bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tendon transfers in cerebral palsy: art or science?
Authors: Tonkin Michael
Published: November 2023

Tendon transfers in cerebral palsy are commonly described as a method to improve function in the upper limb. The field can be considered by some to be more of an art than science due to the unique challenges involved, which include poor volitional control and spasticity. Surgical outcomes can be uncertain and, in certain circumstances, worsened. This presentation looks at the rationale behind tendon transfers for patients with cerebral palsy and the application of this rationale (science vs. art) to a philosophy of treatment.
Sternoclavicular joint reconstruction for traumatic acute and chronic anterior and posterior instability: Patient-reported outcomes at a minimum of 2 years
Authors: Somerson Jeremy S , Parker Kate M , Warme Winston J
Published: November 2023

Background

Instability of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a rare problem that is often treated closed, with few published outcomes of surgical treatment with tendon graft reconstruction.

Methods

We reviewed a consecutive series of patients who underwent tendon graft reconstruction for SCJ instability over a 7-year period. Cases with acute fractures or fewer than 2 years of follow-up were excluded. Pre- and postoperative function and pain were assessed using Single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), simple shoulder test (SST), and visual analog scale (VAS) outcome measures.

Results

Thirty cases were included, with 27 (90%) available for follow-up at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. SANE scores improved from a median of 40 to 90. SST scores improved from a median of 3 positive responses to a median of 12 on a 12-point scale. VAS scores decreased from a median of 7 to 0 points. One patient underwent reoperation for recurrent instability and wound dehiscence. Three (11%) patients did not achieve a minimum 30% of maximum possible improvement in SST scores.

Conclusions

Tendon graft reconstruction for SCJ instability is a safe procedure with a low complication rate and statistically and clinically significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures at 2-year minimum follow-up.

Level of evidence

Level IV: Therapeutic.
Severity of white matter microstructural damage in a Brazilian relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis cohort: A possible window to optimize treatment
Authors: Correia Rafael , Corrêa Diogo , Doring Thomas , Theodoro Carmem , Correia Aline , Coelho Valeria , Dib João Gabriel , Marchiori Edson , Alves Leon Soniza V , Rueda Lopes Fernanda C
Published: November 2023

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an important cause of acquired neurological disability in young adults, characterized by multicentric inflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage.

Objective

The objective is to investigate white matter (WM) damage progression in a Brazilian MS patient cohort, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) post-processed by tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS).

Methods

DTI scans were acquired from 76 MS patients and 37 sex-and-age matched controls. Patients were divided into three groups based on disease duration. DTI was performed along 30 non-collinear directions by using a 1.5T imager. For TBSS analysis, the WM skeleton was created, and a 5000 permutation-based inference with a threshold of p < .05 was used, to enable the identification of abnormalities in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD).

Results

Decreased FA and increased RD, MD, and AD were seen in patients compared to controls and a decreased FA and increased MD and RD were seen, predominantly after the first 5 years of disease, when compared between groups.

Conclusion

Progressive WM deterioration is seen over time with a more prominent pattern after 5 years of disease onset, providing evidence that the early years might be a window to optimize treatment and prevent disability.
The clinical experience of compassionate use program for avapritinib: implications for drug positioning in the therapeutic scenario of systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Mannelli Francesco , Crupi Francesca , Zanotti Roberta , Pagano Livio , Rapezzi Davide , Tanasi Ilaria , Criscuolo Marianna , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Fresa Alberto , Guglielmelli Paola , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: November 2023

In systemic mastocytosis, cytoreductive treatment is indicated for advanced systemic mastocytosis (AdvSM) variants. The treatment scenario is rapidly diversifying especially with the introduction of KIT tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Avapritinib is a second-generation potent and selective inhibitor of the mutant KIT D816V that, based on the results of pivotal clinical trials, was approved for the treatment of adults with AdvSM by the regulatory agencies US FDA and EMA. The present article reports the experience of treating SM patients with avapritinib in an Italian compassionate use program. The data from our case series confirm the drug as being active after multiple lines of treatment allowing rapid achievement of profound responses, making it also an effective bridging strategy to allogeneic transplant in eligible patients. However, the anticipated wider use of avapritinib in the near future will require careful monitoring of side effects, especially in heavily pretreated patients.
Celebrity culture, level of education and trust in media institutions: Empirical evidence from the Philippines
Authors: Radiamoda Rohaiba B , Chuang Hsueh-hua , Pernia Ronald A
Published: November 2023

This study aims to provide empirical evidence on the celebrity culture, i.e. the pervasive fascination of an audience with public figures, in the Philippines. We used data from the seventh wave of the World Values Survey ( n = 1200) to establish whether celebrity culture exists in the Philippines. We then tested whether citizens’ level of education affects one's attribution of confidence to an institution dominated by celebrities, i.e. television, over those institutions governed by experts, i.e. universities. Lastly, we performed a sentiment analysis in the comments of a YouTube video from a well-known celebrity, Toni Gonzaga, on her interview with Bongbong Marcos, the son of the late dictator, to investigate how strong celebrity influence is in the country traversing the social and political arena. The results showed that there is a significant difference between citizens’ level of confidence in television and universities, and that those with lower levels of education are more likely to be confident in the television as an institution. The public sentiment of citizens on the infamous video was overwhelmingly positive. While the results underlined the strong celebrity influence in the country, our paper not only reinforces the need for a greater role of education in fostering democratic citizenry but also bears significant implications for the mediatization of politics in developing democracies.
Widespread but Limited in Context: Absolute Tuning Judgments are Disrupted by Relative Pitch Cues
Authors: Hedger Stephen C. Van , Bongiovanni Noah R.
Published: November 2023

Most listeners exhibit absolute pitch memory for familiar pitched sounds, ranging from simple tones (e.g., the “bleep” used to censor broadcast media) to rich, polyphonic melodies (e.g., excerpts from popular songs). Given that relative pitch is the predominant means of processing music for most listeners, this observed absolute pitch memory suggests that most listeners have hybrid representations, containing both absolute and relative pitch cues. The present experiment assesses how relative pitch cues influence absolute pitch memory in a variety of listening contexts, varying in terms of ecological validity. Participants were asked to explicitly judge different musical sounds (isolated notes, chords, scales, and short excerpts), varying in complexity, in terms of absolute tuning (i.e., whether a musical sound adhered to conventional, A440 tuning). Listeners showed robust above-chance performance in judging absolute tuning when the to-be-judged sounds did not contain relative pitch changes (i.e., isolated notes and chords), replicating prior work. Critically, however, performance was significantly reduced and was not statistically different from chance when the musical sounds contained relative pitch changes (scales and short excerpts). Taken together, the results suggest that most listeners possess some long-term memory for absolute tuning, but this ability has limited generalizability to more ecologically valid musical contexts that contain relative pitch changes.
“Suspending Classes Without Stopping Learning”: An Initiative to Ensure Learning in Japan During the Pandemic
Authors: Yu (于普) Pu , Anezaki (姉崎敬吾) Keigo
Published: November 2023

Purpose

During Japan's initial pandemic prevention and control period, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan (MEXT) issued several notifications to ensure students’ continuous learning according to the “leave no one behind” philosophy. This study focused on the comprehensive measures comprising top-level arrangements to implement the “suspending classes without stopping learning” initiative.

Design/Approach/Methods

The study reviewed MEXT's guide on ensuring learning for Japanese primary and secondary school students during the pandemic.

Findings

The pandemic has accelerated the development of the information and communications technology educational environment and the implementation of the Global and Innovation Gateway for All (GIGA) schools initiative. These developments laid the foundation for the evolution of diverse pedagogical models and feasible methods for promoting equity. The home schooling experience during the pandemic provided a natural base for students to practice and foster survivability.

Originality/Value

This paper provides scholars with an understanding of the opportunities and challenges encountered in educational innovation in Japan. It provides insights into the future direction of pedagogical development, capability development, and effective educational arrangements for extraordinary circumstances to facilitate educational development from a broader perspective, particularly under the new normal.
Barriers to Accessing Congenital Heart Surgery in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cheng Samuel P.S. , Heo Kayoung , Joos Emilie , Vervoort Dominique , Joharifard Shahrzad
Published: November 2023

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common major congenital anomaly. Ninety percent of children with CHD are born in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where over 90% of patients lack access to necessary treatments. Reports on barriers to accessing CHD care are limited. Accordingly, it is difficult to design evidence-based interventions to increase access to congenital cardiac surgical care in LMICs.

Objective

We performed a qualitative systematic review to understand barriers to accessing congenital cardiac surgical care in LMICs.

Methods

We conducted a search of Ovid MEDLINE and CINAHL databases to identify relevant articles from January 2000 to May 2021. We then used a thematic analysis to summarize qualitative data into a framework of preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative barriers.

Results

Our search yielded 1,585 articles, of which 67 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Notable preoperative barriers included delayed diagnosis, insufficient caregiver education, financial constraints, difficulty reaching treatment centers, sociocultural stigma of CHD, sex-based discrimination of patients with CHD, and Indigeneity. Perioperative barriers included lack of hospital resources and workforce, need for prolonged hospitalization, and strained physician–patient relationships. Many patients faced barriers postoperatively and into adulthood due to a shortage of critical care resources, inadequate caregiver counseling and patient education, lack of follow-up, and debt from hospital bills and missed work.

Conclusion

Reducing neonatal and childhood mortality begins with recognizing barriers to accessing health care. Our systematic review identifies and classifies challenges in accessing CHD in LMICs and suggests solutions to major barriers.
Pelvic floor awareness in women with fibromyalgia: A controlled cross-sectional study
Authors: Yumusakhuylu Yasemin , Caglar Yagci Hanife , Senyurt Betül Ceyda , Icagasioglu Afitap , Pasin Özge , Erhan Belgin
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a painful syndrome of the musculoskeletal system with associating somatic symptoms which may include PF dysfunction (PFD). We aimed to investigate the patients’ awareness of pelvic floor (PF), the frequency, impact and severity of PFD in FMS and to investigate the effect of psychological state on PFD.

Methods:

Women with FMS and healthy controls enrolled to the study. Demographic data, urinary symptoms and questions regarding PF awareness asked. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Beck Depression Questionnaire and Beck Anxiety Questionnaire were filled. SPSS 26 used for statistical analysis.

Results:

A total of 48 FMS and 48 healthy controls, with a mean age of 44 years were enrolled. The rate of UI in FMS group was significantly higher than the control group ( p < 0.001). The frequency of urinary incontinence (UI) was found 60% in FMS patients, and 25% in the control group. UI duration was significantly longer in the FMS group ( p = 0.013). There was a relation between the duration of UI and anxiety scores. As the duration of UI increases, the anxiety score also increases significantly ( r = 0.318; p = 0.043). The majority of the subjects, 25 (86.2%) patients from the FMS group and 11 (91.7%) patients from the control group, have not consulted any physician about UI complaints, therefore did not receive any treatment.

Conclusion:

PF awareness is quite low in the general population and in FMS. Studies should be carried out to inform the society about PFD and increase their awareness of the PF, and social responsibility projects should be prepared.
Supply Chain Agility and Competitive Advantage: A Moderated Mediation Analysis of Lean Marketing
Authors: Kankam George , Dza Mawuko
Published: November 2023

This article brings to light the powerful connection between supply chain agility (SCA) and lean marketing as tools for gaining competitive advantage in this modern era of business. For organizations, achieving a competitive advantage is of the highest importance. Businesses use a variety of techniques to position themselves against their rivals as a result of rising competition. The study also looked at how SCA and firm competitiveness are moderated and mediated by lean marketing. In Ghana, information was gathered from 225 businesses via a questionnaire-based survey. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data obtained. The study demonstrated that the relationship between SCA and competitive advantage is highly influenced by lean marketing. The findings highlighted that lean marketing partially mediates the connotation between SCA and competitive advantage, while the moderating variables revealed that lean marketing has a significant but unfavorable influence on this association. The main goal is to ensure that firms focus on effective use of SCA and lean marketing to achieve competitive advantage. Firms should continually adapt to the fast-changing business environment and search for creative ways to satisfy new market needs.
Comparing stroke rehabilitation inpatients and clinical trials eligibility criteria: A secondary chart review analysis revealing that most patients could have been excluded from rehabilitation trials based on comorbidity status
Authors: Nelson Michelle LA , Singh Hardeep , Nie Jason , MacDonald Shannon , Bayley Mark , Fortin Christian , Upshur Ross
Published: November 2023

Background

The generalizability of treatments examined in rehabilitation randomized controls trials (RCTs) partly depend on the similarity between trial subjects and a stroke rehabilitation inpatient population. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of stroke rehabilitation inpatients that would have been eligible or ineligible to participate in published stroke RCTs.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of chart review data collected as part of an independent quality improvement initiative. Data pertaining to the characteristics of stroke rehabilitation inpatients (e.g. age, cognitive impairment, previous stroke, comorbidities) were extracted from the medical charts of patients consecutively admitted to an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit at a large urban rehabilitation hospital in Canada. Using the exclusion criteria categories of stroke RCTs identified from a systematic scoping review of 428 RCTs, we identified how many stroke rehabilitation inpatients would have been eligible or ineligible to participate in stroke RCTs based on their age, cognitive impairment, previous stroke and presence of comorbidities.

Results

In total, 110 stroke rehabilitation inpatients were included. Twenty-four percent of patients were 80 years of age or older, 84.5% had queries or concerns regarding patient cognitive abilities, 28.0% had a previous stroke, and 31.8% had a severe stroke. Stroke rehabilitation inpatients had six comorbidities on average. Based on these factors, most stroke rehabilitation inpatients could have been excluded from stroke RCTs, with cognitive impairment the most common RCT exclusion criteria.

Conclusions

Changes to the design of RCTs would support the development of clinical practice guidelines that reflect stroke rehabilitation inpatient characteristics, enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within samples and the generalizability of results.
Investigation of the effect and optimization of material properties on the printed circuit board
Authors: Fahri Berk Bilbay , Erhan Arslan , Barış Ediz , Cemal Çakır Mustafa
Published: November 2023

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) have a sandwich structure consisting of an insulating composite layer between conductive copper layers. The material property of the PCB cannot be defined as isotropic due to this special structure. In addition, variables such as the types of hundreds of components on the PCB, material properties, types of solder leads, and thickness of the sandwich structure make it very difficult to create and verify the finite element model of the PCB. The aim of this study is to perform a sensitivity analysis by defining the strain values measured from three points on the PCB with the help of strain gauges as responses and to find the best design variables that correlate with the physical test. The effect of each design parameter on the response function was examined, and the results were obtained with statistical data. The objective function and constraints were determined to find the best correlated finite element model with a physical test, and the best design was obtained by running the optimization model. In this way, the finite element model was calibrated by taking into account the thermal stresses resulting from the heat generated by the transistors and by using optimization methods.
Large monitoring datasets reveal high probabilities for intermittent occurrences of pesticides in European running waters
Authors: Herrmann Larissa Z. , Bub Sascha , Wolfram Jakob , Stehle Sebastian , Petschick Lara L. , Schulz Ralf
Published: November 2023

Many studies have investigated short-term peak concentrations of pesticides in surface waters resulting from agricultural uses. However, we lack information to what extent pesticides reoccur over medium (> 4 days) and longer time periods (> 10 days). We use here large-scale pesticide monitoring data from across Europe (~ 15 mil. measurements, i.e., quantified concentrations in water at > 17,000 sites for 474 pesticide compounds) to evaluate the degree to which pesticides were not only detected once, but in sequences of a compound repeatedly quantified in the same area (0.015 km2) within 4–30 days. Reoccurrence was observed at ~ 18% of sites for > 76% of compounds, ~ 40% of which not a priori considered to chronically expose aquatic ecosystems. We calculated a probability of reoccurrence (POR) over medium-term (4–7 days) and long-term (8–30 days) time periods for ~ 360 pesticides. Relative PORs (ratio between long-term and medium-term POR) revealed three occurrence patterns: ephemeral, intermittent and permanent. While fungicides dominated intermittently occurring substances, aligning with application strategies and physico-chemical properties, neonicotinoids and legacy pesticides were among substances permanently occurring. The results of this study shed new light on previously underestimated longer-term occurrence of many pesticides in aquatic environments (35% of investigated substances occurring intermittently or permanently were previously not considered to pollute the aquatic environment chronically), entailing new challenges for chronic risk assessments and the evaluation of pesticide effects on aquatic biodiversity.
Job market polarization and American poverty
Authors: Siddique Abu Bakkar
Published: November 2023

The article posits that the puzzles of stagnating poverty rates amidst high growth and declining unemployment in the United States can be substantially explained by polarized job markets characterized by job quality and job distribution. In recent decades, there has been an increased number of poor-quality jobs and an unequal distribution of jobs in the developed world, particularly in the United States. I have calculated measures of uneven job distribution indices that account for the distribution of jobs across households. A higher value of the uneven job distribution indices implies that there are relatively large numbers of households with multiple employed people and households with no employed people. Similarly, poor-quality jobs are those jobs that do not offer full-time work. Two-way fixed-effect models estimate that higher uneven job distribution across households worsens aggregated poverty at the state level. Similarly, good-quality jobs help households escape poverty, whereas poor-quality jobs do not. This paper suggests that eradicating poverty requires the government to direct labor market policies to be tailored more toward distributing jobs from individuals to households and altering bad jobs into good jobs, rather than merely creating more jobs in the economy. This paper contributes by elaborating on relations of employment and poverty, addressing employment quality and distribution, and providing empirical evidence.
Exploring microproteins from various model organisms using the mip-mining database
Authors: Zhao Bowen , Zhao Jing , Wang Muyao , Guo Yangfan , Mehmood Aamir , Wang Weibin , Xiong Yi , Luo Shenggan , Wei Dong-Qing , Zhao Xin-Qing , Wang Yanjing
Published: November 2023

Microproteins, prevalent across all kingdoms of life, play a crucial role in cell physiology and human health. Although global gene transcription is widely explored and abundantly available, our understanding of microprotein functions using transcriptome data is still limited. To mitigate this problem, we present a database, Mip-mining (https://weilab.sjtu.edu.cn/mipmining/), underpinned by high-quality RNA-sequencing data exclusively aimed at analyzing microprotein functions. The Mip-mining hosts 336 sets of high-quality transcriptome data from 8626 samples and nine representative living organisms, including microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans, in our Mip-mining database. Our database specifically provides a focus on a range of diseases and environmental stress conditions, taking into account chemical, physical, biological, and diseases-related stresses. Comparatively, our platform enables customized analysis by inputting desired data sets with self-determined cutoff values. The practicality of Mip-mining is demonstrated by identifying essential microproteins in different species and revealing the importance of ATP15 in the acetic acid stress tolerance of budding yeast. We believe that Mip-mining will facilitate a greater understanding and application of microproteins in biotechnology. Moreover, it will be beneficial for designing therapeutic strategies under various biological conditions.
Sex-modified association between grip strength and mild cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional and follow-up study in rural China
Authors: Feng Wenjing , Chen Qian , Ma Mingfeng , Xu Jiahui , Guo Hui , Yuan Wei , Li Ruixue , Gao Hanshu , Gu Cuiying , Ma Yanan , Sun Zhaoqing , Tuo Nan , Zheng Liqiang
Published: November 2023

Background

The sex difference in the association between grip strength and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains controversial and unclear.

Methods

This is a part of a chronic disease cohort study conducted in rural areas, Fuxin, Liaoning Province, China. At the baseline survey, a total of 2633 participants aged 35- 85 were included in the cross-sectional study. Handgrip strength (HGS, kg) was measured by a dynamometer (Jamar +). MCI were assessed using the Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MOCA-BC). Then, a total of 1667 cognitively normal individuals (NCs) were planed to follow up and to assess the incident MCI after two years. We used logistic regression to examine the association between HGS (as a continuous variable and quintiles) and MCI and analyzed the interaction between sex and HGS on MCI. Models stratified by sex were adjusted for demographic information (age, ethnicity, education, marital status, income, physical labor level), modifiable risk factors (body mass index, smoking, drinking) and disease history (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and coronary heart disease). Baseline MOCA-BC scores were additionally adjusted in the longitudinal study.

Results

In the cross-sectional study, participants were on average 56.6 ± 9.8 years, and 1713 (65.1%) were females. In the cohort study, 743 individuals were followed up with an average age of 55.9 ± 9.6 years, which included 530 (71.3%) females. The cumulative incidence of MCI over a two-year period was 17.1%. In the cross-sectional study, compared to the highest quintile of HGS, the lowest HGS was associated with higher risk of MCI in males (odds ratio [OR]: 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.54, 4.64) and females (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.49) with adjustment of potential confounding factors. In the cohort study, compared to the highest quintile of HGS, the lowest HGS was associated with an increased risk of incident MCI in females (OR: 3.93; 95% CI: 1.39, 13.01) but not in males (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.11, 2.94, P for interaction = 0.015).

Conclusions

Lower grip strength is a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment and predicts a higher risk of MCI in females.
Driving the determinants of older people’s mental health in the context of urban resilience: a scoping review
Authors: Vahabi Sajad , Lak Azadeh , Panahi Niloofar
Published: November 2023

Background

Population aging is a pervasive phenomenon occurring rapidly worldwide, while sustainable development goals are considered the mental health among older adults.

Methods

To investigate the factors affecting mental health, we conducted a scoping review of the 47 papers published between 2015 and 2022 to explore various dimensions affecting older adults’ mental health.

Results

Our finding mirrors four dimensions of creating healthy and sustainable environments for older adults: person, place, processes, and resilience-related health in the living environment. The person dimension includes individual characteristics, attitudes and behaviors, and health status. The place dimension is divided into five categories: land use, access, physical form, public open spaces, and housing, while the process consists of the social, cultural, and economic environments. Resilience-related health dimension emphasizes the impact of natural and man-made disasters on older people’s mental health.

Discussion

These findings can provide policymakers insights into developing community-based environmental intervention strategies to promote mental health among older adults and support healthy and active aging.
Community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the Delta wave in New York City
Authors: Dai Katherine , Foerster Steffen , Vora Neil M. , Blaney Kathleen , Keeley Chris , Hendricks Lisa , Varma Jay K. , Long Theodore , Shaman Jeffrey , Pei Sen
Published: November 2023

Background

Understanding community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) is critical for disease control in the post pandemic era. The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) emerged in late 2020 and became the dominant VOC globally in the summer of 2021. While the epidemiological features of the Delta variant have been extensively studied, how those characteristics shaped community transmission in urban settings remains poorly understood.

Methods

Using high-resolution contact tracing data and testing records, we analyze the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the Delta wave within New York City (NYC) from May 2021 to October 2021. We reconstruct transmission networks at the individual level and across 177 ZIP code areas, examine network structure and spatial spread patterns, and use statistical analysis to estimate the effects of factors associated with COVID-19 spread.

Results

We find considerable individual variations in reported contacts and secondary infections, consistent with the pre-Delta period. Compared with earlier waves, Delta-period has more frequent long-range transmission events across ZIP codes. Using socioeconomic, mobility and COVID-19 surveillance data at the ZIP code level, we find that a larger number of cumulative cases in a ZIP code area is associated with reduced within- and cross-ZIP code transmission and the number of visitors to each ZIP code is positively associated with the number of non-household infections identified through contact tracing and testing.

Conclusions

The Delta variant produced greater long-range spatial transmission across NYC ZIP code areas, likely caused by its increased transmissibility and elevated human mobility during the study period. Our findings highlight the potential role of population immunity in reducing transmission of VOCs. Quantifying variability of immunity is critical for identifying subpopulations susceptible to future VOCs. In addition, non-pharmaceutical interventions limiting human mobility likely reduced SARS-CoV-2 spread over successive pandemic waves and should be encouraged for reducing transmission of future VOCs.
Effectiveness of a scalable, remotely delivered stepped-care intervention to reduce symptoms of psychological distress among Polish migrant workers in the Netherlands: study protocol for the RESPOND randomised controlled trial
Authors: Roos Rinske , Witteveen Anke B. , Ayuso-Mateos José Luis , Barbui Corrado , Bryant Richard A. , Felez-Nobrega Mireia , Figueiredo Natasha , Kalisch Raffael , Haro Josep Maria , McDaid David , Mediavilla Roberto , Melchior Maria , Nicaise Pablo , Park A-La , Petri-Romão Papoula , Purgato Marianna , van Straten Annemieke , Tedeschi Federico , Underhill James , Sijbrandij Marit ,   the RESPOND Consortium
Published: November 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of international migrant workers (IMWs). IMWs experience multiple barriers to accessing mental health care. Two scalable interventions developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) were adapted to address some of these barriers: Doing What Matters in times of stress (DWM), a guided self-help web application, and Problem Management Plus (PM +), a brief facilitator-led program to enhance coping skills. This study examines whether DWM and PM + remotely delivered as a stepped-care programme (DWM/PM +) is effective and cost-effective in reducing psychological distress, among Polish migrant workers with psychological distress living in the Netherlands.

Methods

The stepped-care DWM/PM + intervention will be tested in a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) among adult Polish migrant workers with self-reported psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale; K10 > 15.9). Participants (n = 212) will be randomized into either the intervention group that receives DWM/PM + with psychological first aid (PFA) and care-as-usual (enhanced care-as-usual or eCAU), or into the control group that receives PFA and eCAU-only (1:1 allocation ratio). Baseline, 1-week post-DWM (week 7), 1-week post-PM + (week 13), and follow-up (week 21) self-reported assessments will be conducted. The primary outcome is psychological distress, assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS). Secondary outcomes are self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resilience, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. In a process evaluation, stakeholders’ views on barriers and facilitators to the implementation of DWM/PM + will be evaluated.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is one of the first RCTs that combines two scalable, psychosocial WHO interventions into a stepped-care programme for migrant populations. If proven to be effective, this may bridge the mental health treatment gap IMWs experience.

Trial registration

Dutch trial register NL9630, 20/07/2021,https://www.onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/27052
Cardiovascular risk in Cuban adolescents and young adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Espinosa Reyes Tania M. , Pesántez Velepucha Alba Katherine , Cabrera Rego Julio Oscar , Valdés Gómez Wendy , Domínguez Alonso Emma , Falhammar Henrik
Published: November 2023

Background

Hyperandrogenism and supraphysiologic glucocorticoid replacement may lead to subclinical atherosclerosis in people with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and predispose the development of cardiovascular diseases from an early age.

Objectives

To determine if cardiometabolic risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis are more frequent in patients with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) and if there is an association with clinical, hormonal and treatment of 21OHD.

Material and methods

A descriptive prospective cross-sectional study exploring clinical variables, biochemical, hormonal variables, endothelial dysfunction (flow-mediated dilation < 5%) and carotid intima media thickness (≥ 95 percentile in adolescents and ≥ 75 percentile in adults) and epicardial fat. Adolescents and young patients with 21OHD were compared with controls matched by age, sex, body mass index and Tanner stage.

Results

Forty four subjects (22 with CAH), 36 (82%) females, with a mean age of 17.1 ± 5.5 years (range 10–30 years) were included. Family history revealed diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia with high frequencies in both groups. The blood pressure was similar in both groups. Blood glucose levels were lower and triglycerides higher in patient (both p < 0.01). Epicardial fat was similar between groups and in patients with CAH it was related to cholesterol levels ​​(r = 0.679, p < 0.01), time since CAH diagnosis (r = 0.462, p = 0.03) and glucocorticoid dose (r = 0.499, p = 0.04). Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) had a tendency to be increased in patients (p = 0.07) and was directly related to 17-hydroxyprogesterone (r = 0.510, p = 0.018), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.444, p = 0.04) and the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index (r = 0.507, p = 0.01). Endothelial dysfunction was not different between groups.

Conclusions

Some cardiometabolic risk factors were increased in patients with CAH and were associated with clinical, hormonal and treatment parameters of CAH. Cardiometabolic risk should be evaluated regularly in patients with CAH.
Quality of life, social support, and adherence in female patients with thyroid disorders
Authors: Kollerits Eliza , Zsila Ágnes , Matuszka Balázs
Published: November 2023

Background

According to the 2010 European Health Interview Survey, 51% of women in Hungary have a chronic disease, and is among the poorest quartile in the EU countries. Thyroid diseases affected more than 650,000 women in 2021 based on a recent report by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. Despite the high prevalence rates, quality of life in these patients is scarcely researched in Hungary. To fill this gap, this study aims to explore the associations of the quality of life of thyroid patients in Hungary with social support and adherence.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted via an online questionnaire. Data from 885 female Hungarian thyroid patients with pharmacological treatment (M = 35.6 years, SD = 10.7, age range: 18–73 years) were analyzed. Participants were divided into two patient groups based on the type of thyroid disorder: hypothyroidism (n = 824; 93.1%) and hyperthyroidism (n = 61; 6.9%). Group comparisons, correlations, and a mediation model were performed to explore differences between thyroid patients.

Results

No differences were found between patients with different types of thyroid disorders in quality of life, adherence, and social support. Consistent, weak associations were found between quality of life and social support in both patient groups. Higher perceived social support partially explained the relationship between adherence and life quality in thyroid patients. 

Conclusions

No substantial differences were found between patients with different types of thyroid disease in mental well-being indicators. These patients are psychologically more vulnerable and need a socially supportive environment to recover, because higher adherence is associated with a better quality of life, and social support can facilitate this process.
Preference and willingness to pay for reproductive health services among adults in Urban–Rural transition settings of a developing country: evidence from a cross-sectional study in a rural district of Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen Thao Thi , Nguyen Long Hoang , Nguyen Tham Thi , Vu Linh Gia , Vu Thuc Minh Thi , Le Vu Minh Ngoc , Vu Giang Thu , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Since the introduction of fee-for-service models in public hospitals and the legalization of private health services in Vietnam in 1989, the price of reproductive health services has risen. These changes have exacerbated inequities in accessing reproductive health services. This study examines potential disparities in willingness to pay for reproductive health services among adults in a rural district of Hanoi.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at 9 communes in Thanh Oai district, a rural district of Hanoi, Vietnam, in July 2019. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect self-reported data. The contingent valuation was used to examine willingness to pay for reproductive health services with a starting price of 2 million VND (~ US$86.2, July 2019 exchange rate), which is the average price of all RHS in public facilities in Vietnam. Multiple Logistic regression and Multiple Interval regression models were used to identify factors associated with willingness to pay and the amount that people were willing to pay for reproductive health services.

Results

Among 883 participants, this study found 59.1% of them willing to pay for reproductive health services at an average maximum amount of US$36.2, significantly less than the current average price of US$86.2. Occupation, number of sex partners, perception towards the necessity of reproductive health services, and prior use of reproductive health services were found to significantly influence willingness to pay for reproductive health services, while age, income level, gender, occupation, perception towards the necessity of reproductive health services and prior use of reproductive health services were reportedly correlated with the amount participants were willing to pay for reproductive health services.

Conclusion

Lower willingness to pay for reproductive health services compared to the current prices (US$36.2 vs. US$86.2) is likely related to an overall low awareness of the necessity of reproductive health services, and future education campaigns should specifically target those from lower-income backgrounds. Financial subsidization should also be provided, especially for those from the low-income group, to ensure equitable access to reproductive health services. Given the heterogeneity of reproductive health services, further studies should examine the willingness to pay for each type of service independently.
Recent UK type 2 diabetes treatment guidance represents a near whole population indication for SGLT2-inhibitor therapy
Authors: Young Katherine G. , Hopkins Rhian , Shields Beverley M. , Thomas Nicholas J. , McGovern Andrew P. , Dennis John M. ,   the MASTERMIND consortium
Published: November 2023

Recent type 2 diabetes guidance from the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) proposes offering SGLT2-inhibitor therapy to people with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or heart failure, and considering SGLT2-inhibitor therapy for those at high-risk of cardiovascular disease defined as a 10-year cardiovascular risk of > 10% using the QRISK2 algorithm. We used a contemporary population-representative UK cohort of people with type 2 diabetes to assess the implications of this guidance. 93.1% of people currently on anti-hyperglycaemic treatment are now recommended or considered for SGLT2-inhibitor therapy under the new guidance, with the majority (59.6%) eligible on the basis of QRISK2 rather than established ASCVD or heart failure (33.6%). Applying these results to the approximately 2.20 million people in England currently on anti-hyperglycaemic medication suggests 1.75 million people will now be considered for additional SGLT2-inhibitor therapy, taking the total cost of SGLT2-inhibitor therapy in England to over £1 billion per year. Given that older people, those of non-white ethnic groups, and those at lower cardiovascular disease risk were underrepresented in the clinical trials which were used to inform this guidance, careful evaluation of the impact and safety of increased SGLT2-inhibitor prescribing across different populations is urgently required. Evidence of benefit should be weighed against the major cost implications for the UK National Health Service.
Targeting CD24 as a novel immunotherapy for solid cancers
Authors: Yang Yan , Zhu Guangming , Yang Li , Yang Yun
Published: November 2023

Cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24), a mucin-like highly glycosylated molecule has been extensively studied as a cancer stem cell marker in a variety of solid cancers. The functional role of CD24 is either fulfilled by combining with ligands or participating in signal transduction, which mediate the initiation and progression of neoplasms. Recently, CD24 was also described as an innate immune checkpoint with apparent significance in several types of solid cancers. Herein, we review the current understanding of the molecular fundamentals of CD24, the role of CD24 in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, the possibility as a promising therapeutic target and summarized different therapeutic agents or strategies targeting CD24 in solid cancers.
p38 MAPK signaling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pathogenesis and inhibitor therapeutics
Authors: Ahmadi Ali , Ahrari Sajjad , Salimian Jafar , Salehi Zahra , Karimi Mehrdad , Emamvirdizadeh Alireza , Jamalkandi Sadegh Azimzadeh , Ghanei Mostafa
Published: November 2023

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar remodeling. Although the abnormalities are primarily prompted by chronic exposure to inhaled irritants, maladjusted and self-reinforcing immune responses are significant contributors to the development and progression of the disease. The p38 isoforms are regarded as pivotal hub proteins that regulate immune and inflammatory responses in both healthy and disease states. As a result, their inhibition has been the subject of numerous recent studies exploring their therapeutic potential in COPD.

Main body

We performed a systematic search based on the PRISMA guidelines to find relevant studies about P38 signaling in COPD patients. We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases and used “P38” AND “COPD” Mesh Terms. We applied the following inclusion criteria: (1) human, animal, ex vivo and in vitro studies; (2) original research articles; (3) published in English; and (4) focused on P38 signaling in COPD pathogenesis, progression, or treatment. We screened the titles and abstracts of the retrieved studies and assessed the full texts of the eligible studies for quality and relevance. We extracted the following data from each study: authors, year, country, sample size, study design, cell type, intervention, outcome, and main findings. We classified the studies according to the role of different cells and treatments in P38 signaling in COPD.

Conclusion

While targeting p38 MAPK has demonstrated some therapeutic potential in COPD, its efficacy is limited. Nevertheless, combining p38 MAPK inhibitors with other anti-inflammatory steroids appears to be a promising treatment choice. Clinical trials testing various p38 MAPK inhibitors have produced mixed results, with some showing improvement in lung function and reduction in exacerbations in COPD patients. Despite these mixed results, research on p38 MAPK inhibitors is still a major area of study to develop new and more effective therapies for COPD. As our understanding of COPD evolves, we may gain a better understanding of how to utilize p38 MAPK inhibitors to treat this disease.