bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and antitumor activity of a novel compound, NY-2, in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Yingshi , Xu Chang , Xu Xiangbo , Ma Lingxiang , Li Ruolan , Xu Zihua , Zhao Qingchun
Published: January 2023

Introduction: ZLDI-8, which has a relatively strong antitumor activity, is an inhibitor of ADAM-17 and acts on the Notch signaling pathway. To further optimize its structure and improve its activity, a series of derivatives of ZLDI-8 was synthesized. NY-2 was the most effective derivative based on preliminary activity screening in vitro, with no obvious toxicity after administration in vivo.

Method: The study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and antitumor activity of compound NY-2 on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vitro and in vivo.

Results: The in vivo pharmacokinetics parameters of NY-2 were better than those of ZLDI-8. The tissue distribution analysis showed that tail vein injection of 6 mg/kg of NY-2 in rats resulted in the highest concentration in the lung, so we hypothesized that NY-2 might be effective in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. In vitro assays showed that NY-2 significantly inhibited tumor colony formation, invasion, and migration and increased LDH activity and apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner in non-small cell lung cancer cells. NY-2 also inhibited the formation of lung metastases without significant toxicity to major organs in nude mice.

Conclusion: Compared with the parent compound, ZLDI-8, the activity and safety of NY-2 were higher. NY-2 acts on ADAM17 and simultaneously affects the downstream Notch1 and integrinβ1 signaling pathways resulting in antitumor activity. Thus, NY-2 could be a potential antitumor agent, inhibiting the organization and development of non-small cell lung cancer.
Sex-specific decision-making impairments and striatal dopaminergic changes after binge drinking history in rats
Authors: Sauton Pierre , Jeanblanc Jerome , Benzerouk Farid , Gierski Fabien , Naassila Mickael
Published: January 2023

Binge drinking (BD) is a harmful behavior for health and is a predictive factor for the development of alcohol addiction. Weak decision-making (DM) capacities could play a role in the vulnerability to BD which in turn would lead to DM impairments, thus perpetuating BD. Longitudinal preclinical studies are however lacking and necessary to understand this complex relationship. Both DM and BD are influenced by sex and involve dopamine release in the core of the nucleus accumbens, a central mechanism regulated by dopamine D2/3 autoreceptors. In this context, we used an operant self-administration procedure of BD in male and female rats, and longitudinally assessed DM capacity, memory and anxiety-like behavior. To better understand the mechanisms potentially involved in the relationship between DM and BD, ex vivo dopamine transmission was assessed short term after the end of the binge exposure in the core of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) using the fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) technique and the D2/3 agonist quinpirole. We found important basal sex differences in DM, with female rats showing better performances at baseline. Choice processes were impaired exclusively in males after BD history, associated with a decrease in impulse control in both sexes, while memory and anxiety-like behavior were not affected. Our neurobiological results demonstrate that BD did not affect basal dopamine signaling in the NAc core, regardless of the sex, but reveal changes in the sensitivity to the inhibitory effects of quinpirole in females. DM impairments were neither associated with changes in basal dopamine signaling nor pre-synaptic D2 activity. Overall, our findings show that BD affects both DM processes and dopamine transmission in the core of the NAc in a sex-related manner, further suggesting that these effects may play a role in the vicious cycle leading to BD perpetuation and the early onset of AUD. Our results may inform novel strategies for therapeutic and prevention interventions.
Analysis of spontaneous reports of suspected adverse reactions after vaccination against COVID-19 in Slovakia
Authors: Lassanova Monika , Lassan Stefan , Liskova Silvia , Tesar Tomas , Cicova Monika
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more than 6.5 million deaths worldwide yet. Vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a reliable way out of the pandemic, however, vaccination rate reaches only 58% in the Slovak Republic. Concerns about the adverse reactions of vaccines are one of the reasons for the low vaccination rate.

Objective: The aim of our analysis was to review reported suspicions of adverse reactions (ARs) of registered COVID-19 vaccines (Comirnaty, Vaxzevria, Spikevax), which State Institute for Drug Control received from healthcare professionals and patients in the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 May 2021.

Methods: Data were collected from the State Institute for Drug Control database, a retrospective analysis was carried out focusing on trends in the number of all reports of suspicions of adverse reactions sent to the State Institute for Drug Control during the previously mentioned period. We analysed the Retrieved data were analysed with the usage of descriptive statistics and comparison to historical data on drug adverse reactions in Slovakia was performed.

Results: During the evaluation period, 5,763 reported suspicions of adverse reactions were analysed, overall, there was a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in the number of reported adverse reactions fivefold. 93% of ARs (n = 5,346) were reported for COVID-19 vaccines. In comparison of the extentof all adverse reactions, there is clearly a statistically significant difference between all types of vaccines administered at that time (p ≤ 0.0001). No statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.238) was identified between Spikevax and Comirnaty in the proportion of serious adverse reactions. However, a significantly higher (p ≤ 0.00001) proportion of reported suspicions of serious adverse reactions was observed after the administration of Vaxzevria.

Conclusion: This is the first analysis conducted in Slovakia aimed to reported adverse reactions in relation to the administration of COVID-19 vaccines. The rate of spontaneously reported suspected adverse reactions has been insufficient in the past for a long time; during the period from January to May 2021 the reporting rate increased due active calls for adverse reactions reporting. In concordance with European data, Vaxzevria had a significantly higher ratio of reported suspicions of serious adverse reactions.
Features of the power-law fluid over cylinders in a channel via gap aspects: Galerkin finite element method (GFEM)-based study
Authors: Faraz Naeem , Majeed Afraz Hussain , Mehmood Asif , Sajad Haseeba , Khan Y.
Published: January 2023

The goal of this investigation is to carry out a comprehensive analysis of hydrodynamic forces, with particular attention being paid to the power-law fluid flow across cylinders and presence gap considerations. With the assistance of the Galerkin finite element method (GFEM), the discretization of the two-dimensional system of non-linear partial differential equations was successfully completed. The research is carried out with a significant variance of the flow behavior indexnfrom .3 to 1.7, gap aspectsGpfrom 0 .0 to .3, and fixed Reynolds numberRe20. To obtain an extremely accurate solution, first, a coarse hybrid computational mesh needs to be developed, and then, more refinement must take place. The selection of the best possible case can be determined by comparing flow patterns, coefficients of drag and lift, and cylinder gaps. The shear-thickening behavior of fluids has a substantially greater influence on the drag characteristics than either the Newtonian or the shear-thinning behavior of fluids do. In addition to this, the shear-thickening action causes the upstream obstacle’s drag coefficient to increase because the gap spacing becomes more widespread.
The differential modulation of secondary metabolism induced by a protein hydrolysate and a seaweed extract in tomato plants under salinity
Authors: Zhang Leilei , Freschi Giorgio , Rouphael Youssef , De Pascale Stefania , Lucini Luigi
Published: January 2023

Climate change and abiotic stress challenges in crops are threatening world food production. Among others, salinity affects the agricultural sector by significantly impacting yield losses. Plant biostimulants have received increasing attention in the agricultural industry due to their ability to improve health and resilience in crops. The main driving force of these products lies in their ability to modulate plant metabolic processes involved in the stress response. This study’s purpose was to investigate the effect of two biostimulant products, including a protein hydrolysate (Clever HX®) and a seaweed extract with high amino acids content (Ascovip®), and their combination, on the metabolomics profile of tomato crops grown under salt stress (150 mM NaCl). Several stress indicators (leaf relative water content, membrane stability index, and photosynthesis activity) and leaf mineral composition after salinity stress exposure were assessed to evaluate stress mitigation, together with growth parameters (shoot and root biomasses). After that, an untargeted metabolomics approach was used to investigate the mechanism of action of the biostimulants and their link with the increased resilience to stress. The application of the biostimulants used reduced the detrimental effect of salinity. In saline conditions, protein hydrolysate improved shoot dry weight while seaweed extracts improved root dry weight. Regarding stress indicators, the application of the protein hydrolysate was found to alleviate the membrane damage caused by salinity stress compared to untreated plants. Surprisingly, photosynthetic activity significantly improved after treatment with seaweed extracts, suggesting a close correlation between root development, root water assimilation capacity and photosynthetic activity. Considering the metabolic reprogramming after plant biostimulants application, protein hydrolysates and their combination with seaweed extracts reported a distinctive metabolic profile modulation, mainly in secondary metabolite, lipids and fatty acids, and phytohormones biosynthetic pathways. However, treatment with seaweed extract reported a similar metabolic reprogramming trend compared to salinity stress. Our findings indicate a different mechanism of action modulated by protein hydrolysate and seaweed extract, suggesting stronger activity as a stress mitigator of protein hydrolysate in tomato crops under salinity stress.
Amassing of heavy metals in soils, vegetables and crop plants irrigated with wastewater: Health risk assessment of heavy metals in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Atta Muhammad Imran , Zehra Syeda Sadaf , Dai Dong-Qin , Ali Habib , Naveed Khalid , Ali Iftikhar , Sarwar Muhammad , Ali Basharat , Iqbal Rashid , Bawazeer Sami , Abdel-Hameed Usama K. , Ali Iftikhar
Published: January 2023

Human health is the main concern related to use of crop products irrigated with contaminated irrigation sources. Present research has been conducted to explore heavy metal status of sewage and industrial wastewater being used up for irrigation purpose in the peri-urban areas of the district Dera Ghazi Khan which has not been explored widely before. The analysis also followed heavy metal detection in the subsequent irrigated soil and vegetables/crop plants in relation to assessment of health risk to the consumer to plan the future monitoring in this area. An unremitting boost of heavy metals into the environment from wastewater irrigation has become a global issue. These heavy metals enter the food chain and pose health assumptions to consumers upon utilization. In the present study, an investigation has been conducted to determine metal concentrations in the wastewater, soil, and different plant species. For wastewater samples, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and selected heavy metals such as Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, and Ni were determined. The mean values of heavy metals in the soil samples were within the WHO/FAO safe limit, while Cr and Pb were the most frequent (100%) among the metals. However, differentiating the sites, the concentration of Cr and Cu, Ni, and Fe were elevated. The metal transfer was highly effective from soil to the growing plants i.e. brinjal, red corn, wheat, tomato, and spinach than other plant species. Among the metals, Cr, Ni, Mn, and Pb in plant samples were exceeding the WHO/FAO safe limit. Health risk index (HRI) have revealed the possible potential risk of heavy metal contaminated plant species in the order of spinach (6.4) > wheat (6.4) > brinjal (5.9) > tomato (4.7) > red corn (4.5) > apple gourd (4.3) > white corn (3.8) > cabbage (3.1) > luffa (2.9). Likewise, HRI of different metals was calculated as Cu (19.6) > Zn (17.9) > Cr (2.95) > Ni (0.85) > Mn (0.48) > Fe (0.15) > Cd (0.11) > Pb (0.05) > As (0.00001). The level of HRI through the use of dietary plants revealed an elevated risk level than the acceptable limit (HRI > 1) for Cu > Zn > Cr in adults. Our findings suggest that there would be a serious health risk to the consumers due to the consumption of these plant species being irrigated with the wastewater. Therefore, a strict regulatory mechanism is proposed for the safety of food plants in the study area including monitoring and recycling of crop plants, and building water treatment plants to remove pollutants and clean wastewater.
The role of indole derivative in the growth of plants: A review
Authors: Sun Ping , Huang Yuanqin , Yang Xiaoyan , Liao Anjing , Wu Jian
Published: January 2023

Indole compounds with their unique properties of mimicking peptide structures and reversible binding to enzymes are of great exploitative value in the regulation of plant growth. They stimulate root and fruit formation and activate the plant’s immune system against biotic and abiotic factors harmful to the plant. Analysis of target recognition, receptor recognition, key activation sites and activation mechanisms of indoles in plant to enhance crop growth or disease resistance is a crucial step for further developing compounds as plant growth regulators and immune inducers. Therefore, this review focused on the mechanism of action of indoles in regulating plant growth and enhancing plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Navigating underrepresentation and gendered barriers to women's political power: Narratives and experiences of women parliamentarians in Turkey
Authors: Ehrhart Anna
Published: January 2023

As women increasingly participate in political decision-making around the world, the research emphasizes the need to further understand how informal barriers shape women's political participation. At the same time, the persistent stability of hybrid political regimes calls for additional inquiry into the impact of hybrid regimes on gender politics and its actors. Based on the case of Turkey, a hybrid regime, this study explores how women MPs navigate gendered, informal obstacles in parliament and to what extent their navigation strategies reflect the broader implications posed by the hybrid regime context. This exploratory study draws on qualitative, in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight women MPs in the Turkish parliament from government and opposition parties. The findings illustrate that navigating the informal barriers women MPs experience in the Turkish parliament happens both individually and in collective ways. Individually, women MPs choose to navigate the informal barriers of gender norms by either assimilating or contrasting the masculine way of doing politics. Collective navigation strategies of women MPs in the Turkish parliament illustrate their approaches to representing women's interests, seeking women's solidarity across the parliament, and linkages with civil society to empower women, which also reflect the different positionings of government and opposition within the Turkish hybrid regime dynamics. The findings reveal the need to further research the complex, dynamic interplay of how informal practices and hybrid regime tactics target gender politics and its actors, while also giving more attention to women's agency in tackling and countering obstacles to their political power within and beyond political institutions.
Mobile-assisted focus on forms in English for academic purposes instruction: Investigating the impacts on learning academic words
Authors: Xodabande Ismail , Boroughani Tahereh
Published: January 2023

Focus on forms (FonFs) is a pedagogical approach in Instructed Second Language Acquisition (ISLA) that emphasizes students’ conscious and direct attention to learning target language features in isolation and outside their meaningful context. FonFs has been employed extensively in foreign language vocabulary instruction, and earlier studies reported positive results for such interventions. The present study investigated mobile-assisted FonFs in the context of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to address the vocabulary learning needs of Iranian EFL students and examined developments in receptive and productive knowledge of academic words. In doing so, the participants in the experimental learning condition (N = 22) were exposed to academic vocabulary using digital flashcards on their mobile phones, and those in the control group (N = 15) used word lists. The participants’ vocabulary knowledge was tested using different measures before and after the treatments, and the results were compared using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The findings indicated that mobile-assisted FonFs was effective in receptive and productive vocabulary learning, and the experimental group outperformed the control group in the post-tests. The effect size of the observed differences was also large; however, differences in productive aspects of academic vocabulary knowledge were associated with smaller learning effects for mobile-assisted FonFs. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on mobile-assisted language learning and highlights some implications for teaching academic vocabulary via mobile-assisted FonFs.
Assessment of oppositional defiant disorder and oppositional behavior in children and adolescents with Down syndrome
Authors: Fucà Elisa , Cirillo Flavia , Celestini Laura , Alfieri Paolo , Valentini Diletta , Costanzo Floriana , Vicari Stefano
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Children and adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) exhibit higher rates of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) than typically developing (TD) peers. However, studies focusing on the investigation of ODD prevalence in youth with Down syndrome (DS) are still limited.

Methods

The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ODD clinical and subclinical symptoms in a group of 101 youth with DS (63 boys, 38 girls) ranging in age from 6 to 18 years. Moreover, the prevalence of ODD symptoms, as detected by means of three parent-report questionnaires, was compared with that detected by a semi-structured psychopathological interview, namely, the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children Present and Lifetime (K-SADS) Version Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5).

Results

We found that 17% of participants met diagnostic criteria for ODD on the K-SADS, whereas 24% exhibited subclinical symptoms. Results also suggest good specificity of Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham-IV Rating Scale (SNAP-IV), Conners’ Parent Rating Scales Long Version (CPRS) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in detecting ODD symptoms. The investigation of the agreement in the prevalence rates of clinical and subclinical symptoms of ODD between K-SADS and the parent-report questionnaires indicated CPRS as the parent-report questionnaire with the best agreement with K-SADS.

Discussion

This study provides support for the use of parent-report questionnaires to assess ODD symptoms in children and adolescents with DS by evaluating their levels of agreement with a semi-structured psychopathological interview. In particular, our results suggest that CPRS could be considered a suitable screening tool for ODD clinical and subclinical symptoms in youth with DS.
Associations among past trauma, post-displacement stressors, and mental health outcomes in Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh: A secondary cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Ritsema Haley , Armstrong-Hough Mari
Published: January 2023

Objective

The Rohingya endured intense trauma in Myanmar and continue to experience trauma related to displacement in Bangladesh. We aimed to evaluate the association of post-displacement stressors with mental health outcomes, adjusting for previously experienced trauma, in the Rohingya refugee population in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Cox's Bazar Panel Survey, a cross sectional survey consisting of 5,020 household interviews and 9,386 individual interviews completed in 2019. Using logistic regression, we tested the association between post-displacement stressors such as current exposure to crime and conflict and two mental health outcomes: depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In adjusted analyses, we controlled for past trauma, employment status, receiving an income, food security, and access to healthcare and stratified by gender.

Results

The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 30.0% (n = 1,357) and PTSD 4.9% (n = 218). Most (87.1%, n = 3,938) reported experiencing at least one traumatic event. Multiple post-displacement stressors, such as current exposure to crime and conflict (for men: OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.52–3.28, p < 0.001; for women: OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.44–2.56, p < 0.001), were associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms in multivariable models. Trauma (OR = 4.98, 95% CI = 2.20–11.31, p < 0.001) was associated with increased odds of PTSD. Living in a household that received income was associated with decreased odds of PTSD (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55–1.00, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Prevalence of depressive symptoms was high among Rohingya refugees living in Cox's Bazar. Adjusting for past trauma and other risk factors, exposure to post-displacement stressors was associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms. There is a need to address social determinants of health that continue to shape mental health post-displacement and increase mental healthcare access for displaced Rohingya.
Introduction of short course treatment for latent tuberculosis infection at a primary care facility for refugees in Winnipeg, Canada: A mixed methods evaluation
Authors: Chevrier Claudyne , Diaz Mariana Herrera , Rueda Zulma Vanessa , Balakumar Shivoan , Haworth-Brockman Margaret , Marin Diana Marcela , Oliver Afsaneh , Plourde Pierre , Keynan Yoav
Published: January 2023

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) End TB strategy document ‘Toward tuberculosis elimination: an action framework for low incidence countries'—like Canada— identifies screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) for groups at increased risk for TB disease as a priority, including newcomers from endemic countries. In 2015, the clients-centered model offered at a primary care facility for refugees, BridgeCare Clinic, Winnipeg, Canada was evaluated. The model included LTBI screening, assessment, and treatment, and originally offered 9-months of isoniazid as treatment. This mixed methods evaluation investigates LTBI program outcomes since the introduction of two short-course treatment regimens: 4-months of rifampin, and 3-months of isoniazid and rifapentine.

Methods

This study combined a retrospective analysis of program administrative data with structured interviews of clinic staff. We included LTBI treatment eligibility, the treatment regimen offered, treatment initiation, and completed treatment from January 1, 2015 to August 6, 2020.

Results

Seven hundred and one people were screened, and infection rates varied from 34.1% in 2015 to 53.3% in 2020. Most people living with LTBI came from high TB burden countries in Africa and South-East Asia WHO regions and were younger than 45 years old. Treatment eligibility increased 9% (75% in 2015 to 86% in 2016–2020) and most people diagnosed with LTBI took the short course treatments offered. There was an increase of 14.5% in treatment initiation (75.6 vs. 90.1%), and an increase of 8% in treatment completion (82.4 vs. 90.4%) after short-course regimens were introduced. The final model showed that the treatment regimen tends to affect the frequency of treatment completion, but there are other factors that influence this outcome, in this population. With the new treatments, BridgeCare Clinic achieved the 90% of treatment coverage, and the 90% treatment completion rate targets recommended in the End TB Strategy. Qualitative interviews with clinic staff further affirm the higher acceptability of the new treatments.

Conclusion

While these results are limited to government-sponsored refugees in Winnipeg, they highlight the acceptability and value of short-course LTBI treatment as a possibility for reaching End TB targets in primary care settings.
A scoping review of the risk factors and strategies followed for the prevention of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases during sports mass gatherings: Recommendations for future FIFA World Cups
Authors: Alhussaini Nour Waleed Zuhair , Elshaikh Usra Abushara Mohamed , Hamad Noor Ahmed , Nazzal Maisa Ayman , Abuzayed Manal , Al-Jayyousi Ghadir Fakhri
Published: January 2023

Objective

Sports mass gatherings of people pose particular concerns and place an additional burden on the host countries and the countries of origin of the travelers. It is imperative to identify how countries dealt with various communicable diseases in the context of previous world cups and identify possible advice for protection from outbreaks.

Methods

A scoping review was employed in this study and a PRISMA extension for scoping reviews was employed to guide the reporting of this study. A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, SportDiscus, and Google scholar. The search strategy included two main strings viz “communicable disease” AND “sport” AND “setting” as keywords for each string. A total of 34 studies were included in this review.

Results

Information on risk factors for infectious diseases during FIFA, and recommendations for disease prevention in various stages of the event: pre-event, during, and post-event were charted. These strategies can be achieved with the empowerment of the public by enhancing their social responsibility and the coordination between the healthcare system, the ministry of public health, and other stakeholders.

Conclusion

The findings will support planning for protection strategies to prevent any outbreak while having the FIFA World Cup or any other sports gatherings. A model was constructed to present the findings and recommendations from this review.
The impact of exposure to HPV related information and injunctive norms on young women's intentions to receive the HPV vaccine in China: A structural equation model based on KAP theory
Authors: Wang Yi , Chen Yubing , Bao Sheng
Published: January 2023

Background

The HPV vaccination is a crucial line of defensing against cervical cancer. As a result of government support and positive publicity from the majority of media, a craze for HPV vaccination has occurred in China. Besides, the intentions to get the HPV vaccine among women of appropriate age is also influenced by families' and friends' attitudes and perceptions toward HPV vaccine. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how HPV related information exposure and injunctive norms affect young Chinese women's intentions to receive the HPV vaccine.

Methods

A structural equation model was developed based on KAP theory, and 567 effective questionnaires were collected through an online survey. We used SPSS 26.0 for the reliability and validity analysis and the differential testing of demographic characteristics, and Amos 26.0 for the goodness-of-fit analysis and paths testing of the model.

Results

Our findings showed that (1) intention to receive HPV vaccine differed significantly in age (P = 0.046), educational background (P = 0.001), and occupation (P = 0.004). (2) Exposure to HPV related information positively affected knowledge about HPV (β = 0.316, P < 0.001) and intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = 0.141, P < 0.001). (3) Knowledge about HPV positively affected attitude toward HPV vaccine (β=0.341, P < 0.001), but negatively affected intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = −0.148, P < 0.05), and attitude toward HPV vaccine positively affected intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = 0.594, P < 0.001). (4) Injunctive norms positively affected attitude toward HPV vaccine (β = 0.362, P < 0.001) and intention to receive HPV vaccine (β = 0.420, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Exposure to HPV related information influenced young Chinese women's intentions to receive the HPV vaccine and related knowledge, that is, the more frequently they were exposed to HPV related information, the stronger their intentions to receive the vaccine and the higher their HPV knowledge. Also, the perception and support of HPV vaccination by people around them will further influence their attitudes and intentions to receive the HPV vaccine.
The role of ozone treatment as integrative medicine. An evidence and gap map
Authors: Serra Maria Emilia Gadelha , Baeza-Noci José , Mendes Abdala Carmen Verônica , Luvisotto Marilia Moura , Bertol Charise Dallazem , Anzolin Ana Paula
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The Brazil has one of the largest public health systems in the world and in the 1980's, Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine were introduced. In 2018, the treatment with ozone became a complementary integrative practice showing several benefits. However, its effectiveness needs to be researched. The objective of this evidence gap map is to describe contributions of Integrative Medicines-Ozone treatment in different clinical conditions, to promote evidence-based practice.

Methods

We applied the methodology developed by Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information based on the 3iE evidence gap map. The EMBASE, PubMed and Virtual Health Library databases, using the MeSH and DeCS terms for the treatment with Ozone were used.

Results

26 systematic reviews were characterized, distributed in a matrix containing 6 interventions (parenteral oxygen/ozone gas mixture; parenteral ozonated water; systemic routes; topical application ozonated water; topical oxygen/ozone gas mixture; and topical ozonated oil) and 55 outcomes (cancer, infection, inflammation, pain, quality of life, wound healing and adverse effects). 334 associations between intervention and outcome were observed, emphasizing the parenteral oxygen/ozone gas mixture intervention (192 associations, 57%).

Conclusions

The evidence gap map presents an overview of contributions of Ozone treatment in controlling pain, infections, inflammation and wound healing, as well as increasing the quality of life, and it is directed to researchers and health professionals specialized in Ozone treatment. No serious adverse effects were related. Therefore, this treatment may be even more widely known as an integrative treatment, considering its low cost, efficiency and safety. Future studies should adopt economic impact assessments and the organization of health services.
Clinical characteristics and related influencing factors of common rheumatic diseases concomitant with tuberculosis
Authors: Tang Guo , Chen Xixi , Han Yaxin , Peng Qing , Liu Jiajun , Liu Yan , Guo Hongmei , Wu Xiaodan , Liu Jian , Zhou Qiao , Long Li
Published: January 2023

Objective

To explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of common systemic rheumatism concomitant with tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

A total of 3,906 patients of RA, SLE, and SS diagnosed in the People's Hospital of Sichuan Province from January 2007 to January 2017 were collected. One hundred and five patients with TB were included as TB group, including 42 RA, 41 SLE, and 22 SS patients. In the non-TB group, 84 RA, 82 SLE, and 44 SS patients were randomly selected during the same period.

Results

Fever was the most common symptom among RA, SLE, and SS patients with TB, accounting for 83.3%, 92.7%, and 68.2%, respectively. Cough, weight loss or fatigue were the next common. RA patients with TB were mostly pulmonary TB (PTB), accounting for 64.3%. The proportion of PTB for SLE and SS were 46.3%, 59.01%, respectively. In TB group, 59% RA, 57% SLE, and 62% SS with PTB had two or more chest CT findings. There were 48 TB cases received both Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) and Tuberculin skin test (TST) with positive rates of 91.8%, 45.8%, respectively. The daily average dose of glucocorticoids within 1 year in TB group was higher than that in non-TB group of SLE patients, lower counts of CD4+ T cell count were found in TB group (P < 0.05), while no such differences were found in RA and SS patients.

Conclusion

RA patients with TB are mainly pulmonary TB. For SLE and SS patients, the chance of PTB and extrapulmonary tuberculosis is similar. Daily average dose of glucocorticoids within 1 year may be a common risk factor for RA, SLE and SS patients developing TB. Decreased CD4+ T cell count may also be a risk factor for SLE patients with TB. Symptoms of RA, SLE, SS with TB, are similar with the primary disease or other infection. It is recommended to conduct both TST and IGRA to help diagnose TB.
Bmi-1: A master regulator of head and neck cancer stemness
Authors: Herzog Alexandra E. , Somayaji Ritu , Nör Jacques E.
Published: January 2023

Head and neck cancers are composed of a diverse group of malignancies, many of which exhibit an unacceptably low patient survival, high morbidity and poor treatment outcomes. The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis provides an explanation for the substantial patient morbidity associated with treatment resistance and the high frequency of tumor recurrence/metastasis. Stem cells are a unique population of cells capable of recapitulating a heterogenous organ from a single cell, due to their capacity to self-renew and differentiate into progenitor cells. CSCs share these attributes, in addition to playing a pivotal role in cancer initiation and progression by means of their high tumorigenic potential. CSCs constitute only a small fraction of tumor cells but play a major role in tumor initiation and therapeutic evasion. The shift towards stem-like phenotype fuels many malignant features of a cancer cell and mediates resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Bmi-1 is a master regulator of stem cell self-renewal as part of the polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and has emerged as a prominent player in cancer stem cell biology. Bmi-1 expression is upregulated in CSCs, which is augmented by tumor-promoting factors and various conventional chemotherapies. Bmi-1+ CSCs mediate chemoresistance and metastasis. On the other hand, inhibiting Bmi-1 rescinds CSC function and re-sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy. Therefore, elucidating the functional role of Bmi-1 in CSC-mediated cancer progression may unveil an attractive target for mechanism-based, developmental therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the parallels in the role of Bmi-1 in stem cell biology of health and disease and explore how this can be leveraged to advance clinical treatment strategies for head and neck cancer.
Temporal and spatial variability of immunosuppressive therapies in transplant patients: An observational study in Italy
Authors: Marino Maria Lucia , Rosa Alessandro C. , Finocchietti Marco , Bellini Arianna , Poggi Francesca R. , Massari Marco , Spila Alegiani Stefania , Masiero Lucia , Ricci Andrea , Bedeschi Gaia , Puoti Francesca , Cardillo Massimo , Pierobon Silvia , Nordio Maurizio , Ferroni Eliana , Zanforlini Martina , Piccolo Giuseppe , Leoni Olivia , Ledda Stefano , Carta Paolo , Garau Donatella , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Davoli Marina , Addis Antonio , Belleudi Valeria
Published: January 2023

Background

In immunosuppression after transplantation, several multi-drug approaches are used, involving calcineurin inhibitors (CNI: tacrolimus-TAC or cyclosporine-CsA), antimetabolites (antiMs), mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORis), and corticosteroids. However, data on immunosuppressive therapy by organ and its space–time variability are lacking.

Methods

An Italian multicentre observational cohort study was conducted using health information systems. Patients with incident transplant during 2009–2019 and resident in four regions (Veneto, Lombardy, Lazio, and Sardinia) were enrolled. The post-transplant immunosuppressive regimen was evaluated by organ, region, and year.

Results

The most dispensed regimen was triple-drug therapy for the kidneys [tacrolimus (TAC) + antiM + corticosteroids = 41.5%] and heart [cyclosporin  + antiM + corticosteroids = 36.6%] and double-drug therapy for liver recipients (TAC + corticosteroids = 35.4%). Several differences between regions and years emerged with regard to agents and the number of drugs used.

Conclusion

A high heterogeneity in immunosuppressive therapy post-transplant was found. Further studies are needed in order to investigate the reasons for this variability and to evaluate the risk–benefit profile of treatment schemes adopted in clinical practice.
Interpreting the changeable meaning of hashtags: Toward the theorization of a model
Authors: La Rocca Gevisa , Boccia Artieri Giovanni
Published: January 2023

This study contributes to the international debate on the hashtag's nature and characteristics and attempts to define it as a relational social form affected by morphogenetic–morphostatic processes. To develop this interpretative proposal, this study uses the dimensions of time and agency, drawing on Twitter hashtag studies. Subsequently, the article recalls elements of cultural morphogenesis, traces the points of contact between hashtag studies and cultural morphogenesis, constructs an interpretative proposal of the hashtag as a relational social form, and arrives at the formalization of a model for analyzing the changing meaning of hashtags.
Running gait modifications can lead to immediate reductions in patellofemoral pain
Authors: Esculier Jean-Francois , Bouyer Laurent J. , Roy Jean-Sébastien
Published: January 2023

Gait modifications are commonly advocated to decrease knee forces and pain in runners with patellofemoral pain (PFP). However, it remains unknown if clinicians can expect immediate effects on symptoms. Our objectives were (1) to compare the immediate effects of gait modifications on pain and kinetics of runners with PFP; (2) to compare kinetic changes in responders and non-responders; and (3) to compare the effects between rearfoot strikers (RFS) and non-RFS. Sixty-eight runners with PFP (42 women, 26 men) ran normally on a treadmill before testing six modifications: 1- increase step rate by 10%; 2- 180 steps per minute; 3- decrease step rate by 10%; 4- forefoot striking; 5- heel striking; 6- running softer. Overall, there were more responders (pain decreased ≥1/10 compared with normal gait) during forefoot striking and increasing step rate by 10% (both 35%). Responders showed greater reductions in peak patellofemoral joint force than non-responders during all conditions except heel striking. When compared with non-RFS, RFS reduced peak patellofemoral joint force in a significant manner (P < 0.001) during forefoot striking (partial η2 = 0.452) and running softer (partial η2 = 0.302). Increasing step rate by 10% reduced peak patellofemoral joint force in both RFS and non-RFS. Forty-two percent of symptomatic runners reported immediate reductions in pain during ≥1 modification, and 28% had reduced pain during ≥3 modifications. Gait modifications leading to decreased patellofemoral joint forces may be associated with immediate pain reductions in runners with PFP. Other mechanisms may be involved, given that some runners reported decreased symptoms regardless of kinetic changes.
Concomitant preoperative airflow obstruction confers worse prognosis after trans-thoracic surgery for esophageal cancer
Authors: Lang Ke , Wang Xiaocen , Wei Tingting , Gu Zhaolin , Song Yansha , Yang Dong , Wang Hao
Published: January 2023

Background

Airflow obstruction is a critical element of chronic airway diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative airflow obstruction on the prognosis of patients following surgery for esophageal carcinoma.

Methods

A total of 821 esophageal cancer patients were included and classified into two groups based on whether or not they had preoperative airflow obstruction. Airflow obstruction was defined as a forced expiration volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio below the lower limit of normal (LLN). A retrospective analysis of the impact of airflow obstruction on the survival of patients with esophageal carcinoma undergoing esophagectomy was performed.

Results

Patients with airflow obstruction (102/821, 12.4%) had lower three-year overall (42/102, 58.8%) and progression-free survival rate (47/102, 53.9%) than those without airflow obstruction (P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that airflow obstruction was an independent risk factor for overall survival (Hazard Ratio = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.17–2.35, P = 0.004) and disease progression (Hazard Ratio = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.1–2.08; P = 0.01). A subgroup analysis revealed that the above results were more significant in male patients, BMI < 23 kg/m2 patients or late-stage cancer (stage III-IVA) (P = 0.001) patients and those undergoing open esophagectomy (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Preoperative airflow obstruction defined by FEV1/FVC ratio below LLN was an independent risk factor for mortality in esophageal cancer patients after trans-thoracic esophagectomy. Comprehensive management of airflow obstruction and more personalized surgical decision-making are necessary to improve survival outcomes in esophageal cancer patients.
Development and Implementation of an ANN Based Flow Law for Numerical Simulations of Thermo-Mechanical Processes at High Temperatures in FEM Software
Authors: Pantalé Olivier
Published: January 2023

Numerical methods based on finite element (FE) have proven their efficiency for many years in the thermomechanical simulation of forming processes. Nevertheless, the application of these methods to new materials requires the identification and implementation of constitutive and flow laws within FE codes, which sometimes pose problems, particularly because of the strongly non-linear character of the behavior of these materials. Computational techniques based on machine learning and artificial neural networks are becoming more and more important in the development of these models and help the FE codes to integrate more complex behavior. In this paper, we present the development, implementation and use of an artificial neural network (ANN) based flow law for a GrC15 alloy under high temperature thermomechanical solicitations. The flow law modeling by ANN shows a significant superiority in terms of model prediction quality compared to classical approaches based on widely used Johnson–Cook or Arrhenius models. Once the ANN parameters have been identified on the base of experiments, the implementation of this flow law in a finite element code shows promising results in terms of solution quality and respect of the material behavior.
A Design Concept for a Tourism Recommender System for Regional Development
Authors: Gamidullaeva Leyla , Finogeev Alexey , Kataev Mikhail , Bulysheva Larisa
Published: January 2023

Despite of tourism infrastructure and software, the development of tourism is hampered due to the lack of information support, which encapsulates various aspects of travel implementation. This paper highlights a demand for integrating various approaches and methods to develop a universal tourism information recommender system when building individual tourist routes. The study objective is proposing a concept of a universal information recommender system for building a personalized tourist route. The developed design concept for such a system involves a procedure for data collection and preparation for tourism product synthesis; a methodology for tourism product formation according to user preferences; the main stages of this methodology implementation. To collect and store information from real travelers, this paper proposes to use elements of blockchain technology in order to ensure information security. A model that specifies the key elements of a tourist route planning process is presented. This article can serve as a reference and knowledge base for digital business system analysts, system designers, and digital tourism business implementers for better digital business system design and implementation in the tourism sector.
“Searching for Gold” with Sustainable Human Resources Management and Internal Communication: Evaluating the Mediating Role of Employer Attractiveness for Explaining Turnover Intention and Performance
Authors: Gomes Daniel Roque , Ribeiro Neuza , Santos Maria João
Published: January 2023

Objective: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of sustainable human resources management (SHRM) and internal communication (IC) on turnover intention (TI) and employee performance (PER) while assessing the mediating role of organizational attractiveness (AT) over these relationships. In this sense, this study intends to evaluate the effect of SHRM and IC on employee PER and TI, with AT acting as the mediator in a joint model of analysis. Methodology: To achieve the aforementioned purposes, a cross-sectional quantitative study was prepared using the Structural Equation Model (SEM). In total, 177 individuals participated in the study. Regarding gender, 62.4% were female. Participants came from all districts of Portugal and were aged from 21 years old to over 55 years old. Results: The main results show that both SHRM and IC are significantly correlated with AT, PER, and TI. Additionally, AT has a total mediation effect in the relationship between SHRM, PER, and TI and also between IC, PER, and TI. Practical implications: These results seem to support the need for organizations to invest in combined strategies and practices that aim to intertwine SHRM and IC towards the benefit of the worker. Both areas have been shown to have solid effects over PER and TI, as well as on the development of favorable worker perceptions that identify the organization as a good place to work. Practitioners should look at both SHRM and IC as valid ways of stimulating the quality of the worker–organization relationship. Incorporating these areas into common strategic planning and consecutive practices seems advisable regarding workers’ performance and employee retention.