bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of the triglyceride—glucose index in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yan , Shao Xianfeng , Ding Li , Xia Wentao , Wang Kun , Jiang Shan , Wang Jiahao , Wang Junqi
Published: December 2024

Background

Bladder carcinoma is a type of urological tumor with high risks of recurrence and progression. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has demonstrated significant promise as a prognostic marker for metabolic health in different types of cancer. Further research is needed to explore the relationships among non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), the TyG index, and its prognostic importance. Purpose of this preliminary research is to assess the predictive significance of the TyG index for recurrence and progression risk in NMIBC patients.

Methods

Data from patients admitted between October 2018 and July 2021 were reviewed, and there are 198 patients in total were included. The experimental data were supplied by medical records. In addition, patient prognoses were followed up via telephone. Furthermore, patients were separated into two groups: the high and low TyG groups, using X-tile software. Apart from recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS) was the main outcome. According to the TyG index, nomograms were also established.

Results

The cohort consisted of 93 patients in the high TyG group and 105 patients in the low TyG group. The TyG index was a key prognostic factor for postoperative RFS (HR = 2.726, 95% CI = 1.474–5.041, p = 0.001) and PFS (HR = 2.846, 95% CI = 1.359–5.957, p = 0.006) among patients with NMIBC. The log-rank test revealed a notable disparity between the low and high TyG groups regarding RFS (p = 0.0025) and PFS (p = 0.0110). Moreover, it was strongly connected to well-known NMIBC risk factors. Because the TyG index exhibited good predictive value, the nomogram models were formulated.

Conclusion

The TyG index serves as an isolated predictor of both RFS and PFS among patients with NMIBC, revealing new insights into disease treatment mechanisms. Indeed, the TyG index serves as a credible indicator of risk classification while facilitating early intervention among patients with NMIBC.
RNA-seq profiling identified a three-lncRNA panel in serum as potential biomarker for muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Jiang Xiumei , Qu Ailin , Zhang Shoucai , Jin Shuchao , Wang Lishui , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2024

Background

Preoperative determination of muscular infiltration is crucial for appropriate treatment planning in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). We aimed to explore early diagnostic biomarkers in serum for MIBC in this study.

Methods

The expression profiles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) were initially screened by high-throughput sequencing and evaluation of potential lncRNAs were conducted by two phases of RT-qPCR assays using serum samples from 190 patients with MIBC and 190 non-muscle-invasive BC (NMIBC) patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to establish a diagnostic signature with high accuracy and Fagan’s nomogram was plotted to promote clinical application. Bioinformatics analysis was used to determine the potential miRNA-mRNA binding of candidate lncRNAs.

Results

We identified three differentially expressed lncRNAs (LINC00565, LINC00592 and NDUFA6-AS1) and established a 3-lncRNA panel which demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for MIBC with an AUC of 0.903 (95% CI: 0.850-0.942) and 0.875 (95% CI: 0.802-0.928) in the training and validation set. Moreover, construction and assessment of Fagan’nomogram demonstrated that the 3-lncRNA panel could exhibit practical and helpful values for clinical use. Finally, a network map based on LINC00565 was constructed and we found that the expression of miR-143-5p and miR-4516 were significantly correlated with LINC00565 in MIBC.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that the constructed 3-lncRNA panel in serum showed favorable diagnostic capacity and might serve as promising non-invasive biomarkers in the early diagnosis of MIBC.
Effectiveness of continuity of care in postoperative patients with cervical cancer: a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fu Wenfeng , Xu Qiannan , Lu Haizhen , Yang Yuanyuan , Zheng Yanxue
Published: December 2024

Objective

To analyze the effect of implementing continuity of care for postoperative patients with cervical cancer, to improve the continuity of care model in China, and to provide comprehensive, continuous, and personalized care services for patients.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, China Knowledge Network, Wanfang database, China Biomedical sources Service System, Wipro, Cochrane Library, Embase, and other databases were searched for relevant sources on the effect of continuity of care on postoperative cervical cancer patients. The Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Evaluation and Revman 5.3 software was used to evaluate the quality of the retrieved sources and perform meta-analysis.

Results

Compared with the control group, extended care could improve patients’ quality of life [SMD=1.35,95%CI(1.05,1.64), P<0.05], alleviate patients’ postoperative anxiety [SMD=-0.92,95%CI(-1.85,0.00), P<0.05] and postoperative depression [SMD=-1.15,95% CI(-1.35,-0.95), P<0.05].

Conclusion

The use of continuity of care form has an important role in improving the quality of life of cervical cancer patients and improving negative emotions.
Updated cost-effectiveness analysis of tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Lei , Long Yunchun , Yao Lu , Wang Hao , Ge Weihong
Published: December 2024

Objective

The RATIONALE-305 trial demonstrated that tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy regimens was more beneficial than chemotherapy regimens alone in the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GC/GEJC). This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab combination chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced GC/GEJC from the perspective of the Chinese health service system.

Methods

A three-state partition survival model was constructed to evaluate the economics of tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy as the first-line treatment of advanced GC/GEJC. Clinical data were collected from the RATIONALE-305 trial, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as the output index. The stability of the results was verified using sensitivity and subgroup analyses. In addition, scenario analysis was conducted for the model simulation time and different parameter extrapolation models.

Results

The results of basic analysis showed an increase of 0.31 QALYs in the tislelizumab group compared with the placebo group (1.53 QALYs vs 1.22 QALYs), and a concomitant increase in cost of 10,326.68 USD, with an ICER of 33,876.38 USD/QALY, which is less than the current Chinese willingness-to-pay threshold (36,924.80 USD/QALY). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the utility values of progression-free survival, progressive disease and the price of capecitabine had a greater impact on the model. Subgroup analysis revealed that combination therapy was equally cost-effective in people with a program death ligand 1 tumor area positivity score of ≥5%.

Conclusion

From the perspective of the Chinese health service system, the treatment of advanced GC/GEJC with tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy has a cost-effective advantage over chemotherapy alone.
Use of non-specific immunoglobulins in Catalonia in three third-level hospitals: a descriptive analysis of a hospital-prescribed medication registry
Authors: Riera-Arnau J. , Ballarín E. , Llop R. , Montané E. , Hereu P. , Vancells G. , Padullés-Zamora N. , Barriocanal A. M. , Cardona-Peitx G. , Casasnovas C. , Montoro J. B. , Nuñez M. , Santacana Juncosa E. , Selva-O’Callaghan A. , Solanich X. , Sabaté Gallego M.
Published: December 2024

Background

The increasing use of non-specific immunoglobulins (NSIGs) and their current shortage show a need for NSIGs’ use prioritization. Data from a clinical perspective are necessary, mainly for pediatric patients.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the level of clinical evidence (LoE) of the indications that NSIGs are used for, the reasons for discontinuation, and the costs invested.

Methods

A retrospective multicentric study was conducted on NSIG incident users between September 2019 and December 2021 retrieved from the Registry of Patients and Treatments (RPT) from Catalonia (Spain). LoE was categorized as A) authorized indications, B) unauthorized with scientific support, C) unauthorized without support, and D) unknown (UNK), following local and the United Kingdom’s guidelines as a sensitivity analysis. We also estimated overall spending and costs per patient visit.

Results

A total of 400 patients were included (17.3% pediatric), with a mean follow-up of 122.1/person-years for adults. The most frequent indications were nervous system and blood diseases. Almost all pediatric patients (56; 81.2%) were treated under A-level indications, as for 217 (65.6%) adults. In the sensitivity analysis, the A-level usage rate decreased to one-third and the B-level usage rate increased by 2–3 times. Furthermore, 37.8% (151) of individuals discontinued. This was predominantly due to remission or no response. The total costs were 868,462.6€/year, with median spending per visit amounting to 1,500€ for adults and 700€ for pediatric patients.

Conclusion

NSIGs are used in clinical practice mainly for approved indications; however, non-approved indications are still an important issue. This could represent a significant economic burden on the healthcare system, focusing on the pediatric population and those at risk for discontinuation with alternative therapeutic options.
Rapid 3D reconstruction of constant-diameter straight pipelines via single-view perspective projection
Authors: Yao Jiasui , Cheng Xiaoqi , Tan Haishu , Li Xiaosong , Zhao Hengxing
Published: December 2024

Regular inspections of pipelines are of great significance to ensure their long-term safe and stable operation, and the rapid 3D reconstruction of constant-diameter straight pipelines (CDSP) based on monocular images plays a crucial role in tasks such as positioning and navigation for pipeline inspection drones, as well as defect detection on the pipeline surface. Most of the traditional 3D reconstruction methods for pipelines rely on marked poses or circular contours of end faces, which are complex and difficult to apply, while some existing 3D reconstruction methods based on contour features for pipelines have the disadvantage of slow reconstruction speed. To address the above issues, this paper proposes a rapid 3D reconstruction method for CDSP. This method solves for the spatial pose of the pipeline axis based on the geometric constraints between the projected contour lines and the axis, provided that the radius is known. These constraints are derived from the perspective projection imaging model of the single-view CDSP. Compared with traditional methods, the proposed method improves the reconstruction speed by 99.907% while maintaining similar accuracy.
Light quality regulates growth and flavonoid content in a widespread forest understorey medicinal species Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi
Authors: Ma Jingran , Zhang Jiaxing , Xie Lulu , Ye Ji , Zhou Li , Yu Dapao , Wang Qing-Wei
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Introduction: Light is not only essential for plant photosynthesis and growth, but also acts as a signal to regulate its secondary metabolism. Despite the influence of light quality on the yield and flavonoid compounds in commercial crops is well-documented, its role in regulating wild understorey species, particularly medicine plants whose flavonoid biosynthesis driven by multiple spectral regions of canopy sunlight, is less understood.

Methods

To address it, we conducted a light-quality manipulation experiment on Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a widespread understorey medicinal species, with light-emitting diodes (LED). This study included eight treatments: UV-A (UV-A radiation), CK (control group), Green (monochromatic green light), and different combinations of blue and red light (R0B4: monochromatic blue light; R1B3: 25% Red+75% Blue light; R1B1: 50% Red+50% Blue light; R3B1: 75% Red+25% Blue light; R4B0: monochromatic red light).

Results

Our results showed that light quality significantly drove morphology, biomass accumulation, and flavonoids biosynthesis in S. baicalensis. R0B4 treatment promoted growth and flavonoids accumulation, including baicalin, and wogonoside concentrations. In contrast, UV-A radiation and green light negatively impacted these parameters compared to CK treatment. Interestingly, plant biomass and flavonoid concentrations were lower in R1B3, R1B1 and R3B1 treatments compared to monochromatic blue or red light.

Discussion

Our study found that red light may antagonize blue light-stimulated growth and flavonoids accumulation, indicating a complex crosstalk between photoreceptors. These findings highlight the importance of blue light for optimizing the yield and quality of S. baicalensis in the understorey cultivation. It provides practice suggestion for the efficient management and sustainable cultivation of understorey medicinal plants.
Laser-wound stimulated adventitious root formation of Rosa canina cuttings involves a complex response at plant hormonal and metabolic level
Authors: Morales Orellana Raul Javier , Rath Thomas , Druege Uwe , Tandrón Moya Yudelsy A. , von Wirén Nicolaus , Winkelmann Traud
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The presence of wounds in addition to the excision-induced wounds after severance from the stock plants is known to positively influence adventitious root formation of woody plant cuttings. Previous morphological studies highlighted laser wounding as a technique allowing to precisely control the decisive ablation depth. However, the biochemical processes involved in the response of rooting to the additional wounding remained unexplored.

Methods

The present study analyzed changes in the plant hormone and carbohydrate profiles in response to laser treatments of rose leafy single-node stem cuttings (Rosa canina ‘Pfänder’). Concentrations of four groups of plant hormones and of carbohydrates were monitored in three different stem sections of the cutting base during the first eight days after excision of cuttings. In addition, histology was employed to investigate anatomical changes at the basal wound and the laser wounds at the start and the end of the experiment after 40 days.

Results

Laser ablation caused an increase of vascular tissue dimension directly in the laser wound, and increased the quantity and quality of rooting compared to control cuttings. A clear early local rise of jasmonic acid (JA) was detected directly in wounded areas after laser marking, as well as an increase in abscisic acid (ABA) that persisted for the subsequent days. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels were relatively high on day zero, but decreased thereafter. Interestingly, higher IAA levels were maintained in the stem section below the axillary bud compared with the opposite section. Laser-treated cuttings presented a clear increase in contents of IAA-amino acid conjugates (IAAGlu and IAAsp) and the oxidation product OxIAA. Differences in concentration of these IAA metabolites were related to the position of the laser wound relative to the axillary bud and leaf. Additionally, laser treatments caused gradually increased levels of the cytokinin N6-isopentenyladenine (iP) in laser-treated zones, and of zeatin riboside specifically when the laser wound was placed on the leaf-bud side. Additional laser wounding reduced starch and sucrose levels in all wounded sections at the end of the evaluation period, independently of the wounding location.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that presence of additional injured tissue triggers a complex biochemical adjustment at the base of the cutting responsible of inducing vascular tissue growth and capable of generating a positive response to adventitious root formation.
The relationship between adolescent sleep duration and exposure to school bullying: the masking effect of depressive symptoms
Authors: Zeng Rushuang , Han Dang , Du Wei , Wen Jing , Zhang Youxian , Li Zongyu , Du Qun , Qi Yan , Li Yu , He Jia
Published: December 2024

Background

Adolescents who suffer from school bullying are often accompanied by problems such as sleep disorders and depression. However, it remains unclear how depressive symptoms and sleep assessments such as sleep duration interact in the specific mechanisms of exposure to school bullying.

Objective

To understand the role of sleep duration, depressive symptoms on school bullying in adolescents and the mediating role of sleep duration in this context.

Methods

A total of 1730 adolescents were selected from Xinjiang province, China by stratified cluster random sampling in 2020, and their demographic characteristics, exposure to school bullying, depressive symptoms, and sleep duration were investigated by questionnaire. Multifactorial logistics regression analyses were performed to examine the effects of sleep duration and depressive symptoms on school bullying. Furthermore, the bootstrap method was used to explore the mediating effect and masking effect of depressive symptoms between sleep duration and school bullying by PROCESS macro in SPSS 26.0.

Results

A total of 16.42% of adolescents suffered from school bullying and 12.25% showed depressive symptoms. Multifactorial logistics regression analyses revealed that possible depression and depression increase the risk of exposure to school bullying compared to normal group. Sleep duration less than 8 h and between 8 and 10 h are protective factors for exposure to three types of school bullying relative to those who sleep more than 10 h. Additionally, sleep duration affected exposure to school bullying through depressive symptoms (β = 0.011) and depressive symptoms masked the effect between sleep duration and exposure to school bullying with an effect of 60.17%. The masking effect remained stable after adjusting for gender, age, ethnicity, body mass index, and exercise intensity (indirect effect = −0.017, 95%CI: −0.026 to −0.009).

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms may be a risk factor for exposure to school bullying, while moderate and inadequate sleep duration may be protective factors for exposure to all three types of school bullying simultaneously. The effect of sleep duration on adolescents’ exposure to school bullying was affected by the masking effect of depressive symptoms, and appropriate sleep duration and a positive and healthy mindset were beneficial in reducing the occurrence of school bullying.
Understanding mental health challenges and associated risk factors of post-natural disasters in Bangladesh: a systematic review
Authors: Karim Md. Zawadul , Al-Mamun Md. , Eva Maliha Azad , Ali Md. Hazrat , Kalam Abul , Uzzal Nurul Islam , Das Pranto Kumer
Published: December 2024

Background and objectives

Natural disasters are harmful occurrences caused by the Earth's geological and meteorological processes. Bangladesh is recognized as one of the country's most vulnerable to natural disasters. Therefore, the people of Bangladesh remain at high risk of natural disasters. However, no study has been conducted in Bangladesh to provide an overall perspective on mental health issues that arise after natural disasters. Thus, this systematic review aims to identify all mental health issues and related risk factors brought on by natural disasters in Bangladesh.

Study design

Systematic review.

Methods

Between April to May 2024, a systematic search was conducted across many databases, including PubMed, following the PRISMA guideline. Ultimately, 17 publications were included in this study.

Results

The findings reveal that depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and sleep disturbances are found as major risk factors for natural disasters. Prevalence of depression, anxiety and, stress, suicidal ideation ranges from 16.3% to 92.71%, 6% to 92.19%, 32.41% to 58%, 10.9% to 57.5% among people as consequences of natural disasters like heatwaves, cyclones, flood, river bank erosion etc. There are some associated risk factors which provoke prominent mental health problems, including (i) Demographic factors (age, gender, marital status, number of children, lower education, living location, living infrastructure, family conflicts, family member death, land for cultivation, loss of domestic animals), (ii) socio-economic factors (environmental settings, social support, disaster warning system, displacement, food crisis, financial support, income loss, vulnerable livelihoods) (iii) behavior and health-related factors (behavior pattern, physical injury during natural disaster, physical disability), (iv) other factors (increased temperature, living together, lower social class). People affected by natural disasters are often viewed in terms of their physical damage, while their mental health is always ignored.

Conclusion

Calculative measures are needed to create an overall picture of the effect of natural disasters on people's mental health in Bangladesh. Therefore, the government needs to consider establishing potential measures to lessen the impact of natural disasters on people's mental health.
Early numerical skills and mathematical domains in autistic students in primary school
Authors: Bejarano-Martín Álvaro , Casado-Vara Roberto , Magán-Maganto María , Díez Emiliano , Jenaro Cristina , Flores Noelia , Orrantia Josetxu , Canal-Bedia Ricardo
Published: December 2024

Introduction

It is crucial to provide a quality educational response to the needs of autistic children across various mathematical domains. However, there is no consensus on which of the early skills have the greatest predictive effect in the short and long term within these domains. Therefore, this research aimed to a) compare early numerical skills and mathematics domains, and 2) analyze the predictive value of early numerical skills into mathematics domains.

Methods

Forty-two children (twenty-one autistic children and twenty-one non-autistic children) aged 6-12 years participated in the study. Three areas were evaluated through different tasks: 1) control tasks: reading, impulse control and manual speed, 2) early numerical skills: counting, verbal subitizing, magnitude comparison and estimation, and 3) mathematical domains: arithmetic calculation and arithmetic word problems.

Results

Significant differences were found in subitizing and estimation tasks. Both groups showed similar mathematical skills in arithmetic calculation and arithmetic word problems. For autistic students, several non-symbolic tasks predict performance in mathematical domains, whereas for non-autistic students, symbolic tasks were predictors.

Discussion

Although mathematics does not seem to be an area of concern for autistic children, future studies should explore early numerical and mathematical domains in children with cognitive support needs through longitudinal research.
COVID-19 and social distancing: pandemic has altered social relationships and contacts in older adults over 4 years
Authors: Kastner Lydia , Suenkel Ulrike , von Thaler Anna-Katharina , Eschweiler Gerhard W. , Dankowski Theresa , Mychajliw Christian , Brockmann Kathrin , Heinzel Sebastian , Thiel Ansgar
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Social isolation is a main risk factor for loneliness, health issues and psychological diseases. With its restriction measures, the coronavirus pandemic has led to an objective reduction in meaningful interactions, communication, and social contacts in general (social isolation). However, it has been shown that older adults cope differently with social isolation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the changes of social contacts of older adults over the pandemic period of 4 years.

Methods

For this purpose, N = 175 older adults (Mage = 72.60, SDage = 6.12 years, Mdnage = 72, Range: 60–87 years) were asked at 3 time points (2019, 2021, 2023) with how many people they had contact in the reference month (May, November). In addition to the number of contacts, participants were also asked about the type of the relationship (e.g., family, friends, neighbors), the type of contact (e.g., telephone, video conference and/or by written messages) and the emotional closeness (close, medium, low). We used an ego-centered “social network” circle to measure social contacts of older adults before, during and after the pandemic. The data collection was limited by the changing corona restrictions.

Results

Results indicate that behavior in social contacts essentially depends on age, gender, and level of depression. We found a clear temporal drop in social contacts independently of age and gender during the pandemic. After the pandemic close contacts did not recover to prepandemic level. Especially, Young-Old (<72 years) recovered less in terms of the number of social contacts than the Old-Old (≥72 years).

Discussion

Our study, thus, provides longitudinal insights into the course of social contacts and suggests that social isolation may have more negative and long-term impact on close contacts, which need further clarification and temporal extension.
HIV risk and influence factors among MSM who had sought sexual partners in core venues: a continuous sentinel surveillance in 2010–2022
Authors: Yang Zijie , Wei Lan , Xu Zhongliang , Li Simei , Xing Yiwen , Zhang Yan , Yuan Yuan , Liu Shaochu , Xie Wei , Tan Wei , Ye Wei , Tan Jingguang , Shi Xiangdong , Yan Xiangyu , Feng Tiejian , Jia Zhongwei , Zhao Jin
Published: December 2024

Background

Seeking sexual partners in men who have sex with men (MSM) venues has been regarded as a high-risk behavior for HIV among MSM. Nevertheless, with the implementation of venue-based interventions and the change in the way MSM seek sexual partners, the continued status of MSM venues as the HIV risk factor remains inconclusive. This study endeavors to delve into this ambiguity by examining the MSM sexual contact network (SCN) as a foundation.

Methods

A series of cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Shenzhen in the period 2010–2022. MSM sexual contact network and venue network were acquired, and network metrics were employed to identify core MSM and core venues. We compared the risk of HIV and risk behaviors between MSM who sought sexual partners in core venues and those who did not, with subgroup analyses based on different time periods.

Results

The overall HIV prevalence among the 4,408 MSM surveyed in this study was 14.6%. Notably, 17 core venues were identified out of the 68 reported MSM venues, with 1,486 MSM who had sought sexual partners in core venues. These MSM had significantly higher risk of HIV and were more likely to take HIV testing and receive intervention services. Subgroup analyses showed that the heightened HIV risk associated with seeking partners in core venues was specific to the period 2010–2014, while HIV testing and service access remained consistently higher across all-period subgroups. Multiple sexual partners, seeking partners in core venues, receptive or both sexual roles, drug abuse, absence of HIV test, unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), and lower education levels were associated with elevated HIV risk among MSM.

Conclusion

Following the implementation of differentiated venue-based interventions, the risk of HIV among MSM who had sought sexual partners in core venues decreased to a level comparable to that of MSM who had not. The accessibility of HIV testing and intervention services remains uneven between MSM who had sought sexual partners in core venues and those who had not. As the Internet sex-seeking behavior gains prevalence among MSM, strategic adjustments of public health resource allocation may be necessary to address this imbalance.
Application of the transgender male voice questionnaire in a Brazilian population sample
Authors: Schwarz Karine , Villas-Bôas Anna Paula , Cielo Carla Aparecida , da Silva Dhiordan Carodoso , da Silva Eliane Dias , Fighera Tayane Muniz , Costa Angelo Brandelli , Lobato Maria Inês Rodrigues , Spritzer Poli Mara
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to adapt and apply the Portuguese version of the Transgender Man Voice Questionnaire in a sample of Brazilian transgender men and to investigate the relationship between voice satisfaction and hormone therapy duration. In addition, we suggest reducing and reformulating the questionnaire for screening.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 31 transgender men aged 18–50 years undergoing hormone therapy who answered a questionnaire adapted from the Transgender Woman Voice Questionnaire, validated in Portuguese. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from the individuals’ electronic medical records: age, smoking status, and type and duration of hormone therapy. The questionnaire, consisting of 30 questions rated on a Likert scale, was answered individually during a psychotherapy session. In each question, the gender-specific words were modified. Furthermore, we added a question: 31 (After GAHT, my voice became completely male), with the response options yes or no. In questions 32 and 33, asking participants to provide an overall rating of their voice. Total score ranged from 0 to 120, with higher scores indicating greater dissatisfaction with voice.

Results

Mean patient age was 30.13 ± 7.6 years, and 19.4% were smokers. The mean duration of hormone therapy was 29.7 ± 24.9 months, and 95% received intramuscular testosterone cypionate, maintaining serum testosterone levels within the male reference range. The questionnaire mean total score was 51 ± 17.72. There was a significant negative correlation between the questionnaire total score and duration of hormone therapy (r = −0.484, p = 0.006). The questionnaire had a high level of internal consistency/reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.95 for all items and a split-half Spearman-Brown coefficient of 0.96. For the elaboration of a screening tool, it is suggested to remove questions 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 23, 27, and 29 and modify question 1.

Conclusion

Longer hormone therapy favors voice deepening and satisfaction with voice. The psychometric properties of the Transgender Man Voice Questionnaire are reliable, supporting its use as a screening tool in clinical practice and as an adjunct to the planning of vocal and communication support for transgender individuals.
Multidimensional internet use related to cognitive performance in older persons: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Fan Yue , Wei Hua , Tao Qunshan
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The internet has been increasingly recognized as a potential driver for enhancing cognitive functioning in older adults; however, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain insufficiently understood in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the associations between different dimensions of internet use—activity, device, and frequency—and cognitive performance in older adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the fourth wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), involving a nationally representative sample of 17,676 participants aged 60 years and above. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between MIU and cognitive ability. To explore the moderating effect of age on the relationship between internet use and cognitive functioning, the population was divided into upper (over 75 years) and lower (under 75 years) age groups.

Results

The analysis revealed a significant positive association between internet use and cognitive function. Specifically, MIU were found to contribute positively to cognitive performance. Subgroup analyses showed that participants aged 60–75 years benefited more from internet use, whereas those over 75 years exhibited a weaker association, indicating a potential decline in the cognitive benefits with advancing age.

Conclusion

According to the results of the present study, MIU significantly increased the cognitive ability of older adult individuals. Additionally, MIU strongly influences components of cognitive functioning, including language, attention, calculation ability, orientation, memory. However, aging may weaken the relationship between MIU and cognitive ability.
The effects of dance interventions on reducing the risk of falls in older adults: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Zhaoguo , Li Jiahao , Yang Honghao , Fang Zilong
Published: December 2024

Objective

The efficacy of dance in reducing fall risks among older adults highlights its potential for geriatric health, but the optimal dance style remains uncertain. The present study endeavors to systematically analyze the effects of various dance forms on reducing the risk of falls among older adult, with the aim of providing evidence-based insights into the most efficacious dance styles for this population.

Design

The network meta-analysis of the existing literature was conducted to synthesize the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of various dance interventions in reducing the risk of falls among older adults.

Methods

We searched seven databases for randomized controlled trials on dance interventions for fall prevention in older adults and used Stata 17.0 for network meta-analysis.

Results

Twenty-seven studies (n = 1,219 older adults) were included. Creative Dance (CD) significantly improved the Berg Balance Scale score in healthy older adults (p < 0.05) and ranked best. Folk Dance (FD), CD, and Ballroom Dance (BD) all significantly improved Timed Up and Go time compared to controls, with FD ranking best overall. In Parkinson’s disease patients, both BD and FD significantly improved the Berg Balance Score, with FD again ranking best.

Conclusion

Creative dance, Folk dance, and Ballroom dance effectively reduce the risk of falls in older adults. Creative dance enhanced the Berg Balance Score the most among healthy older adults, while Folk dance improved the Timed Up and Go test performance the best. Similarly, among patients with Parkinson’s disease, Folk dance exhibits the best effect in improving Berg Balance Scale scores.

Clinical trial registration

The protocol of this study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review, PROSPERO, under the identification number CRD42022323426, and can be integrally assessed online (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022323426).
Mandatory surveillance of bacteremia conducted by automated monitoring
Authors: Mølbak Kåre , Andersen Christian Østergaard , Dessau Ram B. , Ellermann-Eriksen Svend , Gubbels Sophie , Jensen Thøger Gorm , Knudsen Jenny Dahl , Kristensen Brian , Lützen Lisbeth , Coia John , Olesen Bente Ruth Scharvik , Pinholt Mette , Scheutz Flemming , Sönksen Ute Wolff , Søgaard Kirstine K. , Voldstedlund Marianne
Published: December 2024

Except for a few countries, comprehensive all-cause surveillance for bacteremia is not part of mandatory routine public health surveillance. We argue that time has come to include automated surveillance for bacteremia in the national surveillance systems, and explore diverse approaches and challenges in establishing bacteremia monitoring. Assessed against proposed criteria, surveillance for bacteremia should be given high priority. This is based on severity, burden of illness, health gains obtained by improved treatment and prevention, risk of outbreaks (including health care associated infections), the emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance as well as the changing epidemiology of bacteremia which is seen along with an aging population and advances in medical care. The establishment of comprehensive surveillance for bacteremia was until recently conceived as an insurmountable task. With computerized systems in clinical microbiology, surveillance by real-time data capture has become achievable. This calls for re-addressing the question of including bacteremia among the conditions under mandatory surveillance. Experiences from several countries, including Denmark, show that this is feasible. We propose enhanced international collaboration, legislative action, and funding to address the challenges and opportunities.
The condition of heroes: looking for the heroic figure of future astronauts
Authors: Tachibana Koji
Published: December 2024

The term “hero” brings to mind a figure who is excellent in one way or another. However, it remains unclear which characteristics make a person eligible as a hero because the term has been applied to various types of figures. This paper investigates the characteristics required for people to be justifiably labelled and, based on the investigation and as a case study, looks for the heroic figure of future astronauts. First, surveying the literature from ancient to modern on heroism, it analyses that heroes are considered to be exemplars from whom we can learn something to cultivate heroic characteristics within ourselves. Second, based on this survey, it proposes the five key characteristics of heroes: attempting to scale valuable new heights; challenging difficulty in the heights; risking one’s own life to scale the heights; achieving the scaling the heights; and expressing the virtue of phronesis. Third, as an application of this study, it examines a desirable, heroic figure of future astronauts. Classifying four classes of future astronauts: space tourists, space businesspersons, space soldiers, and space explorers, it argues that space explorers can mostly be called heroic if they express the five characteristics and among them, in particular, the characteristic of phronesis, a power of discerning what is good for the world. It concludes that future heroic astronauts must be thoughtful about the possible results of human space explorations because their missions may have adverse outcomes, such as intensified international conflict and environmental contamination. Such heroic astronauts are not a representative of their space agencies, companies, or nations, but an exemplar for humanity from whom we could learn virtuous characteristics as human beings.
Incredibly emotional: interpreting trustworthiness in Danish courtrooms
Authors: Johansen Louise Victoria
Published: December 2024

This paper explores how Danish legal professionals assess the trustworthiness of victims in criminal cases based on emotional expressions. It focuses on the alignment of these expressions with the nature of the crime, the social context, and the victims’ social identities, and is based on findings from several ethnographic projects involving extensive observations of crime cases and interviews with criminal justice professionals. The research analyzes how victims’ emotional expressions are scrutinized and interpreted within the context of Danish cultural norms, which favor “calm and quiet” behavior. Legal professionals define this behavior as specifically “Danish,” and often contrast it to ethnic minorities’ way of enacting emotions. Emotions are thus culturally and socially interpreted in courtroom settings, and I relate these findings to broader discussions about how emotions mediate, co-create and maintain systematic differences based on gender and ethnicity in legal decision-making. The study thus highlights the cultural and social dimensions of emotions in this legal setting and calls for greater awareness of how these factors influence the assessment of trustworthiness.
Complaints to the veterinary disciplinary board related to the euthanasia of animals
Authors: Berg Charlotte , Vickers Hannah
Published: December 2024

This article presents an analysis of the formal complaints to the Swedish Veterinary Disciplinary Board (VDB) during the years 2018–2022 related to euthanasia of animals, which are highly relevant to the One Welfare approach. The aim was to examine whether the complaints were justified or not, according to the disciplinary investigations carried out, and whether animals had been exposed to unnecessary suffering during these interventions. The reasons for the complaints were investigated and categorized. The results showed that incorrect treatment or handling of the animal was the most common reason for reporting a veterinarian to the VDB, while the main underlying cause, based on the qualitative analysis, was found to be communication barriers. However, the number of complaints leading to disciplinary outcomes (admonitions or warnings) was very low. The vast majority (45 out of 47) of complaints relating to euthanasia were therefore not legally justified as per the VDB decision, as the veterinary staff were found to have acted correctly from a veterinary and animal welfare perspective. Nevertheless, even unjustified complaints can be very stressful for the veterinarian and should be minimized.
Climate change impact on blood haemogram in the horse: a three-year preliminary study
Authors: Deniz Ömer , Aragona Francesca , Murphy Barbara A. , Tümer Kenan Çağrı , Bozacı Serkan , Fazio Francesco
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The global climatic changes pose a substantial threat to the well-being and productivity of both humans and animals.

Methods

This study examined the impact of climate changes during different seasons over a 3-year monitoring period (2021–2023) on various blood parameters including, white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), red blood cells (RBC), platelets (PLT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). The study focused on 25 Thoroughbred mares located in Kastamonu-Türkiye. Thermal and hygrometric parameters, including ambient temperature, relative humidity, and ventilation, were collected. Subsequently, Temperature-Humidity index (THI) was computed. Blood samples were collected on the first day of every month from January 2021 to December 2023 and used for a complete blood count analysis. Between 2021 and 2023, changes in environmental indicators were correlated to changes in hematological parameters.

Results

Two-way for repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant seasonal fluctuation (<0.0001) in ambient temperature, relative humidity, and THI. There was a reduction in RBC (<0.01), and MCH (<0.01) every year, HGB (<0.0001) in summer 2021, 2022 and in summer and autumn 2023. HCT (<0.0001), MCV (<0.01), showed decreasing values in autumn 2022 and 2023. MCHC values showed increasing values in July and August 2021, 2022 and in June 2023. WBC levels increased throughout the spring periods of 2021 and 2022. In April 2021, there were elevated levels of lymphocytes and monocytes (<0.0001) respectively.

Discussion

These findings could be helpful to promote the monitoring of physiological status both for the assessment of welfare status and for diagnostic purposes for the evaluation of possible disease outbreaks due to climate change in veterinary medicine.
Computational Analysis of Parallel Techniques for Nonlinear Biomedical Engineering Problems
Authors: Shams Mudassir , Carpentieri Bruno
Published: December 2024

In this study, we develop new efficient parallel techniques for solving both distinct and multiple roots of nonlinear problems at the same time. The parallel techniques represent an innovative contribution to the discipline, with local convergence of the ninth order. Theoretical research shows the rapid convergence and effectiveness of the proposed parallel schemes. To assess the suggested scheme’s stability and consistency, we look at certain biomedical engineering applications, such as osteoporosis in Chinese women, blood rheology, and differential equations. Overall, detailed analyses of convergence behavior, memory utilization, computational time, and percentage computational efficiency show that the novel parallel techniques outperform the traditional methods. The proposed methods would be more suitable for large-scale computational problems in biomedical applications due to their advantages in memory efficiency, CPU time, and error reduction.
Perfect Roman Domination: Aspects of Enumeration and Parameterization
Authors: Mann Kevin , Fernau Henning
Published: December 2024

Perfect Roman Dominating Functions and Unique Response Roman Dominating Functions are two ways to translate perfect code into the framework of Roman Dominating Functions. We also consider the enumeration of minimal Perfect Roman Dominating Functions and show a tight relation to minimal Roman Dominating Functions. Furthermore, we consider the complexity of the underlying decision problems Perfect Roman Domination and Unique Response Roman Domination on special graph classes. For instance, split graphs are the first graph class for which Unique Response Roman Domination is polynomial-time solvable, while Perfect Roman Domination is NP-complete. Beyond this, we give polynomial-time algorithms for Perfect Roman Domination on interval graphs and for both decision problems on cobipartite graphs. However, both problems are NP-complete on chordal bipartite graphs. We show that both problems are W[1]-complete if parameterized by solution size and FPT if parameterized by the dual parameter or by clique width.
Enhancement of IPMC Bending Controllability Through Immobile Negative Charges and Electrochemically Reactive Substances Within IPMC Body
Authors: Tamagawa Hirohisa , Kojima Iori , Torii Sota , Lin Wenyi , Sasaki Minoru
Published: December 2024

A well-known soft actuator, called ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC), is a type of electroactive polymer (EAP) that operates in bending mode. Despite its ability to exhibit large bending, its bending controllability is often poor. Therefore, identifying the key factor that allows IPMC to bend without losing its large bending capability is a natural inquiry for researchers studying IPMC for practical applications. Our study found that the sign of the immobile charge carried by the ion exchange membrane of IPMC governs its bending controllability. We also discovered that using a negatively charged ion exchange membrane, rather than a positively charged one, is highly preferable for IPMC applications. It was also found that using a doping process and an electrochemically active electrode is essential for inducing effective bending in IPMC.
Evolution and Challenges of Sustainability Reporting in the Banking Sector: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sebastião Adão M. , Tavares Maria C. , Azevedo Graça
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study is to present an overview of sustainability reporting in the financial industry between 2016 and 2024, carrying out a systematic review of the literature on the topic in the banking sector. The theoretical framework addresses the integration of sustainability from the perspectives of stakeholders, agency and legitimacy theories, highlighting the interrelationship between financial practices and social responsibility. The research used quantitative and qualitative methods, focusing on a systematic review of the literature, analyzing databases such as Scopus and Web of Science in 116 articles. The results showed an annual publication growth rate of 29.68%, with an emphasis on environmental and social sustainability practices. The dissemination of knowledge about sustainability in the banking sector remains low. The central themes included sustainability disclosure, circular economy and FinTechs. Limitations in regulations and the lack of adequate regulations in developing countries, especially in Latin America and Africa, make it difficult to effectively implement these practices, highlighting the need for greater supervision and awareness. This study highlights that the sustainability disclosure in the banking context is a topic that still lacks sufficient exploration.