bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With High-Risk and Low-Risk Bone Stress Injury in Female Runners: Implications for Risk Factor Stratification and Management
Authors: Tenforde Adam S. , Ackerman Kathryn E. , Bouxsein Mary L. , Gaudette Logan , McCall Lauren , Rudolph Sara E. , Gehman Sarah , Garrahan Margaret , Hughes Julie M. , Outerleys Jereme , Davis Irene S. , Popp Kristin L.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Bone stress injury (BSI) is a common overuse injury in active women. BSIs can be classified as high-risk (pelvis, sacrum, and femoral neck) or low-risk (tibia, fibula, and metatarsals). Risk factors for BSI include low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and poor bone health. Higher vertical load rates during running have been observed in women with a history of BSI.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to characterize factors associated with BSI in a population of premenopausal women, comparing those with a history of high-risk or low-risk BSI with those with no history of BSI. It was hypothesized that women with a history of high-risk BSI would be more likely to exhibit lower bone mineral density (BMD) and related factors and less favorable bone microarchitecture compared with women with a history of low-risk BSI. In contrast, women with a history of low-risk BSI would have higher load rates.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Enrolled were 15 women with a history of high-risk BSI, 15 with a history of low-risk BSI, and 15 with no history of BSI. BMD for the whole body, hip, and spine was standardized using z scores on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to quantify bone microarchitecture at the radius and distal tibia. Participants completed surveys characterizing factors that influence bone health—including sleep, menstrual history, and eating behaviors—utilizing the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Each participant completed a biomechanical assessment using an instrumented treadmill to measure load rates before and after a run to exertion.

Results:

Women with a history of high-risk BSI had lower spine z scores than those with low-risk BSI (–1.04 ± 0.76 vs –0.01 ± 1.15; P < .05). Women with a history of high-risk BSI, compared with low-risk BSI and no BSI, had the highest EDE-Q subscores for Shape Concern (1.46 ± 1.28 vs 0.76 ± 0.78 and 0.43 ± 0.43) and Eating Concern (0.55 ± 0.75 vs 0.16 ± 0.38 and 0.11 ± 0.21), as well as the greatest difference between minimum and maximum weight at current height (11.3 ± 5.4 vs 7.7 ± 2.9 and 7.6 ± 3.3 kg) ( P < .05 for all). Women with a history of high-risk BSI were more likely than those with no history of BSI to sleep <7 hours on average per night during the week (80% vs 33.3%; P < .05). The mean and instantaneous vertical load rates were not different between groups.

Conclusion:

Women with a history of high-risk BSI were more likely to exhibit risk factors for poor bone health, including lower BMD, while load rates did not distinguish women with a history of BSI.
Exploring Post-COVID-19 Functional Outcomes in Residents in Long-Term Care Homes in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Rajlic Gordana , Sorensen Janice M. , Mithani Akber
Published: May 2024

Research on functional outcomes in long-term care (LTC) home residents after COVID-19 infection is limited. In the current study, we examined outcomes in 1,310 LTC residents with a positive COVID-19 test in the period from March 2020 to April 2022 (“COVID” group). We also reviewed outcomes in residents in the same LTC homes without a history of COVID-19 during the same period (“No-COVID” group, n = 2,301). In a retrospective longitudinal design, we explored activities of daily living (ADLs), cognitive function, and clinical care needs over time. Change was assessed from the last assessment before contracting COVID-19 to three assessments subsequent to COVID-19, over on average seven months after infection. We found deterioration over time in ADLs and cognitive performance in both groups. The change in ADLs and clinical care needs was slightly greater in the COVID than the No-COVID group from baseline to the first follow-up assessment; in subsequent assessments, the change was similar in both groups. Overall, we observed similar functional outcomes among surviving residents in the two groups, with initially greater deterioration in ADLs and clinical care needs in residents with a history of COVID-19 followed by a trajectory resembling the one in the No-COVID residents.
Inactive and Quiescent? Immigrant Collective Action in Comparative Perspective, 1960 to 1995
Authors: Voss Kim , Lauterwasser Steven , Bloemraad Irene
Published: May 2024

Social movement mobilization by and on behalf of immigrants occurs frequently today, but sociologists have been slow to include immigrant collective action in the canon of social movement or immigration scholarship. Is this because, until recently, immigrant protest was minimal or limited in scope? The authors take a macro-comparative approach, recoding the Dynamics of Collective Action dataset to compare proimmigrant collective action with paradigmatic, well-studied movements from 1960 to 1995. The authors find that immigrant collective action was on par with iconic movements, mobilized similar numbers of people, occurred across the United States, engaged in disruptive action, and encompassed a wide range of origins, thus correcting possible misperceptions that immigrants did not engage in contentious action before the 1990s. The authors conclude by advocating for a population at risk focus for studying the emergence of collective action, decentering the borders of collective mobilization, and illuminating the vulnerabilities of legal status.
A step in time: A sequence analysis and choice modelling approach to examine time allocation in individual activities and the role of neighbourhood crime
Authors: Lu Ying , Keel Chloe , Wickes Rebecca , Reynald Danielle , Corcoran Jonathan
Published: May 2024

The Space-Time Budget (STB) method is used to collect spatial and temporal features of an individual’s activities and is an important technique to explore relationships between the environment and crime. This spatial and temporal approach to the study of everyday activity spaces reveals much about victimisation experiences, the relationship between place, time, and perceptions of safety, and where and when offending may occur. Few studies, however, consider the relationship between living in a criminogenic place (neighbourhood crime) and people’s daily activity patterns. Drawing on disaggregate app-based data for 50 participants tracked over a 7-day period, we use sequence analysis to first delineate time allocation to each activity on a minute-by-minute basis. Next, using result from the sequence analysis we introduce the multiple discrete-continuous extreme value (MDCEV) model to understand how neighbourhood crime and socio-demographic characteristics influence individuals’ time allocation to discrete daily activities. Results reveal that neighbourhood drug and violent incidents exert restrictions on an individual’s propensity to spend time outside the home. Females and older people appear more likely to be constrained by the presence of neighbourhood crime (in particular drug and property incidents) as they allocate less time to outdoor activities. The principal utility of the current study is its methodological advancement and the practical insights for urban planning regarding the design of crime prevention strategies to increase guardianship in public places.
Exploring future landscape changes for polycentric urbanization using cellular automata calibrated with radiation model
Authors: Ma Shifa , Zhang Dailuo , Zhao Yabo , Zhang Xiwen , Wu Lingling , Cai Yunnan
Published: May 2024

The use of cellular automata (CA) is essential for exploring future urban growth scenarios in spatial planning. However, modeling polycentric urbanization processes with CA is still challenging due to the presence of spatial spillover effects arising from spatial interactions between different regions. This study proposes a hybrid framework that addresses the spatial spillover effect that emerges from multi-centers by coupling a radiation model (RM) and Markov chain (MC) with CA to simulate polycentric urbanization processes. The simulation capabilities of the RM-MC-CA framework were evaluated and validated by simulating Guangzhou’s actual urban growth from 2000 to 2020, and the future urban growth scenarios of 2035 and 2050 were simulated with this coupled model. Results showed this framework provides a spatio-temporal diffusion process consistent with the cooperative mechanism of urbanization from monocentric to polycentric. In terms of simulation accuracy, the proposed RM-MC-CA framework demonstrated the most promising performance compared to MC-CA, GM-MC-CA, and PLUS. Compared to classical MC-CA, the framework improved the Kappa, FOM, and Precision metrics by 0.54%, 3.93%, and 2.38%, respectively. These results indicated that incorporating spatial spillover processes into a CA model can enhance its ability to simulate polycentric patterns that promote high-quality urban development.
Quantitative measurement of urban spatial vitality by integrating physical built environment and subjective perception dimensions
Authors: Liu Shaojun , Long Yi , Zhang Ling , Yang Jing , Dong Wenfei
Published: May 2024

Urban space vitality is a critical indicator for supporting rational urban spatial planning and updating and formulating sustainable development strategies. However, in many areas (e.g., aging urban areas), there is often a mismatch between the conditions of the physical built environment and its spatial attractiveness. Traditional methods based on physical space design theory often fail to accurately measure the spatial vitality of these areas. Street view images directly reflect the actual construction situation and effectively compensate for the lack of visual, subjective, perception dimension information. This study proposes a novel method that integrates objective and subjective dimensions to measure urban vitality, which is captured by incorporating spatial data of points of interest, building outlines, road networks, and street view images. Then, taking mobile phone signaling data as a source of ground truth validation, we choose Nanjing as a case study to demonstrate that our multidimensional fusion method exhibits higher explanatory power and better alignment with actual conditions by comparing it against single-dimensional methods. The results underscore the importance of integrating subjective and perceptual dimensions in measurements of urban vitality. We believe that the localized samples of the subjective perception survey will further enhance the accuracy and generalizability of this method in the future.
Co-designing municipal multimorbidity rehabilitation leveraging health literacy and social networks: Protocol for the CURIA study
Authors: Junge Tina , Pihl Gitte Thybo , Bak Carsten Kronborg , Skou Søren Thorgaard
Published: May 2024

Background

Managing multimorbidity poses significant challenges for individuals, their families, and society due to issues with health information comprehension, communication with healthcare providers, and navigating the healthcare system. These challenges emphasise the critical need to prioritize individual and organisational health literacy. Multimorbidity is associated with a lack of social support for health; however, social networks and community dynamics can enhance health literacy. The “Co-designing municipal rehabilitation” (CURIA) project targets enhancing individual and organisational health literacy, and social networks for individuals with multimorbidity, with the overall aim of addressing health inequity through a collaborative local co-design process involving stakeholders.

Methods

The CURIA study employs a mixed-method approach that initially explores the health literacy experiences of individuals with multimorbidity participating in rehabilitation programs in selected Danish municipalities and the practices of professionals overseeing these programs. The subsequent co-design process will comprise individuals with multimorbidity, their relatives, municipalities, general practitioners, civil society, and knowledge institutions working together. This iterative and collaborative process involves tailoring and aligning health literacy needs with responsiveness within the context of local healthcare systems and developing supportive social networks.

Discussion

Given the increasing burden of multimorbidity, there is an urgent need to develop evidence-based practice for multimorbidity rehabilitation practices, developed in collaboration with municipalities and civil society. Emphasising self-care support for individuals, managing complex rehabilitation needs, and involving individuals in intervention prioritisation and customisation are crucial aspects addressed by CURIA to enhance health literacy and align municipal rehabilitation with identified needs.
What Do Rural Special Education Teachers Say? Examining the Reported Needs and Recommendations for Retention
Authors: Horn Annemarie L. , Floyd Kimberly K. , Douglas Karen H. , Karadimou Olga , Bobzien Jonna L. , Layden Selena J.
Published: May 2024

Chronic special education teacher (SET) shortages are a national concern and particularly problematic in rural school districts. That is, rural districts face challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining qualified SETs. To understand the contributing factors related to retention and attrition, it is essential to gain insight from rural SETs first-hand. The purpose of this study was to listen to and learn from current and former rural SETs and gain insight on their needs and how they believe retention can be improved in geographically isolated areas. Including the voices of current rural SETs and those who chose to leave their position shed light on the benefits of being employed in rural areas while bringing attention to current issues that need to be addressed to improve SET retention. Using a qualitative descriptive research design, we analyzed open-ended survey responses from 185 U.S. participants. In all, a total of six themes and 11 subthemes emerged. Findings highlight the needs of rural SETs, and corresponding recommendations for administrators and school leaders in rural communities are offered.
Integration of selective sweeps across the sheep genome: understanding the relationship between production and adaptation traits
Authors: Fonseca Pablo A. S. , Suárez-Vega Aroa , Arranz Juan J. , Gutiérrez-Gil Beatriz
Published: May 2024

Background

Livestock populations are under constant selective pressure for higher productivity levels for different selective purposes. This pressure results in the selection of animals with unique adaptive and production traits. The study of genomic regions associated with these unique characteristics has the potential to improve biological knowledge regarding the adaptive process and how it is connected to production levels and resilience, which is the ability of an animal to adapt to stress or an imbalance in homeostasis. Sheep is a species that has been subjected to several natural and artificial selective pressures during its history, resulting in a highly specialized species for production and adaptation to challenging environments. Here, the data from multiple studies that aim at mapping selective sweeps across the sheep genome associated with production and adaptation traits were integrated to identify confirmed selective sweeps (CSS).

Results

In total, 37 studies were used to identify 518 CSS across the sheep genome, which were classified as production (147 prodCSS) and adaptation (219 adapCSS) CSS based on the frequency of each type of associated study. The genes within the CSS were associated with relevant biological processes for adaptation and production. For example, for adapCSS, the associated genes were related to the control of seasonality, circadian rhythm, and thermoregulation. On the other hand, genes associated with prodCSS were related to the control of feeding behaviour, reproduction, and cellular differentiation. In addition, genes harbouring both prodCSS and adapCSS showed an interesting association with lipid metabolism, suggesting a potential role of this process in the regulation of pleiotropic effects between these classes of traits.

Conclusions

The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic link between productivity and adaptability in sheep breeds. This information may provide insights into the genetic mechanisms that underlie undesirable genetic correlations between these two groups of traits and pave the way for a better understanding of resilience as a positive ability to respond to environmental stressors, where the negative effects on production level are minimized.
The first mitogenomic phylogenetic framework of Dorcus sensu lato (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), with an emphasis on generic taxonomy in Eastern Asia
Authors: Jafir Muhammad , Zhou Liyang , Chen Yongjing , Wan Xia
Published: May 2024

Background

Dorcus stag beetles in broad sense are one of the most diverse group in Lucanidae and important saproxylic insects playing a crucial role in nutrient recycling and forest biomonitoring. However, the dazzling morphological differentiations have caused numerous systematic confusion within the big genus, especially the puzzlingly generic taxonomy. So far, there is lack of molecular phylogenetic study to address the chaotic situation. In this study, we undertook mitochondrial genome sequencing of 42 representative species including 18 newly-sequenced ones from Eastern Asia and reconstructed the phylogenetic framework of stag beetles in Dorcus sensu lato for the first time.

Results

The mitogenome datasets of Dorcus species have indicated the variable mitogenomic lengths ranged from 15,785 to 19,813 bp. Each mitogenome contained 13 PCGs, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, and a control region, and all PCGs were under strong purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1). Notably, we have identified the presence of a substantial intergenic spacer (IGS) between the trnAser (UCN) and NAD1 genes, with varying lengths ranging from 129 bp (in D. hansi) to 158 bp (in D. tityus). The mitogenomic phylogenetic analysis of 42 species showed that Eastern Asia Dorcus was monophyletic, and divided into eight clades with significant genetic distance. Four of them, Clade VIII, VII, VI and I are clustered by the representative species of Serrognathus Motschulsky, Kirchnerius Schenk, Falcicornis Séguy and Dorcus s.s. respectively, which supported their fully generic positions as the previous morphological study presented. The topology also showed the remaining clades were distinctly separated from the species of Dorcus sensu lato, which implied that each of them might demonstrate independent generic status. The Linnaeus nomenclatures were suggested as Eurydorcus Didier stat. res., Eurytrachellelus Didier stat. res., Hemisodorcus Thomson stat. res. and Velutinodorcus Maes stat. res. For Clade V, IV, III and II respectively.

Conclusion

This study recognized the monophyly of Dorcus stag beetles and provided a framework for the molecular phylogeny of this group for the first time. The newly generated mitogenomic data serves as a valuable resource for future investigations on lucanid beetles. The generic relationship would facilitate the systematics of Dorcus stag beetles and thus be useful for exploring their evolutionary, ecological, and conservation aspects.
Integrative analysis of Iso-Seq and RNA-seq data reveals transcriptome complexity and differential isoform in skin tissues of different hair length Yak
Authors: Zhou Xuelan , Wu Xiaoyun , Pei Chengfang , He Meilan , Chu Min , Guo Xian , Liang Chunnian , Bao Pengjia , Yan Ping
Published: May 2024

Background

The hair follicle development process is regulated by sophisticated genes and signaling networks, and the hair grows from the hair follicle. The Tianzhu white yak population exhibits differences in hair length, especially on the forehead and shoulder region. However, the genetic mechanism is still unclear. Isoform sequencing (Iso-seq) technology with advantages in long reads sequencing. Hence, we combined the Iso-seq and RNA-seq methods to investigate the transcript complexity and difference between long-haired yak (LHY) and normal-haired yak (NHY).

Results

The hair length measurement result showed a significant difference between LHY and NHY on the forehead and the shoulder (P-value < 0.001). The skin samples from the forehead and the shoulder of LHY and NHY were pooled for isoform sequencing (Iso-seq). We obtained numerous long transcripts, including novel isoforms, long non-coding RNA, alternative splicing events, and alternative polyadenylation events. Combined with RNA-seq data, we performed differential isoforms (DEIs) analysis between LHY and NHY. We found that some hair follicle and skin development-related DEIs, like BMP4, KRT2, IGF2R, and COL1A2 in the forehead skin; BMP1, KRT1, FGF5, COL2A1, and IGFBP5 in the shoulder skin. Enrichment analysis revealed that DEIs in both two comparable groups significantly participated in skin and hair follicle development-related pathways, like ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. The results indicated that the hair follicle development of Tianzhu white yak may influence the hair length difference. Besides, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEIs showed COL2A1 and COL3A1 exhibited a high degree of centrality, and these two genes were suggested as potential candidates for the hair length growth of Tianzhu white yak.

Conclusions

The results provided a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome complexity and identified differential transcripts that enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the variation in hair length growth in Tianzhu white yak.
Ac2-26 activated the AKT1/GSK3β pathway to reduce cerebral neurons pyroptosis and improve cerebral function in rats after cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Ju Ying-nan , Zou Zi-wei , Jia Bao-wei , Liu Zi-ying , Sun Xi-kun , Qiu Lin , Gao Wei
Published: May 2024

Background

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) results in brain injury, which is primarily caused by inflammation. Ac2-26 protects against ischemic or hemorrhage brain injury. The present study was to explore the effect and mechanism of Ac2-26 on brain injury in CPB rats.

Methods

Forty-eight rats were randomized into sham, CPB, Ac, Ac/AKT1, Ac/GSK3βi and Ac/AKT1/GSK3βa groups. Rats in sham group only received anesthesia and in the other groups received standard CPB surgery. Rats in the sham and CPB groups received saline, and rats in the Ac, Ac/AKT1, Ac/GSK3βi and Ac/AKT1/GSK3βa groups received Ac2-26 immediately after CPB. Rats in the Ac/AKT1, Ac/GSK3βi and Ac/AKT1/GSK3βa groups were injected with shRNA, inhibitor and agonist of GSK3β respectively. The neurological function score, brain edema and histological score were evaluated. The neuronal survival and hippocampal pyroptosis were assessed. The cytokines, activity of NF-κB, S100 calcium-binding protein β(S100β) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and oxidative were tested. The NLRP3, cleaved-caspase-1 and cleaved-gadermin D (GSDMD) in the brain were also detected.

Results

Compared to the sham group, all indicators were aggravated in rats that underwent CPB. Compared to the CPB group, Ac2-26 significantly improved neurological scores and brain edema and ameliorated pathological injury. Ac2-26 reduced the local and systemic inflammation, oxidative stress response and promoted neuronal survival. Ac2-26 reduced hippocampal pyroptosis and decreased pyroptotic proteins in brain tissue. The protection of Ac2-26 was notably lessened by shRNA and inhibitor of GSK3β. The agonist of GSK3β recovered the protection of Ac2-26 in presence of shRNA.

Conclusions

Ac2-26 significantly improved neurological function, reduced brain injury via regulating inflammation, oxidative stress response and pyroptosis after CPB. The protective effect of Ac2-26 primarily depended on AKT1/ GSK3β pathway.
Using a general practice research database to assess the spatio-temporal COVID-19 risk
Authors: Petrof Oana , Neyens Thomas , Vaes Bert , Janssens Arne , Faes Christel
Published: May 2024

Background

In Flanders, general practitioners (GPs) were among the first ones to collect data regarding COVID-19 cases. Intego is a GPs’ morbidity registry in primary care with data collected from the electronic medical records from a sample of general practices. The Intego database contain elaborate information regarding patient characteristics, such as comorbidities. At the national level, the Belgian Public Health Institute (Sciensano) recorded all test-confirmed COVID-19 cases, but without other patient characteristics.

Methods

Spatio and spatio-temporal analyses were used to analyse the spread of COVID-19 incidence at two levels of spatial aggregation: the municipality and the health sector levels. Our study goal was to compare spatio-temporal modelling results based on the Intego and Sciensano data, in order to see whether the Intego database is capable of detecting epidemiological trends similar to those in the Sciensano data. Comparable results would allow researchers to use these Intego data, and their wealth of patient information, to model COVID-19-related processes.

Results

The two data sources provided comparable results. Being a male decreased the odds of having COVID-19 disease. The odds for the age categories (17,35], (35,65] and (65,110] of being a confirmed COVID-19 case were significantly higher than the odds for the age category [0,17]. In the Intego data, having one of the following comorbidities, i.e., chronic kidney disease, heart and vascular disease, and diabetes, was significantly associated with being a COVID-19 case, increasing the odds of being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Conclusion

We were able to show how an alternative data source, the Intego data, can be used in a pandemic situation. We consider our findings useful for public health officials who plan intervention strategies aimed at monitor and control disease outbreaks such as that of COVID-19.
Knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women of reproductive age in Ghana
Authors: Mohammed Hidaya , Kebir Martha Suntah , Obiribea Comfort , Essuman Mainprice Akuoko , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant health challenge affecting many people including those from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Even though HIV can be transmitted through various means, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains the major route of transmission in children under the age of five. This study examined the correlates of knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among reproductive-age women in Ghana.

Methods

Data for this study were obtained from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. The sample consisted of 9,106 women aged 15 to 49 years. We conducted both descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine the prevalence and factors associated with knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy. The results were presented using frequencies, percentages, and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Approximately, 69.41% of women of reproductive age knew of HIV transmission during pregnancy. Women who had two (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.01, 1.72]) or three (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.07, 1.76]) births were more knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy. Women who read the newspaper (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.31, 1.86]), listened to the radio (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.05, 1.45]), lived in rural areas (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.09, 1.54]) or ever been tested for HIV (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.05, 1.37]) were more likely to be knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy than their counterparts in the reference categories. Compared to those in the Western Region, women in the Upper East (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI [0.32, 0.63]), Upper West (aOR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.35, 0.85]), Ashanti (aOR = 0.75, 95% CI [0.58, 0.97]) and Greater Accra Regions (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI [0.56, 0.98]) were less knowledgeable of HIV transmission during pregnancy.

Conclusions

The study highlights a gap in the knowledge of HIV transmission during pregnancy among women in Ghana. Continuous public education is required to educate women on HIV transmission from mothers to their children during pregnancy and how this may be interrupted. Such programs should involve the use of the media and take into consideration the demographic and geographic characteristics highlighted as determinants in this study. This will ultimately contribute to the reduction of MTCT of HIV in Ghana.
Trends and predictors of changes in renal function after radical nephrectomy for renal tumours
Authors: Yan Yongchao , Liu Yunbo , Li Bin , Xu Shang , Du Haotian , Wang Xinning , Li Yanjiang
Published: May 2024

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common postoperative complication in patients who undergo radical nephrectomy for renal tumours. However, the factors influencing long-term renal function require further investigation.

Objective

This study was designed to investigate the trends in renal function changes and risk factors for renal function deterioration in renal tumour patients after radical nephrectomy.

Methods

We monitored changes in renal function before and after surgery for 3 years. The progression of renal function was determined by the progression and degradation of CKD stages. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the causes of renal function progression.

Results

We analysed the data of 329 patients with renal tumours who underwent radical nephrectomies between January 2013 and December 2018. In this study, 43.7% of patients had postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), and 48.3% had CKD at advanced stages. Further research revealed that patients’ renal function stabilized 3 months after surgery. Additionally, renal function changes during these 3 months have a substantial impact on the progression of long-term renal function changes in patients.

Conclusion

AKI may be an indicator of short-term postoperative changes in renal function. Renal function tests should be performed in patients with AKI after radical nephrectomy to monitor the progression of functional impairment, particularly within the first 3 months after radical nephrectomy.
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and NF-kB pathways are promoted by a mutant form of DDB2, unable to bind PCNA, in UV-damaged human cells
Authors: Perucca Paola , Bassi Elisabetta , Vetro Martina , Tricarico Anna , Prosperi Ennio , Stivala Lucia Anna , Cazzalini Ornella
Published: May 2024

Background

DNA-Damaged Binding protein 2 (DDB2) is a protein involved in the early step of Nucleotide Excision Repair. Recently, it has been reported that DDB2 is involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), key process in tumour invasiveness and metastasis formation. However, its role is not completely known.

Methods

Boyden chamber and cell adhesion assays, and ICELLigence analysis were performed to detect HEK293 adhesion and invasion. Western blotting and gelatine zymography techniques were employed to assess the EMT protein levels and MMP enzymatic activity. Immunofluorescence analysis and pull-down assays facilitated the detection of NF-kB sub-cellular localization and interaction.

Results

We have previously demonstrated that the loss of DDB2-PCNA binding favours genome instability, and increases cell proliferation and motility. Here, we have investigated the phenotypic and molecular EMT-like changes after UV DNA damage, in HEK293 clones stably expressing DDB2Wt protein or a mutant form unable to interact with PCNA (DDB2PCNA−), as well as in HeLa cells transiently expressing the same DDB2 constructs. Cells expressing DDB2PCNA− showed morphological modifications along with a reduced expression of E-cadherin, an increased activity of MMP-9 and an improved ability to migrate, in concomitance with a significant upregulation of EMT-associated Transcription Factors (TFs), whose expression has been reported to favour tumour invasion. We observed a higher expression of c-Myc oncogene, NF-kB, both regulating cell proliferation and metastatic process, as well as ZEB1, a TF significantly associated with tumorigenic potential and cell migratory ability. Interestingly, a novel interaction of DDB2 with NF-kB was detected and found to be increased in cells expressing the DDB2PCNA−, suggesting a direct modulation of NF-kB by DDB2.

Conclusion

These results highlight the role of DDB2-PCNA interaction in counteracting EMT since DDB2PCNA− protein induces in HEK293 transformed cells a gain of function contributing to the acquisition of a more aggressive phenotype.
Association among abnormal glycolipids, reproductive hormones, and cognitive dysfunction in female patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Zou Tianxiang , Yang Min , Chen Zhuohui , Xie Haiqing , Huang Jing , Qin Yue , Liu Furu , Chen Haiyu , Xu Xuelei , Chen Jindong , Tang Hui , Xiang Hui , Wu Haishan , Liu MingHui , Luo Wenbo , Liu Jieyu , Teng Ziwei
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) show abnormalities in glucolipid metabolism and reproductive hormone levels, which are of concern in women with BD. This study was dedicated to investigating the glucolipid and reproductive hormone levels of female patients, and to preliminarily investigating their relationships with cognition.

Methods

A total of 58 unmedicated female BD patients, 61 stable-medicated female BD patients, and 63 healthy controls (HC) were recruited in this study. Serum glycolipid indexes and reproductive hormones were measured. Cognitive function was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Stroop Color-Word Test (Stroop test).

Results

Patients with BD showed significant cognitive impairment (p < 0.05), which was not affected by medication. Triglycerides (TG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were altered in stable-medicated BD patients. In addition, regression analysis showed that progesterone (PRGE) and prolactin (PRL) were negatively associated with cognitive performance in stable-medicated BD patients.

Conclusions

Female BD patients may have cognitive deficits and abnormal levels of glycolipids and reproductive hormones. And abnormal levels of glycolipids and reproductive hormones may be associated with cognitive dysfunction in female BD patients.
The relationship between oxidative balance scores and chronic diarrhea and constipation: a population-based study
Authors: Hu Jiayan , Zou Hede , Qiao Xiyun , Wang Yuxi , Lv Mi , Zhang Kunli , Wang Fengyun
Published: May 2024

Background

Oxidative stress is closely related to gut health. Exposures to oxidative stress in one’s diet and lifestyle can be evaluated by the oxidative balance score (OBS). However, the relationship between OBS and intestinal habits is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between OBS and intestinal habits (chronic diarrhea and chronic constipation) and the underlying mechanisms involved.

Methods

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2005 to 2010, we included a total of 8065 participants. Twenty dietary and lifestyle factors were selected for the OBS calculates. Chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea were defined using the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS) types 1 and 2 and the BSFS 6 and 7, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between OBS and defecation habits. Finally, we used mediation analysis to explore the indirect effects of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers on these associations.

Results

After adjusting for all the covariates, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that OBS was negatively correlated with diarrhea (OR = 0.57; 95%CI = 0.39–0.83; P = 0.008)and positively correlated with constipation (OR = 1.75; 95%CI = 1.19–2.25; P = 0.008). The RCS showed a nonlinear relationship between OBS and diarrhea (P for nonlinearity = 0.02) and a linear relationship between OBS and constipation (P for nonlinearity = 0.19). Mediation analysis showed that the C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and white blood cell (WBC) count mediated the correlation between OBS and diarrhea by 6.28% and 6.53%, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

OBS is closely related to changes in patients' defecation habits. Oxidative stress and inflammation may play a role in the relationship between the two. This result emphasizes the importance of the public adjusting their lifestyle and dietary habits according to their own situation. However, further prospective studies are needed to analyze the relationship between oxidative stress and changes in defecation habits.
Effects of electronic screen exposure time on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tang Shaidi , Liu Yun , Gu Ying , Yang Qianqian , Wang Qian
Published: May 2024

Background

We previously conducted a case-control study and found that exposure to electronic screen before nocturnal sleep was associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP). Hence, we carried out this cohort study aiming to identify the effects of screen exposure time on the incidence rate and severity of HDP.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2022 and July 2022 from three hospitals in Wuxi and Changzhou cities. A total of 732 women were recruited and the information included socio-demographic characteristics, screen exposure and outcomes. Generalized estimating equations and binary non-conditional logistic models were applied to multivariate analysis, calculating the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of screen exposure time.

Results

The duration order of total screen time was smartphone > computer > television, while the duration order of screen time before nocturnal sleep was smartphone > television > computer. Multivariate analyses showed that the susceptibility of HDP among women who exposed to television before nocturnal sleep was 81.5% percent higher than those not exposed (P = 0.018, OR[95%CI] = 1.815[1.106–2.981]). In addition, total daily exposure time of television in the third trimester of pregnancy significantly increased the severity of HDP (P = 0.021, OR[95%CI] = 3.641[1.213–10.927]).

Conclusions

Based on this preliminary study, we would suggest that pregnant women do not watch television before nocturnal sleep. While in the third trimester of pregnancy, total exposure time of television should be limited. Investigations from other areas and experimental studies should be conducted to verify the conclusion.
The 8th AJCC classification is inferior to a new neck stage based on intraparotid lymph node in parotid gland cancer
Authors: Han Xiaoxue , Yang Changyu , Tan Xuexin , Li Yuexiao
Published: May 2024

Background

Lymph node (LN) status is an important prognostic factor for parotid gland cancer (PGC). This study aimed to analyze the impact of extranodal extension (ENE) of intraparotid LN and LN metastasis burden on survival in PGC.

Methods

Patients with surgically treated PGC and at least one metastatic cervical LN were retrospectively enrolled. Primary outcome variables were distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS). The impact of ENE and LN metastasis burden was assessed using the Cox model.

Results

A total of 292 patients were included. ENE in cervical or intraparotid LN was not associated with DMFS, DSS, or OS. Intraparotid LN metastasis had a significant impact on prognosis, and the presence of only one metastatic intraparotid LN offered an approximately 1.5-fold risk of distant metastasis. Prognostic models based on the number of positive LNs (1 vs. 2–3 vs. 4+) were superior to the AJCC N stage in terms of DMFS, DSS, and OS.

Conclusions

ENE of cervical or intraparotid LN has a limited effect on the prognosis of PGC, and the number of positive LNs is better than the AJCC N stage in LN status evaluation.
The quality of life and work productivity are affected by the presence of nausea/vomiting in patients taking iron preparations for heavy menstrual bleeding or anemia: a population-based cross-sectional survey in Japan
Authors: Ito Kyoko , Mitobe Yuko , Inoue Ryo , Momoeda Mikio
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients with iron deficiency anemia are treated with iron preparations, but gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting occur frequently. These symptoms may negatively affect the quality of life and work productivity in patients with iron deficiency anemia. This study assessed the impact of nausea and vomiting on the quality of life and work productivity of patients taking iron preparations for heavy menstrual bleeding or anemia.

Methods

An online survey was conducted among patients taking iron preparations for heavy menstrual bleeding or anemia. Demographic data and information about medication use and the health condition were collected. The patients were asked to answer the 5-level EQ-5D version, and work productivity and activity impairment questionnaires. The outcomes were reported by patients in the presences of nausea, vomiting, and nausea or vomiting. The association with the 5-level EQ-5D version utility score for the severity and frequency of the symptoms were also assessed.

Results

A total of 385 patients were enrolled, and 96 were patients with nausea or vomiting, of which 94 were with nausea and 27 were with vomiting. The 5-level EQ-5D version utility scores for the patients with nausea, vomiting, and nausea or vomiting were significantly lower than those of the patients without these symptoms (p < 0.001 for each). The 5-level EQ-5D version utility score was correlated with the severity of nausea and the frequency of vomiting per day (p < 0.001 for each). As for the work productivity and activity impairment, the presenteeism, the overall work impairment, and the activity impairment of the patients with nausea, vomiting, and nausea or vomiting were significantly higher than those without these symptoms (p < 0.001 for each). The absenteeism was slightly higher trend was observed, but not significant.

Conclusion

Patients taking iron preparations who have nausea or vomiting experience a significant burden in terms of poorer quality of life and higher work productivity impairment.

Trial registration

UMIN000045700 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/). Registered on October 11, 2021.
Cardiac organoids do not warrant additional moral scrutiny
Authors: Simons Jannieke N , van der Graaf Rieke , van Delden Johannes JM
Published: May 2024

Certain organoid subtypes are particularly sensitive. We explore whether moral intuitions about the heartbeat warrant unique moral consideration for newly advanced contracting cardiac organoids. Despite the heartbeat’s moral significance in organ procurement and abortion discussions, we argue that this significance should not translate into moral implications for cardiac organoids.
Effect of authentic leadership and mindfulness educational program on nursing managers' competencies: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Shurab Warda Mohammed Elsayed , Ibrahim Sanaa Abd Elazim , Abdelaalem Marwa Mohamed , Gabal Samar Atiya Abosaleh , Abdelhady Takwa Rashwan Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Background

Authentic leadership is an emerging perspective in leadership that focuses on leaders' values and beliefs. while the mindfulness perspective permits nurse managers to be fully present, aware of themselves and their impact on others, and aware of their reactions in stressful situations. so, authentic leadership and mindfulness if combined create nurse managers who have clearer, more focused thinking, and a growth mindset that help subordinates improve and grow. as well as mindfulness-based interventions help them to improve interpersonal relationships with patients and colleagues, and to take better care of themselves and others.

Aim

The present study aims to; explore the effect of authentic leadership and mindfulness educational program on nursing managers' competencies in hospital.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design (Quantitative pre-, post-, and follow-up design) was used to conduct the study at Shirbeen General Hospital, Egypt. The study subjects consist of a purposive sample of 70 nurse managers and 226 nurses. Three tools used for data collection consisted of; the authentic leadership questionnaire, the five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the managerial competencies of Nurse Managers. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, Qualitative categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. A significant level value was considered when the p-value ≤ 0.05, and Cohen's d was used to measure the effect size which indicated there was a large effect of educational program on post and follow-up knowledge, authentic leadership, mindfulness, and managerial competencies scores.

Results

The current study revealed that there were significant differences between nurse managers’ knowledge, authentic leadership, mindfulness, and managerial competencies (P = 0.001) pre-, post-, and after 3 months of the program. As determined by Cohen’s d test, there was a large effect of educational program on post and follow-up knowledge, authentic leadership, mindfulness, and managerial competencies scores.

Conclusion

The educational program about authentic leadership and mindfulness had a positive effect on nurse managers’ managerial competencies.

Trial registration number (TRN)

The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Egypt (code number: NUR 13/3/2022–11).
Effectiveness of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance programme: the Rehab2Life study protocol
Authors: Silva Liliana , Maricoto Tiago , Mota Ângela , Lemos Lara , Santos Mariana , Cunha Hélder , Azevedo Inês , Berger-Estilita Joana , Costa Patrício , Padilha José Miguel
Published: May 2024

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is the bedrock of non-pharmacological treatment for people with COPD. Nonetheless, it is well described in the literature that unless the patient changes his behaviour, the benefits of PR programmes will decline in six to twelve months after finishing the programme. Therefore, maintenance programmes can address the problem of PR programmes’ effect loss over time.

Community care units can provide multidisciplinary care in the current Portuguese primary health care context. These units have an interdisciplinary team that aims to develop competencies in COPD patients to self-manage the disease.

This study aims to test the effectiveness of a 12-month home-based PR programme (Rehab2Life) compared to usual care through a single-blind randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups. The Rehab2Life programme includes two distinct phases. The first is an 8-week PR programme delivered to both groups, and the second is a PR maintenance programme delivered to the intervention group after the initial eight weeks. The control group receive the usual care and regular appointments. The primary outcome is functional capacity, and secondary outcomes are dyspnea, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), number of exacerbations, symptoms burden, anxiety and depression symptoms, and physical activity.

We expect to observe that the home-based PR programme brings clinically relevant benefits to the participants at the end of the first eight weeks and that, at 12 months after the maintenance phase of the programme, benefits are less dissipated than in the control group. We expect to identify the characteristics of the patients who benefit the most from home-based programmes.

The trial was registered on 7 April 2022 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05315505).