bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da vulnerabilidade clínico-funcional de idosos frágeis após programa de exercícios
Authors: Rodrigues Anisia Gabriela Maturano , Cruz Ana Laura Becheleni da , Ribeiro Durães Renata , Durães Keilla Silva Mendes , Jesus Ely Carlos Pereira de , Maia Luciana Colares , Tinini Rodolpho Cesar dos Reis , Rodrigues Ana Carolina de Mello Alves
Published: April 2023

O envelhecimento promove mudanças na autonomia e dependência dos idosos que associado a fatores adversos pode levar o indivíduo a um estado de fragilidade. Entretanto, a prática de exercícios físicos tem mostrado efeitos positivos na funcionalidade que pode contribuir na diminuição do risco de vulnerabilidade do idoso frágil. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito dos exercícios nos domínios avaliados pelo Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clinico-funcional (IVCF-20) em idosos frágeis. Método: Cinquenta e seis idosos frágeis de ambos os sexos, atendidos no Centro de Referência em Assistência à Saúde do Idoso - Eny Faria De Oliveira – CRASI, foram avaliados por meio do IVCF-20 antes e depois de 10 sessões de fisioterapia. Os 8 domínios que compõem o IVCF-20 foram analisados individualmente. O Teste de Friedman foi utilizado para comparação pré e pós-reabilitação intragrupo. Resultados: Foram observadas diferenças significativas nos domínios de atividades de vida diária, cognição, humor, mobilidade e comunicação pós-treinamento (p<0,01) no grupo feminino e masculino. Conclusão: Programas de exercícios podem contribuir na melhora da mobilidade, cognição e funcionalidade dos idosos frágeis.
Atuação da fisioterapia aquática na esclerose lateral amiotrófica: revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors: Nishida Márjory Harumi , Saito Ana Paula Midori Sinzato , Braga Douglas Martins , Freire Fernando César , Silva Rafael Santos Ferreira da
Published: April 2023

A Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica (ELA) é uma doença neurodegenerativa do sistema nervoso central, caracterizada pela rápida progressão e incapacidade, resultando em atrofia muscular, fraqueza generalizada e fasciculações, marcada pelo acometimento bulbar, ocasionando disartria, disfagia e desconforto respiratório. Objetivo: Avaliar por meio de uma revisão integrativa da literatura a intervenção da fisioterapêutica aquática na esclerose lateral amiotrófica. Métodos: Consiste em uma revisão integrativa desenvolvida com  base na estratégia PICO e registrada na plataforma PROSPERO – International prospective register of systematic reviews, 2020, seguindo as recomendações do checklist da PRISMA, abrangendo a leitura, análise e interpretação de artigos publicados na integra, em periódicos científicos disponibilizados em seu formato online, nos idiomas inglês e português, nas bases de dados Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane Library e Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), que abordaram a atuação da fisioterapia aquática apresentando seus resultados e condutas adotadas. Resultados: Dos 1.093 artigos encontrados, 5 foram selecionados para essa revisão, sendo respectivamente: 01 estudo randomizado com grupo de 22 pessoas; 02 estudos de caso com 1 pessoa, em cada estudo, do sexo masculino; 01 revisão sistemática da literatura, identificando 31 estudos que avaliaram o uso da fisioterapia aquática como tratamento em uma das quatro condições neurológicas, visão geral dos efeitos do treinamento físico em ratos e pacientes afetados pela ELA, através de uma revisão da literatura. Conclusão: Os estudos demostram que a fisioterapia aquática tem um futuro promissor, podendo ser considerado um importante recurso terapêutico para os pacientes com ELA, beneficiando tanto as questões motoras funcionais, como osaspectos psicológicos e sociais.
Considerations for an urban health perspective in Chile from the “Quiero Mi Barrio” program
Authors:  Olave-Müller Paola , López-Contreras Natalia , Kocher Patricio Alvarez ,  Jirón Paola , Campo Camilo Bass del , Vega Soledad Burgos de la
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVES To explore the perceptions of residents regarding their health and well-being in areas of personal and collective life, in relation to the experience of urban transformation originated by the Program for the Recovery of Neighborhoods in Chile “Quiero mi Barrio” (PQMB). METHODS Qualitative study conducted in eight neighborhoods, which were subject to interventions between 2012–2015, located in seven communes of Chile: Arica, Renca, Padre Las Casas, Villarrica, Castro, Ancud. Eighteen focus groups and 27 interviews were conducted between 2018 and 2019. A content analysis was carried out following the social determinants of health approach. RESULTS Material conditions of neighborhood infrastructure and psychosocial determinants were the main emerging and predominant categories in the residents’ narratives. The new or improved infrastructure enhances sports and playing practices, as well as contributes to the feeling of safety and to the improvement of walkable spaces, support networks, socialization and dynamization of social organization. However, neglected aspects were visualized. The program had limitations of structural character that operate locally, such as aging, individual lifestyles that limit participation, and contexts of insecurity, especially in neighborhoods victims of drug trafficking. CONCLUSIONS The urban changes originated by the PQMB included improvements in neighborhood infrastructure and in the psychosocial environment, which are perceived by residents as beneficial aspects and promoters of collective wellbeing. However, global phenomena, and those related to the program, limit its scope and have repercussions on the perception of overall wellbeing of the residents in the neighborhoods. To go deeper into how this or other state neighborhood programs may or may not favor equitable access of different social groups, or which works may be better used by the groups, is an aspect that enhances the integral action with other sectors and local actors in the territories.
Acesso aos serviços de atenção ao parto no interior de Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Leite Régia Maria Batista , Araújo Thália Velho Barreto de , Silva Maria Rejane Ferreira da , Mendes Antônio da Cruz Gouveia , Albuquerque Maria do Socorro Veloso de
Published: April 2023

OBJETIVO: Analisar o acesso de mulheres atendidas na rede pública aos serviços de atenção ao parto, destacando-se as barreiras relacionadas à dimensão “disponibilidade e acomodação” em uma macrorregião de saúde de Pernambuco. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico, realizado a partir dos registros de partos hospitalares do Sistema de Informação Hospitalar e de informações da Central de Regulação de Leitos do estado sobre mulheres residentes na macrorregião de saúde II, em 2018. Analisou-se os deslocamentos, considerando a distância geográfica entre o município de residência e o de ocorrência do parto, o tempo estimado do deslocamento das gestantes, a proporção de plantões bloqueados para admissão das gestantes para o parto e o motivo da indisponibilidade. RESULTADOS: Em 2018, a macrorregião de saúde II realizou 84% dos partos de risco habitual e 46,9% de alto risco. Os demais partos de alto risco (51,1%) ocorreram na macrorregião I, sobretudo no Recife. A maternidade de referência para partos de alto risco dessa macrorregião teve 30,4% dos dias de plantões diurnos bloqueados para admissão de partos e 38,9% dos noturnos; o principal motivo foi a dificuldade em manter a equipe completa no serviço. CONCLUSÕES: Mulheres residentes na macrorregião de saúde II de Pernambuco enfrentam grandes barreiras de acesso em busca de atendimento hospitalar para o parto, percorrendo grandes distâncias, mesmo quando gestantes de risco habitual, levando à peregrinação em busca dessa assistência. Há dificuldade de disponibilidade e acomodação nos serviços de alto risco e de emergências obstétricas, com insuficiente capacidade física e de recursos humanos. A rede de atenção obstétrica na macrorregião II de Pernambuco não está estruturada para garantir um acesso equânime à assistência das gestantes no momento do parto, o que evidencia a necessidade de sua reestruturação em aproximação ao preconizado pela Rede Cegonha.
Ovariectomy Via 12/15-lipoxygenase Augments Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension and Its Pathogenesis in Female Mice
Authors: Dutta Shubha R. , Singh Purnima , Malik Kafait U.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Ang II (angiotensin II) releases arachidonic acid from tissue phospholipids that is metabolized by 12/15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), generating 12(S)- and 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), which have been implicated in cardiovascular and renal diseases. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that ovariectomy augments Ang II-induced hypertension and renal pathophysiological changes via ALOX15 activation in female mice.

Methods:

Ang II (700 ng/kg/min) was infused subcutaneously by osmotic pumps for 2 weeks in intact and ovariectomized wild-type and
Alox15
knockout (ALOX15KO) female mice for evaluation of hypertension and associated pathogenesis.

Results:

Ang II increased blood pressure, impaired autonomic function, and increased renal reactive oxygen species production and plasma 12(S)-HETE level without altering renal function in intact wild-type mice. However, in OVX-wild-type mice with depleted plasma 17β-estradiol, the effects of Ang II on blood pressure, autonomic impairment, renal reactive oxygen species production, and plasma 12(S)- but not 15(S)-HETE was markedly enhanced. In OVX-wild-type mice, Ang II also increased renal
alox15
mRNA, urine 12(S)-HETE, water intake, urine output, decreased osmolality, increased urinary excretion of vasopressin prosegment copeptin, protein/creatinine ratio, and caused renal hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation. These effects of Ang II were attenuated in ALOX15KO mice.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that 17β-estradiol protects against Ang II-induced hypertension and associated pathogenesis in female mice, most likely via inhibition of ALOX15-arachidonic acid derived production of 12(S)-HETE. Therefore, the selective inhibitors of ALOX15 or 12(S)-HETE receptor antagonists could be useful for treating hypertension and its pathogenesis in postmenopausal, hypoestrogenic women, or females with ovarian failure.
Latin American Development in Historical Perspective
Authors: Grinberg Nicolás
Published: April 2023

The paper challenges mainstream theories of Latin American development, showing their theoretical weaknesses and pointing to their role in ideologically mediating the region’s ‘truncated’ capitalism. To that end, the paper presents an alternative view of Latin American development that starts by considering capitalist social reproduction as a worldwide process and regional/national politico-economic development as mediations in the structuring of global capital accumulation. Latin America’s specific variety of capitalism is understood to have emerged from its original transformation by expanding European capital into a place to produce raw materials under favourable natural conditions. On the one hand, this has reduced their price and that of the labour-power directly or indirectly consuming them; on the other, it has resulted in a flow of surplus-value towards the owners of those natural conditions of production. The historical development of Latin American societies has expressed the partial overcoming of that antagonistic relationship between rent-paying capital and rent-appropriating landed property.
Health of the Judiciary in a Democratizing Nigeria: Still Gasping for Breath?
Authors: Basiru Adeniyi S. , Arogundade Martins A.
Published: April 2023

While the Judiciary has continued to play a major role in Nigeria’s democratic journey, yet critical studies on the terrains of judicial independence remains scanty. It is against this background that this article, based on desk analysis, critically examines the health of the Judiciary in a democratizing Nigeria, through the prism of judicial independence. It notes that despite the institutional frameworks, embedded in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to provide a well-ventilated environment for its existence, the Judiciary, even though still breathing, is still gasping for breath. It argues that this is unconnected to the internal contradictions within the Judiciary and pervasive prebendal culture, which have all interacted to shape the content and terrains of judicial independence in a democratizing Nigeria. The article concludes that as long as the Judiciary in Nigeria continues to be mired in internal contradictions from within, its journey towards achieving institutional independence would remain tortuous.
Hypholoma himalayense, a new and noteworthy species from the Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan
Authors: AYYUB MISBAH , NIAZI ABDUL REHMAN
Published: April 2023

Hypholoma himalayense, a new species is described and illustrated from the Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan. This new taxon can be differentiated from close allies by its reddish-orange to light orange pileus, light yellowish to dull brown lamellae, and larger and broader basidiospores. The new species is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis inferred from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.
Description of a novel termite ectoparasite, Termitaria hexasporodochia sp. nov. (Kathistaceae), presenting an unusual six-sectioned infestation, and a key to the fungal family Kathistaceae
Authors: WILSON MEGAN M. , EMAM AMANY , DAVIS STEVEN R. , HALL GENE , BARDEN PHILLIP , WARE JESSICA L.
Published: April 2023

Termites, an economically significant group of eusocial cockroaches, are host to a variety of ectoparasitic fungi. Here, we provide up-to-date morphological and geographic data for fungal ectoparasites described belonging to the family Kathistaceae and describe Termitaria hexasporodochia sp. nov., a species observed to form lesions on its host in an unusual hexad arrangement. To date, the family Kathistaceae comprises 4 genera (Kathistes, Mattirolella, Termitaria, and Termitariopsis) and 11 valid species. Two genera we focus on in this paper, Termitaria and Mattirolella, are asexual ectoparasitic fungi that form sporodochia on the eusocial insects, termites. Morphological data collected via Micro-CT, SEM, and confocal microscopy confirms that this is a new fungal species belonging to the genus Termitaria. A comparison chart and dichotomous key are provided to distinguish all members of the family, Kathistaceae, to which the new species belongs.
Three new cricket species and a new subgenus of Endecous Saussure, 1878 (Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae) from caves in northeastern Brazil
Authors: CARVALHO PEDRO HENRIQUE MENDES , JUNTA VITOR GABRIEL PEREIRA , CASTRO-SOUZA RODRIGO ANTÔNIO , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: April 2023

The genus Endecous (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Phalangopsidae), commonly found in caves, comprises more than 20 species, grouped into three subgenera: E. (Endecous), E. (Pedroecous) and E. (Notendecous). In this study, from differences observed mainly in the male genitalia, we describe a new subgenus—Endecous (Ramalhoecous) n. sp.—as well as three new species—E. (R.) infernalis n. sp., E. (E.) zin n. sp. and E. (E.) zaum n. sp.—all of them collected in caves in the Serra do Ramalho region, Northeastern, Brazil. We also briefly discuss some troglomorphisms verified in one of the new species: E. (R.) infernalis n. sp.
On the occurrence of Branchinecta orientalis Sars, 1901 (Crustacea, Anostraca) in Algeria, with some ecological notes
Authors: BELADJAL LYNDA , AMAROUAYACHE MOUNIA
Published: April 2023

The first substantiated record of Branchinecta orientalis in Algeria is here reported. This species was found in a small freshwater pool (Jemot) in Oum El Bouaghi province, located in the High Plateaus of the Aurès region in North-East of Algeria. Details on biogeography, ecology and morphology of this Algerian population of the species are provided. In its Algerian occurrence locality, B. orientalis co-occurs mostly with Branchinecta ferox during autumn and spring but also with other large Branchiopoda with a maximum of 7 species occurring synchronically and 9 species in total.
Two new species of Pseudapis Kirby, 1900 (Hymenoptera: Halictidae: Nomiinae) from Oman
Authors: PAULY ALAIN , MONKS JOSEPH , POLASZEK ANDREW
Published: April 2023

Two new species are described in the genus Pseudapis: P. kuhlmanni Pauly & Monks, and P. lisetae Pauly & Monks, both from Oman. Their distributional and flower-visiting data are presented, and they are diagnosed and differentiated from other species in the genus.
A new species of Dasylabris Radoszkowski, 1885 (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) from India
Authors: TERINE JOSHUA B. , KUMAR GIRISH P. , ADITHYA YOGESH B.
Published: April 2023

We report the complete mitochondrial genome of the Cretan bush cricket Poecilimon cretensis. The mitogenome consists of 13 protein-coding regions, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and one control region. The length of mitogenome in P. cretensis varies between15477 and 15631 bp, mainly due to variability in control region. The start and stop codons of protein coding genes exhibit the general pattern in Phaneropterinae. Phylogenetic tree constructed with the mitogenome obtained during this study and 12 mitogenomes of Phaneropterinae downloaded from GenBank, placed P. cretensis in Barbitistini as sister group to Poecilimon luschani. Data indicate that the gene overlapping pattern exhibit strong phylogenetic signals.
Mitochondrial genome of Poecilimon cretensis (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae): Strong phylogenetic signals in gene overlapping regions
Authors: KARAKAŞ MÜŞERREF Y. , YAHYAOĞLU ÖZGÜL , ULUAR ONUR , BUDAK MAHIR , ÇIPLAK BATTAL
Published: April 2023

We report the complete mitochondrial genome of the Cretan bush cricket Poecilimon cretensis. The mitogenome consists of 13 protein-coding regions, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and one control region. The length of mitogenome in P. cretensis varies between15477 and 15631 bp, mainly due to variability in control region. The start and stop codons of protein coding genes exhibit the general pattern in Phaneropterinae. Phylogenetic tree constructed with the mitogenome obtained during this study and 12 mitogenomes of Phaneropterinae downloaded from GenBank, placed P. cretensis in Barbitistini as sister group to Poecilimon luschani. Data indicate that the gene overlapping pattern exhibit strong phylogenetic signals.
Structural Forecasting for Short-Term Tropical Cyclone Intensity Guidance
Authors: McNeely Trey , Khokhlov Pavel , Dalmasso Niccolò , Wood Kimberly M. , Lee Ann B.
Published: April 2023

Because geostationary satellite (Geo) imagery provides a high temporal resolution window into tropical cyclone (TC) behavior, we investigate the viability of its application to short-term probabilistic forecasts of TC convective structure to subsequently predict TC intensity. Here, we present a prototype model that is trained solely on two inputs: Geo infrared imagery leading up to the synoptic time of interest and intensity estimates up to 6 h prior to that time. To estimate future TC structure, we compute cloud-top temperature radial profiles from infrared imagery and then simulate the evolution of an ensemble of those profiles over the subsequent 12 h by applying a deep autoregressive generative model (PixelSNAIL). To forecast TC intensities at hours 6 and 12, we input operational intensity estimates up to the current time (0 h) and simulated future radial profiles up to +12 h into a “nowcasting” convolutional neural network. We limit our inputs to demonstrate the viability of our approach and to enable quantification of value added by the observed and simulated future radial profiles beyond operational intensity estimates alone. Our prototype model achieves a marginally higher error than the National Hurricane Center’s official forecasts despite excluding environmental factors, such as vertical wind shear and sea surface temperature. We also demonstrate that it is possible to reasonably predict short-term evolution of TC convective structure via radial profiles from Geo infrared imagery, resulting in interpretable structural forecasts that may be valuable for TC operational guidance.

Significance Statement

This work presents a new method of short-term probabilistic forecasting for tropical cyclone (TC) convective structure and intensity using infrared geostationary satellite observations. Our prototype model’s performance indicates that there is some value in observed and simulated future cloud-top temperature radial profiles for short-term intensity forecasting. The nonlinear nature of machine learning tools can pose an interpretation challenge, but structural forecasts produced by our model can be directly evaluated and, thus, may offer helpful guidance to forecasters regarding short-term TC evolution. Since forecasters are time limited in producing each advisory package despite a growing wealth of satellite observations, a tool that captures recent TC convective evolution and potential future changes may support their assessment of TC behavior in crafting their forecasts.
Validation of the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory in Adolescents Who Lost a Family Member in the Past 4 years: Effects of Time After the Death Event and Gender
Authors: Ramos-Vera Cristian , O’Diana Angel García , Vallejos-Saldarriaga José , Saintila Jacksaint
Published: April 2023

Post-traumatic growth is the psychological capacity to perceive positive changes facing high-stress or potentially traumatic events and may be especially useful in lessening their effects in adolescents’ lives. Present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) in 662 Peruvian adolescents who suffered the death of an immediate family member over the last 4 years. Firstly, an exploratory graphical analysis (EGA) was conducted to determine the best parsimonious structure of the instrument and confirmed with its respective factor models. The results report adequate fit indices in the EGA Bifactor model. Furthermore, another structural model is included, which reports significant latent effects of the time elapsed since the relative’s death and gender (male) on PTGI general factor. Likewise, gender measure was significantly related to items 3, 7, and 11, which is linked to personal growth.
Commonwealth Power to Improve Access, Quality, and Efficiency of Medical Care: Does section 51 (xxiiiA) of the Constitution Limit Politically Feasible Health Policy Options Today?
Authors: McDonald Fiona , Duckett Stephen , Campbell Emma
Published: April 2023

Legal and political battles about health policy in the immediate post-war years have cast a long shadow in Australia. The ‘civil conscription’ sub-provision in s 51(xxiiiA) (health and welfare power) of the Australian Constitution is still cited as a major barrier to developing health policy. But long after the High Court moved on from a very restrictive interpretation of Commonwealth powers, policymakers appear to be cautious about testing whether the Commonwealth has power to make laws about medical services to pursue a bold agenda about access, quality, and efficiency of medical care. In this article we will first describe the origin and phrasing of s 51(xxiiiA), the main head of power, then trace the development of the interpretation of the civil conscription sub-provision, and finally discuss whether politically realistic policy options are likely to founder on the shoals of High Court interpretation. We argue that the civil conscription limitation in s 51 (xxiiiA) in the Constitution looms larger as a policy constraint on regulation of health care by the Commonwealth government in the minds of decision-makers, and as a weapon in the hands of stakeholders, than contemporary analysis of it warrants.
IFN-γ blockade after genetic inhibition of PD-1 aggravates skeletal muscle damage and impairs skeletal muscle regeneration
Authors: Zhuang Shuzhao , Russell Aaron , Guo Yifan , Xu Yingying , Xiao Weihua
Published: April 2023

Background

Innate immune responses play essential roles in skeletal muscle recovery after injury. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) contributes to skeletal muscle regeneration by promoting macrophage proinflammatory to anti-inflammatory phenotype transition. Interferon (IFN)-γ induces proinflammatory macrophages that appear to hinder myogenesis in vitro. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that blocking IFN-γ in PD-1 knockout mice may dampen inflammation and promote skeletal muscle regeneration via regulating the macrophage phenotype and neutrophils.

Methods

Anti-IFN-γ antibody was administered in PD-1 knockout mice, and cardiotoxin (CTX) injection was performed to induce acute skeletal muscle injury. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to view morphological changes of injured and regenerated skeletal muscle. Masson’s trichrome staining was used to assess the degree of fibrosis. Gene expressions of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, fibrosis-related factors, and myogenic regulator factors were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Changes in macrophage phenotype were examined by western blot and real-time PCR. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the accumulation of proinflammatory macrophages, anti-inflammatory macrophages, and neutrophils.

Results

IFN-γ blockade in PD-1 knockout mice did not alleviate skeletal muscle damage or improve regeneration following acute cardiotoxin-induced injury. Instead, it exacerbated skeletal muscle inflammation and fibrosis, and impaired regeneration via inhibiting macrophage accumulation, blocking macrophage proinflammatory to anti-inflammatory transition, and enhancing infiltration of neutrophils.

Conclusion

IFN-γ is crucial for efficient skeletal muscle regeneration in the absence of PD-1.
En-face widefield optical coherence tomography angiography for understanding vascular networks changes in two cases of acute retinal necrosis
Authors: Tomita Mami , Tagami Mizuki , Misawa Norihiko , Sakai Atsushi , Haruna Yusuke , Honda Shigeru
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The present study assesses the utility of en-face widefield optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging for evaluating the retinal vascular network during the course of treatment in acute retinal necrosis(ARN).

Observations

OCTA images of two cases of acute retinal necrosis were analyzed. Case 1 was a 15-year-old male with visual crowding in his right eye who had best-corrected visual acuity of 16/20 and intraocular pressure of 25 mmHg in his right eye on initial evaluation. Case 2 was a 57-year-old male with visual crowding in his left eye who had best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 in his left eye on initial examination and intraocular pressure of 19.3 mmHg.

In both patients, dynamic changes could be tracked by en-face ultra-widefield OCTA imaging before and up to 1 year after surgical treatment. The images showed arteriovenous anastomosis and the nonperfused area on the surface of the retina.

Conclusions and importance

En-face widefield OCTA is useful for monitoring the structure of retinal vessels over time in acute retinal necrosis. Wide-angle OCTA is used to non-invasively examine retinal vascular dynamic changes in ARN. OCTA artifacts due to intraocular inflammation appeared, making interpretation difficult. These will remain as issues in the future. It seems difficult for a while to completely replace FA due to the problem of image clarity.
Mechanism for exercise-mediated prevention against muscle wasting on extensor digitorum longus muscle in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii fatty rats
Authors: Kotake Hitoshi , Ogura Yuji , Yamada Shohei , Inoue Kazuho , Watanabe Shiika , Ichikawa Daisuke , Sugaya Takeshi , Ohata Keiichi , Natsuki Yasunori , Hoshino Seiko , Watanabe Minoru , Kimura Kenjiro , Shibagaki Yugo , Kamijo-Ikemori Atsuko
Published: April 2023

We previously reported the significant increase in limb muscle strength and cross-sectional area of the type IIb muscle fibers in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle in a type 2 diabetic animal model, with Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rats (n = 6) undergoing regular treadmill exercise from 8 to 16 weeks of age compared with sedentary SDT fatty rats (n = 6). This study investigated the mechanism by which exercise training prevented skeletal muscle wasting in the EDL muscle of the SDT fatty rats. The endurance exercise for 8 weeks downregulated the expression of muscle RING-finger protein-1 (an E3 ubiquitin ligase) and upregulated the expression of CD31, insulin receptor substrate-2, and phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the EDL muscle of 16-week-old SDT fatty rats.

Endurance exercise training might reduce muscle wasting by preventing muscle degradation and increasing the angiogenic response in the EDL muscle in type 2 diabetes.
Oral anticoagulants and concurrent rifampin administration in tuberculosis patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hwang Ki Won , Choi Jin Hee , Lee Soo Yong , Lee Sang Hyun , Chon Min Ku , Lee Jungkuk , Kim Hasung , Kim Yong-Giun , Choi Hyung Oh , Kim Jeong Su , Park Yong-Hyun , Kim June Hong , Chun Kook Jin , Nam Gi-Byoung , Choi Kee-Joon
Published: April 2023

Background

Evidence and guidelines for Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) use when prescribing concurrent rifampin for tuberculosis treatment in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are limited.

Methods

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database from January 2009 to December 2018, we performed a population-based retrospective cohort study to assess the net adverse clinical events (NACE), a composite of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism and major bleeding, of NOACs compared with warfarin among NVAF patients taking concurrent rifampin administration for tuberculosis treatment. After a propensity matching score (PSM) analysis, Cox proportional hazards regression was performed in matched cohorts to investigate the clinical outcomes.

Results

Of the 735 consecutive patients selected, 465 (63.3%) received warfarin and 270 (36.7%) received NOACs. Among 254 pairs of patients after PSM, the crude incidence rate of NACE was 25.6 in NOAC group and 32.8 per 100 person-years in warfarin group. There was no significant difference between NOAC and warfarin use in NACE (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48–1.14; P = 0.172). Major bleeding was the main driver of NACE, and NOAC use was associated with a statistically significantly lower risk of major bleeding than that with warfarin use (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40–1.00; P = 0.0499).

Conclusions

In our population-based study, there was no statically significant difference in the occurrence of NACE between NOAC and warfarin use. NOAC use may be associated with a lower risk of major bleeding than that with warfarin use.
Determinants of effective treatment coverage for posttraumatic stress disorder: findings from the World Mental Health Surveys
Authors: Stein Dan J. , Kazdin Alan E. , Munthali Richard J. , Hwang Irving , Harris Meredith G. , Alonso Jordi , Andrade Laura Helena , Bruffaerts Ronny , Cardoso Graça , Chardoul Stephanie , de Girolamo Giovanni , Florescu Silvia , Gureje Oye , Haro Josep Maria , Karam Aimee N. , Karam Elie G. , Kovess-Masfety Viviane , Lee Sing , Medina-Mora Maria Elena , Navarro-Mateu Fernando , Posada-Villa José , Stagnaro Juan Carlos , ten Have Margreet , Sampson Nancy A. , Kessler Ronald C. , Vigo Daniel V. ,   on behalf of the WHO World Mental Health Survey Collaborators, Aguilar-Gaxiola Sergio , Al-Hamzawi Ali , Altwaijri Yasmin A. , Atwoli Lukoye , Benjet Corina , Borges Guilherme , Bromet Evelyn J. , Bunting Brendan , Caldas-de-Almeida Jose Miguel , Chatterji Somnath , Cia Alfredo H. , Degenhardt Louisa , Demyttenaere Koen , Hinkov Hristo , Hu Chi-yi , de Jonge Peter , Karam Aimee Nasser , Karam Georges , Kawakami Norito , Kiejna Andrzej , Lepine Jean-Pierre , McGrath John J. , Moskalewicz Jacek , Piazza Marina , Scott Kate M. , Slade Tim , Torres Yolanda , Viana Maria Carmen , Whiteford Harvey , Williams David R. , Wojtyniak Bogdan
Published: April 2023

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with significant morbidity, but efficacious pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are available. Data from the World Mental Health Surveys were used to investigate extent and predictors of treatment coverage for PTSD in high-income countries (HICs) as well as in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

Seventeen surveys were conducted across 15 countries (9 HICs, 6 LMICs) by the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health Surveys. Of 35,012 respondents, 914 met DSM-IV criteria for 12-month PTSD. Components of treatment coverage analyzed were: (a) any mental health service utilization; (b) adequate pharmacotherapy; (c) adequate psychotherapy; and (d) effective treatment coverage. Regression models investigated predictors of treatment coverage.

Results

12-month PTSD prevalence in trauma exposed individuals was 1.49 (S.E., 0.08). A total of 43.0% (S.E., 2.2) received any mental health services, with fewer receiving adequate pharmacotherapy (13.5%), adequate psychotherapy (17.2%), or effective treatment coverage (14.4%), and with all components of treatment coverage lower in LMICs than HICs. In a multivariable model having insurance (OR = 2.31, 95 CI 1.17, 4.57) and severity of symptoms (OR = .35, 95% CI 0.18, 0.70) were predictive of effective treatment coverage.

Conclusion

There is a clear need to improve pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy coverage for PTSD, particularly in those with mild symptoms, and especially in LMICs. Universal health care insurance can be expected to increase effective treatment coverage and therefore improve outcomes.
Levels, trends, and determinants of cause-of-death diversity in a global perspective: 1990–2019
Authors: Calazans Júlia Almeida , Permanyer Iñaki
Published: April 2023

Background

While much is known about the leading causes of death (CoD) and how they have evolved over time, much less is known about the diversity of such causes of death. CoD diversity is an important marker of population health heterogeneity that has been largely overlooked in the study of contemporary health dynamics.

Methods

We provide regional and national estimates of CoD diversity from 1990 to 2019. We rely on data from the Global Burden of Disease project, using information on 21 CoD. Results are presented for 204 countries and territories, for women and men separately. CoD diversity is measured with the index of Fractionalization. Results are disaggregated by age and cause of death.

Results

CoD diversity has declined across world regions, except for Latin America and the Caribbean, the region of High-income countries and women in Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Changes in mortality at adult and older ages have been mostly responsible for CoD diversity dynamics, except for the regions of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, where infant and child mortality still play a non-negligible role. The relationship between CoD diversity, life expectancy, and lifespan inequality is strongly non-monotonic, with turning points differing by sex and indicator. Among longevity vanguard countries, further increases in life expectancy are associated with decreasing lifespan inequality but increasing CoD diversity.

Conclusion

As mortality declines, there is no universal pathway toward low CoD diversity, thus casting doubts on the ability of Epidemiological Transition Theory to predict prospective CoD dynamics among high- and middle-mortality countries. Despite the postponement and increasing predictability of the ages at which individuals die, low-mortality populations are composed of an increasingly heterogenous mix of robust and frail individuals, thus increasing the diversity of health profiles among older persons – an issue that could potentially complicate further improvements in longevity.
Evaluation of dietary habits and cooking confidence using virtual teaching kitchens for perimenopausal women
Authors: Sommer Sarah , Pelletier Andrea , Roche Andrea , Klein Laura , Dawes Kimberly , Hellerstein Susan
Published: April 2023

Background

The transition to menopause is a time when women are at increased risk for chronic and cardiovascular diseases, and weight gain. This study evaluates the efficacy of virtual teaching kitchen (TK) interventions on cooking confidence and consumption of a healthy diet in women over 45.

Methods

This teaching kitchen intervention is a synchronous online series of classes for perimenopausal women, with 45 min of live cooking and 15 min of nutrition discussion. From September 2020 through January 2022, participants completed online pre- post-intervention surveys addressing weight, eating habits, cooking confidence and self-efficacy. Analysis used paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank sum test for normally and non-normal distributed data respectively.

Results

Of the 609 unique participants, 269 women completed both pre and post surveys after attending classes. Participants self-reported a statistically significant decreased weight (p < 0.001), increased daily consumption of fruit/vegetables (p < 0.039), fish (p < 0.001) and beans (p < 0.005), and decreased daily consumption of red meat (p < 0.001), sugary beverages (p < 0.029) and white grains (p < 0.039). There was significant improvement in cooking self-efficacy and confidence.

Conclusions

Virtual teaching kitchens were effective in improving culinary and dietary habits among peri- and post-menopausal women. This early evidence suggests that teaching kitchens can effectively reach larger populations for healthy behavioral modification.

Trial Registration

Study obtained IRB exemption.
The role of EMILIN-1 in the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Deng Pingmeng , Huang Jing , Zhang Qixuan , Li Yuejia , Li Jie
Published: April 2023

Background

Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) may be the best choice for self-repair and regeneration of teeth and maxillofacial bone tissue due to their homogeneous tissue origin, high proliferation and differentiation rates, and no obvious ethical restrictions. Recently, several studies have shown that extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins can effectively regulate the proliferation and differentiation fate of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the role of elastin microfibril interface-located protein-1 (EMILIN-1), a new ECM glycoprotein, in osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs has not been reported. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of EMILIN-1 during osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs.

Methods

hDPSCs were cultured in osteo/odontogenic induction medium. qPCR and Western blot analysis were performed to detect osteo/odonto-specific genes/proteins expression as well as the expression of EMILIN-1. After knockdown of Emilin-1 in hDPSCs with small interfering RNA and exogenous addition of recombinant human EMILIN-1 protein (rhEMILIN-1), Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, qPCR and Western blot were performed to examine the effect of EMILIN-1 on proliferation and osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs.

Results

During the osteo/odontogenic induction of hDPSCs, the expression of osteo/odonto-specific genes/proteins increased, as did EMILIN-1 protein levels. More notably, knockdown of Emilin-1 decreased hDPSCs proliferation and osteo/odontogenic differentiation, whereas exogenous addition of rhEMILIN-1 increased them.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that EMILIN-1 is essential for the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs, which may provide new insights for teeth and bone tissue regeneration.
Is there a link between the autonomy of women and maternal healthcare utilization in Nigeria? A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Odusina Emmanuel Kolawole , Oladele Oluwarotimi Samuel
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite legislation and intervention programmes, the rates of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria remain high. Sustainable development goals on mother and child mortality would be a mirage if this continues. The study investigated the autonomy of women (women’s decision-making autonomy) and the use of maternal health-care services in Nigeria.

Methods

Secondary data obtained from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, 2018 were used in this investigation. Women who indicated they gave birth in the five-year before the surveys were considered in the study. The association between autonomy of women and maternal health-care utilization was studied using binary logistic regression models.

Results

In total, about one-fifth of the women (19.6%) indicated they had at least eight ANC visits for their most recent birth. Overall, 40.5% of the women gave birth in a health institution, and 20.1% went for postnatal checkups. The use of health-care services was significantly related to the autonomy of women. Women’s and husbands/partners’ educational levels, residency and ethnicity were socio-demographic characteristics that influenced women’s healthcare service consumption.

Conclusions

For most recent childbirth, most women did not utilise the health-care services in Nigeria. To enhance the autonomy of women and, as a result, maternal health-care services use in Nigeria, effective interventions, policies, and programmes are required.
“There’s nothing like a good crisis for innovation”: a qualitative study of family physicians’ experiences with virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hedden Lindsay , Spencer Sarah , Mathews Maria , Marshall Emily Gard , Lukewich Julia , Asghari Shabnam , Brown Judith Belle , Gill Paul S. , Freeman Thomas R. , McCracken Rita K. , Ryan Bridget L. , Vaughan Crystal , Wong Eric , Buote Richard , Meredith Leslie , Moritz Lauren , Ryan Dana , McKay Madeleine , Schacter Gordon
Published: April 2023

Background

Prior to the pandemic, Canada lagged behind other Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries in the uptake of virtual care. The onset of COVID-19, however, resulted in a near-universal shift to virtual primary care to minimise exposure risks. As jurisdictions enter a pandemic recovery phase, the balance between virtual and in-person visits is reverting, though it is unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels. Our objective was to explore Canadian family physicians’ perspectives on the rapid move to virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic, to inform both future pandemic planning for primary care and the optimal integration of virtual care into the broader primary care context beyond the pandemic.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 68 family physicians from four regions in Canada between October 2020 and June 2021. We used a purposeful, maximum variation sampling approach, continuing recruitment in each region until we reached saturation. Interviews with family physicians explored their roles and experiences during the pandemic, and the facilitators and barriers they encountered in continuing to support their patients through the pandemic. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed for recurrent themes.

Results

We identified three prominent themes throughout participants’ reflections on implementing virtual care: implementation and evolution of virtual modalities during the pandemic; facilitators and barriers to implementing virtual care; and virtual care in the future. While some family physicians had prior experience conducting remote assessments, most had to implement and adapt to virtual care abruptly as provinces limited in-person visits to essential and urgent care. As the pandemic progressed, initial forays into video-based consultations were frequently replaced by phone-based visits, while physicians also rebalanced the ratio of virtual to in-person visits. Medical record systems with integrated capacity for virtual visits, billing codes, supportive clinic teams, and longitudinal relationships with patients were facilitators in this rapid transition for family physicians, while the absence of these factors often posed barriers.

Conclusion

Despite varied experiences and preferences related to virtual primary care, physicians felt that virtual visits should continue to be available beyond the pandemic but require clearer regulation and guidelines for its appropriate future use.
Risk factors of non-sentinel lymph node metastasis in breast cancer with 1–2 sentinel lymph node macrometastases underwent total mastectomy: a case-control study
Authors: Huang Zhen , Wu Zhe , Zou Quan-qing , Xie Yu-jie , Li Li-hui , Huang Yan-ping , Wu Feng-ming , Huang Dong , Pan Yin-hua , Yang Jian-rong
Published: April 2023

Background

The randomized trials which include ACOSOG Z0011 and IBCSG 23-01 had found that the survival rates were not different in patients with cT1/2N0 and 1–2 sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive, macro/micrometastases who underwent breast-conserving therapy, and micrometastases who underwent total mastectomy (TM), when axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was omitted. However, for patients with cT1/2N0 and 1–2 SLN macrometastases who underwent TM; there was still insufficient evidence from clinical studies to support whether ALND can be exempted. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of non-sentinel lymph node (nSLN) metastasis in breast cancer patients with 1–2 SLN macrometastases undergoing TM.

Methods

The clinicopathological data of 1491 breast cancer patients who underwent TM and SLNB from January 2017 to February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the risk factors for nSLN metastasis.

Results

A total of 273 patients with 1–2 SLN macrometastases who underwent TM were enrolled. Postoperative pathological data showed that 35.2% patients had nSLN metastasis. The results of multivariate analysis indicated that tumor size (TS) (P = 0.002; OR: 1.051; 95% CI: 1.019–1.084) and ratio of SLN macrometastases (P = 0.0001; OR: 12.597: 95% CI: 4.302–36.890) were the independent risk factors for nSLN metastasis in breast cancer patients with 1–2 SLN macrometastases that underwent TM. The ROC curve analysis suggested that when TS ≤22 mm and ratio of SLN macrometastases ≤0.33, the incidence of nSLN metastasis could be reduced to 17.1%.

Conclusions

The breast cancer patients with cT1/2N0 stage, undergoing TM and 1–2 SLN macrometastases, when the TS ≤22 mm and macrometastatic SLN does not exceed 1/3 of the total number of detected SLN, the incidence of nSLN metastasis is significantly reduced, but whether ALND can be exempted needs further exploration.