bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sense of coherence and health in women: a 25-year follow-up study
Authors: Bladh Marie , Sydsjö Gunilla , Ekselius Lisa , Vingård Eva , Agnafors Sara
Published: December 2023

Background

Health and Sense of Coherence (SOC) has been shown to be intertwined and argued to have a reciprocal relationship. The theory of SOC implies relatively stable scores during adulthood, however there are few longitudinal studies on the association between SOC and mental and somatic health. The main aim of the present study was to examine how SOC and self-rated health (SRH) are related during 25 years of follow-up.

Methods

Using paper questionnaires distributed by postal services, 415 mothers were followed from childbirth and 25 years prospectively. SOC was measured at three, 12 and 25 years after inclusion. Self-reports on health status were obtained at the 25-year follow-up. The association between SOC and self-reported health as well as the effect of sociodemographic factors and experience of stressful life events was assessed through regression models.

Results

SOC scores increased between three and 12 years after inclusion, and slightly decreased at the 25-year follow-up. Women of good health had a higher SOC-score at all three measurements compared to women of poor health. Multiple logistic regression showed that the likelihood of reporting good health increased with the number of times the women had reported SOC-scores above the 75th percentile. Moreover, women who had not been through a divorce were close to 60% more likely to report good health compared to women who had been through a divorce, whereas women not reporting stressful life events during the past two years were more than twice as likely to report good health. Symptoms below cut-off for postpartum depression and not having been through a divorce were associated with SOC scores above the 75th percentile.

Conclusion

This 25-year follow-up study of a cohort of women reports good stability of SOC assessments in the vast majority of women. There was a stronger and more stable SOC in women with better health. The findings are in line with other studies on the predictive value of SOC and self-perceived health.
Perspective of adults in Saudi Arabia toward complementary and alternative medicine use for autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khalifa Ghaidaa F. , Alzubaidi Bakriah Y. , Bamarouf Dina A. , Alsaedi Yazeed B. , Alayyafi Omar H. , Ramadan Majed M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a high-prevalence neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communicational, social, and behavioral challenges. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of practices and products that fall outside the realm of conventional medicine practiced worldwide. Traditional CAM is a health practice that comes from a particular culture, such as the use of Zamzam water and black seeds in Saudi Arabia. CAM comprises widely utilized practices in Saudi Arabia for children of various ages and adults. In many cases, CAM is used to treat ASD. The aim of this study is to investigate the perspectives of adults in Saudi Arabia toward CAM for treating ASD.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing an online questionnaire to adults in different regions of Saudi Arabia.

Results

A total of 4,311 adults participated in this study; 66.8% were females and 33.2% were male. Half of the participants reported that they knew about ASD (54.7%). More than half of the participants indicated that CAM—including art therapy (69.0%), physical exercise (67.0%), and limiting the use of electronic (55.4%)—could help in ASD management. Around half of the respondents indicated a belief that traditional treatment cannot help in treating ASD (53.9%). Only 20.0% of the respondents thought that ASD could be entirely treated using CAM therapies. The most common source of knowledge about CAM was social media and the internet (58.6%).

Conclusions

The majority of participants in this study did not believe that ASD could be treated entirely using CAM. In addition, fewer than half of the participants believed that CAM therapies could improve different aspects of ASD, such as behavioral issues. The study highlighted the need for awareness among residents of Saudi Arabia regarding specific treatments for ASD.
A comparative analysis of complementary therapies use among patients attending diabetic clinics in Taiwan: 2007 vs. 2023
Authors: Chang Hsiao-Yun , Huang Yu-Yao , Chung Chin-Jung , Liu Feng-Hsuan
Published: December 2023

Background

We conducted a comparative study to examine the differences in the use of complementary therapies (CT) among patients who attended diabetic clinics for follow-up treatment between 2007 and 2023 in Taiwan.

Methods

This study employed a cross-sectional survey design to recruit individuals with diabetes from two regions (northern and southern) of Taiwan. A total of 183 and 307 participants were included in the surveys of 2007 and 2023, respectively. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 28.0 to compare the survey results between the two time periods.

Results

Among the various CTs, nutritional supplements remained the most prevalent, with a significant increase in usage from 68.3% in 2007 to 89.9% in 2023. Conversely, other therapies, such as Chinese herbal medicines, manipulative-based therapies, supernatural healings, and bioelectromagnetic-based therapies, demonstrated a significant decrease in usage between the two time periods. Furthermore, the disclosure rate of CT use to healthcare professionals remained persistently low, with only 24.6% in 2007 and a slight increase to 30.3% in 2023.

Conclusion

The significant rise in the use of nutritional supplements in conjunction with conventional medicine, without adequate monitoring and guidance from healthcare professionals, poses a substantial risk of unregulated blood sugar control, compromised diabetes management, and potential harm to health outcomes.
Tom70-regulated mitochondrial biogenesis via TFAM improves hypoxia-induced dysfunction of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells and alleviates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ma Lei , Wang Yanxia , Li Xiaoqian , Wang Zefang , Zhang Bo , Luo Ying , Wu Yousheng , Li Zhichao , Niu Wen
Published: December 2023

Background

Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a common type of pulmonary hypertension and characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling and constriction. A large number of studies have shown that pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (PVECs) dysfunction plays an important role in the initiation and development stages of HPH, but the mechanism of PVECs dysfunction after hypoxia remains unclear. In this study, we explored the exact mechanism of PVECs dysfunction after hypoxia.

Methods

In vitro, we used primary cultured PVECs hypoxia model to mimic HPH injury. We detected the expressions of mitochondrial biogenesis markers, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) level inside mitochondria, mitochondrial quantity and function, and the components expressions of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane (TOM) at 24 h after hypoxia. To explore the effects of Tom70 on mitochondrial biogenesis and functions of PVECs after hypoxia, Tom70 overexpression adenovirus was constructed, and the expressions of mitochondrial biogenesis markers, TFAM level inside mitochondria, mitochondrial quantity and function, and the functions of PVECs were detected. And in vivo, we used cre-dependent overexpression adenovirus of Tom70 in the Cdh5-CreERT2 mouse model of HPH to verify the role of upregulating PVECs Tom70 in improving HPH.

Results

Hypoxia obviously increased the expressions of mitochondrial biogenesis markers for PGC-1α, NRF-1 and TFAM, but reduced the content of TFAM in mitochondria and the quantity and functions of mitochondria. In addition, only Tom70 expression among the TOM components was significantly decreased after hypoxia, and up-regulation of Tom70 significantly increased the content of TFAM in mitochondria of PVECs by transporting TFAM into mitochondria after hypoxia, enhanced the quantity and functions of mitochondria, improved the functions of PVECs, and ultimately alleviated HPH.

Conclusion

The findings of present study demonstrated that hypoxia induced the decreased expression of Tom70 in PVECs, reduced the mitochondrial biogenesis-associated TFAM protein transporting into mitochondria, inhibited mitochondrial biogenesis, caused PVECs injury, and prompted the formation of HPH. However, up-regulation of Tom70 abolished the hypoxia-induced injurious effects on PVECs and alleviated HPH.
Factors associated with mental health of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands
Authors: Krijnen L. J. G. , van Eldik W. M. , Mooren T. T. M. , van Rooijen B. , Boelen P. A. , van Baar A. L. , Spuij M. , Verhoeven M. , Egberts M. R.
Published: December 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying societal measures have impacted children and their families all over the world. Little is known about the factors associated with mental health outcomes in young children (i.e., 1 to 6 years old) during the pandemic. The current study aimed to examine associations with potential risk and protective factors, i.e., direct COVID-19 exposure factors as well as within-family characteristics.

Methods

Caregivers of children aged 1–6 years old were recruited in the Netherlands to participate in an ongoing longitudinal research project. In the current study, baseline data—collected during the 1st year of the pandemic—are reported. The final sample consisted of 2762 caregivers who answered questionnaires assessing negative and positive dimensions of their children’s mental health (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms, anger, sleep problems, positive affect, and self-regulation). Furthermore, caregivers provided information regarding: (1) Direct COVID-19 related factors, i.e., parental infection and death of a family member or close friend due to COVID-19, (2) Family related COVID-19 factors, i.e., parental perceived impact of the pandemic and COVID-19 related parent–child emotion regulation strategies (i.e., active, avoidant and information-focused strategies), (3) General caregiver’s distress, i.e., parental mental health, parental feelings of rejection towards their child. Regression analyses were used to examine associations with children’s mental health.

Results

Direct COVID-19 related factors were not associated with more mental health problems in the children, though parental COVID-19 infections were related with less anger in children. Family related COVID-19 factors and caregiver’s distress were related with children’s mental health. Higher parental perceived negative impact of the pandemic, lower parental perceived positive impact of the pandemic, more avoidant as well as more active and information-focused parent–child emotion regulation strategies, more caregiver’s mental health problems and more parental feelings of rejection towards their child were related with more mental health problems in the child.

Conclusion

Direct exposure to COVID-19 was not related with more mental health problems in the child. Family related COVID-19 factors and caregiver’s distress appear to play a more important role for young children’s mental health. Findings may inform prevention and intervention programs for potential future global crises as well as other stressful events.
Catalytic hydrolysis of agar using magnetic nanoparticles: optimization and characterization
Authors: Maharjan Anoth , Choi Wonho , Kim Hee Taek , Park Jung-Ho
Published: December 2023

Background

Agar is used as a gelling agent that possesses a variety of biological properties; it consists of the polysaccharides agarose and porphyrin. In addition, the monomeric sugars generated after agar hydrolysis can be functionalized for use in biorefineries and biofuel production. The main objective of this study was to develop a sustainable agar hydrolysis process for bioethanol production using nanotechnology. Peroxidase-mimicking Fe3O4-MNPs were applied for agar degradation to generate agar hydrolysate-soluble fractions amenable to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli during fermentation.

Results

Fe3O4-MNP-treated (Fe3O4-MNPs, 1 g/L) agar exhibited 0.903 g/L of reducing sugar, which was 21-fold higher than that of the control (without Fe3O4-MNP-treated). Approximately 0.0181% and 0.0042% of ethanol from 1% of agar was achieved using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli, respectively, after process optimization. Furthermore, different analytical techniques (FTIR, SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, and TGA) were applied to validate the efficiency of Fe3O4-MNPs in agar degradation.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, Fe3O4-MNP-treated agar degradation for bioethanol production through process optimization is a simpler, easier, and novel method for commercialization.
ZEB1 hypermethylation is associated with better prognosis in patients with colon cancer
Authors: Fernandez-De-Los-Reyes Irene , Gomez-Dorronsoro Marisa , Monreal-Santesteban Iñaki , Fernandez-Fernandez Agustín , Fraga Mario , Azcue Pablo , Alonso Laura , Fernandez-Marlasca Beatriz , Suarez Javier , Cordoba-Iturriagagoitia Alicia , Guerrero-Setas David
Published: December 2023

Background

Colon cancer (CC) is a heterogeneous disease that is categorized into four Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMS) according to gene expression. Patients with loco-regional CC (stages II/III) lack prognostic factors, making it essential to analyze new molecular markers that can delineate more aggressive tumors. Aberrant methylation of genes that are essential in crucial mechanisms such as epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to tumor progression in CC. We evaluate the presence of hyper- and hypomethylation in subrogate IHC markers used for CMS classification (CDX2, FRMD6, HTR2B, ZEB1) of 144 stage II/III patients and CC cell lines by pyrosequencing. ZEB1 expression was also studied in control and shRNA-silenced CC cell lines and in paired normal tissue/tumors by quantitative PCR. The pattern of ZEB1 staining was also analyzed in methylated/unmethylated tumors by immunohistochemistry.

Results

We describe for the first time the hypermethylation of ZEB1 gene and the hypomethylation of the FRMD6 gene in 32.6% and 50.9% of tumors, respectively. Additionally, we confirm the ZEB1 re-expression by epigenetic drugs in methylated cell lines. ZEB1 hypermethylation was more frequent in CMS1 patients and, more importantly, was a good prognostic factor related to disease-free survival (p = 0.015) and overall survival (p = 0.006) in our patient series, independently of other significant clinical parameters such as patient age, stage, lymph node involvement, and blood vessel and perineural invasion.

Conclusions

Aberrant methylation is present in the subrogate genes used for CMS classification. Our results are the first evidence that ZEB1 is hypermethylated in CC and that this alteration is an independent factor of good prognosis.
Long-term exposure to food-grade disinfectants causes cross-resistance to antibiotics in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains with different antibiograms and sequence types
Authors: Wu-Chen Ricardo A. , Feng Jinsong , Elhadidy Mohamed , Nambiar Reshma B. , Liao Xinyu , Yue Min , Ding Tian
Published: December 2023

Background

Disinfectants are important in the food industry to prevent the transmission of pathogens. Excessive use of disinfectants may increase the probability of bacteria experiencing long-term exposure and consequently resistance and cross-resistance to antibiotics. This study aims to investigate the cross-resistance of multidrug-resistant, drug-resistant, and drug-susceptible isolates of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) with different sequence types (STs) to a group of antibiotics after exposure to different food-grade disinfectants.

Methods

A panel of 27 S. Typhimurium strains with different antibiograms and STs were exposed to increasing concentrations of five food-grade disinfectants, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), benzalkonium chloride (BAC), chlorine dioxide (ClO2), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), and ethanol. Recovered evolved strains were analyzed using genomic tools and phenotypic tests. Genetic mutations were screened using breseq pipeline and changes in resistance to antibiotics and to the same disinfectant were determined. The relative fitness of evolved strains was also determined.

Results

Following exposure to disinfectants, 22 out of 135 evolved strains increased their resistance to antibiotics from a group of 14 clinically important antibiotics. The results also showed that 9 out of 135 evolved strains had decreased resistance to some antibiotics. Genetic mutations were found in evolved strains. A total of 77.78% of ST34, 58.33% of ST19, and 66.67% of the other STs strains exhibited changes in antibiotic resistance. BAC was the disinfectant that induced the highest number of strains to cross-resistance to antibiotics. Besides, H2O2 induced the highest number of strains with decreased resistance to antibiotics.

Conclusions

These findings provide a basis for understanding the effect of disinfectants on the antibiotic resistance of S. Typhimurium. This work highlights the link between long-term exposure to disinfectants and the evolution of resistance to antibiotics and provides evidence to promote the regulated use of disinfectants.
Movement of an imperiled esocid fish in an agricultural drain
Authors: Zdasiuk Benjamin J. , Fortin Marie-Josée , Colm Julia E. , Drake D. Andrew R. , Mandrak Nicholas E.
Published: December 2023

Animal movement is increasingly affected by human alterations to habitat and climate change. In wetland systems, widespread hydrologic alterations from agriculture have changed the shape, function, and stability of shallow streams and wetland habitats. These changes in habitat quality and quantity may be especially consequential for freshwater fishes such as Grass Pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus), a small predatory fish found in disjunct populations across southern Ontario and listed as Special Concern under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. To characterize Grass Pickerel movement response to stream-channel alterations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada implemented a tracking study to monitor the movements of a Grass Pickerel population in an agricultural drain on the Niagara Peninsula (Ontario, Canada). From 2009 to 2013, 2007 Grass Pickerel were tagged and tracked in the 37.3 km2 Beaver Creek watershed using a combination of mark-recapture surveys and eight fully automated passive integrated transponder tag antennas. Most individuals moved within 500 m (i.e., stationary fish) while 16% of the fish moved > 500 m (i.e., mobile fish), with a maximum median movement distance of 1.89 km and a maximum movement distance of 13.5 km (a long-tail distribution). Most movements occurred near the largest confluence where only a few were long-distance upstream or downstream movements. Mobile fish were larger than their stationary counterparts. Grass Pickerel in sites with higher abundance had more mobile fish, implying potential density dependence. Our results highlight that, while a long-distance dispersal ability exists in extant Grass Pickerel populations, the current conditions of riverscapes may prevent these dispersals from occurring. For declining Grass Pickerel populations, limitations to their movement ecology may substantially increase the likelihood of local extirpations.
Quantification of bone surface textures: exploring a new method of ontogenetic ageing
Authors: de Rooij Jimmy , Vintges Marleen Q. , Zuidwijk Thim , Heerkens Carel T. H. , Schulp Anne S.
Published: December 2023

Identification of ontogenetic age classes plays an important role in the fields of zoology, palaeontology and archaeology, where accurate age classifications of (sub)fossil remains are a crucial component for the reconstruction of past life. Textural ageing—the identification of age-related bone surface textures—provides a size-independent method for age assessment of vertebrate material. However, most of the work so far is limited to qualitative results. While qualitative approaches provide helpful insights on textural ageing patterns, they are heavily subject to observer bias and fall short of quantitative data relevant for detailed statistical analyses and cross-comparisons. Here, we present a pilot study on the application of 3D surface digital microscopy to quantify bone surface textures on the long bones of the grey heron (Ardea cinerea) and the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) using internationally verified roughness parameters. Using a standardised measuring protocol, computed roughness values show a strong correlation with qualitative descriptions of textural patterns. Overall, higher roughness values correspond to increased numbers of grooves and pits and vice versa. Most of the roughness parameters allowed distinguishing between different ontogenetic classes and closely followed the typical sigmoidal animal growth curve. Our results show that bone texture quantification is a feasible approach to identifying ontogenetic age classes.
#HowNotToDoPatientEngagement: the engaging with purpose patient engagement framework based on a twitter analysis of community perspectives on patient engagement
Authors: Dunstan Brianna , Buchanan Francine , Maybee Alies , Lofters Aisha , Sayani Ambreen
Published: December 2023

Background

Evaluation of patient engagement practices are frequently researcher-driven, researcher-funded, and asymmetric in power dynamics. Little to no literature on patient experiences in patient engagement exist that is are not framed by institutionally-driven research inquiries (i.e., from the lens of a research team lead, or healthcare administrative setting). Understanding these perspectives can help us understand: (i)what matters to patients when they are engaged in research; (ii)why it matters to them, and(iii) how to improve patient engagement practices, so that the needs and priorities of patients are consistently met.

Methods

This is a patient partner-initiated study. Study authors (including patient partners) conducted a conventional and summative content analysis of textual data retrieved from a highly engaged conversation on Twitter regarding the hashtags #HowNotToDoPatientEngagement and #HowToDoPatientEngagement posted between February 2018 to June 2021. Twitter is a microblogging platform that allows for free-flowing discussions between users not pre-bound by specific community groupings (like within that of Facebook).

Results

A total of 276 tweets were retrieved from 178 separate contributors across seven geographical locations. Four stakeholder groups were identified. We generated 24 codes, nine subthemes and five overarching themes: respect, support, collaboration, inclusivity and impact. Four of these themes are closely aligned with the Strategy for Patient Oriented (SPOR) Patient Engagement framework. We identify impact as a separate and new theme.

Interpretation

Based on our findings we offer the Engaging with Purpose Patient Engagement Framework that defines and describes respect, support, collaboration, inclusivity and impact as five key pillars of meaningful patient engagement.
Microfluidic-based production of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC using the cassette-based iMiDEV™ microfluidic radiosynthesizer
Authors: Mallapura Hemantha , Ovdiichuk Olga , Jussing Emma , Thuy Tran A. , Piatkowski Camille , Tanguy Laurent , Collet-Defossez Charlotte , Långström Bengt , Halldin Christer , Nag Sangram
Published: December 2023

Background

The demand for 68Ga-labeled radiotracers has significantly increased in the past decade, driven by the development of diversified imaging tracers, such as FAPI derivatives, PSMA-11, DOTA-TOC, and DOTA-TATE. These tracers have exhibited promising results in theranostic applications, fueling interest in exploring them for clinical use. Among these probes, 68Ga-labeled FAPI-46 and DOTA-TOC have emerged as key players due to their ability to diagnose a broad spectrum of cancers ([68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46) in late-phase studies, whereas [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC is clinically approved for neuroendocrine tumors. To facilitate their production, we leveraged a microfluidic cassette-based iMiDEV radiosynthesizer, enabling the synthesis of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC based on a dose-on-demand (DOD) approach.

Results

Different mixing techniques were explored to influence radiochemical yield. We achieved decay-corrected yield of 44 ± 5% for [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 and 46 ± 7% for [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC in approximately 30 min. The radiochemical purities (HPLC) of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC were 98.2 ± 0.2% and 98.4 ± 0.9%, respectively. All the quality control results complied with European Pharmacopoeia quality standards. We optimized various parameters, including 68Ga trapping and elution, cassette batches, passive mixing in the reactor, and solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification and formulation. The developed synthesis method reduced the amount of precursor and other chemicals required for synthesis compared to conventional radiosynthesizers.

Conclusions

The microfluidic-based approach enabled the implementation of radiosynthesis of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC on the iMiDEV™ microfluidic module, paving the way for their use in preclinical and clinical applications. The microfluidic synthesis approach utilized 2–3 times less precursor than cassette-based conventional synthesis. The synthesis method was also successfully validated in a similar microfluidic iMiDEV module at a different research center for the synthesis of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 with limited runs. Our study demonstrated the potential of microfluidic methods for efficient and reliable radiometal-based radiopharmaceutical synthesis, contributing valuable insights for future advancements in this field and paving the way for routine clinical applications in the near future.
Biological control of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) using egg parasitoids, Trichogramma species (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae): a review
Authors: Navik Omprakash , Yele Yogesh , Kedar Santosh C. , Sushil S. N.
Published: December 2023

Background

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an invasive pest that can cause serious crop loss to various important food crops and risk to global food security. FAW can cause damage to over 350 plant species by feeding on vegetative and reproductive stages of crops. Currently, chemical pesticides and transgenic maize are widely used to safeguard crops from this serious pest. However, biological control is a safer and more sustainable alternative in the long term for FAW management. Of the various natural enemies of FAW, egg parasitoids of genus Trichogramma have been used in augmentative biological control of FAW in the Americas and invaded regions such as Africa and Asia.

Main body

Several species of Trichogramma have been reported naturally parasitizing FAW eggs and emerged as important biocontrol agents. This paper presents a comprehensive review of potential and challenges associated with Trichogramma in biological control of FAW. A total of 11 species of trichogrammatids occurred naturally on FAW eggs. This review includes the occurrence of Trichogramma species on FAW, biological attributes, mass rearing, release techniques, field efficacy and interaction and integration with other parasitoids. Integration of Trichogramma with other parasitoids can resolve the problem related to its penetrative ability against scaled and multi-layered FAW eggs which were discussed.

Conclusion

Invasion of FAW in Africa and Asia has provided a prospect for augmentative biological control of FAW using Trichogramma for sustainable production, especially in maize which is used as food and fodder. Integrating Trichogramma with safer and selective green pesticides and their conservation with other natural enemies could help in sustainable and environment-friendly FAW control.
Anesthetic management of diphallia with anorectal malformation posted for colostomy: a rare association
Authors: Sharma Aakriti , Dogra Neelam , Chatterjee Rama , Rathore Pratibha , Mangal Hardika
Published: December 2023

Background

Duplication of the penis or Diphallia is a rare abnormality of the urogenital tract present once in every 5–6 million live births with varied presentations and associated systemic anomalies.

Case presentation

We present the anesthetic management of a neonate presenting with duplication of penis, urethra, and anorectal malformation.

Conclusions

With this rare case, we aim to shed light on the various perioperative anesthetic concerns of such neonates presenting with surgical emergencies and their successful management.
Trigeminal nerve stimulation: a current state-of-the-art review
Authors: Powell Keren , Lin Kanheng , Tambo Willians , Saavedra Andrea Palomo , Sciubba Daniel , Al Abed Yousef , Li Chunyan
Published: December 2023

Nearly 5 decades ago, the effect of trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) on cerebral blood flow was observed for the first time. This implication directly led to further investigations and TNS’ success as a therapeutic intervention. Possessing unique connections with key brain and brainstem regions, TNS has been observed to modulate cerebral vasodilation, brain metabolism, cerebral autoregulation, cerebral and systemic inflammation, and the autonomic nervous system. The unique range of effects make it a prime therapeutic modality and have led to its clinical usage in chronic conditions such as migraine, prolonged disorders of consciousness, and depression. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of TNS research and its broader therapeutic potentialities. For the purpose of this review, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched from inception to August 28, 2023 to identify a total of 89 relevant studies, both clinical and pre-clinical. TNS harnesses the release of vasoactive neuropeptides, modulation of neurotransmission, and direct action upon the autonomic nervous system to generate a suite of powerful multitarget therapeutic effects. While TNS has been applied clinically to chronic pathological conditions, these powerful effects have recently shown great potential in a number of acute/traumatic pathologies. However, there are still key mechanistic and methodologic knowledge gaps to be solved to make TNS a viable therapeutic option in wider clinical settings. These include bimodal or paradoxical effects and mechanisms, questions regarding its safety in acute/traumatic conditions, the development of more selective stimulation methods to avoid potential maladaptive effects, and its connection to the diving reflex, a trigeminally-mediated protective endogenous reflex. The address of these questions could overcome the current limitations and allow TNS to be applied therapeutically to an innumerable number of pathologies, such that it now stands at the precipice of becoming a ground-breaking therapeutic modality.
Germline rad 50 mutation in a case with synchronous breast and kidney cancer: a rare case
Authors: Ilangovan Bhargavi , Raman Ganapathy , Mahajan Vikas
Published: December 2023

Background

Breast cancer has been reported to occur synchronous with ovarian, endometrial and even colon cancers. A synchronous renal cancer is rare. And its association with RAD 50 mutation is not known.

Case presentation

We are reporting a 42 year old lady who was evaluated for a breast lump and was incidentally found to have a renal lesion. She underwent surgery for both and was found to have a T1c breast tumour and a renal cell carcinoma-clear cell variant. She was advised germline testing with next generation sequencing and multiplex ligation—dependent probe amplification due to synchronous tumours and age at diagnosis. It revealed a likely pathogenic variant in the RAD 50 gene.

Conclusion

The RAD 50 gene is part of the MRN complex (Mre11, Rad50 and Nbs1 also known as nibrin), which is essential for DNA repair. The recommendations for follow-up and screening are not clear for patients with a pathogenic variant of the gene. This case is presented for its rarity.
Anxiety, mindfulness and self-efficacy association among university healthcare specialties students in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aldosary Ahmad , Aljohani Moath , Alghorayer Meshari , Albaqami Khalid , Alkhurayji Abdulrahman , Alharbi Awadh , Almutairi Sultan , Alharbi Khalid , Alhudaithi Hatim
Published: December 2023

Background

Anxiety is a widely recognized topic in medical education. Previous studies have found that medical students experience higher levels of anxiety than other students. An increasing corpus of research indicates a major association between mindfulness and mental wellness.

Results

This study included 418 respondents, of whom 394 were included in the final sample. Most were female (55.3%), while male participants comprised 44.7%. The mean age of the population was 22.4 years. Our results showed only 7.2% of the participants in the sample were diagnosed with mental health disorders. Moreover, 26% of the study population had minimal anxiety, and the proportions of those with mild, moderate, and severe anxiety ranged from 20.3% for mild, to 22.7% for moderate, to 31.1% for severe. The most commonly observed severe symptoms were fear of the worst happening, nervousness, and inability to relax. The mean score on the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) was 27.7 (SD: 5.1) on a scale of 10–40. According to the short-form Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15) evaluation of participants’ mindfulness, the average score was 41.6 (SD: 9.5) on a scale of 15–75. Gender, college attended, and presence of psychiatric diagnosis were the independent factors potentially influencing Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed the prevalence of anxiety and mindfulness among healthcare students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. Weak correlations were found among the GSE, FFMQ-15, and BAI scores.
Measuring the antecedents of university students’ obsessive–compulsive buying behaviour of apparel: the mediating role of brand attachment
Authors: Gohar Nada A. , Magdi Dina M. , Abdullah Areej A. , Ghali Abanob Y. , Marzouk Omneya A. , Soliman Diana A. , Sheikh Samia Adly Hanna El
Published: December 2023

This research provides value to marketing researchers and professionals in regard to what triggers customers to purchase compulsively by studying the impact of materialism and self-congruence on the obsessive–compulsive buying behaviour (OCBB) of apparel by university students and the mediating role of brand attachment on these relationships. A total of 322 online questionnaires were gathered from university students who shop frequently. The PLS-SEM approach was used for data analysis using the SmartPLS V.3.3.3. software. The findings show that there is a relationship between Materialism, Brand attachment, self-congruence, and OCBB and that both self-congruence and materialism influence brand attachment. Finally, Brand attachment mediates both the relationship between Materialism and OCBB, as well as that between Self-congruence and OCBB. This is one of the first researches to study the mediating role of brand attachment on both relationships in one conceptual model and in an emerging market. The suggested implications include the launch of an awareness campaign on the negative consequences of OCBB on young adults, especially with the current economic conditions. In addition to implications for apparel brand managers on how they can utilize the established relationships to enhance their marketing plans which could increase long-term profitability.
Phenotypic plasticity plays an essential role in the confrontation between plants and herbivorous insects
Authors: Wang Xianzhong , Kang Jieyu , Wang Huizhong , Wang Shigui , Tang Bin , Lu Jiangjie
Published: December 2023

The interaction between insects and plants is a classic case of coevolution. During the arms race that has continued for 400 million years, the mutualistic (such as pollination and defense assistance) and antagonistic relationships gradually formed and complicated under the selection pressure from phytophagous insects. Thus, plants have developed diverse defense strategies, constantly balancing the relationship between defense and growth. At the same time, insects have evolved the ability to adapt to and resist plant defenses. Throughout this process, phenotypic plasticity has continuously helped both groups adapt to new environments and niches. Epigenetic changes play an important role in the formation of plastic phenotype. These changes allow parental defense traits to be passed on to the offspring, helping the offspring resist insect feeding. Epigenetic changes and genetic variation provide the basis for the formation of new phenotypes, and plants can form stable defense traits under long-term insect feeding pressure. In this review, we summarize the defense strategies of plants and the counter-defense strategies of insects, suggest that phenotypic plasticity plays an important role in this interaction, and discuss the role of epigenetics in the formation of plastic phenotypes.
Psychoeducation as an active ingredient for interventions for perinatal depression and anxiety in youth: a mixed-method systematic literature review and lived experience synthesis
Authors: Mhango Wezi , Crowter Lucie , Michelson Daniel , Gaysina Darya
Published: December 2023

Background

Psychoeducation is a common element in psychological interventions for youth depression and anxiety, but evidence about its use with youth perinatally is limited.

Aims

This review aims to understand outcomes and mechanisms of psychoeducation for the indicated prevention and treatment of perinatal depression and anxiety in youth.

Method

For this review, we synthesised published quantitative and qualitative evidence. Seven databases (ASSIA, Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched for studies published before 10 August 2021. We also had consultations with a youth advisory group (N = 12).

Results

In total, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven quantitative studies examined multicomponent interventions that included psychoeducation, and one study evaluated psychoeducation as a standalone intervention for postnatal depression. Multicomponent interventions showed significant effects on postnatal depression in two out of six studies, as well as being effective at reducing prenatal anxiety in one study. Standalone psychoeducation for postnatal depression was also effective in one study. Evidence from 12 qualitative studies, corroborated by commentaries from the youth advisory group, suggested that psychoeducation could increase knowledge about symptoms, generate awareness of relevant services and enhance coping.

Conclusions

Psychoeducation may be an important foundational ingredient of interventions for perinatal depression and, potentially, anxiety in adolescents and young adults through stimulating help-seeking and self-care.
Prediabetes and Associated Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Chronic Kidney Disease Among Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer in the St Jude Lifetime Cohort
Authors: Dixon Stephanie B. , Wang Fang , Lu Lu , Wilson Carmen L. , Green Daniel M. , Merchant Thomas E. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Delaney Angela , Howell Rebecca M. , Jefferies John L. , Robison Leslie L. , Ness Kirsten K. , Hudson Melissa M. , Chemaitilly Wassim , Armstrong Gregory T.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

Little is known about the prevalence of prediabetes and associated risk of cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with this reversable condition in survivors.

METHODS

Prevalence of prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose 100-125 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c 5.7%-6.4%) and diabetes was clinically assessed in 3,529 adults ≥5 years from childhood cancer diagnosis and 448 controls stratified by age. Cox proportional hazards regression estimated progression from prediabetes to diabetes, and risk of future cardiac events, stroke, CKD, and death.

RESULTS

Among survivors, median age 30 years (IQR, 18-65), and the prevalence of prediabetes was 29.2% (95% CI, 27.7 to 30.7) versus 18.1% (14.5 to 21.6) in controls and of diabetes was 6.5% (5.7 to 7.3) versus 4.7% (2.7 to 6.6). By age 40-49 years, more than half of the survivors had prediabetes (45.5%) or diabetes (14.0%). Among 695 survivors with prediabetes and longitudinal follow-up, 68 (10%; median follow-up, 5.1 years) progressed to diabetes. After adjustment for demographic factors and body composition, risk of progression was associated with radiation exposure to the pancreatic tail ≥10 Gy (hazard ratio [HR], 2.7 [95% CI, 1.1 to 6.8]) and total-body irradiation (4.4 [1.5 to 13.1]). Compared with survivors with normal glucose control, adjusting for relevant treatment exposures, those with prediabetes were at increased risk of future myocardial infarction (HR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.2 to 4.8]) and CKD (2.9 [1.04 to 8.15]), while those with diabetes were also at increased risk of future cardiomyopathy (3.8 [1.4 to 10.5]) or stroke (3.4 [1.3 to 8.9]).

CONCLUSION

Prediabetes is highly prevalent in adult survivors of childhood cancer and independently associated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular and kidney complications. Prediabetes, a modifiable risk factor among childhood cancer survivors, represents a new target for intervention that may prevent subsequent morbidity and mortality.
Stress-Induced Graves Disease: Spontaneous Recovery After Stress Relief
Authors: Willems Jeresa I A , van Twist Daan J L , Peeters Robin P , Mostard Guy J M , van Wijngaarden Roderick F A Tummers-de Lind
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Emotional stress is a precipitating factor for Graves disease (GD). However, the influence of stress relief on the course of GD is unknown. Here, we present a series of patients diagnosed with stress-induced GD in whom stress relief alone led to remission of GD.

Cases

We report on 11 patients in whom hyperthyroid symptoms started just after severe emotional stress. All patients had suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and elevated free thyroxine (FT4; 22.2–49.5 pmol/L) and TSH-receptor antibody (TRAb; 0.57–40 U/L) levels and were subsequently diagnosed with stress-induced GD. However, all patients declined antithyroid drug treatment. Surprisingly, clinical and biochemical remission was observed in 9 out of 11 patients after 1 to 3 and 2 to 7 months of self-reported stress relief, respectively. Five patients showed long-lasting remission (median follow-up 2.3 years). In 4 patients, remission was initially achieved, but GD relapsed 1 to 4 years afterwards. In 2 patients, treatment with antithyroid drugs was initiated because of rapidly increasing FT4 levels. Baseline FT4 and TRAb levels tended to be higher in patients who did not achieve remission. Furthermore, patients without long-lasting remission were more frequently known to have prior thyroid disease.

Conclusion

We report on a series of patients with stress-induced GD in whom stress relief alone led to remission of GD (thus without antithyroid drugs). This may indicate that clinicians could consider stopping antithyroid drug treatment or at least shortening the treatment period after stress relief in patients with stress-induced GD.
Impact on Anesthetic Agent Consumption After Autonomic Neural Blockade as Part of a Combined Anesthesia Protocol: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Daes Jorge , Pantoja Rafael , Luquetta Jorge , Luque Elika , Hanssen Andrés , Rocha Jose , Morrell David J.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

The intraoperative autonomic neural blockade (ANB) was found safe and effective in controlling pain and associated symptoms and reducing analgesic consumption after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This study evaluated whether ANB performed at the outset of LSG reduces anesthetic consumption and promotes hemodynamic stability.

METHODS:

This prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial involved patients undergoing LSG in 2 high-volume institutions. Patients were randomized to receive ANB either at the onset or the end of the procedure. The primary outcome measure was the consumption of remifentanil and sevoflurane. Secondary outcomes included Aldrete scale score differences in the recovery room and hemodynamic stability during the surgery.

RESULTS:

In total, 80 patients (40 in the ANB at the onset group and 40 in the control group) were included for analysis. The consumption of remifentanil was significantly lower in the onset group compared to the control group (mean difference -0.04 mcg/kg/min, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.06 to -0.02; P < .0001). There were no differences in the Aldrete scale scores between the 2 groups. Mean heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were also significantly less during surgery in the ANB at the onset group. No complications related to the ANB occurred.

CONCLUSIONS:

Performing ANB at the onset of LSG is a safe and effective approach that reduces remifentanil consumption and promotes hemodynamic stability during the procedure. This technique holds promise for optimizing anesthesia management in LSG and other minimally invasive surgeries.
Programmed Intermittent Intrathecal Bolus for Maintenance of Labor Analgesia in an Obstetric Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Moaveni Daria , Toledo Paloma
Published: December 2023

Maintenance of labor analgesia with programmed intermittent epidural boluses (PIEBs) has demonstrated benefits over the use of continuous infusions. While programmed intermittent boluses have been used for the maintenance of epidural analgesia, it has not been reported for the maintenance of intrathecal analgesia. Approximately 25% of intrathecal catheters (ITC) ultimately fail, often due to inadequate analgesic coverage. We describe the use of programmed intermittent intrathecal boluses for a laboring parturient who received an ITC. She reported excellent pain relief without significant motor block, high anesthetic block, hypotension, or respiratory distress. This delivery modality may increase the rate of ITC after unintentional dural puncture (UDP).
Brutalism
Authors: Mbembe Achille
Published: December 2023

In Brutalism, eminent social and critical theorist Achille Mbembe invokes the architectural aesthetic of brutalism to describe our moment, caught up in the pathos of demolition and production on a planetary scale. Just as brutalist architecture creates an affect of overwhelming weight and destruction, Mbembe contends that contemporary capitalism crushes and dominates all spheres of existence. In our digital, technologically focused era, capitalism has produced a becoming-artificial of humanity and the becoming-human of machines. This blurring of the natural and artificial presents a planetary existential threat in which contemporary society's goal is to precipitate the mutation of the human species into a condition that is at once plastic and synthetic. Mbembe argues that Afro-diasporic thought presents the only solution for breaking the totalizing logic of contemporary capitalism: repairing that which is broken, developing a new planetary consciousness, and reforming a community of humans in solidarity with all living things.