bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Serological Associations of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Spondyloarthropathy
Authors: Rai Mohit Kumar , Jain Neeraj , Mohindra Namita , Kumar Sudeep , Agarwal Vikas , Misra Durga Prasanna
Published: March 2024

Background:

Patients with spondyloarthropathy (SpA) have a higher risk of subclinical atherosclerosis (SCA). We assessed clinical and serological determinants of SCA in Indian SpA patients.

Methods:

Patients with SpA (fulfilling ASAS 2010 criteria; n = 104) attending our hospital were recruited; mean carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was performed by carotid ultrasonography, along with clinical assessment and traditional risk factor evaluation. Microparticles were extracted from plasma and total, as well as endothelial microparticles (EMP), platelet microparticles, T lymphocyte microparticles and B lymphocyte microparticles, were analysed by flow cytometry. Serum samples were analysed for inflammatory cytokines previously implicated in atherosclerosis, namely interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-17, IL-27, IL-33 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Thirty-eight healthy controls were used for comparison. Subgroup analyses compared parameters between SpA with SCA (i.e., with carotid plaque or more than 75th percentile of CIMT for that age and sex in the Indian population) versus those without SCA. Ethical approval and written, informed consent were obtained.

Results:

Despite significantly younger age, lower body mass index and higher total cholesterol in controls compared to SpA, those with SpA had higher CIMT. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors (older age, higher waist-hip ratio) and novel markers of inflammation (serum IL-1β, IL-6) were associated with SCA. While total microparticles, EMP, T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte microparticles were increased in SpA than in healthy controls, they were not associated with SCA.

Conclusions:

Traditional risk factors and serum inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 are associated with higher SCA in Indian SpA patients.
Social (Dis)Integration: Using Social Ties and Networks to Understand Potential Sources of and Leverage Points for Middle School Special Education Teachers’ Burnout
Authors: Hamm Jill V. , Lee David , Farmer Thomas W.
Published: March 2024

Teachers’ social ties to colleagues are a key conduit of instructional and classroom management resources, and social and emotional support to meet teaching challenges. We argue that special education teachers’ formal and informal collegial ties are malleable contributors to factors that undergird their burnout. Using middle schools as an example, we use social network constructs and longitudinal analyses to demonstrate the limited extent to which special educators formally assigned to interdisciplinary teams actually forge and maintain constructive ties with their assigned colleagues. Furthermore, we describe the collegial qualities of the ties that special educators do form with general educators. By investigating the naturally occurring social ties of special educators within a prevalent social organization of teachers, we can identify strategies to help administrators align the formal and informal social structure of teachers, and interventions to support the qualities of special educators that promote strong ties to general educators, thereby increasing the social integration of special education teachers.
Next Generation Weight Loss Drugs for the Prevention of Cancer?
Authors: Carbonell Chantelle , Mathew Stephen Mariet , Ruan Yibing , Warkentin Matthew T. , Brenner Darren R.
Published: March 2024

Background: Western populations are losing the battle over healthy weight management, and excess body weight is a notable cancer risk factor at the population level. There is ongoing interest in pharmacological interventions aimed at promoting weight loss, including GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), which may be a useful tool to stem the rising tide of obesity-related cancers.

Purpose: To investigate the potential of next generation weight loss drugs (NGWLD) like GLP-1RA in population-level chemoprevention.

Research Design: We used the OncoSim microsimulation tool to estimate the population-level reductions in obesity and the potentially avoidable obesity-related cancers in Canada over the next 25 years.

Results: We estimated a total of 71 281 preventable cancers by 2049, with 36 235 and 35 046 cancers prevented for females and males, respectively. Among the 327 254 total projected cancer cases in 2049, 1.3% are estimated to be preventable through intervention with NGWLD.

Conclusions: Pharmacologic intervention is not the ideal solution for the obesity-related cancer crisis. However, these agents and subsequent generations provide an additional tool to rapidly reduce body weight and adiposity in populations that have been extremely challenging to reduce weight with standard diet and exercise approaches. Additional research is needed around approaches to prevent initial weight gain and maintain long-term weight loss.
A Protocol for Participatory Data Use
Authors: Buckley Jane , Postlewaite Elyse , Archibald Thomas , Linver Miriam R. , Urban Jennifer Brown
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this paper is to offer both theoretical and practical support to evaluation professionals preparing to facilitate the utilization phase of evaluation with a program or organization team. The Systems Evaluation Protocol for Participatory Data Use (SEPPDU) presented here is rooted in a partnership approach to evaluation and is therefore designed as a way to structure conversations and facilitate thinking around data interpretation and decision making. The SEPPDU is presented in three main parts: (a) summarizing evaluation results, (b) interpreting results, and (c) planning for action. This paper describes specific and practical tips for the facilitation of each part based on field experience in a variety of settings.
Benefits of simulation for ultrasound-guided midline placement training: MC-in-Sim pilot study
Authors: Slosse Côme , Roche Anaïs , Hossu Gabriela , Fantin Luca , Amouyal Noémie , Hani Hind , Bouaziz Hervé , Ambroise-Grandjean Gaëlle
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Ultrasound-guided placement of Midlines catheters (MCs) is a standard procedure with many benefits for patients. Even if there are some guidelines worldwide, this invasive technique is still taught at the patient’s bed and relies on mentoring in many care centers. The performance of this care by novice practitioners raises ethical and quality of care issues mainly because of its risk of complications. This study aimed to propose and assess a simulation-based learning method for the placement of MCs in novice practitioners.

Methods:

A single-center prospective observational study was conducted with anesthesia residents who had no prior experience of Midline placement. Two workshops were planned. The first one consisted of a theoretical training and a simulated practical phase. The second workshop included an assessment of theoretical memorization, a practical exercise and adherence to the training program.

Results:

The median score of the theoretical memorization was 14.6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 13.5–15.8). The MCs placement time was significantly higher (Med: 12.23 min; IQR: 12.21–12.80) for novice practitioners who did not successfully complete solo MCs placement in simulation versus novice practitioners who successfully completed solo MCs placement in simulation 6.66 min (IQR: 5.92–8.93) ( p = 0.002). The number of attempts was significantly higher ( p = 0.034) for the novice practitioners who did not successfully complete solo MCs placement in simulation with 67% having performed three punctures, against 0% for the novice practitioners who successfully completed solo MCs placement in simulation. All novice practitioners found this training model efficient for learning how to place MCs and considered it allows for reproducibility in care situations.

Conclusion:

This ultrasound-guided MCs training on simulation is an agile and fast alternative to traditional bedside training for anesthesia novice practitioners.
Indoor Air Pollution: A Review on the Challenges in Third World Countries
Authors: Emetere ME , Olaniyan IE , Fadiji JO , Olaogun KA , Adeniji NO , Deji-Jinadu BB , Olapade OT
Published: March 2024

Background:

The challenges of third-world countries toward curbing indoor air pollution seem insurmountable as its solution is closely linked to their economic incapacities, lifestyle, and existing outdoor air quality. The economic incapacities include types of the cookstove, fuel sources, types of insecticides and pesticides, building patterns, indoor fermentation activities (such as leaving dirty plates and biological waste in the house for a long time), and regulation on the use of deodorants. Aside from the common pollutants from these sources, the reactive chemistry of pollutants leads to other kinds of pollutants which have been reported to be short-lived but dangerous.

Objectives:

The objectives of the study are to: profile emerging indoor pollutants; examine the pollutant dynamics and their impact on unplanned regions of developing countries; offer solutions to curb indoor pollution in the identified region; elaborate on the cost analysis of existing solutions and how irrelevant they may be due to the rising poverty index; and project how government policies could help in reducing indoor pollution.

Design:

This paper is a review that wholistically examined indoor pollution. A total of fifty-six articles was reviewed in addition to the data obtained from MERRA-2.

Results:

The study observed that indoor air pollution dynamics are more complex—compared to outdoor air pollution. It was observed that the possibility to control indoor air pollution is based on the type of pollutants, the reactive chemistry of the pollutants, and ventilation in the building. This review shows that poverty is one of the many reasons why indoor air pollution would be a source of menace for a long time in third-world countries. Several solutions to curbing indoor air pollution were considered with a principal focus on cost and availability.

Limitations:

Most experimental results that were used to corroborate postulates were obtained from the literature. The accuracy of those experiments and the sensitivity of the equipment used cannot be verified.

Conclusion:

The plant-based technique was identified as a perfect solution to indoor air pollution control in third-world countries but the local architecture and lifestyle of most third-world countries constitute a threat to its adoption. It was observed that less than 8% of third-world countries have specific Air Quality Acts which have not been amended for decades. Most third-world countries have a general Environmental Act with air quality as a sub-section in the Act with very low fines for violators. The inclusion of indoor air quality as a vital public health issue in third-world countries is necessary for the preservation of lives and posterity.
Seasonal Variations in Household Water Use, Microbiological Water Quality, and Challenges to the Provision of Adequate Drinking Water: A Case of Peri-urban and Informal Settlements of Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Aydamo Abiot Abera , Robele Gari Sirak , Mereta Seid Tiku
Published: March 2024

Several studies have been conducted on household water use and microbial water quality globally. However, studies that considered seasonal variability of household water use and microbial water quality were limited. Therefore, this study investigated the seasonal variability of household water use, microbiological water quality, and challenges to the provision of adequate water in the peri-urban and informal settlements of Hosanna town, Southern Ethiopia. A longitudinal study was conducted on 288 households. The data was gathered using a pretested structured questionnaire, laboratory-analysis, interviews, storage-container inventories, focus group discussions, key-informant interviews, and an observational checklist. The data was analyzed using stepwise-multiple linear regression, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression, thematic-analysis, t-tests, and non-parametric-tests. Households were visited for 7 consecutive days during the dry and rainy seasons to account for changes in daily and seasonal variation of water use. 440 stored water and 12 source samples were analyzed for E. coli presence during dry and rainy seasons. The prevalence of stored water contamination with E. coli was 43.2% and 34.5% during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The per capita water consumption was 19.4 and 20.3 l during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Piped water on-premises, small family size, volume, and number of water storage containers were significant predictors of per capita water consumption in both seasons. Piped water off-premises, storing water for more than 3 days, uncovered, and wide-mouthed water storage containers were significantly associated with the presence of E. coli in water in both seasons. Seasonal variability of household water use and microbiological water quality was statistically significant, which is a significant public health concern and needs intervention to enhance water quantity and quality to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases. Findings also suggest seasonal monitoring of the safety of drinking water to ensure that the water is safe and healthy.
Ethiopian Street Foods: Working Conditions and Governance Perspectives. A Qualitative Study
Authors: Moges Mathewos , Rodland Ernest Kristian , Argaw Ambelu
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Street foods are foods and beverages as either ready for direct consumption or minimally processed, prepared, and/or sold by vendors and handlers. The objective of this study was to explore the condition and governance of street foods in Ethiopia.

Method:

A qualitative exploratory study was employed from December 2022 to January 2023 in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Dire Dawa, and Jimma, cities of Ethiopia. Twelve respondents comprised key informants from selected governmental sectors were interviewed. The purposive sampling method was used to recruit study participants. The number of participants interviewed was determined by the information saturation criterion, and data were collected at the interviewee’s offices. Data were collected by using key informant interview technique and audio recorded. An interview guide was used to facilitate interviews and thematic analysis was employed. The Overall data management process was conducted using Atlas-ti V 8 software.

Result:

The result revealed there were 4 thematic areas these were street food vendors and vending process, policy content and implementation, integration and coordination of sectors, and the way forward. The street food vendors prepared their food in an insanitary manner, absence of common working places for the vendors, lack of due emphasis for the street food vendors in the national food and nutrition policy, lack of formalization and legalization of street food vendors, poor coordination among sectors and institutions work on street food governance, and weakness on the implementation of rules and regulations in controlling street food vendors were the prominent gaps that were identified in the policy.

Conclusion:

Though Ethiopia has a national food and nutrition policy, the policy doesn’t adequately address the street food vending sector. Besides, it is not well communicated to the implementers resulting in poor policy implementation. Quantifying socio-economic benefits of street food vending activities in Ethiopia needs further investigation.
Employing memories of biopolitical racism for consciousness raising across time and space
Authors: Zulfiqar Ghazal Mir
Published: March 2024

This critical autoethnographic account describes a journey from marginalization, as a racialized Muslim minority woman in the age of American Islamophobia and biopolitical racism, to a position of dominance as my identity changed with my move from the United States to Pakistan. I reflect on the feelings of solidarity that welled up inside me with those being marginalized in my new political space and how this ended up shaping my pedagogical practice. The analysis allows me to make several contributions to the scholarship on academic activism. First, I show that it is possible for constructed vulnerabilities to be carried to a time and space where they no longer appear relevant. When management educators draw upon their own racialized encounters, they can engage in academic activism more authentically and powerfully. Second, the focus of a pedagogical framework that privileges academic activism should be on local contexts, perspectives, and knowledges. My experience demonstrates that to decolonize management education that is premised on the American managerialist model, faculty and students have to step out of the elite space of the business school classroom. Finally, I push business school academics to pursue relentless humility and reflexivity for decolonizing does not come naturally to the neocolonial elite.
Trust and easy access to home care staff are associated with older adults’ sense of security: a Swedish longitudinal study
Authors: Johansson-Pajala Rose-Marie , Alam Moudud , K. Gusdal Annelie , Marmstål Hammar Lena , Boström Anne-Marie
Published: March 2024

Aim:

Older adults are increasingly encouraged to continue living in their own homes with support from home care services. However, few studies have focused on older adults’ safety in home care. This study explored associations between the sense of security and factors related to demographic characteristics and home care services.

Methods:

The mixed longitudinal design was based on a retrospective national survey. The study population consisted of individuals in Sweden (aged 65+ years) granted home care services at any time between 2016 and 2020 ( n=82,834−94,714). Multiple ordinal logistic regression models were fitted using the generalised estimation equation method to assess the strength of relationship between the dependent (sense of security) and independent (demographics, health and care-related factors) variables.

Results:

The sense of security tended to increase between 2016 and 2020, and was significantly associated with being a woman, living outside big cities, being granted more home care services hours or being diagnosed/treated for depression (cumulative odds ratio 2–9% higher). Anxiety, poor health and living alone were most strongly associated with insecurity (cumulative odds ratio 17–64% lower). Aside from overall satisfaction with home care services, accessibility and confidence in staff influenced the sense of security most.

Conclusions:

We stress the need to promote older adults’ sense of security for safe ageing in place, as mandated by Swedish law. Home care services profoundly influence older adults’ sense of security. Therefore, it is vital to prioritise continuity in care, establish trust and build relationships with older adults. Given the increasing shortage of staff, integrating complementary measures, such as welfare technologies, is crucial to promoting this sense of security.
Seasonal field study on thermal comfort in university classrooms in Mediterranean climate
Authors: de la Hoz-Torres María L , Aguilar Antonio J , Martínez-Aires María Dolores , Ruiz Diego P
Published: March 2024

The assessment of indoor environmental conditions of educational buildings is not only essential to ensure the correct performance of heating, cooling and ventilation systems but it is also fundamental to guarantee a suitable environment. This study aims to analyse the thermal comfort of students in teaching–learning spaces in university buildings with natural ventilation. A field measurement campaign and a questionnaire survey were carried out from September 2021 to June 2022 in educational buildings in southern Spain. The collected data were analysed and the neutral temperature in each season was obtained, based on the thermal sensation votes of 1966. The neutral temperatures found in this study were 23.5°C, 23.1°C, 23.3°C and 23.9°C, for autumn, winter, spring and summer, respectively. The ranges obtained for 90% acceptability in the winter season (21.1°C–25.1°C) provided lower temperature limits than the ranges obtained in the summer months (22.6°C–25.3°C). The highest values for clothing insulation were found in the autumn (0.90 clo) and winter (0.75 clo) seasons, compared to the spring (0.5 clo) and summer (0.4 clo) seasons. An adaptive thermal comfort model was applied. These findings could be used to improve thermal comfort and to optimise energy consumption according to the students’ actual thermal perception.
Behavioral economics and the evidential defense of welfare economics
Authors: Heutel Garth
Published: March 2024

Hausman and McPherson provide an evidential defense of welfare economics, arguing that preferences are not constitutive of welfare but nevertheless provide the best evidence for what promotes welfare. Behavioral economics identifies several ways in which some people's preferences exhibit anomalies that are incoherent or inconsistent with rational choice theory. I argue that the existence of these behavioral anomalies calls into question the evidential defense of welfare economics. The evidential defense does not justify preference purification, or eliminating behavioral anomalies before conducting welfare analysis. But without doing so, the evidential defense yields implausible welfare implications. I discuss how the evidential defense could be modified to accommodate behavioral anomalies.
Clinical implications of frailty assessed in hospitalized patients with acute-exacerbation of interstitial lung disease
Authors: Van Hollebeke Marine , Chohan Karan , Adams Colin J. , Fisher Jolene H. , Shapera Shane , Fidler Lee , Goligher Ewan C. , Martinu Tereza , Wickerson Lisa , Mathur Sunita , Singer Lianne G. , Reid W. Darlene , Rozenberg Dmitry
Published: March 2024

Background

Approximately 50% of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) experience frailty, which remains unexplored in acute exacerbations of ILD (AE-ILD). A better understanding may help with prognostication and resource planning. We evaluated the association of frailty with clinical characteristics, physical function, hospital outcomes, and post-AE-ILD recovery.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of AE-ILD patients (01/2015–10/2019) with frailty (proportion ≥0.25) on a 30-item cumulative-deficits index. Frail and non-frail patients were compared for pre- and post-hospitalization clinical characteristics, adjusted for age, sex, and ILD diagnosis. One-year mortality, considering transplantation as a competing risk, was analysed adjusting for age, frailty, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Results

89 AE-ILD patients were admitted (median: 67 years, 63% idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). 31 were frail, which was associated with older age, greater CCI, lower 6-min walk distance, and decreased independence pre-hospitalization. Frail patients had more major complications (32% vs 10%, p = .01) and required more multidisciplinary support during hospitalization. Frailty was not associated with 1-year mortality (HR: 0.97, 95%CI: [0.45–2.10]) factoring transplantation as a competing risk.

Conclusions

Frailty was associated with reduced exercise capacity, increased comorbidities and hospital complications. Identifying frailty may highlight those requiring additional multidisciplinary support, but further study is needed to explore whether frailty is modifiable with AE-ILD.
Endovascular vs surgical treatment of sigmoid sinus diverticulum causing pulsatile tinnitus: A systematic review
Authors: Sathya Anvitha , Nguyen Thanh N , Klein Piers , Finitsis Stephanos , Setty Bindu N , Dmytriw Adam A. , Fargen Kyle M , Hui Ferdinand K , Weber Peter , Amans Matthew R , Abdalkader Mohamad
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Sigmoid sinus diverticulum (SSD) has been increasingly reported as a cause of pulsatile tinnitus (PT). While both endovascular and surgical treatments have been used, there is a lack of consensus on the treatment modality to treat SSD. We conducted a systematic review of the available literature to compare the clinical outcomes and safety of endovascular versus surgical approaches for treating SSD.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to identify studies encompassing the management of SSD. Studies reporting the clinical outcomes and safety of endovascular or surgical treatments for SSD between January 2000 and January 2023 were included. Results were characterized using descriptive statistics.

Results

Endovascular treatment (EVT) was reported by 17 articles, yielding 26 patients with 27 diverticula. Surgical treatment was reported by 20 articles, yielding 105 patients with 107 diverticula. EVT led to complete or near-complete resolution in all patients with SSD and PT. Complications occurred in 3.7% (1/27) with a return to baseline after 2 months. There were no permanent complications from EVT. Surgical treatment resulted in complete resolution in 77.6% (83/107) of cases, incomplete resolution in 11.2% (12/107), and no resolution in 11.2% (12/107). Significant complications occurred in 9.3% (10/107) of the surgical-treated patients.

Conclusion

EVT in patients with PT and venous diverticulum appears more effective and safer than surgical treatment, but large studies are lacking. Studies directly comparing endovascular and surgical treatment are needed.
Application of artificial intelligence in brain arteriovenous malformations: Angioarchitectures, clinical symptoms and prognosis prediction
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Xiang Sishi , Li Guilin
Published: March 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly advanced in the medical field, leveraging its intelligence and automation for the management of various diseases. Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are particularly noteworthy, experiencing rapid development in recent years and yielding remarkable results. This paper aims to summarize the applications of AI in the management of AVMs management.

Methods

Literatures published in PubMed during 1999–2022, discussing AI application in AVMs management were reviewed.

Results

AI algorithms have been applied in various aspects of AVM management, particularly in machine learning and deep learning models. Automatic lesion segmentation or delineation is a promising application that can be further developed and verified. Prognosis prediction using machine learning algorithms with radiomic-based analysis is another meaningful application.

Conclusions

AI has been widely used in AVMs management. This article summarizes the current research progress, limitations and future research directions.
Irg1/itaconate activates Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and mitigates septic liver injury in mice
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Li Kexin , Qiu Jinghuan , Zhang Li , Wang Xiaoliang , Zhang Qiuhong , Qin Yin , Liu Jie , Liu Gang
Published: March 2024

Objectives: Immune-responsive gene 1 ( Irg1)-catalyzed production of itaconate is a bioactive metabolite with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Liver injury is closely related to poor outcomes in septic patients, while prevention of liver injury is essential for the pharmacological control of sepsis. This study investigated the pathological and pharmacological significance of Irg1/itaconate in septic liver injury.

Methods: Septic liver injury was induced in mice by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 15 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The hepatic mRNA and protein contents of Irg1 were detected. To investigate the pathological meaning of Irg1, septic liver injury was induced in Irg1 knockout mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates, and the degree of liver injury, hepatic inflammation, oxidative stress and the activation of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were subsequently determined. Finally, to explore the gene’s pharmacological potential, 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI; 50 mg/kg), a derivative of itaconate that could cross cell membranes, was administered intraperitoneally. The mobilization of Nrf2/HO-1 and liver injury were then evaluated.

Results: The level of Irg1 expression was dramatically enhanced in mice with septic liver injury. Additionally, Irg1 deletion leaded to higher ALT and AST levels, elevated inflammatory and oxidative-stress indicators and compromised stimulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. However, administering 4-OI restored the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway which mitigated liver injury and inhibited hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusions: The results figured that elevation of Irg1 might be a protective event that control the progress of septic liver injury, while 4-OI might have latent significance for the pharmaceutical intervention of septic liver injury.
Accuracy of the Pancolonic Modified Mayo Score in predicting the long-term outcomes of ulcerative colitis: a promising scoring system
Authors: Bacsur Péter , Wetwittayakhlang Panu , Resál Tamás , Földi Emese , Vasas Béla , Farkas Bernadett , Rutka Mariann , Bessissow Talat , Afif Waqqas , Bálint Anita , Fábián Anna , Bor Renáta , Szepes Zoltán , Farkas Klaudia , Lakatos Peter L , Molnár Tamás
Published: March 2024

Background:

Different endoscopic scoring systems for assessing ulcerative colitis (UC) severity are available. However, most of them are not correlated with disease extent.

Objectives:

Our study aimed to compare the predictive value of the PanMay score versus the endoscopic Mayo (MES), Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS), and Dublin score in predicting long-term outcomes of UC.

Design:

This retrospective study enrolled consecutive UC patients who underwent colonoscopy before at least a 3-year follow-up.

Methods:

The PanMayo, MES, UCEIS, and Dublin scores and the baseline clinical and demographic characteristics of the participants were assessed. Endpoints were disease flare that required novel biological therapy, colectomy, and hospitalization. Patients were stratified using baseline clinical activity.

Results:

Approximately 62.8% of the 250 enrolled patients were in clinical remission. In these patients, the PanMayo, MES, and Dublin scores were positively associated with the risk of clinical flare. The MES score increased with clinical flare. The PanMayo score (>12 points), but not the MES score, was associated with the need for novel biological initiation and biological escalation. Furthermore, the Dublin and UCEIS scores of patients in remission who need novel biological treatment had a similar trend. Colectomy risk was associated with PanMayo and Dublin scores.

Conclusion:

The combined endoscopic assessment of disease extent and severity can be more accurate in predicting outcomes among patients with UC. PanMayo score can be utilized in addition to the existing scoring systems, thereby leading to a more accurate examination.

UC endoscopic scores do not assess extension. Our study aimed to analyze the predictive value of the PanMayo score. Based on 250 patients, results showed that the long-term disease outcomes of UC could be predicted with the PanMayo score more accurately.
Behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases among South African Durban-based refugees: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Grace Jeanne Martin , Thabana Mateisi Wailer
Published: March 2024

Behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising among refugees, increasing chronic disease prevalence that causes morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence, awareness and management of behavioural risk factors for NCDs among South African Durban-based refugees. A once-off quantitative, cross-sectional design was conducted on the behavioural risk factors for NCDs among 122 randomly selected Durban-based refugees using a modified version of the World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPwise approach to NCDs surveillance (STEPS) instrument. Participants’ awareness and management of risk factors for NCDs were determined with a behavioural NCD awareness and management of behavioural NCD risk factor questionnaire. Smoking and alcohol prevalence were 4.1% and 20.7%, respectively, with 40.8% consuming fewer than five servings of fruit and/or vegetables daily. Participants performed more than 150 min of moderate physical activity per week. A significant 30.8% ( p < 0.001) was aware that consuming alcohol poses an extremely large risk, similarly for smoking (38.7%; p < 0.001]. A significant 56.2% ( p < 0.001) believe that regularly eating raw vegetables presents no risk, likewise for being physically active (51.7%; p < 0.001). A significant 40.6% ( p < 0.001) of the participants always drink water or non-alcoholic drinks to manage their alcohol consumption, 54.2% ( p < 0.001) manage their unhealthy diet by sometimes filling half their plates with fruits and vegetables, and 49.2% manage their physical activity levels by sometimes choosing a range of physical activities ( p < 0.001). Refugees’ lack of awareness of behavioural risk factors for NCDs highlights the importance for health service providers to present health promotion programs to make refugees aware of their behavioural NCD’s risk factors and how it impacts their health.
Le comportement alimentaire des étudiants de l’Université de Yaoundé I, Cameroun : entre la littératie alimentaire, la littératie en santé et l'e-littératie alimentaire
Authors: Wamba André , Laoungang Ange Maïn-Ndeiang , Soh Gustave
Published: March 2024

Résumé :

Contexte :

Il est connu que les maladies non transmissibles s’originent dans les habitudes et les choix alimentaires, et la littératie en santé est le meilleur déterminant de la santé d’un individu au 21e siècle. Or, cet aspect reste peu exploré en contexte camerounais. Dès lors, cette étude examine la relation entre la littératie en santé, la littératie alimentaire, la littératie alimentaire numérique et le comportement alimentaire des étudiants de l’Université de Yaoundé I.

Méthodes :

Un total de 240 étudiants âgés de 18 à 48 ans ( M = 21,97 ans, ET = 7,03), dont 149 (62,1 %) femmes, sélectionnés par commodité, ont rempli un questionnaire composite comprenant des échelles de mesure de la littératie en santé (Health Literacy Survey European Union Questionnaire Short Form), de la littératie alimentaire (Short Food Literacy Questionnaire), de la littératie alimentaire numérique (eHealth Literacy Scale) et du comportement alimentaire (General Dietary Behavior Inventory). Les données ont été analysées grâce au logiciel SPSS, v.20, en utilisant des tests de Mann-Whitney, de Kruskal-Wallis, de Spearman et des modèles linéaires généralisés.

Résultats :

Les résultats ont montré que le comportement alimentaire n’est pas associé aux caractéristiques sociodémographiques des étudiants. L’analyse des modèles linéaires généralisés a démontré que le comportement alimentaire des étudiants est influencé par la littératie alimentaire (β = 1,503, p < 0,001), la littératie en santé (β = 1,191, p < 0,05) et la littératie alimentaire numérique (β = 1,263, p < 0,001). De même, prises ensemble, elles entrainent une variation de 6,929 sur le comportement alimentaire (χ²(3) = 63,070, β = 6,929, p < 0,001).

Conclusion :

L’étude suggère que plus de recherches sur d’autres sous-groupes de population sont nécessaires afin de fournir des données pour des interventions en faveur d’une alimentation saine.
‘We love sharing your land’: Children’s understandings of Acknowledgement to Country practices and Aboriginal knowledges in early learning centres
Authors: Townley Cris , Staples Kerry , Woodrow Christine , Baker Elise , Locke Michelle Lea , Grace Rebekah , Kaplun Catherine
Published: March 2024

This paper explores children’s understandings of Acknowledgement to Country practices and Aboriginal knowledges. Guided by the relational lenses of respect, responsibility and reciprocity, we conducted focus groups with children across five Australian early education centres. We found that Acknowledgement practices were evident through recitation of their Acknowledgement to Country, engaging with artefacts, and/or discussion of artworks. Secondly, children demonstrated emerging understandings about place names, the symbolic use of flags for places and people, and Australian plants and animals. Thirdly, Aboriginal cultures as living cultures were evident in temporal discussions about people and culture. Finally, imaginative play implied efforts to make sense of Aboriginal concepts and language. Across the study, children were active in experimenting with ideas in their own meaning making. Acknowledgement to Country was not a moment in the day; rather, it was embedded throughout the day through routines, storytelling, play and creative activities, all designed to foster learning.
Foreign national prisoners, discrimination and race relations in Irish prisons
Authors: Doyle David M , Garrihy Joe , Cleary Maria , Murphy Muiread
Published: March 2024

Recent reports have highlighted the discriminatory treatment endured by foreign national prisoners (FNPs) in particular Irish prisons, but one key voice has been relatively absent from the discourse to date – the perspectives of the prisoners themselves. This article aims to complement these “top-down” perspectives with a comprehensive “bottom-up” analysis rooted in the experiences of 82 FNPs and explore the extent to which they were subject to racism, discrimination and differential treatment by prison staff and fellow inmates across eight Irish prisons. The article begins by outlining the methodology of the qualitative study. It then presents our findings in two parts. The first part focuses on FNPs’ personal views of their relationships with staff in Irish prisons. The second part explores the extent to which these FNPs interact with Irish prisoners and prisoners from other jurisdictions. The article reveals that forming relationships with staff and fellow inmates is challenging for certain FNPs due to racial prejudice, language barriers and segregation based on nationality.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the importance of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis for the induced resistance of 84K poplar to anthracnose
Authors: Xing Fei , Zhang Linxuan , Ge Wei , Fan Haixia , Tian Chengming , Meng Fanli
Published: March 2024

Background

Poplar anthracnose, which is one of the most important tree diseases, is primarily caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, which has been detected in poplar plantations in China and is responsible for serious economic losses. The characteristics of 84K poplar that have made it one of the typical woody model plants used for investigating stress resistance include its rapid growth, simple reproduction, and adaptability.

Results

In this study, we found that the resistance of 84K poplar to anthracnose varied considerably depending on how the samples were inoculated of the two seedlings in each tissue culture bottle, one (84K-Cg) was inoculated for 6 days, whereas the 84K-DCg samples were another seedling inoculated at the 6th day and incubated for another 6 days under the same conditions. It was showed that the average anthracnose spot diameter on 84K-Cg and 84K-DCg leaves was 1.23 ± 0.0577 cm and 0.67 ± 0.1154 cm, respectively. Based on the transcriptome sequencing analysis, it was indicated that the upregulated phenylpropanoid biosynthesis-related genes in 84K poplar infected with C. gloeosporioides, including genes encoding PAL, C4H, 4CL, HCT, CCR, COMT, F5H, and CAD, are also involved in other KEGG pathways (i.e., flavonoid biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism). The expression levels of these genes were lowest in 84K-Cg and highest in 84K-DCg.

Conclusions

It was found that PAL-related genes may be crucial for the induced resistance of 84K poplar to anthracnose, which enriched in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. These results will provide the basis for future research conducted to verify the contribution of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis to induced resistance and explore plant immune resistance-related signals that may regulate plant defense capabilities, which may provide valuable insights relevant to the development of effective and environmentally friendly methods for controlling poplar anthracnose.
Association of adherence to the enhanced recovery after surgery pathway and outcomes after laparoscopic total gastrectomy
Authors: Hao Yiming , Zhao Qingchuan , Jiang Kun , Feng Xiangying , Ma Yumei , Zhang Jianzhong , Han Xi’an , Ji Gang , Dong Hailong , Nie Huang
Published: March 2024

Objective

The current study used a composite outcome to investigate whether applying the ERAS protocol would enhance the recovery of patients undergoing laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG).

Exposures

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy and perioperative interventions were the exposure. An ERAS clinical pathway consisting of 14 items was implemented and assessed. Patients were divided into either ERAS-compliant or non-ERAS-compliant group according the adherence above 9/14 or not.

Main outcomes and measures

The primary study outcome was a composite outcome called ‘optimal postoperative recovery’ with the definition as below: discharge within 6 days with no sever complications and no unplanned re-operation or readmission within 30 days postoperatively. Univariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to model optimal postoperative recovery and compliance, adjusting for patient-related and disease-related characteristics.

Results

A total of 252 patients were included in this retrospective study, 129 in the ERAS compliant group and 123 in the non-ERAS-compliant group. Of these, 79.07% of the patients in ERAS compliant group achieved optimal postoperative recovery, whereas 61.79% of patients in non-ERAS-compliant group did (P = 0.0026). The incidence of sever complications was lower in the ERAS-compliant group (1.55% vs. 6.5%, P = 0.0441). No patients in ERAS compliant group had unplanned re-operation, whereas 5.69% (7/123) of patients in non-ERAS-compliant group had (p = 0.006). The median length of the postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the in the ERAS compliant group (5.51 vs. 5.68 days, P = 0.01). Both logistic (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.21–3.34) and stepwise regression (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.25–3.41) analysis showed that high overall compliance with the ERAS protocol facilitated optimal recovery in such patients. In bivariate analysis of compliance for patients who had an optimal postoperative recovery, carbohydrate drinks (p = 0.0196), early oral feeding (P = 0.0043), early mobilization (P = 0.0340), and restrictive intravenous fluid administration (P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with optimal postoperative recovery.

Conclusions and relevance

Patients with higher ERAS compliance (almost 70% of the accomplishment) suffered less severe postoperative complications and were more likely to achieve optimal postoperative recovery.
The effect of paracetamol on care dependency and daily functioning in persons with advanced dementia living in long-term care facilities
Authors: van Dam Paulien H , Achterberg Wilco P , Husebo Bettina S , Caljouw Monique AA
Published: March 2024

Background

Pain medication may have an impact on the quality of life (QoL) in persons with dementia, but may also influence care dependency and daily functioning. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of regularly scheduled paracetamol on care dependency and daily functioning in persons with advanced dementia with low QoL living in long-term care facilities.

Methods

The Quality of life and Paracetamol In advanced Dementia (Q-PID) study was a (block) randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial with paracetamol and placebo across seventeen long-term care facilities across 9 care organizations in the western region of the Netherlands. Participants were ≥ 65 years, had advanced dementia (Global Deterioration Scale 5–7), and low QoL (QUALIDEM-6D score ≤ 70). Measurements were performed by nursing staff at the start and at the end of each treatment period of six weeks. Repeated linear mixed models were used to compute differences between randomization groups, with adjustment for period and order effects, and psychotropic use.

Results

Ninety-five persons (mean age of 83.9 years, 57.4% female) were enrolled in the Q-PID study. The mean Care Dependency Scale total score was 37.8 (Standard Deviation [SD] 12.9) and the mean Katz-15 total score was 11.9 (SD 2.4). Repeated linear mixed models showed no difference in mean differences of care dependency (paracetamol − 1.0 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) -2.4-0.3], placebo + 0.1 [-1.3-1.5]), and daily functioning (paracetamol + 0.2 [95% CI -0.2-0.6], placebo + 0.1 [-0.3-0.4]).

Conclusions

Compared to placebo, no effect of scheduled administration of paracetamol was found on care dependency and daily functioning in persons with advanced dementia with low QoL. Future research should focus on which specific items of care dependency need special attention to improve the care for persons with advanced dementia. A multi-domain approach is needed to enhance and/or maintain QoL of persons with advanced dementia.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register (NTR6766); http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=6766; Trial registration date: 20/10/2017.
Sarcopenia in subjects with Alzheimer’s disease: prevalence and comparison of agreement between EGWSOP1, EGWSOP2, and FNIH criteria
Authors: Barone Roberta , Bramato Giulia , Gnoni Valentina , Giugno Alessia , Urso Daniele , Zecca Chiara , Nigro Salvatore , Filardi Marco , Logroscino Giancarlo
Published: March 2024

Background

Sarcopenia is an age-related clinical syndrome characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and muscle strength. It appears to be closely linked to dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, its prevalence among AD patients remains unclear. In this study, we assessed differences in sarcopenia prevalence between non-demented individuals and AD patients. Moreover, we assessed sex-specific differences in sarcopenia prevalence and explored the diagnostic value of the Muscle Quality Index (MQI) for diagnosing sarcopenia among AD patients.

Method

Cross-sectional study including 145 patients with probable AD and 51 older adults with normal cognition. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2) and of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH). The MQI was computed as the ratio of handgrip strength to skeletal muscle mass.

Results

No significant difference in sarcopenia prevalence was observed between AD patients and controls. Prevalence ranged from 3.4 to 23.4% in AD patients and from 2 to 11.8% in controls, depending on diagnostic criteria. Prevalence was higher using EWGSOP1 and decreased using EWGSOP2 and FNIH. Prevalence was higher in males than in females with AD. The MQI was lower in AD patients than in controls (95%CI: − 0.23, − 0.05, p < 0.001), but displayed poor diagnostic accuracy in identifying sarcopenia cases.

Conclusions

AD patients and controls show comparable sarcopenia prevalence. Sarcopenia prevalence is higher in males than females among AD patients and higher when using EWGSOP1 compared to FNIH and EWGSOP2 criteria.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children with refractory diarrhoea and hypoalbuminaemia as the initial presentation: two case reports and a literature review
Authors: Cao Yi , Wu Qing-Qing , Yan Wei-Hui , Lu Li-Na , Tao Yi-Jing , Feng Hai-Xia , Chu Yi-Jing , Cai Wei , Wang Ying
Published: March 2024

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) involving the gastrointestinal tract is a rare condition for which clinical experience is limited. We describe the cases of two patients who initially presented with chronic diarrhoea, hypoproteinaemia, and intermittent fever. These findings suggest that in cases of refractory diarrhoea accompanied by recurrent hypoalbuminaemia, especially with abdominal rash, LCH should be considered. Gastrointestinal endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging studies are essential for obtaining a definitive diagnosis. This approach might be helpful for the early recognition of gastrointestinal tract involvement in LCH.