bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a preoperative MRI-based radiomics nomogram to predict progression-free survival in patients with clival chordomas
Authors: Zhai Yixuan , Bai Jiwei , Xue Yake , Li Mingxuan , Mao Wenbin , Zhang Xuezhi , Zhang Yazhuo
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to establish and validate a MRI-based radiomics nomogram to predict progression-free survival (PFS) of clival chordoma.

Methods

A total of 174 patients were enrolled in the study (train cohort: 121 cases, test cohort: 53 cases). Radiomic features were extracted from multiparametric MRIs. Intraclass correlation coefficient analysis and a Lasso and Elastic-Net regularized generalized linear model were used for feature selection. Then, a nomogram was established via univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis in the train cohort. The performance of this nomogram was assessed by area under curve (AUC) and calibration curve.

Results

A total of 3318 radiomic features were extracted from each patient, of which 2563 radiomic features were stable features. After feature selection, seven radiomic features were selected. Cox regression analysis revealed that 2 clinical factors (degree of resection, and presence or absence of primary chordoma) and 4 radiomic features were independent prognostic factors. The AUC of the established nomogram was 0.747, 0.807, and 0.904 for PFS prediction at 1, 3, and 5 years in the train cohort, respectively, compared with 0.582, 0.852, and 0.914 in the test cohort. Calibration and risk score stratified survival curves were satisfactory in the train and test cohort.

Conclusions

The presented nomogram demonstrated a favorable predictive accuracy of PFS, which provided a novel tool to predict prognosis and risk stratification. Our results suggest that radiomic analysis can effectively help neurosurgeons perform individualized evaluations of patients with clival chordomas.
Lifetime ostracism experiences and mechanisms of pain
Authors: Walsh Kaitlyn T. , Boring Brandon L. , Nanavaty Namrata , Carter-Sowell Adrienne R. , Mathur Vani A.
Published: December 2022

One social mechanism by which marginalization is enacted is via ostracism. Recent research has demonstrated ostracism's impact on physical health, but little is known about the relationship between accumulated lifetime experiences of ostracism and pain. Despite recent calls for added attention to social modulation of pain and social indicators of pain disparities, the impact of specific social factors on pain—including those of ostracism—are not well understood. Results of laboratory studies on the effects of acute ostracism experiences on pain sensitivity have been mixed. However, these studies have not considered lived and repeated experiences of ostracism, and primarily included single static measures of pain sensitivity. Additionally, inclusion and representation of the relationship between ostracism experiences and pain among people with minoritized identities are lacking in the current literature. In this study, we explored accumulated lifetime experiences of ostracism as a potential contributing factor to enhanced pain and one social mechanism by which societal inequity may create and maintain inequity in pain. We extracted measures of lifetime experiences of ostracism from six studies focused on social factors and (non-chronic) pain conducted between 2016 and 2020 (n = 505 adults). To retain and examine diversity within the sample, we used moderation and within-group analyses. Results indicate that greater experiences of lifetime ostracism are associated with lower cold pain tolerance, but not other pain measures, in the whole sample. Moderation and within-group analyses reveal opposing patterns of results between populations included in the extant literature (White participants, convenience samples) and those under-represented in the scientific literature (racialized groups, community samples). This study provides an example of a diversity science approach to examining social indicators of pain, illustrates the limited generalizability of previous studies on ostracism and pain, and highlights the need for increased representation and inclusion to understand mechanisms of pain and inequity.
Fenofibrate suppresses corneal neovascularization by regulating lipid metabolism through PPARα signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Tong , Yan Ke , Zhang Yuhan , Zhu Linfangzi , Liao Yi , Zheng Xiaoxiang , Chen Yongxiong , Li Xiaoxin , Liu Zuguo , Zhang Zhaoqiang
Published: December 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the potential underlying mechanism of anti-vascular effects of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα) agonist fenofibrate against corneal neovascularization (CNV) through the changes of lipid metabolism during CNV.

Methods: A suture-induced CNV model was established and the clinical indications were evaluated from day 1 to day 7. Treatments of vehicle and fenofibrate were performed for 5 days after suture and the CNV areas were compared among the groups. The eyeballs were collected for histological analysis, malondialdehyde (MDA) measurement, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase 2′-deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, western blot, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining to elucidate pathological changes and the underlying mechanism.

Results: Lipi-Green staining and MDA measurement showed that lipid deposition and peroxidation were increased in the CNV cornea while the expression of long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthetase 1 (ACSL1), carnitine palmitoyltransterase 1A(CPT1A) and medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (ACADM), which are key enzymes of fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) and targeted genes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) pathway, were decreased in CNV cornea. Fenofibrate suppressed lipid accumulation and peroxidation damage in the CNV cornea. Fenofibrate upregulated the expression levels of PPARα, ACSL1, CPT1A, and ACADM compared with vehicle group. IHC staining indicated that fenofibrate also decreased the expression of VEGFa, VEGFc, TNFα, IL1β and CD68.

Conclusion: Disorder of lipid metabolism may be involved in the formation of suture-induced CNV and fenofibrate played anti-neovascularization and anti-inflammatory roles on cornea by regulating the key enzymes of lipid metabolism and ameliorating lipid peroxidation damage of cornea through PPARα signaling pathway.
Evaluating the benefits of TNF-alfa inhibitor biosimilar competition on off-patent and on-patent drug markets: A Southern European analysis
Authors: Barcina Lacosta Teresa , Vulto Arnold G. , Huys Isabelle , Simoens Steven
Published: December 2022

Background: The level of competition achieved following biosimilars market availability varies by country, care setting and molecule. Hence, biosimilars contribution to attaining price reductions and extended access to treatments can also vary.

Objective: The aim of this study is to capture market dynamics for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors and competing molecules in Southern European markets (2011–2020), and to evaluate the benefits of the competition generated by the availability of biosimilars.

Methods: This study is based on a literature review examining market characteristics for TNF-alfa inhibitors and competing immunomodulator molecules, and on the quantitative analysis of market data for these molecules in Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Results: Following biosimilars availability in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish markets, there has been an expansion in the overall access to TNF-alfa inhibitor pharmaceuticals. Further, savings have been generated within the TNF-alfa inhibitors class even after the increased use of these molecules. However, the potential of infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab biosimilars to generate price competition outside of their own drug class appeared limited in the studied markets. Considering this limitation and that shifts towards on-patent and higher-cost therapies have occurred after TNF-alfa inhibitor biosimilars availability, the importance of investing in biosimilars development for still on-patent immunology biologics is emphasized.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for policies that do not only seek higher utilization of biosimilars, but that also support a sustainable market for these products. This is expected to foster the future development of biosimilar medicines.
Progress of potential drugs targeted in lipid metabolism research
Authors: Liang Kai , Dai Jian-Ye
Published: December 2022

Lipids are a class of complex hydrophobic molecules derived from fatty acids that not only form the structural basis of biological membranes but also regulate metabolism and maintain energy balance. The role of lipids in obesity and other metabolic diseases has recently received much attention, making lipid metabolism one of the attractive research areas. Several metabolic diseases are linked to lipid metabolism, including diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis. Additionally, lipid metabolism contributes to the rapid growth of cancer cells as abnormal lipid synthesis or uptake enhances the growth of cancer cells. This review introduces the potential drug targets in lipid metabolism and summarizes the important potential drug targets with recent research progress on the corresponding small molecule inhibitor drugs. The significance of this review is to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of metabolic diseases related to lipid metabolism and the treatment of tumors, hoping to deepen the understanding of lipid metabolism and health.
Pericyte heterogeneity identified by 3D ultrastructural analysis of the microvessel wall
Authors: Abdelazim Hanaa , Payne Laura Beth , Nolan Kyle , Paralkar Karan , Bradley Vanessa , Kanodia Ronak , Gude Rosalie , Ward Rachael , Monavarfeshani Aboozar , Fox Michael A. , Chappell John C.
Published: December 2022

Confident identification of pericytes (PCs) remains an obstacle in the field, as a single molecular marker for these unique perivascular cells remains elusive. Adding to this challenge is the recent appreciation that PC populations may be heterogeneous, displaying a range of morphologies within capillary networks. We found additional support on the ultrastructural level for the classification of these PC subtypes—“thin-strand” (TSP), mesh (MP), and ensheathing (EP)—based on distinct morphological characteristics. Interestingly, we also found several examples of another cell type, likely a vascular smooth muscle cell, in a medial layer between endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes (PCs) harboring characteristics of the ensheathing type. A conserved feature across the different PC subtypes was the presence of extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding the vascular unit and distributed in between neighboring cells. The thickness of this vascular basement membrane was remarkably consistent depending on its location, but never strayed beyond a range of 150–300 nm unless thinned to facilitate closer proximity of neighboring cells (suggesting direct contact). The density of PC-EC contact points (“peg-and-socket” structures) was another distinguishing feature across the different PC subtypes, as were the apparent contact locations between vascular cells and brain parenchymal cells. In addition to this thinning, the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding EPs displayed another unique configuration in the form of extensions that emitted out radially into the surrounding parenchyma. Knowledge of the origin and function of these structures is still emerging, but their appearance suggests the potential for being mechanical elements and/or perhaps signaling nodes via embedded molecular cues. Overall, this unique ultrastructural perspective provides new insights into PC heterogeneity and the presence of medial cells within the microvessel wall, the consideration of extracellular matrix (ECM) coverage as another PC identification criteria, and unique extracellular matrix (ECM) configurations (i.e., radial extensions) that may reveal additional aspects of PC heterogeneity.
Roles of leptin on energy balance and thermoregulation in Eothenomys miletus
Authors: Chen Huibao , Zhang Hao , Jia Ting , Wang Zhengkun , Zhu Wanlong
Published: December 2022

Leptin is a hormone mainly synthesized and secreted by white adipose tissue (WAT), which regulates various physiological processes. To investigate the role of leptin in energy balance and thermoregulation in Eothenomys miletus, voles were randomly divided into leptin-injected and PBS-injected groups and placed at 25°C ± 1°C with a photoperiod of 12 L:12 D. They were housed under laboratory conditions for 28 days and compared in terms of body mass, food intake, water intake, core body temperature, interscapular skin temperature, resting metabolic rate (RMR), nonshivering thermogenesis (NST), liver and brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenic activity, and serum hormone levels. The results showed that leptin injection decreased body mass, body fat, food intake, and water intake. But it had no significant effect on carcass protein. Leptin injection increased core body temperature, interscapular skin temperature, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis, mitochondrial protein content and cytochrome C oxidase (COX) activity in liver and brown adipose tissue, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) content and thyroxin 5′-deiodinase (T45′-DII) activity in brown adipose tissue significantly. Serum leptin, triiodothyronine (T3), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) concentrations were also increased significantly. Correlation analysis showed that serum leptin levels were positively correlated with core body temperature, body mass loss, uncoupling protein 1 content, thyroxin 5′-deiodinase activity, nonshivering thermogenesis, and negatively correlated with food intake; thyroxin 5′-deiodinase and triiodothyronine levels were positively correlated, suggesting that thyroxin 5′-deiodinase may play an important role in leptin-induced thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. In conclusion, our study shows that exogenous leptin is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and thermoregulation in E. miletus, and thyroid hormone may play an important role in the process of leptin regulating energy balance in E. miletus.
Elevated antioxidant defence in the brain of deep-diving pinnipeds
Authors: Martens Gerrit A. , Folkow Lars P. , Burmester Thorsten , Geßner Cornelia
Published: December 2022

While foraging, marine mammals undertake repetitive diving bouts. When the animal surfaces, reperfusion makes oxygen readily available for the electron transport chain, which leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species and risk of oxidative damage. In blood and several tissues, such as heart, lung, muscle and kidney, marine mammals generally exhibit an elevated antioxidant defence. However, the brain, whose functional integrity is critical to survival, has received little attention. We previously observed an enhanced expression of several antioxidant genes in cortical neurons of hooded seals (Cystophora cristata). Here, we studied antioxidant gene expression and enzymatic activity in the visual cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus of harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded seals. Moreover, we tested several genes for positive selection. We found that antioxidants in the first line of defence, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione (GSH) were constitutively enhanced in the seal brain compared to mice (Mus musculus), whereas the glutaredoxin and thioredoxin systems were not. Possibly, the activity of the latter systems is stress-induced rather than constitutively elevated. Further, some, but not all members, of the glutathione-s-transferase (GST) family appear more highly expressed. We found no signatures of positive selection, indicating that sequence and function of the studied antioxidants are conserved in pinnipeds.
Acetate suppresses myocardial contraction via the short-chain fatty acid receptor GPR43
Authors: Jiang Xuan , Zhang Ying , Zhang Huaxing , Zhang Xiaoguang , Yin Xiaopeng , Yuan Fang , Wang Sheng , Tian Yanming
Published: December 2022

The heart has high energy requirements, with an estimated 40%–60% of myocardial ATP production derived from the oxidation of fatty acids under physiological conditions. However, the effect of short-chain fatty acids on myocardial contraction remains controversial, warranting further research. The present study sought to investigate the effects and mechanisms of acetate, a short-chain fatty acid, on myocardial contraction in rat ventricular myocytes. Echocardiography and Langendorff heart perfusion were used to evaluate cardiac function. Cell shortening and calcium transient were measured in isolated cardiomyocytes. The patch-clamp method determined the action potential and L-type Ca2+ current in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, the expression of GPR43, a type of short-chain fatty acid receptors in cardiomyocytes was examined by immunofluorescent staining and Western blot. We demonstrated that acetate transiently reduced left ventricular developmental pressure in isolated Langendorff heart perfusion model, with no effect on stroke volume and cardiac output in vivo. In addition, acetate transiently and reversibly inhibited cardiomyocyte contraction and calcium transient. Acetate did not affect the action potential and L-type Ca2+ currents in cardiomyocytes. As a short-chain fatty acid receptor, GPR43 was expressed in rat cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, the GPR43 antagonist GLPG0974 prevented the acetate-induced inhibitory effect on myocardial contraction. We conclude that acetate transiently inhibits contraction via the short-chain fatty acid receptor GPR43 in cardiomyocytes.
Grapevine response to a Dittrichia viscosa extract and a Bacillus velezensis strain
Authors: Ramos Mélina , Daranas Núria , Llugany Mercè , Tolrà Roser , Montesinos Emilio , Badosa Esther
Published: December 2022

The present study aims to evaluate the response of the three Mediterranean local grapevines ‘Garnacha Blanca’, ‘Garnacha Tinta’, and ‘Macabeo’ to treatments with biocontrol products, namely a botanical extract (Akivi, Dittrichia viscosa extract) and a beneficial microorganism (Bacillus UdG, Bacillus velezensis). A combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches were chosen in order to study grapevine gene expression and to identify gene marker candidates, as well as, to determine differentially concentrated grapevine metabolites in response to biocontrol product treatments. Grapevine plants were cultivated in greenhouse under controlled conditions and submitted to the treatments. Thereafter, leaves were sampled 24h after treatment to carry out the gene expression study by RT-qPCR for the three cultivars and by RNA-sequencing for ‘Garnacha Blanca’. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were investigated for both treatments and highly influenced DEGs were selected to be tested in the three cultivars as treatment gene markers. In addition, the extraction of leaf components was performed to quantify metabolites, such as phytohormones, organic acids, and phenols. Considering the upregulated and downregulated genes and the enhanced metabolites concentrations, the treatments had an effect on jasmonic acid, ethylene, and phenylpropanoids defense pathways. In addition, several DEG markers were identified presenting a stable overexpression after the treatments in the three grapevine cultivars. These gene markers could be used to monitor the activity of the products in field treatments. Further research will be necessary to confirm these primary results under field conditions.
Rodent hole detection in a typical steppe ecosystem using UAS and deep learning
Authors: Du Mingzhu , Wang Dawei , Liu Shengping , Lv Chunyang , Zhu Yeping
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Rodent outbreak is the main biological disaster in grassland ecosystems. Traditional rodent damage monitoring approaches mainly depend on costly field surveys, e.g., rodent trapping or hole counting. Integrating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) image acquisition platform and deep learning (DL) provides a great opportunity to realize efficient large-scale rodent damage monitoring and early-stage diagnosis. As the major rodent species in Inner Mongolia, Brandt’s voles (BV) (Lasiopodomys brandtii) have markedly small holes, which are difficult to identify regarding various seasonal noises in this typical steppe ecosystem.

Methods

In this study, we proposed a novel UAS-DL-based framework for BV hole detection in two representative seasons. We also established the first bi-seasonal UAS image datasets for rodent hole detection. Three two-stage (Faster R-CNN, R-FCN, and Cascade R-CNN) and three one-stage (SSD, RetinaNet, and YOLOv4) object detection DL models were investigated from three perspectives: accuracy, running speed, and generalizability.

Results

Experimental results revealed that: 1) Faster R-CNN and YOLOv4 are the most accurate models; 2) SSD and YOLOv4 are the fastest; 3) Faster R-CNN and YOLOv4 have the most consistent performance across two different seasons.

Discussion

The integration of UAS and DL techniques was demonstrated to utilize automatic, accurate, and efficient BV hole detection in a typical steppe ecosystem. The proposed method has a great potential for large-scale multi-seasonal rodent damage monitoring.
Digital integrated dramatherapy: A feasibility study in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Cercato Maria Cecilia , Pierpaoli Sandra , Pazienza Rosa Maria , Terrenato Irene , Guadagnuolo Cinzia , Cenci Cristina , Nappi Rossella E.
Published: December 2022

Background

Dramatherapy is a practice of working and playing that uses action methods to facilitate creativity, imagination, learning, insight and growth.

Methods

A pilot study of Digital Integrated Dramatherapy, recruiting women from the digital community “Parole Fertili,” undergoing assisted reproductive technology. On the basis of a previous blended experience, a program based on remote sessions was conducted on a dedicated platform.

Results

A total of 22 women participated in the same intervention in three groups. Participants assessed the feasibility and utility of the method, both in the synchronous and asynchronous phases. The group had a fundamental role: the participants were supportive, and therapeutic benefits were due to strengthening and resilience obtained through a dialogue with other women. Using metaphors, the participants could move from the narration of the Assisted Reproductive Technology pathway to creative and corporeal expression.

Conclusion

The study showed that a group based on Digital Integrated Dramatherapy might help women face very difficult emotions by promoting creativity and internal resources.
Chronic stressors and burnout in Dutch police officers: Two studies into the complex role of coping self-efficacy
Authors: Eikenhout Liselotte Marina Josephine , Delahaij Roos , Van Dam Karen , Kamphuis Wim , Hulshof Inge Leonie , Van Ruysseveldt Joris
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Burnout complaints are high for Dutch police officers. According to Hobfoll’s Conservation of Resources theory, resources such as coping self-efficacy can play an important role in the burnout process. The aim of this study was to investigate the buffering effect of coping self-efficacy on burnout, as well as a possible depletion effect of burnout on coping self-efficacy.

Methods

As such, this research consists of two studies namely, a two-wave study (N = 166) and three-wave study (N = 95) on Dutch police officers. They expand on previous research regarding coping resources and police burnout.

Results

Both studies show that the chronic stressor, work scheduling, was positively associated with burnout. Also, coping self-efficacy weakened the effect of work scheduling (Study 1) and workload (Study 2) on burnout. Moreover, there was a direct negative relationship between burnout and coping self-efficacy.

Discussion

The results indicate that burnout can lead to lower coping resources, initiating a potential cycle of resource loss and burnout. Further investigation into this depletion effect is required to provide police officers and organisations with tools to prevent burnout.
Sleep disturbances in nurse managers during the early and late stages of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Boned-Galán Ángel , López-Ibort Nieves , Gascón-Catalán Ana
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic have affected health professionals’ quality of sleep. To date, most of the studies that assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep have been carried out with front-line health personnel, and almost none of them have been carried out with managers.

Objective

To evaluate the quality of sleep and the level of stress in nurse managers during the early and late stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Cross-sectional studies were carried out at two time points: after the lockdown period (July 2020) and a year and a half after the start of the pandemic (October 2021). A total of 102 nurse managers of a tertiary hospital were invited to participate. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered to assess stress levels and sleep quality.

Results

The response rate was 85.2% in 2020 and 81.3% in 2021. Nursing managers showed alterations in sleep quality throughout the pandemic: 70.1% after confinement and 61.4% at the beginning of the second wave. In addition to stress, the fear of contagion by COVID-19 influenced sleep problems. More than a year after the start of the pandemic, the professionals’ fear of contagion decreased. Perceived stress also decreased, but sleep disturbances remained.

Conclusion

High stress and poor sleep quality among nurse managers require special attention, and specific interventions need to be implemented. Hospitals should develop programs that help nurse managers develop skills to mitigate stress levels and thus improve sleep quality and professional quality of life.
Rational speech comprehension: Interaction between predictability, acoustic signal, and noise
Authors: Van Os Marjolein , Kray Jutta , Demberg Vera
Published: December 2022

Introduction

During speech comprehension, multiple sources of information are available to listeners, which are combined to guide the recognition process. Models of speech comprehension posit that when the acoustic speech signal is obscured, listeners rely more on information from other sources. However, these models take into account only word frequency information and local contexts (surrounding syllables), but not sentence-level information. To date, empirical studies investigating predictability effects in noise did not carefully control the tested speech sounds, while the literature investigating the effect of background noise on the recognition of speech sounds does not manipulate sentence predictability. Additionally, studies on the effect of background noise show conflicting results regarding which noise type affects speech comprehension most. We address this in the present experiment.

Methods

We investigate how listeners combine information from different sources when listening to sentences embedded in background noise. We manipulate top-down predictability, type of noise, and characteristics of the acoustic signal, thus creating conditions which differ in the extent to which a specific speech sound is masked in a way that is grounded in prior work on the confusability of speech sounds in noise. Participants complete an online word recognition experiment.

Results and discussion

The results show that participants rely more on the provided sentence context when the acoustic signal is harder to process. This is the case even when interactions of the background noise and speech sounds lead to small differences in intelligibility. Listeners probabilistically combine top-down predictions based on context with noisy bottom-up information from the acoustic signal, leading to a trade-off between the different types of information that is dependent on the combination of a specific type of background noise and speech sound.
Therapists’ experiences of remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Morgan Andrew , Davies Cari , Olabi Yasmine , Hope-Stone Laura , Cherry Mary Gemma , Fisher Peter
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To explore the experiences of therapists who delivered remote psychological therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

This was a qualitative, phenomenological study. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis elicited themes from semi-structured interviews.

Methods

A purposive sample of eight therapists was recruited from breast cancer services in the United Kingdom.

Results

Analysis identified three superordinate themes. Participants spoke about how their experience of remote working changed over time from an initial crisis response to a new status quo. They adapted to the specific practical and personal challenges of remote working and struggled to connect with clients as the use of technology fundamentally changed the experience of therapy.

Conclusion

Consideration should be given to the impact of remote working on therapists and the quality of their practise. Adjustments to ways of working can help to maximize the advantages of remote working while minimizing potential issues.
The language of healthcare worker emotional exhaustion: A linguistic analysis of longitudinal survey
Authors: Belz Franz F. , Adair Kathryn C. , Proulx Joshua , Frankel Allan S. , Sexton J. Bryan
Published: December 2022

Importance

Emotional exhaustion (EE) rates in healthcare workers (HCWs) have reached alarming levels and been linked to worse quality of care. Prior research has shown linguistic characteristics of writing samples can predict mental health disorders. Understanding whether linguistic characteristics are associated with EE could help identify and predict EE.

Objectives

To examine whether linguistic characteristics of HCW writing associate with prior, current, and future EE.

Design, setting, and participants

A large hospital system in the Mid-West had 11,336 HCWs complete annual quality improvement surveys in 2019, and 10,564 HCWs in 2020. Surveys included a measure of EE, an open-ended comment box, and an anonymous identifier enabling HCW responses to be linked across years. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software assessed the frequency of one exploratory and eight a priori hypothesized linguistic categories in written comments. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) assessed associations between these categories and past, present, and future HCW EE adjusting for the word count of comments. Comments with <20 words were excluded.

Main outcomes and measures

The frequency of the linguistic categories (word count, first person singular, first person plural, present focus, past focus, positive emotion, negative emotion, social, power) in HCW comments were examined across EE quartiles.

Results

For the 2019 and 2020 surveys, respondents wrote 3,529 and 3,246 comments, respectively, of which 2,101 and 1,418 comments (103,474 and 85,335 words) contained ≥20 words. Comments using more negative emotion (p < 0.001), power (i.e., references relevant to status, dominance, and social hierarchies, e.g., own, order, and allow) words (p < 0.0001), and words overall (p < 0.001) were associated with higher current and future EE. Using positive emotion words (p < 0.001) was associated with lower EE in 2019 (but not 2020). Contrary to hypotheses, using more first person singular (p < 0.001) predicted lower current and future EE. Past and present focus, first person plural, and social words did not predict EE. Current EE did not predict future language use.

Conclusion

Five linguistic categories predicted current and subsequent HCW EE. Notably, EE did not predict future language. These linguistic markers suggest a language of EE, offering insights into EE’s etiology, consequences, measurement, and intervention. Future use of these findings could include the ability to identify and support individuals and units at high risk of EE based on their linguistic characteristics.
IL-17 and TNF-β: Predictive biomarkers for transition to psychosis in ultra-high risk individuals
Authors: Ouyang Lijun , Li David , Li Zongchang , Ma Xiaoqian , Yuan Liu , Fan Lejia , Yang Zihao , Zhang Zhenmei , Li Chunwang , He Ying , Chen Xiaogang
Published: December 2022

Background

Dysregulation of immunity, such as levels of inflammatory factors, has been regarded as a sign of schizophrenia. Changes in cytokine levels are not only described in the early onset of disease, but also observed in ultra-high risk (UHR) individuals. This study aimed to investigate the potential of cytokines as biomarkers for psychotic disorders and in individuals at UHR of developing a psychotic disorder in the future.

Methods

The Luminex liquid chip technology was used to detect the concentrations of Interferon-gamma (INF-γ), Interleukin (IL)-2, Interleukin (IL)-4, Interleukin (IL)-6, Interleukin (IL)-17, Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-beta (TNF-β) in the plasma of all subjects. Meanwhile, the plasma level of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) was measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Then, the levels of these cytokines were compared among patients with Drug-naïve first-episode schizophrenia (FES; n = 40), UHR population (UHR; n = 49), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 30). Baseline cytokine levels were compared among UHR individuals who later transitioned (UHR-T; n = 14), those who did not transition (UHR-NT; n = 35), and HCs (n = 30).

Results

Our analysis results showed that IL-1β levels were significantly higher in UHR group than HC group (p = 0.015). Meanwhile, TNF-α concentration was significantly increased in FES group compared with HC group (p = 0.027). IL-17 (p = 0.04) and TNF-β (p = 0.008) levels were significantly higher in UHR-T group compared with UHR-NT group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our findings suggest that the immuno-inflammatory activation level is increased in the early stage of psychosis before psychotic conversion and the Drug-naïve FES. IL-1β and TNF-α are the representatives of the specific biomarkers for UHR and FES, respectively. IL-17 and TNF-β may be the potential selective predictive biomarkers for future transition in UHR individuals.
META analysis on the effect of taijiquan on improving negative psychological symptoms of college students and the optimal dose
Authors: Du Zhihao , Zhang Xiuli , Qin Hao , Wang Ruiqi , Bai Yunxia , Yao Xiaonan
Published: December 2022

Background

Taijiquan, as a physical and mental exercise, can improve the negative psychology of college students. However, it is still controversial, and the optimal exercise dose of taijiquan to interfere with negative psychology has not been evaluated.

Objective

This study is aimed at systematically evaluating the effect of taijiquan therapy on improving negative psychological symptoms of college students and its optimal intervention dose.

Methods

Search databases such as Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, CNKI, WFSD, etc. Collect high-quality relevant RCT studies. After screening, extracting, coding and counting the data, a META analysis is done through Review Manage 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software. PICOS established the eligibility criteria to select the studies as follows: (i) population - non-clinical of college students; (ii) intervention - taijiquan intervention; (iii) comparison - taijiquan intervention group and regular physical activity group; (iv) outcomes - depression, anxiety; and (v) study design - randomized controlled trial.

Results

A total of 12 articles and 1,000 samples were included. All of the participants are college students. Taijiquan therapy can significantly reduce the depression and anxiety symptoms of college students [SMD = −0.53, 95% CI (−0.82, −0.23)], [SMD = −0.49, 95% CI (−0.90, −0.09)], with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis shows that: there is a precise focus on depression and anxiety symptoms. The intervention period is more than 12 weeks, and the best effect appears when people practice 3 times a week. The best single intervention time for depression symptoms is 60 min, and for anxiety symptoms 80–90 min. It is found that taijiquan combined with mindfulness intervention can significantly reduce negative psychological symptoms like depression and anxiety of college students than single taijiquan intervention. Funnel plot combined with sensitivity analysis, Begg, Egger test showed no publication bias.

Conclusion

Taijiquan intervention can effectively improve the negative psychological symptoms of college students, and it has great promotion value in colleges and universities.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022314071.
Prevalence and potential risk factors of self-reported diabetes among elderly people in China: A national cross-sectional study of 224,142 adults
Authors: Hu Xing , Meng Lingbing , Wei Zhimin , Xu Hongxuan , Li Jianyi , Li Yingying , Jia Na , Li Hui , Qi Xin , Zeng Xuezhai , Zhang Qiuxia , Li Juan , Liu Deping
Published: December 2022

Aim

To evaluated the prevalence and potential risk factors of self-reported diabetes among the elderly in China, by demographic data, socioeconomic factors, and psychological factors.

Methods

Descriptive analysis and Chi-square analysis were used to assess the prevalence and variation between self-reported diabetes and non-diabetes by demographic data, living habits, socioeconomic factors and comorbidities. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to describe the odds ratios (OR) of diabetes prevalence in different groups, while stratification analysis was performed to describe prevalence based on gender, age, and urban/rural areas.

Results

215,041 elderly adults (102,692 males and 112,349 females) were eventually included in the analysis. The prevalence of self-reported diabetes among the elderly in China is about 8.7%, with the highest prevalence in Beijing (20.8%) and the lowest prevalence in Xizang (0.9%). Logistic regression analysis showed that urban area (P < 0.001), older age (65–84 years old, P < 0.001), female (P < 0.001), higher income(P < 0.001), poor sleep quality (P = 0.01) and some other factors were potential risk factors for diabetes.

Conclusions

This study illustrates the prevalence and potential risk factors of diabetes among the elderly in China Meanwhile, these results provide information to assist the government in controlling non-communicable diseases in the elderly.
The Origin of Soft-Shell Crabs
Authors: Ling Aorta Xian Lin , Fazhan Hanafiah , Azmie Ghazali , Fujaya Yushinta , Waiho Khor
Published: December 2022

Soft-shell crabs are famous in seafood restaurants because they have a wonderful flavor, are easy to eat, and are highly nutritious! Soft-shell crabs are any regular edible crabs, but in their natural, soft-shell condition—because they have just shed their old shells, in an event called molting. Within a few hours after molting, while they are still in their soft-shell condition, these crabs are harvested and sold as soft-shell crabs. Crabs in the soft-shell condition have higher market value than crabs in the hard-shell condition. By understanding the origin of soft-shell crabs, we can improve the production of these crabs, as well as try to find ethical and sustainable ways to obtain them.
Discovering the sluggishness of triathlon running - using the attractor method to quantify the impact of the bike-run transition
Authors: Weich Christian , Barth Valentin , Killer Nikolai , Vleck Veronica , Erich Julian , Treiber Tobias
Published: December 2022

Running in a triathlon, a so-called brick run, is uniquely influenced by accumulated load from its preceding disciplines. Crucially, however, and irrespective of race type, the demands of a triathlon always exceed the sum of its parts. Triathletes of all levels commonly report subjectively perceived incoordination within the initial stages of the cycle run transition (T2). Although minimizing it, and its influence on running kinematics, can positively impact running and overall triathlon performance, the mechanisms behind the T2 effect remain unclear. In the present study, we assessed the influence of the pre-load exercise mode focusing on the biomechanical perspective. To analyze inertial sensor-based raw data from both legs, the so-called Attractor Method was applied. The latter represents a sensitive approach, allowing to quantify subtle changes of cyclic motions to uncover the transient effect, a potentially detrimental transient phase at the beginning of a run. The purpose was to analyze the impact of a pre-load on the biomechanics of a brick run during a simulated Olympic Distance triathlon (without the swimming section). Therefore, we assessed the influence of pre-load exercise mode on running pattern (δM) and precision (δD), and on the length of the transient effect (tT) within a 10 km field-based run in 22 well-trained triathletes. We found that δD, but not δM, differed significantly between an isolated run (IRun) and when it was preceded by a 40 km cycle (TRun) or an energetically matched run (RRun). The average distance ran until overcoming the transient phase (tT) was 679 m for TRun, 450 m for RRun, and 29 4 m for IRun. The results demonstrated that especially the first kilometer of a triathlon run is prone to an uncoordinated running sensation, which is also commonly reported by athletes. That is, i) the T2 effect appeared more linked to variability in running style than to running style per se ii) run tT distance was influenced by preceding exercise load mode, being greater for a TRun than for the RRun condition, and iii) the Attractor Method seemed to be a potentially promising method of sensitively monitoring T2 adaptation under ecologically valid conditions.
Estimating cropland requirements for global food system scenario modeling
Authors: Smith Nick W. , Fletcher Andrew J. , Millard Peter , Hill Jeremy P. , McNabb Warren C.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The production of plant crops is foundational to the global food system. With the need for this system to become more sustainable while feeding an increasing global population, tools to investigate future food system scenarios can be useful to aid decision making, but are often limited to a calorie- or protein-centric view of human nutrition.

Methods

Here, a mathematical model for forecasting the future cropland requirement to produce a given quantity of crop mass is presented in conjunction with the DELTA Model®: an existing food system scenario model calculating global availability of 29 nutrients against human requirements. The model uses national crop yield data to assign yield metrics for 137 crops.

Results

The crops with the greatest variation between high and low yielding production were specific nuts, fruits, and vegetables of minor significance to global nutrient availability. The nut crop group showed the greatest overall yield variation between countries, and thus the greatest uncertainty when forecasting the cropland requirement for future increases in production. Sugar crops showed the least overall yield variation. The greatest potential for increasing global food production by improving poor yielding production was found for the most widely grown crops: maize, wheat, and rice, which were also demonstrated to be of high nutritional significance.

Discussion

The combined cropland and nutrient availability model allowed the contribution of plant production to global nutrition to be quantified, and the cropland requirement of future food production scenarios to be estimated. The unified cropland estimation and nutrient availability model presented here is an intuitive and broadly applicable tool for use in global food system scenario modeling. It should benefit future research and policy making by demonstrating the implications for human nutrition of changes to crop production, and conversely the implications for cropland requirement of food production scenarios aimed at improving nutrition.
Chemoradiotherapy with 3-weekly CDDP 80 mg/m2 for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: 5-year survival data from a phase 2 study
Authors: Otaki Kohei , Takahashi Takeshi , Tanaka Ryoko , Saijo Kohei , Omata Jo , Yokoyama Yusuke , Shodo Ryusuke , Ueki Yushi , Yamazaki Keisuke , Ota Hisayuki , Togashi Takafumi , Takahashi Nao , Okabe Ryuichi , Matsuyama Hiroshi , Horii Arata
Published: December 2022

Objective

The global standard for chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is cisplatin 100 mg/m2 administered once every three weeks, although cisplatin 80 mg/m2 is also widely used as an alternative treatment to reduce adverse events in Japan. We aimed to assess the long-term survival outcomes and late adverse events associated with CCRT with a 3-weekly cisplatin dose of 80 mg/m2.

Methods

A phase 2 study on CCRT with a 3-weekly cisplatin dose of 80 mg/m2 was performed in 47 patients between April 2015 and December 2016 at four centers in Japan. Survival outcomes and late adverse events at 5 years after this phase 2 trial were investigated.

Results

The median follow-up period was 61 months. The 5-year progression-free survival/overall survival of all 47 patients was 66.0%/76.6%, while that of patients with stage III, IV disease (UICC) was 65.6%/71.9%. Seventeen patients (36%) experienced dysphagia as a late adverse event. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed a significant association between acute mucositis/low body mass index (BMI) during CCRT and late dysphagia.

Conclusion

The survival outcomes of CCRT with a 3-weekly cisplatin dose of 80 mg/m2 may be comparable to the previously reported dose of 100 mg/m2. Acute mucositis and low BMI at CCRT were risk factors for late dysphagia, indicating the importance of managing these conditions during CCRT to prevent late adverse events. Caution and care for acute mucositis and swallowing training in patients with low BMI may be important for preventing late-stage dysphagia.
Spontaneous regression of multiple flow-related aneurysms following treatment of an associated brain arteriovenous malformation: A case report
Authors: Andereggen Lukas , Gruber Philipp , Anon Javier , Tortora Angelo , Steiger Hans-Jakob , Schubert Gerrit A. , Marbacher Serge , Remonda Luca
Published: December 2022

Introduction

There is no consensus in the treatment strategy of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) associated with brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM). In particular, it is unknown if a more aggressive approach should be considered in patients harboring a BAVM, in whom multiple aneurysms or a history of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is present.

Case presentation

We report on an elderly woman harboring multiple aneurysms with a history of SAH due to rupture of an unrelated IA. On evaluation, she was also found to harbor a contralateral, left parietal convexity BAVM. Following resection of the latter, spontaneous regression of two large flow-related aneurysms was encountered.

Discussion

We discuss the therapeutic decision-making, risk stratification, and functional outcome in this patient with regard to the pertinent literature on the risk of hemorrhage in IAs associated with BAVM.