bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kidney functional reserve and damage biomarkers in subclinical chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury
Authors: Taylor Kylie M. , Au Amy Y. M. , Herath Sanjeeva , Succar Lena , Wong Jasmine , Erlich Jonathan H. , Endre Zoltán H.
Published: September 2023

Early kidney function loss is poorly identified by serum creatinine (sCr)-based measurements. Direct kidney functional reserve (KFR) measurement before kidney injury and elevated urinary biomarkers clusterin and kidney injury molecule-1 detect subclinical chronic kidney disease (sCKD) after kidney injury despite normal range sCr and creatinine clearance. Reliance on sCr masks underlying sCKD. Acute kidney injury risk evaluation requires direct glomerular filtration rate measurement and KFR, whereas kidney damage biomarkers facilitate identification of prior subclinical injury.
The effect of exercise on vascular health in chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Davies Mark D. , Hughes Felicity , Sandoo Aamer , Alejmi Abdulfattah , Macdonald Jamie Hugo
Published: September 2023

A thorough systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of exercise training on measures of vascular function in patients with chronic kidney disease, including arterial stiffness and endothelial function, were conducted. Subgroup analyses investigated how differences in exercise training, according to frequency, intensity, type, and timing, have an impact on the efficacy of the intervention.
Effects of fatigue on intramuscle force-stabilizing synergies
Authors: Ricotta Joseph M. , De Sayan D. , Nardon Mauro , Benamati Anna , Latash Mark L.
Published: September 2023

Across multielement force production tasks, fatigue of an element leads to increased indexes of force stability (synergy indexes). Here, however, we show that groups of motor units in the tibialis anterior show decreased indexes of force-stabilizing synergies after fatiguing exercise. These findings align intramuscle synergies with spinal mechanisms, in contrast to the supraspinal control of multimuscle synergies.
Assessment of Intestinal Parasites and Its Associated Factors among Fruits and Vegetables Collected from Local Markets of Bule Hora Town, Southeast Ethiopia
Authors: Gemechu Tibeso , Bona Jemal , Aliyo Alqeer , Dedecha Wako , Ashenafi Girma
Published: September 2023

Background. Vegetable and fruit consumptions are important for health as they are good sources of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, contamination of vegetables and fruits is indicated as the main contributing factor to parasitic contamination. Objective. This study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasites among fruits and vegetables collected from local markets in Bule Hora Town, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional assessment was carried out on 391 raw fruits and vegetables from the market in Bule Hora Town from July 29 to August 17, 2022. After being soaked in physiological saline and vigorously shaken for 15 minutes with the help of a mechanical shaker, a total of 391 samples taken from various fruits and vegetables were evaluated using the sedimentation concentration technique. Software SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data after it had been entered using EpiData version 3.1. To assess various associated factors, binary and multivariable logistic regression was employed. Results. 142 (36.3%) of the 391 samples analyzed had at least one species of parasite. The parasite Ascaris lumbricoides (40.1%) was found the most frequently, whereas Strongyloides spp. was found the least frequently. Variables such as fingernail trimming (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.274–3.108), hand washing habit with soap after using toilet (AOR = 2.912; CI: 1.896–4.47), and eating raw vegetables or fruits (AOR = 0.604; CI: 0.394–0.925) were associated with parasitic contamination. Conclusions. The results of this study show that eating vegetables that are raw in the study area carries a potentially significant risk of contracting parasitic illnesses. Therefore, the appropriate bodies should make an effort to lower the rate of product contamination with intestinal parasites by educating vendors and the general public.
Standardized Protocol for Chest Tube Management for Trauma Patients Significantly Decreases Complications
Authors: Dai Christopher A. , Fang Christopher J. , Schwartz David , Enderson Jessica , McMann Ashley , Hyde Russel , Smith Nathan , Serfin Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Background. As health care shifts to a value-based model with a focus on patient outcomes per dollar spent, it is important to develop and evaluate standardized protocols that ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes and decreased hospital complications. Prior to our chest tube protocol, chest tube management at our Trauma Center was nonuniform and surgeon-specific. The aim of this study was to (1) develop an institutional standardized protocol for chest tube management at our Level II Trauma Center and (2) compare patient outcomes before and after the implementation of our protocol. Methods. An institutional, standardized protocol was initiated at our Level II-Certified Trauma Center teaching hospital in 2014. An IRB-approved, single-institution retrospective chart review was performed between January 2011 and May 2017, in order to capture the 3 years prior and 3 years after protocol implementation. All patients with a diagnosis of hemothorax or pneumothorax (H/PTX) from blunt or penetrating trauma that resulted in a >24 French chest tube placement were included in the study. Patients were excluded if interventional radiology (IR) placed the chest tube, the mechanism was nontraumatic, or the patient expired at index hospitalization. Univariate analyses were performed to evaluate significant differences in patient outcomes before and after the implementation of the protocol. Results. A total of 143 patients were analyzed for this study, with 43 preprotocol patients and 100 postprotocol patients. Hospital length of stay (LOS), persistent H/PTX, and the need for further surgical intervention all improved after the implementation of the standardized protocol (

p

 < 0.04). Conclusions. Our standardized protocol for chest tube management at our Level II Trauma Center significantly improved patient outcomes and can serve as a model for similar institutions.
Trans-Anethole Alleviates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Remodeling the Intestinal Flora to Regulate Immunity and Bile Acid Metabolism
Authors: Li Xu-Hui , Liu Li , Wu Wen-Zhong
Published: September 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the most common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); it is incurable, and the treatment is expensive. Trans-anethole (TA), the main component of fennel, exhibits various biological activities. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of herbal active ingredients in the treatment of UC. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of TA in UC. In this study, we have experimented on mice with dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced UC. The TA group was gavaged with 62.5 mg/kg TA by gavage once daily on days 8–14. To observe the effect of TA on the colon tissue, various investigations were performed, including western blot and immunohistochemistry for intestinal barrier protein expression, TUNEL staining for apoptosis, western blot, and ELISA for inflammation level, flow cytometry for Th17/Treg, LC–MS for blood bile acid content, GC–MS for blood fatty acid content, and 16s RNA for intestinal contents. TA alleviated weight loss in mice with UC; increased colon length; alleviated intestinal mucosal damage; upregulated claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1 protein expression levels; reduced inflammatory factors in the colon and serum; and alleviated apoptosis. TA reduced fatty acid and bile acid levels by inhibiting colony abundance and reducing Th17/Treg cell differentiation in the colon. We found that TA alleviates DSS-induced UC by remodeling the intestinal flora to regulate immunity and bile acid metabolism.
Field Measurement and Energy Analysis of Ground-Borne Vibration around High-Speed Railway Viaduct
Authors: Cao Yanmei , Xiang Qi , Li Boyang , Li Zhaoyang
Published: September 2023

In order to investigate the vibration characteristics and propagation mechanism of ground vibrations induced by high-speed train passing through the viaduct, a field experiment is carried out, and the measured data is deeply analyzed. Besides the independent time domain and frequency domain analysis, the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) is performed on the vibration signal to analyze the energy distribution characteristics of ground vibrations from the view of time-frequency synchronous analysis. The experimental results show that the ground vibrations have obvious nonstationary characteristics; the first dominant frequency of ground vibration is concentrated between 40–55 Hz, which is affected by the excitation frequency of the train wheel axle and the peak frequency of wheel-rail interaction force. The ground vibrations attenuate gradually as the distance from the railway track increases, in which the high-frequency components above 50 Hz attenuate faster, low-frequency components below 8 Hz continuously decay in the near field, and medium-frequency components within 8−50 Hz decay slower with a longer transmission distance. Compared with traditional methods, time-frequency synchronous analysis of ground vibration signals is more accurate and intuitive, and the CWT can be used as a promising method in the analysis of ground-borne vibration from high-speed railway.
Orthodenticle Homeobox OTX1 Promotes Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Progression and Is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker
Authors: Wei Jing , Wang Xin , Jiao Kai
Published: September 2023

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid neoplasms, characterized by evidence of follicular cell differentiation. Orthodenticle homeobox 1 (OTX1) is a transcription factor which has been implicated in numerous diseases, including malignancies. The objective of this research was to explore the function of OTX1 in PTC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to determine the protein level of OTX1 in PTC specimens. Cell viability was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Furthermore, a xenograft model on nude mice was established to investigate in vivo effects of OTX1. Our results revealed that OTX1 was significantly upregulated within specific PTC tissues and was remarkably correlated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in PTC. Silencing OTX1 resulted in a significant inhibition in cell viability and suppressed cell proliferation. In addition, in vivo experiments demonstrated that OTX1 silencing resulted in a significant suppression of tumor growth in nude mice. Collectively, these results suggest that OTX1 may play crucial roles in promoting PTC progression.
Energy Analysis of a Damped Substructure Outrigger System
Authors: Liu Liangkun , Tan Ping , Pan Zhaodong , Di Bo , Pang Shumeng , Qin Renyuan
Published: September 2023

A damped outrigger system (DO) has been proposed to enhance the seismic performance, in which links between outriggers and perimeter columns are artificially disconnected and implemented by dampers. Such an operation essentially destroys the structural integrity and becomes a potential threat for structural safety. Moreover, its performance is very sensitive to the stiffness of perimeter columns. In this study, a mega-sub controlled system is employed to propose a novel outrigger system, i.e., a damped substructure outrigger system (DSO). The novel system has good structural integrity due to its main structure consisting of the core tube, outrigger, and perimeter column. To present further investigation, the govern equations of DSO are derived by the simplified model which is regard as a cantilever beam system with a multirotation spring and energy dissipation substructure. Then, the energy distribution and seismic performance are parametric investigated. Finally, the damping effects of DSO are discussed. The results indicate that DSO possesses the superiority of damping performance. Compared with DO, DSO is less sensitive to perimeter column stiffness. Moreover, the proposed system can obtain the high efficiency in energy dissipation but with less damping cost than that of the viscous damper. Also, the larger stroke of the viscous damper can be found for DSO.
Vibration Suppression of Bolter Miner Employing Dynamic Vibration Absorber
Authors: Li Ang , Wang Bukang , Wang Teng , Guo Zhifu , Yan Zhaokun
Published: September 2023

The bolter miner is a critical piece of equipment in the rapid set of tunneling equipment, and the load generated during coal cutting may lead to excessive vibration of the equipment and reduce its reliability. In order to reduce the vibration response of the bolter miner, this paper proposes the installation of a dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) inside the cutting arm of the bolter miner. A five-degree-of-freedom dynamics model was developed, and the cutting part was regarded as two rigid bodies flexibly connected by a rotating spring. The model’s accuracy was verified based on the field test results, and the error was within 7%. It was found that the cutting caused the first-order modal vibration, and the DVA was placed in the cavity of the cutting arm to control the modal vibration of this order. To minimize the vibration, a coupled dynamics model between the DVA and bolter miner was developed, and the DVA parameters were optimized. The results showed that the acceleration RMS and peak values of the cutting part were reduced by 12% and 30.1%, respectively; the acceleration RMS and peak values of the main frame were reduced by 6.5% and 17%, respectively, and the fatigue life of the cutting arm was increased by 34.2%.
Energetic Physiology of the Caribbean Estuarine Clam Polymesoda arctata (Deshayes, 1854) Exposed to Different Environmental Conditions under Laboratory
Authors: Benitez-Polo Zamir , Gómez-Gómez Nataly , Velasco Luz A.
Published: September 2023

The estuarine clam Polymesoda arctata is one of the commercially important bivalves of the Caribbean, which is currently considered endangered by overexploitation and habitat loss. With the purpose of gain knowledge about its environmental requirements for aquaculture and restocking purposes, its energetic physiology performance was evaluated under laboratory conditions in response to the variation of food concentration and water quality registered in their natural habitat. Different physiological variables, including the rates of filtration (FR), pseudofeces production (RR), ingestion (IR), absorption (AR), oxygen consumption (OCR), and ammonium excretion (UR), as well as absorption efficiency (AE) and scope for growth (SFG), were estimated in five successive experiments, where different concentration levels of food or particulate organic matter (1.8, 4.0, 7.3, and 13.0 mg L−1 equivalent to 2.3, 5.0, 9.3, and 16.6 mg of the microalgae Isochrysis galbana L−1), salinity (5, 15, and 25‰), temperature (27, 29, and 32°C), ammonia concentration (7, 48 and 77 µg NH3-N L−1), and dissolved oxygen saturation (24, 48, and 93%) were tested. Intermediate conditions of food concentration, salinity, and temperature resulted in higher values for most of the physiological variables measured, except for the higher values of OCR and UR obtained at low salinity, as well as the higher values of AE, AR, and SFG measured at low temperatures. Most of the physiological variables increased under conditions of lower ammonia concentrations and higher dissolved oxygen saturation in the water. Although this species exhibited physiological plasticity, tolerance, and enough energy for growth and reproduction under the environmental variations of its habitat, it also showed a high sensitivity to its environment, having the highest SFG values under intermediate conditions of particulate organic matter (7.2 mg L−1 or 9.3 mg of I. galbana L−1), salinity (15‰), and temperature (27–29°C), as well as at low ammonia concentration (7 μg NH3-N L−1) and high dissolved oxygen saturation (93%). Based on our results, we recommended the use of this values for reproductive conditioning of broodstock and juvenile culture in laboratory, and also as an input for selecting areas for aquaculture farming and restocking experiments.
Vibration Signal Analysis of Roadheader Based on Referential Manifold Learning
Authors: Jiang Hai , Ji Xiaodong , Yang Yang , Qu Yuanyuan , Wu Miao
Published: September 2023

Roadheader is important large equipment in coal mining. The roadheader has a higher failure rate due to its harsh working environment and high working intensity. In this paper, we proposed a fault diagnosis method based on reference manifold (RM) learning by using the vibration signals of roadheader in the actual production process. First, health and fault vibration signals were extracted from a large number of field data. The abovementioned signals were analyzed by time domain and wavelet packet energy analysis and got the characteristic parameters of the signal which can form the characteristic parameter sets. RM method can reduce the dimension of the characteristic parameters, and the projection of different characteristic parameters was obtained. Finally, the health parameters and fault parameters of different characteristic parameters were segmented by linear discriminant analysis (LDA). It could get the different segment area range of characteristic parameters for health signals and fault signals. This method provides a set of fault analysis ideas and methods for equipment working under complex working conditions and improves the theoretical basis for fault type analysis.
The Molecular Basis of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Anand Ananya Anurag , Khan Misbah , V Monica , Kar Debasish
Published: September 2023

Defective Wnt signaling is found to be associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. In the canonical pathway, the Frizzled receptor (Fzd) and the lipoprotein receptor-related proteins 5/6 (LRP5/LRP6) create a seven-pass transmembrane receptor complex to which the Wnt ligands bind. This interaction causes the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli gene product (APC), casein kinase 1 (CK1), and GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta) to be recruited by the scaffold protein Dishevelled (Dvl), which in turn deactivates the β-catenin destruction complex. This inactivation stops the destruction complex from phosphorylating β-catenin. As a result, β-catenin first builds up in the cytoplasm and then migrates into the nucleus, where it binds to the Lef/Tcf transcription factor to activate the transcription of more than 50 Wnt target genes, including those involved in cell growth, survival, differentiation, neurogenesis, and inflammation. The treatments that are currently available for neurodegenerative illnesses are most commonly not curative in nature but are only symptomatic. According to all available research, restoring Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, would improve the condition of several patients with neurological disorders. The importance of Wnt activators and modulators in patients with such illnesses is to mainly restore rather than overstimulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thereby reestablishing the equilibrium between Wnt-OFF and Wnt-ON states. In this review, we have tried to summarize the significance of the Wnt canonical pathway in the pathophysiology of certain neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral ischemia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other similar diseases, and as to how can it be restored in these patients.
Development of Peptic Ulcer following Second Shot of Sputnik V Vaccine: A Case Report and Literature Review of Rare Side Effects of Sputnik V Vaccine
Authors: Hasanzarrini Maryam , Salehi Amir Mohammad , Nirumandi Jahromi Samira
Published: September 2023

Considering the global spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is expected that vaccination against its causative agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), will reduce the related morbidity and mortality. However, the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines and their potential and unknown side effects are a matter of concern. With the ongoing development and implementation of COVID-19 vaccination programs around the world, the side effects, safety, and effectiveness of these vaccines are gradually being reported, providing researchers with valuable information that can affect the production and utilization of the COVID-19 vaccines. The present study intended to report a case of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) development following vaccination with Gam-COVID-Vac, a vector-based COVID‐19 vaccine containing two recombinant human adenoviruses (rAd26 and rAd5).
Table 2 from miR-146a Exerts Differential Effects on Melanoma Growth and Metastatization
Authors: Raimo Monica , Orso Francesca , Grassi Elena , Cimino Daniela , Penna Elisa , De Pittà Cristiano , Stadler Michael B. , Primo Luca , Calautti Enzo , Quaglino Pietro , Provero Paolo , Taverna Daniela
Published: September 2023

List of the 223 conserved miR-146a targets predicted by TargetScan 6.1 algorithm.
Figure S9 from miR-146a Exerts Differential Effects on Melanoma Growth and Metastatization
Authors: Raimo Monica , Orso Francesca , Grassi Elena , Cimino Daniela , Penna Elisa , De Pittà Cristiano , Stadler Michael B. , Primo Luca , Calautti Enzo , Quaglino Pietro , Provero Paolo , Taverna Daniela
Published: September 2023

Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of miR-146a modulated genes.
Figure S3 from miR-146a Exerts Differential Effects on Melanoma Growth and Metastatization
Authors: Raimo Monica , Orso Francesca , Grassi Elena , Cimino Daniela , Penna Elisa , De Pittà Cristiano , Stadler Michael B. , Primo Luca , Calautti Enzo , Quaglino Pietro , Provero Paolo , Taverna Daniela
Published: September 2023

Analysis of miR-146a sponge efficacy.
Figure S13 from miR-146a Exerts Differential Effects on Melanoma Growth and Metastatization
Authors: Raimo Monica , Orso Francesca , Grassi Elena , Cimino Daniela , Penna Elisa , De Pittà Cristiano , Stadler Michael B. , Primo Luca , Calautti Enzo , Quaglino Pietro , Provero Paolo , Taverna Daniela
Published: September 2023

Gene expression modulations - protein analysis.
Figure S12 from miR-146a Exerts Differential Effects on Melanoma Growth and Metastatization
Authors: Raimo Monica , Orso Francesca , Grassi Elena , Cimino Daniela , Penna Elisa , De Pittà Cristiano , Stadler Michael B. , Primo Luca , Calautti Enzo , Quaglino Pietro , Provero Paolo , Taverna Daniela
Published: September 2023

Gene expression modulations - mRNA analysis.
Data from miR-146a Exerts Differential Effects on Melanoma Growth and Metastatization
Authors: Raimo Monica , Orso Francesca , Grassi Elena , Cimino Daniela , Penna Elisa , De Pittà Cristiano , Stadler Michael B. , Primo Luca , Calautti Enzo , Quaglino Pietro , Provero Paolo , Taverna Daniela
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer; therefore, it is crucial to disclose its underlying molecular mechanisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding RNAs able to posttranscriptionally downregulate the expression of direct target genes. Using a melanoma progression model, miR-146a was identified as a key double-acting player in melanoma malignancy. In fact, miR-146a is able to enhance tumor growth, while it suppresses dissemination. It was determined that miR-146a coordinated melanoma cell growth by its direct targets lunatic fringe (LFNG) and NUMB, which operate on the NOTCH/PTEN/Akt pathway; while inhibition of metastasis formation was linked to decreased expression of ITGAV and ROCK1. Relevantly, miR-146a expression correlated with melanoma recurrence and was enriched in both patient-derived melanoma and cutaneous metastasis specimens, while its direct targets were depleted. However, miR-146a levels drop in circulating tumor cells (CTCs), suggesting the necessity for miR-146a expression to fluctuate during tumor progression in order to favor tumor growth and allow dissemination. This study reconciles the contradictory biologic functions of miR-146a in melanoma progression and unravels distinct molecular mechanisms that need to be considered for therapeutic interventions.

Implications: miR-146a controls melanoma progression in a dual way, promoting growth and inhibiting dissemination; however, it is poorly expressed in CTCs, resulting in overall tumor spreading and distant-site colonization. Mol Cancer Res; 14(6); 548–62. ©2016 AACR.
Quercetin Alleviates Asthma-Induced Airway Inflammation and Remodeling through Downregulating Periostin via Blocking TGF‐β1/Smad Pathway
Authors: Fang Yanni , Jin Wenwen , Guo Zhen , Hao Jumei
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The aim of the study was to discuss whether the anti-asthmatic effect of quercetin is related to periostin and the downstream molecular pathway of quercetin’s anti-asthmatic effect. Methods: We constructed asthmatic mice, sensitized by ovalbumin, and administrated different treatments into mice according to the experimental design. In this study, we mainly observed the inflammatory response, airway fibrosis, and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic mice. Pathological stains (H&E, PAS, and Masson) were performed. We also detected the inflammation factors and fibrosis-related cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay. In addition, we also explored the level of periostin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay and Western blot. At the same time, TGF‐β1/Smad pathway was also determined by Western blot. Results: A high expression of periostin was found in asthmatic mice, and quercetin decreases periostin content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Quercetin and OC-20 inhibit airway inflammation response, airway fibrosis, and airway hyperreactivity. Quercetin downregulated TGF‐β1/Smad pathway in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice. Anti-asthma role of quercetin is related to periostin. Then deeper mechanical study revealed that inhibiting TGF-β1 could improve asthmatic symptoms, and quercetin exerted the protective effect on asthmatic mice through inhibition of TGF‐β1/Smad pathway. Conclusion: Quercetin provided a protective role against asthma via periostin, manifested by mild inflammatory infiltration, reduced goblet cell proliferation, and reduced airway fibrosis. TGF‐β1/Smad pathway is an important transduction system, participating in the protective effect of quercetin on asthma.
Suicide Attempt Self-Injury Interview (SASII): Initiale Validierung einer deutschen Version
Authors: Claus Carola , Schomberg Jan , Cwik Jan C. , Glaesmer Heide , Forkmann Thomas , Paashaus Laura , Rath Dajana , Schönfelder Antje , Juckel Georg , Teismann Tobias
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund: Eine detaillierte Exploration suizidalen und nicht-suizidalen selbstverletzenden Verhaltens mittels spezifischer Interviewverfahren kann die Risikoabschätzung in der klinischen Praxis und Forschung unterstützen. Methode: In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die deutschsprachige Version des Suicide Attempt Self-Injury Interviews (SASII) in einer Stichprobe von N = 240 stationär psychiatrischen Patient:innen in Hinblick auf ihre psychometrischen Eigenschaften untersucht. Diese Arbeit orientiert sich dabei an der Faktorenstruktur der englischsprachigen Fassung des SASII. Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerungen: Die konfirmatorische Faktorenanalyse zeigte eine gute Modellpassung, während die interne Konsistenz als gering einzustufen ist. Es zeigten sich wenige positive Zusammenhänge zu Maßen aktueller Theoriemodelle suizidalen Erlebens und Verhaltens. Angesichts der in dieser Studie ermittelten geringen Reliabilität der untersuchten Faktorenstruktur wird von einer Verwendung dieser in Forschungsarbeiten abgeraten. Jenseits einer solchen Verwendung kann das SASII in Forschung und klinischer Praxis gleichwohl gewinnbringend genutzt werden.
Nutritional Care Practices in Geriatric Rehabilitation Facilities across Europe: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Everink Irma H.J. , Grund Stefan , Benzinger Petra , de Vries Anne , Gordon Adam L. , van Wijngaarden Janneke P. , Bauer Jürgen M. , Schols Jos M.G.A.
Published: September 2023

Many patients in geriatric rehabilitation (GR) are physically frail at the time of admission and suffer from malnutrition and sarcopenia, which may worsen rehabilitation outcomes. This study aims to obtain insight into the current nutritional care practices in GR facilities across Europe. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire focused on nutritional care practices in GR was distributed across experts in EUGMS member countries. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Results: In total, 109 respondents working in 25 European countries participated, and the results showed that not all GR patients were screened and treated for malnutrition, and not all participants used (inter)national guidelines when performing nutritional care. The results also showed variations across European geographical areas related to screening and treatment of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty. Even though the participants underlined the importance of dedicating time to nutritional care, they experienced barriers in its implementation, which were mostly due to a lack of resources. Conclusion: As malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty are often present in patients admitted to GR, in addition to being interrelated, it is recommended to develop an integrated approach to screening and treatment of all three clinical problems.
Nutrition and Physical Activity in the Elderly
Authors: Ştefănescu Camelia-Florina
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Spinal sarcopenia is a multifactorial disorder associated with atrophy and fatty changes in paraspinal muscles. Interventional studies for spinal sarcopenia are limited. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined exercise and nutrition intervention for the treatment of spinal sarcopenia. Methods: 35 community-dwelling older women diagnosed with spinal sarcopenia in a previous cohort study were included. The 12-week combined intervention consisted of back extensor strengthening exercises and protein supplementation. The following outcomes were measured at baseline (week 0), after the intervention (week 12), and follow-up (week 24): conventional variables of sarcopenia (appendicular skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, 6-meter gait speed, and short physical performance battery); lumbar extensor muscle mass; lumbar extensor muscle volume and signal intensity; back extensor isokinetic strength; and back performance scale. We used the intention-to-treat analysis method, and repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Results: Of the total 35 potential participants, 26 older women participated in the study (mean age 72.5 ± 4.0 years old). After 12 weeks of combined exercise and nutrition intervention, there were no changes in the appendicular skeletal muscle mass, lumbar extensor muscle mass, volume, or signal intensity. Handgrip strength and back extensor isokinetic strength did not change significantly. Short physical performance battery significantly increased (P = 0.042) from 11.46 ± 0.86 to 11.77 ± 0.53 at week 12 and 11.82 ± 0.40 at week 24. The back performance scale sum score also significantly improved (P = 0.034) from 2.68 ± 1.81 to 1.95 ± 1.21 at week 12 and 2.09 ± 1.34 at week 24.
Natural History of Lung Hernias
Authors: Madani Mohammad H. , Abdelhafez Yasser G. , Nardo Lorenzo
Published: September 2023

Background: Lung herniation has been described in case reports or series. There are scare data in the form of original research studies to systematically evaluate this condition. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate lung hernias with a focus on their natural history. Methods: This is a retrospective study at our institution of patients who were found to have lung herniation on imaging between September 2010 and November 2022. Electronic medical record review was performed to extract clinical information regarding patients. Computed tomographic imaging was used to evaluate hernia size and size progression over time with a median follow-up time of 3.8 years. Results: Thirty-eight patients were eligible for analysis. Majority of patients were overweight or obese (31/38), smokers (31/38), had prior thoracic surgery (30/38), and were asymptomatic (33/38). Twenty of 38 patients had stability in hernia size, 12 of 38 patients had hernia size progression, and 6 of 38 patients showed hernia size regression. Younger age was found to be predictive of hernia size progression with age of 60 years being the cut-off for its prediction. Conclusion: Lung hernias typically either remain stable in size or show size progression. Younger age (60 years cut-off) was found to be predictive of size progression. This is the largest systematic investigation at a medical institution to the best of our knowledge of lung hernias which used computed tomographic imaging to follow up lung hernias. Further information could be given to patients with this condition and to clinicians for potential management guidance.
Acute Exacerbation and Proposed Criteria for Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis in Patients with Fibrotic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Okuda Ryo , Takemura Tamiko , Misumi Toshihiro , Nagasawa Ryo , Iwasawa Tae , Baba Tomohisa , Hagiwara Eri , Ogura Takashi
Published: September 2023

Background: Acute exacerbation (AE) occasionally develops in the course of fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Objective: The aim of the study was to compare AE of fibrotic HP with that of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods: Consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed fibrotic HP and IPF diagnosed based on a multidisciplinary discussion were included in the analysis. AE in patients with fibrotic HP and IPF was evaluated retrospectively. Results: This study included 309 and 160 patients with fibrotic HP and IPF, respectively. Their 50% survival times were 96.1 and 78.0 months, respectively (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.54 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.36–0.77], log-rank test; p < 0.001). Notably, the cumulative AE rates of fibrotic HP were 3% at 1 year and 10% at 3 years. Moreover, the corresponding rates of IPF were 8% at 1 year and 20% at 3 years (HR: 0.66 [95% CI: 0.45–0.93], log-rank test; p = 0.034). The 90-day survival rates from the AE onset of fibrotic HP and IPF were 75% and 64%, respectively (HR: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.31–0.83], log-rank test; p = 0.006). The respiratory function test on the physiological criteria of progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) was a predictor of AE in fibrotic HP. However, the high-resolution CT (HRCT) changes in the criteria of PPF were not. Nevertheless, both the physiological and radiological criteria of PPF were a predictor of AE of IPF. Conclusion: AE of fibrotic HP has a lesser prognostic effect than that of IPF. HRCT criteria for PPF were not a risk factor for AE in patients with fibrotic HP.
Analysis of an Individualised Stepwise Approach to Non-Pharmacological Therapy in COVID-19
Authors: Matthes Sandhya , Holl Johannes , Randerath Johannes , Treml Marcel , Bockover Michael , Herkenrath Simon , Hagmeyer Lars , Knoch Johannes , Oesterlee Ulrike , Sofianos Georgios , Randerath Winfried
Published: September 2023

Background: Early intubation versus use of conventional or high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (COT/HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been debated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our centre followed a stepwise approach, in concordance with German national guidelines, escalating non-invasive modalities prior to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), rather than early or late intubation. Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate the real-life usage of these modalities and analyse patient characteristics and survival. Method: A retrospective monocentric observation was conducted of all consecutive COVID-19 hospital admissions between March 2020 and December 2021 at a university-affiliated pulmonary centre in Germany. Anthropometric data, therapy, and survival status were descriptively analysed. Results: From 1,052 COVID-19-related admissions, 835 patients were included (54% male, median 58 years). Maximum therapy was as follows: 34% (n = 284) no therapy, 40% (n = 337) COT, 3% (n = 22) HFNC, 9% (n = 73) CPAP, 7% (n = 56) NIV, 4% (n = 34) IMV, and 3% (n = 29) ECMO. Of 551 patients treated with at least COT, 12.3% required intubation. Overall, 183 patients required intensive unit care, and 106 (13%) died. Of the 68 patients who received IMV/ECMO, 48 died (74%). The strategy for non-pharmacological therapy was individual but remained consistent throughout the studied period. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insight into COVID-19 care in Germany and shows how the majority of patients could be treated with the maximum treatment required according to disease severity following the national algorithm. Escalation of therapy modality is interlinked with disease severity and thus associated with mortality.
Maintaining Optimal Cognitive Health in Older Age: The Role of Public Health Dietitians
Authors: Avery Amanda
Published: September 2023

Multiple factors affect cognitive health, such as age-related changes in the brain, injuries, mood disorders, substance abuse, and diseases. While some cannot be changed, evidence exists of many potentially possibly modifiable lifestyle factors: diet, physical activity, cognitive and social engagement, smoking and alcohol consumption which may stabilize or improve declining cognitive function. In nutrition, the focus has been mainly on its role in brain development in the early years. There is a strong emerging need to identify the role of diet and nutrition factors on age-related cognitive decline, which will open up the use of new approaches for prevention, treatment or management of age-related disorders and maintaining a good quality of life among older adults. While data on effect of high protein diets is not consistent, low-fat diets are protective against cognitive decline. Several micronutrients like B group vitamins and iron, as well as many polyphenols play a crucial role in cognitive health. Mediterranean, Nordic, DASH, and MIND diets are linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The relationship between the gut microbiome and brain function through the gut-brain axis has led to the emergence of data on the beneficial effects of dietary fibers and probiotics through the management of gut microbes. A "whole diet" approach as well as macro- and micro-nutrient intake levels that have protective effects against cardiovascular diseases are most likely to be effective against neurodegenerative disorders too. Young adulthood and middle age are crucial periods for determining cognitive health in old age. The importance of cardio metabolic risk factors such as obesity and hypertension, smoking and physical inactivity that develop in middle age suggest that preventive approaches are required for target populations in their 40s and 50s, much before they develop dementia. The commonality of dementia risk with cardiovascular and diabetes risk suggests that dementia could be added to present non-communicable disease management programs in primary healthcare and broader public health programs.
Screening for Nutritional Risk in Primary Healthcare
Authors: Mortensen Trude M. B.
Published: September 2023

It is not known if nutrition risk screening of older adults should be a standard practice in primary care. The evidence in support of nutrition risk screening of older adults in primary care was examined and critically analyzed using an umbrella review. The peer reviewed and grey literature were searched for clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and systematic reviews (SRs). Titles and abstracts were independently screened by the two authors. Resources were excluded if they did not apply to older adults, did not discuss nutrition/malnutrition risk screening, or were in settings other than primary care. Full texts were independently screened by both authors, resulting in the identification of six CPGs and three SRs that met the review criteria. Guidelines were appraised with the AGREE II tool and SRs with the AMSTAR 2 tool. The quality of the CPGs was high, while the quality of the SRs was low. The CPGs and SRs acknowledged a lack of high-quality research on the benefits of regular nutrition risk screening for older adults in primary care; however, CPGs recommended annual screening for older adults in primary care practices or other community settings. High-quality research investigating nutrition risk screening of older adults in primary care is needed.
The Importance of Foodservice to Combat Food Insecurity and Malnutiriton in Older People
Authors: Dikmen Derya
Published: September 2023

In recent years, Meals on Wheels (MoW) services have been in a state of decline as austerity policies have become entrenched. However, this decline is occurring with little knowledge of the impact withdrawal of MoW services has on the health and well-being of those who use them. The pandemic has raised awareness of precarity and vulnerability in relation to food that affects many people in the UK and other Westernised countries and this provides further context for the analysis presented. This paper presents findings of a mixed methods ethnographic study drawing on qualitative interviews and visual methods underpinned by social practice theory to explore the household food practices of older people receiving MoW services. Interviews were conducted with 14 older people receiving MoW, eight MoW staff delivering MoW services in the east of England and one expert. The Covid-19 pandemic interrupted the study, and once the first lockdown began visits to the homes of older people were terminated and the remaining interviews were undertaken by telephone. The study found that a number of threats accumulated to change food practices and moved people towards vulnerability to food insecurity. Threats included difficulty accessing food and cooking due to sensory and physical challenges. The MoW service increased participants' coping capacity. As well as benefiting from the food provided, the relational aspect of the service was important. Brief encounters between MoW staff built caring relationships that developed over time to ensure older people felt valued and cared for. The study demonstrates how MoW services make a positive contribution to food practices, supporting vulnerable adults to continue living well in their own homes and protecting them from food insecurity and ill-being. Local authorities looking to make cost savings through ending MoW services should consider the impact this would have on the well-being of older residents.
One Never Knows
Authors: Nadin Mihai
Published: September 2023

Understanding anticipatory action as undergirding the dynamics of life is the prerequisite for defining what art is. Its change over time reflects the fact that life is purposeful and escapes prediction. Explaining art from the perspective of means and methods involved in producing it, from a deterministic view, leads to circular reasoning: the conclusion (machine art is the future) is in the premise (machines can make art). This fallacy becomes evident in the context of the current infatuation with automation of artmaking (especially through AI), and even art evaluation. The role art plays in defining the human condition is no less significant than that of science, itself indebted to aesthetics in its expression.
Coin Assemblages in Ancient Burials: Statement of the Problem
Authors: Tereshchenko Andrey E.
Published: September 2023

The present work is dedicated to the analysis of possible meanings of monetary offerings in ancient burial practice. It is clear from archaeological data that the placement of money in a grave was not an essential component of the funeral ceremony; therefore, the comparative variety of versions of this ritual is not surprising: the number and value of coins in burials varies rather widely. The author examines several possible situations of monetary offering (one, two, three, or four and more coins) and suggests, with the support of both literary and archaeological data, various interpretations (“Charon’s obol,” “return ticket,” unfixed transportation fee, gifts “just in case,” and an indicator of social status, respectively). The article focuses attention on the most recent find from the Taman Peninsula – a small deposit from the necropolis of Volna I settlement.
First Millennium Urbanism in Central Asia: Typology and Evolution of Dzhety-asar Settlements
Authors: Goffriller Martin , Arzhantseva Irina , Härke Heinrich
Published: September 2023

Despite its apparent size and length of its existence, the Dzhety-asar culture of Kazakhstan remains one of the great unknowns of Central Asian archaeology, comprising, as it did, several dozen now-ruined settlements with an almost thousand-year long occupational history. First settled around the 1st century BC and gradually abandoned in the second half of the 1st millennium AD, the Dzhety-asar towns and manors were located to the east of the Aral Sea within the Syr Darya delta, and may have functioned as a core element in Central Asia’s medieval trade networks. Despite past research efforts by the Khorezmian Archaeological Ethnographic Expedition (KhAEE), the cultural and political history of the Dzhety-asar people remains largely unclear, with as yet no consensus on the political structure or their ethnic, linguistic and religious make-up. The present paper does not presume to answer these questions at this stage, as it is the result of two fieldwork seasons documenting and surveying Dzhety-asar settlements. It is, instead, intended to lay out the preliminary findings, presenting a revised typology of sites, and suggest initial hypotheses regarding the structure and possible evolution of the culture.
“It Is Only Bad Priests and Outlaws Who Thrive NowAdays”
Authors: Fricke Felicia
Published: September 2023

In Caribbean historiography, rumors are often associated with enslaved people and sailors; less often are they associated with elite men. This article addresses the use of rumor by elite men in the Lesser Antilles during the late 1820s, following the story of Antony O’Hannan, Roman Catholic rector of Grenada, whose relationship with his enslaved and free congregation made him dangerous to both Catholic and colonial authorities. Although the White Catholics of Grenada were often discriminated against, here they aligned with the wider Church in supporting the colonial power. Similarly, the colonial administration was willing to collaborate with Catholics, to activate an interisland rumor network that mobilized anxieties about O’Hannan’s perceived threat to White women. Using Colonial Office documents and Caribbean newspapers, this article explores microregional rumor as part of the arsenal used to maintain colonial order, and complicates the internal workings of the Catholic Church in the Caribbean.