Jörn M. , Tüscher Oliver , Wild Philipp S. , Münzel Thomas , König Jochem , Lackner Karl J. , Pfeiffer Norbert , Beutel Manfred E.
Published: August 2024

Background

Self-rated physical health (SRPH) is known as an important predictor of mortality. Previous studies mostly used baseline values of self-rated health to predict long-term mortality. The effect of change in self-rated physical health on mortality during the course of aging has rarely been researched. The present study aimed to determine SRPH over time in women and men of an aging population, assess whether and how change in SRPH affects mortality while adjusting for known determinants of mortality, and test effect modification by sex on the relation between course of SRPH and mortality.

Methods

Data of N = 12,423 respondents of the 5-year follow-up of the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) with participation at the baseline assessment were analysed. All-cause mortality from 5-year follow-up onwards was defined as the primary outcome. SRPH was assessed by a single item. Cox proportional hazards models with adjustment for age, sex, socio-economic status and physical diseases were fitted to assess the predictive power of baseline score and course of SRPH. Additionally, effect modification by sex was assessed.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 7.3 years (quartiles 6.0-8.5 years), 618 (5%) participants died. Overall, 70.9% of the participants indicated good or very good SRPH at baseline (T1) and follow-up (T2), 6.9% rated their SRPH as not so good at T1 and T2, and 0.6% reported bad SRPH at T1 and T2. An improvement of SRPH was indicated by 9.6% and 12.0% indicated deterioration of their SRPH. Change in SRPH added substantial predictive information to the Cox proportional hazards models, when adjusting for relevant covariates. In men, deterioration and constantly bad SRPH were associated with the strongest increase in risk of mortality by 87%, resp. 228%. While improvements increased mortality risk in men (67%), women with an improved SRPH had a lower risk (57%).

Conclusion

A sizeable subgroup of aging participants reported deterioration of SRPH over five years. The association between change of SRPH and mortality is modified by sex. Deterioration of SRPH predicts mortality over baseline-assessment even when adjusted for relevant covariates. SRPH should be assessed regularly as part of an older individual’s health evaluation. Deterioration, constantly bad and improved SRPH should be taken seriously as unfavorable prognostic indicators, the latter only in men.
Tackling gender disparities in energy research: a diagnostic tool for equality in research centres
Authors: Sánchez-López Sara , Poveda-Bautista Rocío , Corona-Sobrino Carmen , Otero-Hermida Paula , García-Melón Mónica
Published: August 2024

Background

In a case study in Spain, the unequal proportion of men and women in a research organization in the energy sector is severe, and long-established dynamics that might determine differences in access to leadership positions and inequalities in research careers are evident. The gender gap in historically masculinized fields, such as energy engineering reflects more than simply the differences in male and female values and personalities. This study seeks to explore the gender gap in energy research centres and to identify barriers that potentially hinder the research careers of women. It proposes the development of a diagnostic tool, based upon indicators, to monitor and evaluate gender roles and inequalities in the management of research centres for identifying and addressing the dynamics and obstacles that hinder women's progress in the energy sector and their potential contribution to the field. This participatory multicriteria-based tool prioritizes the proposed indicators by their influence and importance in the context of energy research and applies it to the monitoring of a specific Spanish energy research centre.

Results

The results are threefold: (i) the methodology is adaptable to different research centres; (ii) the analysis of indicators’ prioritization could lead to recommendations that should be addressed first; (iii) the diagnostic tool used in this in-depth case study of an energy research centre in Spain allowed results to be achieved in terms of gender dynamics. Two indicators stand out as the most relevant in our analysis: gender diversity in leadership positions and uncomplicated application of work–life balance measures. In this case study, the measurement of the first indicator has drawn unsatisfactory results, and the research of the latter is considered still insufficient. In conclusion, this difference becomes a vicious or negative circle for attracting and retaining more women to the research centre. Despite these results, no gender gap seems to be recognized and thus, no measures are being taken to improve the situation.

Conclusions

Comprehensive data and contextualized monitoring are necessary to effectively study and enhance the presence and participation of women in the energy science sector. This approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques, is suitable for any research centre that would like to monitor its gender gap, identify potential sources of inequity and address them.
Construction and optimization of ecological spatial network in typical mining cities of the Yellow River Basin: the case study of Shenmu City, Shaanxi
Authors: Sun Weijie , Yu Qiang , Xu Chenglong , Zhao Jikai , Wang Yu , Miao Yulin
Published: August 2024

Background

In resource-based cities, long-term irrational exploitation of resources has caused severe damage to ecosystem functions, mainly manifested in the significant decline of biodiversity, land degradation, water pollution, and the deterioration of air quality. This has led to a significant decline in the cities' sustainable development capabilities. Establishing and optimizing an ecological spatial network (ESN) can promote the effective transmission of material energy and enhance the ecosystem functions, which holds fundamental importance in ensuring the ecological integrity of the region and promoting sustainable urban development. In this study, by combining the ecological environment with the landscape to determine the ecological sources, we constructed the ESN of Shenmu City, a mining city, based on the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model, and conducted a correlation analysis between the topological structure of the ESN and the significance of ecosystem functions. Then, the optimization strategy scheme based on ecosystem functions was proposed. Finally, robustness was used to determine the effect before and after optimization.

Results

The results showed that the high-value ecosystem service areas in Shenmu City were predominantly located in the central and western parts, with the highest value in the southeast. There was a strong correlation between the importance of ecosystem functions and the degree and feature vector of ecological nodes.

Conclusions

The ESN can be optimized effectively by adding stepping stone nodes and new corridors. Through the robustness of the optimized ESN, we found that the optimized network has more robust connectivity and stability and can show better recovery ability after ecological function damage. This research presents an effective method for the construction and optimization of the ESN in the mining area and provides a theoretical basis for realizing the sustainability of the mining economy, regional development, and ecological protection in Shenmu City.