bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactobacilli-host interactions inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli-induced cell death and invasion in a cellular model of infection
Authors: Kiousi Despoina Eugenia , Panopoulou Maria , Pappa Aglaia , Galanis Alex
Published: December 2024

Probiotic lactobacilli exert antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity through a plethora of mechanisms, including the production of inhibitory compounds and competition for nutrients and adhesion sites on the host mucosa. Their ability to interfere with pathogen-host interactions may mitigate the harmful effects of infection. Lactiplantibacillus pentosus L33 (L33) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L125 (L125) are two potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, previously shown to reduce pathogen viability and biofilm formation in vitro. The present study aims to investigate their ability to limit cell death induced by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29. To this end, we examined the protective effects of the two strains using in silico, in vitro and omic approaches, with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) serving as a reference strain, due to its well-documented antimicrobial properties. Based on the findings of our study, direct contact of HT-29 cells with L125 for 4 h prior to the addition of S. aureus or E. coli prevented pathogen-induced cell death at rates comparable to LGG. In contrast, L33 failed to exert a protective effect. Moreover, L125 significantly reduced adherence of S. aureus to HT-29 cells, and the internalization capacity of both pathogens (>1.5 Log CFU/mL). Dual RNA-seq and protein microarrays were used to determine expression changes in L125 and host cells during co-incubation. L125 expressed high levels of adhesins and moonlighting proteins, homologous to those encoded by the pathogens. Pathways involved in pathogen adhesion and internalization, endocytosis, cell–cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion, were downregulated in HT-29 cells. Finally, L125 reduced the secretion of various pro-inflammatory mediators. Our findings highlight the strain-specific protective effects of LAB against pathogen-induced cell death achieved through competitive exclusion and priming of host cell responses. Future studies will focus on elucidating the specific surface components of L125 involved in these events, paving the way for targeted interventions at the host-pathogen interface.
Measuring traveling wave velocity in the basilar membrane as a potential indicator of endolymphatic hydrops in definite Ménière’s disease: a narrative review
Authors: Shen Xingqian , Pan Hui , Wang Linlin , Xie Wen , Leng Yangming , Liu Bo , Xiao Hongjun
Published: December 2024

Background

The pathological hallmark of Ménière’s disease is endolymphatic hydrops, which can lead to an increase in basilar membrane stiffness and, consequently, an acceleration of the traveling wave of sound. The cochlear hydrops analysis masking procedure (CHAMP), which is an auditory brainstem response test masked at various frequencies with high-pass noise masking, uses the principle of the traveling wave velocity theory to determine the presence of endolymphatic hydrops.

Purpose

This study aimed to review the previous results of the CHAMP, expound the principles and key indicators, and discuss its clinical significance in diagnosing Ménière’s disease.

Methods

A narrative review was performed to revisit the principles of the CHAMP test, procedures, and clinical application results in diagnosing Ménière’s disease.

Results

According to the published literature, the CHAMP has a specificity of 31–100%, a sensitivity of 28–100%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 30–100% for the diagnosis of Ménière’s disease, including patients with definite, probable, or possible Ménière’s disease in various studies. These inconsistent results were due to subject inclusion criteria, variable settings, waveform identification, and other factors. Nevertheless, as an electrophysiological technique, the CHAMP may have a relatively high diagnostic value in patients with a definite Ménière’s disease.

Conclusion

The CHAMP is still potentially useful for studying the pathophysiology of hydropic ear diseases since the procedure can measure the traveling wave velocity of the basilar membrane in the era of imaging to detect endolymphatic hydrops for Ménière’s disease.
Individual metabolic brain network abnormalities associated with drug-resistant mTLE vary in surgical outcomes
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Zhang Pan , Lin Dandan , Zhao Chunlei , Huang Zhifeng , Chen Ziqian , Li Hui , Xu Shangwen
Published: December 2024

Objective

This investigation aimed to elucidate alterations in metabolic brain network connectivity in drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (DR-MTLE) patients, relating these changes to varying surgical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 87 DR-MTLE patients who underwent selective amygdalohippocampectomy was analyzed. Patients were categorized based on Engel surgical outcome classification into seizure-free (SF) or non-seizure-free (NSF) groups. Additionally, 38 healthy individuals constituted a control group (HC). Employing effect size (ES) methodology, we constructed individualized metabolic brain networks and compared metabolic connectivity matrices across these groups using the DPABINet toolbox.

Results

Compared to HCs, both SF and NSF groups exhibited diminished metabolic connectivity, with the NSF group showing pronounced reductions across the whole brain. Notably, the NSF group demonstrated weaker metabolic links between key networks, including the default mode network (DMN), frontoparietal network (FPN), and visual network (VN), in comparison to the SF group.

Conclusion

Individual metabolic brain networks, constructed via ES methodology, revealed significant disruptions in DR-MTLE patients, predominantly in the NSF group. These alterations, particularly between limbic structures and cognitive networks like the DMN, suggested impaired and inefficient information processing across the brain’s networks. This study identified abnormal brain networks associated with DR-MTLE and, importantly, contributed novel insights into the mechanisms underlying poor postoperative seizure control, and offered potential implications for refining preoperative assessments.
Association between psychiatric disorders and the risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Hu Zhonghou , Sun Weishan , Cui Enxiu , Chen Bo , Zhang Mi
Published: December 2024

Background

Psychiatric disorders may be associated with an elevated risk of stroke; however, the existence of variations in this association between different populations remains controversial. Consequently, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the magnitude of the relationship between psychiatric disorders and the risk of stroke.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to identify eligible studies from inception to April 2024. The aggregated findings were expressed as relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and the combined analysis was performed using a random-effects modeling approach. Further exploratory analyses were also performed using sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

Results

A total of 36 cohort studies, involving 25,519,635 individuals, were selected for analysis. We noted that depression (RR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.34–1.68; p < 0.001), schizophrenia (RR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.36–2.24; p < 0.001), and bipolar disorder (RR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.27–2.14; p < 0.001) were associated with an elevated risk of stroke. Further exploratory analyses found that the association between depression and the risk of stroke differed according to the adjusted level (RR ratio: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61–0.98; p = 0.034), and the association between schizophrenia and the risk of stroke differed according to the outcome definition (RR ratio: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.52–0.90; p = 0.006). Moreover, the association between bipolar disorder and the risk of stroke differed according to the study design (RR ratio: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.55–0.84; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The significant association between psychiatric disorders and an elevated risk of stroke highlights the importance of enhanced monitoring and stroke prevention in patients with psychiatric disorders.

Systematic review registration

Our study was registered on the INPLASY platform (number: INPLASY202450049).
The effect of pressing needle therapy on depression, anxiety, and sleep for patients in convalescence from COVID-19
Authors: Liang Ruilong , Tang Lin , Li Lutong , Zhao Na , Yu Xintong , Li Jinjin , Wang Qianqian , Cun Haifeng , Gao Xiaolin , Yang Wenjia
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effect of pressing needle therapy on depression, anxiety, and sleep in patients recovering from COVID-19, and to provide a more effective and convenient treatment for the sequelae of COVID-19.

Methods

A total of 136 patients recovering from COVID-19 were randomized into a treatment group (68 cases) and a control group (68 cases, with one case dropping out). The treatment group received pressing needle therapy, while the control group received sham pressing needle therapy, three times a week for 4 weeks. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to evaluate patients’ emotional states and sleep quality. These scales were assessed before, after, and at a 1-month follow-up.

Results

Compared to before treatment, the treatment group showed a significant decrease in PHQ-9 scores (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 1.26), GAD-7 scores (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 1.10), and ISI scores (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.94) after treatment. Similarly, at the 1-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in PHQ-9 scores (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 1.11), GAD-7 scores (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.88), and ISI scores (p < 0.05, Cohen’s d = 0.94). In contrast, the control group demonstrated no statistically significant differences in PHQ-9, GAD-7, or ISI scores after treatment or at the 1-month follow-up (p > 0.05). Between the two groups, statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in PHQ-9 scores (Cohen’s d = 1.47), GAD-7 scores (Cohen’s d = 1.61), and ISI scores (Cohen’s d = 1.06) after treatment. At the 1-month follow-up, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups were also noted in PHQ-9 scores (Cohen’s d = 1.10), GAD-7 scores (Cohen’s d = 0.87), and ISI scores (Cohen’s d = 0.92).

Conclusion

Pressing needle therapy significantly improves the mental health and sleep quality of patients recovering from COVID-19. It enhances their quality of life, promotes early recovery, and is simple and easy to administer, making it a treatment worthy of clinical application.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/.
Quantitative evaluation of electrographic response to electroconvulsive therapy in super-refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Christin Raphaël , Hines Harrison , Hophing Lauren , Khambhati Ankit N. , Amorim Edilberto , Hegde Manu , Guterman Elan L. , Kleen Jonathan K.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been occasionally applied as a treatment for super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE). However, the effects of ECT on electrographic activity and related clinical outcomes are largely unknown. Here, we use quantitative approaches on electroencephalography (EEG) data to evaluate the neurophysiological influences of ECT and how they may relate to patient survival.

Methods

This was a single center study of adult patients who underwent bi-frontal ECT for treatment of SRSE between 2007 and 2021. Continuous scalp EEG data obtained before and after each ECT session was converted using a linelength transform and projected into low-dimensional space using complementary linear and non-linear dimensionality reduction techniques (principal component analysis and separately uniform manifold approximation). Differences between before versus after ECT were quantified using silhouette scores. Mixed effects models evaluated whether changes in mean scores were related to time (across sessions, and separately within sessions up to 1 h after treatment) and patient outcomes (survival).

Results

Eight patients underwent ECT for SRSE, ranging from 3 to 12 sessions each. Four patients survived with chronic epilepsy and varying cognitive sequelae, and four died while hospitalized. Projecting EEG data into low-dimensional space revealed several sessions with visualizable differences in electrographic activity before versus after ECT treatment. Silhouette scores significantly increased as time elapsed up to 60 min after ECT and higher scores were related to survival, though there was no significant change in scores across successive ECT sessions.

Discussion

ECT is associated with changes in electrographic activity in certain patients, and such changes may be associated with survival, although our study was underpowered to detect more definitive treatment-related effects. Further quantitative neurophysiology studies, and potentially clinical trials, in larger groups of patients are warranted to study direct influences of ECT treatment given the devastating and often deadly outcomes of SRSE.
Neurochallenges in smart cities: state-of-the-art, perspectives, and research directions
Authors: Özkaynak Begüm , Aras Necati , Daloğlu Çetinkaya İrem , Ersoy Cem , Durmaz İncel Özlem , Koca Mutlu , Nalça İrem , Onay Turgut Tüzün , Öncü Sinan , Ülger Vatansever Berivan , Yücesoy Eda , Yücesoy Can A.
Published: December 2024

Smart city development is a complex, transdisciplinary challenge that requires adaptive resource use and context-aware decision-making practices to enhance human functionality and capabilities while respecting societal and environmental rights, and ethics. There is an urgent need for action in cities, particularly to (i) enhance the health and wellbeing of urban residents while ensuring inclusivity in urban development (e.g., through the intelligent design of public spaces, mobility, and transportation) and (ii) improve resilience and sustainability (e.g., through better disaster management, planning of city logistics, and waste management). This paper aims to explore how neuroscientific and neurotechnological solutions can contribute to the development of smart cities, as experts in various fields underline that real-time sensing designs and control algorithms inspired by the brain could help build and plan urban systems that are healthy, safe, inclusive, and resilient. Motivated by the potential interplay between societal challenges and these emerging technologies, we provide an overview of state-of-the-art research through a bibliometric analysis of neurochallenges within the context of smart cities using terms and data extracted from the Scopus database between 2018 and 2022. The results indicate that smart city research remains fragmented and technology-driven, relying heavily on internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies. Mostly, it also lacks careful integration and adoption tailored to societal goals and human-centric concerns. In this context, the article explores key research streams and discusses how to create new synergies and complementarities in the challenge-technology intersection. We conclude that realizing the vision of smart cities at the nexus of neuroscience, technology, urban space, and society requires more than just technological progress. Integrating the human dimension alongside various technological tools and systems is crucial. This necessitates better interdisciplinary collaboration and co-production of knowledge toward a hybrid intelligence, where synergies of education and research, technological innovation, and societal innovation are genuinely built. We hope the insights from this analysis will help orient neurotechnological interventions on urban living and ensure they are more responsive to societal and environmental challenges as well as to legal and ethical concerns.
Pathologic function and therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicle miRNA in sepsis
Authors: Deng Rou , Cui Xiayu , Zhang Runze , Liu Changya , Luo Jielian , Liu Liang , Zhang Wen , Fang Bangjiang
Published: December 2024

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response initiated by an infection, which can lead to multi-organ dysfunction. The pathophysiology of sepsis is complex, and treatment options are limited. Traditional antibiotic therapies have shown limitations, such as promoting the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and disrupting the natural microbiota. Consequently, there is a pressing need to explore diverse therapeutic approaches for sepsis management. Extracellular vesicles, which play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication, are released by various cell types throughout the body and possess a membrane structure composed of a lipid bilayer. MicroRNAs may be encapsulated within these structures and can be selectively delivered to target recipient cells through the activation of cell surface receptors or via endocytosis and fusion, thereby modulating the biological functions of target cells. The article examines the pathological alterations that happen as sepsis progresses and the biological control of extracellular vesicles and microRNAs in sepsis. This review focuses on the role of extracellular vesicles and their microRNAs on controlling the inflammatory response, macrophage polarization, programmed cell death, endothelial dysfunction, and microcirculatory changes in sepsis. Furthermore, the obstacles encountered by this novel therapy are also examined.
6-Hydroxyflavanone treats anxiety and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Akbar Shehla , Subhan Fazal , Qamar Rida , Akbar Aroosha , Shahbaz Naila , Aamir Muhammad , Siddique Nayyer , Islam Salman Ul
Published: December 2024

Background

Cancer remains a predominant cause of death worldwide. The advent of effective chemotherapy has enormously decreased the mortality rate and increased the life expectancy of cancer patients. However, the adverse effects allied with chemotherapy contribute to the development of neurotoxicity, anxiety, and depression.

Objective

The dual effects of a novel flavanone, 6-hydroxyflavanone (6-HF), were investigated in treating chemotherapy-induced neuropathy along with anxiolytic propensity.

Methods

The anti-neuropathy propensity of 6-HF was evaluated utilizing the cisplatin-induced neuropathy (CIN) model, whereas its anxiolytic activity was evaluated utilizing anxiety models, such as the elevated plus maze test (EPM), the staircase test, and the open-field paradigm.

Result

Cisplatin administration induced static and dynamic allodynia in the rats. Concomitant administration of 6-HF and cisplatin for four successive weeks remarkably reduced the chemotherapy-induced mechanical allodynia, evident from an elevation in the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL). The anxiolytic-like activity of 6-HF in the EPM apparatus was confirmed by the increased number of entries in the open arm and time spent at the central platform, which was further confirmed by the enhanced head-dipping frequency in the same assay. A decrease in rearing behavior of the mice without suppression of the steps ascended further assured the anxiolytic-like potential of 6-HF. Additionally, the animals under investigation spent more time at the intersection of the open-field apparatus, further confirming the anxiolytic potential of 6-HF.

Conclusion

6-HF might be considered a potential therapeutic agent for counteracting two common adverse effects of chemotherapy, neurotoxicity and anxiety.
Investigating the anti-obesity potential of Nelumbo nucifera leaf bioactive compounds through machine learning and computational biology methods
Authors: Huang Hongyun , Liu Chengyu , Cao Can , Chen Moxi , Li Ruyin , Yu Jianchun
Published: December 2024

Obesity, a growing global health concern, is linked to severe ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Conventional pharmacological treatments often have significant side effects, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers potential solutions, with plant extracts like those from Nelumbo nucifera leaves showing promise due to their historical use and minimal side effects. This study employs a comprehensive computational biology approach to explore the anti-obesity effects of Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Bioactive Compounds. Sixteen active compounds from Nelumbo nucifera leaves were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP). Clustering analysis identified three representative molecules, and network pharmacology pinpointed PPARG as a common target gene. Molecular docking and machine learning models were used for inhibitors screening, and molecular dynamics simulations were futher used to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of these molecules on PPARG. Subsequent cellular assays confirmed the ability of Sitogluside to reduce lipid accumulation and triglyceride levels in 3T3-L1 cells, underscoring its potential as an effective and safer obesity treatment. Our findings provide a molecular basis for the anti-obesity properties of Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Bioactive Compounds and pave the way for developing new, effective, and safer obesity treatments.
Metabolic reprogramming in lung cancer and its clinical implication
Authors: Huang Qingqiu , Fan Lisha , Gong Mingjing , Ren Juntong , Chen Chen , Xie Shenglong
Published: December 2024

Lung cancer has posed a significant challenge to global health, and related study has been a hot topic in oncology. This article focuses on metabolic reprogramming of lung cancer cells, a process to adapt to energy demands and biosynthetic needs, supporting the proliferation and development of tumor cells. In this study, the latest studies on lung cancer tumor metabolism were reviewed, including the impact of metabolic products and metabolic enzymes on the occurrence and development of lung cancer, as well as the progress in the field of lung cancer treatment targeting relevant metabolic pathways. This provides some promising potential directions into exploring lung cancer tumor metabolism and helps researchers to better understand lung cancer.
Quantity of spontaneous touches to body and surface in very preterm and healthy term infants
Authors: Stupperich Sophie , Dathe Anne-Kathrin , DiMercurio Abigail , Connell John P. , Baumann Nicole , Jover Marianne , Corbetta Daniela , Jaekel Julia , Felderhoff-Mueser Ursula , Huening Britta
Published: December 2024

Background

Spontaneous movements are a crucial part of early motor development. Healthy term infants may produce up to 200 spontaneous touches to their body and surface in 10 minutes with their hands. The existing literature shows differences in early motor development between very preterm (<32 weeks gestation) and healthy term infants. It is not known whether the quantity of spontaneous touches differs between very preterm infants and healthy term infants.

Aims

This study investigates whether the overall quantity of spontaneous touches to body and surface is lower among low-risk very preterm infants compared with healthy term infants.

Methods

Videos of 25 low-risk very preterm infants (10 female) at a mean corrected age of 13 weeks [Mean = 12.76, Standard Deviation (SD) = 1.07] were recorded during clinical routine and compared with videos of five healthy term infants (chronological mean age = 9.00, SD = 0.63). Spontaneous touches of both hands were coded, assessing number and location of each touch (i.e., body vs. surface).

Results

Very preterm infants showed significantly fewer overall touches per minute (Mean = 8.87, SD = 4.13) than healthy term infants (Mean = 13.19, SD = 4.28), 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = [0.00, 6.84] (p = 0.029).

Discussion and conclusion

This study shows that low-risk very preterm infants, on average, produce fewer spontaneous touches than healthy term infants at three months of corrected age. The present study provides important exploratory evidence for further studies, particularly longitudinal investigations of all dimensions of development.
The attention network characteristics of adults with high ADHD traits: low stability, boost accuracy by sacrificing response time
Authors: Xiang Jie , Wang Xueke , Feng Tingyong
Published: December 2024

Adults with high ADHD traits (H-ADHD) face challenges in academics, social interactions, and careers, yet their attention characteristics remains unclear. Using Attention Network Test (ANT), we examine attentional characteristics (including specific attentional qualities and overall attentional performance) of H-ADHD and explore how their specific attentional qualities impact overall attentional performance. We find H-ADHD primarily manifests lower alerting network, higher intra-individual coefficient of variation (ICV) and poorer balanced integration score (BIS). These results remain stable even after controlling for covariates such as anxiety and depression scores. Furthermore, the BIS deficiency in high attention deficit traits group (H-ADHD-I) specifically manifests as “high accuracy—slow reaction time,” reflecting their response pattern as the reaction time compensated accuracy. Additionally, compared to alerting network, attentional variability (ICV) has a greater role in mediating the impact of ADHD symptoms on overall attentional performance (BIS). Taken together, H-ADHD mainly exhibit deficits in sustained attention (alerting network), attentional stability (ICV), and overall attentional performance. ADHD symptoms worsen overall attentional performance due to increased attentional variability. The study emphasizes the sensitivity of alerting network, ICV, and BIS indicators, and highlights the significance of attentional variability, suggesting their potential clinical value in the future.
Do conscientious employees have a high level of work engagement? The roles of presenteeism and perceived organizational support
Authors: Sun Hui , Wang Shuai , Zhang Wei , Sun Ling
Published: December 2024

In recent years, work engagement garnered significant attention from both the business community and academia. Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study investigates the mechanisms and boundary conditions through which conscientiousness influences work engagement. Through an empirical survey of 376 employees, the study found that, first, conscientiousness positively predicts employees’ work engagement; second, presenteeism partially mediates the relationship between conscientiousness and work engagement; third, perceived organizational support (POS) negatively moderates the relationship between conscientiousness and presenteeism while positively moderating the relationship between presenteeism and work engagement; fourth, POS moderates the indirect effect of conscientiousness on work engagement via presenteeism, whereas the mediated relationship is weakened when employees exhibit a higher POS. These findings advance our theoretical and practical knowledge of how personality traits and situational factors jointly affect employees’ work engagement, providing empirical data for a dialectical perspective on conscientious employees and enhancing their work engagement.
The relations between parents’ acceptance/rejection and undergraduate adjustment to college: the moderating role of undergraduate collectivism
Authors: Niu Hua , Liu Jie , Duan Wenji , Li Shuna
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The present study examined the moderating effects of undergraduate collectivism in the relations between parents’ acceptance/rejection and undergraduate adjustment to college in Chinese societies.

Methods

A survey was conducted covering 5,444 Chinese undergraduates and involved the use of the Parental Acceptance and Rejection Questionnaires (PARQ-short form), the College Student Adaptability Inventory (CSAI), and the Individualism-Collectivism Scale (ICS).

Results

Findings revealed that undergraduate’s collectivism moderated the relations between acceptance/rejection and undergraduate adjustment to college for fathers, but not for mothers. Compared to low collectivism undergraduates, those undergraduates high in collectivism experienced stronger positive impacts from fathers’ acceptance and more pronounced negative effects from fathers’ rejection.

Discussion

Findings from this study highlight the importance of considering how the cultural value (such as collectivism) may influence the relation between parenting and child development.
Association between ambient temperature and increased total length of hospital stay of patients with cardiopulmonary disease in Hong Kong
Authors: Long Chenxiang , Guo Shengyu , Tian Ping , Sun Yingying
Published: December 2024

Background

While temperature extremes have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of hospital admissions, evidence of their impact on the length of hospital stay, which may capture the lingering effects of temperature extremes, is scarce.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the association between daily variation in ambient temperature and daily variation in daily total length of stay (daily TLOS), a composite measure encompassing the daily count of hospital admissions and their corresponding length of hospital stay among cardiopulmonary patients. Additionally, we quantified the burden of TLOS attributable to non-optimal temperatures among Hong Kong’s older adult population.

Methods

We used a generalized linear regression with a distributed lag non-linear model to estimate the association between ambient temperature and daily TLOS. The analysis used 13 years of time-series data (1998–2010) on daily temperature and hospital admissions for cardiopulmonary diseases through accident and emergency departments among Hong Kong’s older adult population. We quantified the attributable risk of TLOS by calculating the temperature-related days of hospital stay and the attributable fraction (AF).

Results

We recorded a total of 4,095,722 hospital stay days for cardiovascular patients and 4,492,697 days for respiratory patients. We found that both cold and heat were associated with increased TLOS for cardiopulmonary disease. The temperature-related AF was 11.5% (95% empirical CI: 5.3–17.2%) for cardiovascular disease, corresponding to an annual increase of 36,174 days (95% empirical CI: 15,286–57,018). For respiratory disease, the AF was 10.7% (95% empirical CI: 7.1–13.9%), equating to an annual increase of 36,897 days (95% empirical CI: 24,949–49,024) days annually.

Conclusion

Extreme temperatures were associated with increased TLOS for cardiopulmonary patients in Hong Kong’s older adult population. These findings highlight the need for hospitals to prepare in advance for extreme temperature events by implementing specific measures in terms of human resources and medical resources. In addition, the results provide valuable scientific evidence to support public health policies and inform hospital planning and management.
Evaluating the 3-month post-intervention impact of a supportive text message program on mental health outcomes during the 2023 wildfires in Alberta and Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Obuobi-Donkor Gloria , Shalaby Reham , Agyapong Belinda , Dias Raquel da Luz , Eboreime Ejemai , Wozney Lori , Agyapong Vincent Israel Opoku
Published: December 2024

Background

Individuals exposed to wildfires are at risk of developing adverse mental health conditions in the months following the event. Receiving supportive text interventions during and after a wildfire event can have a significant impact on reducing mental health conditions over time.

Objectives

The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a supportive text message intervention service in reducing the severity and prevalence of psychological conditions 3 months following the 2023 wildfires in Alberta and Nova Scotia, two regions heavily affected by these natural disasters.

Methods

In this longitudinal study, participants voluntarily subscribed to the Text4Hope-AB and Text4Hope-NS services, receiving supportive text interventions for 3 months. On enrolment and at 3 months post-enrolment, participants completed online surveys. The severity and prevalence of mental wellbeing, resilience, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress were measured using the World Health Organization- Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 scale (GAD-7), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Civilians (PCL-C) respectively. Data analysis involved using McNemar’s chi-square test and paired sample t-tests.

Results

A total of 150 subscribers partially or fully completed both the baseline and 3-month assessments. The results show a statistically significant change in the mean scores on the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index (+ 24.6%), PHQ-9 (−17.0%), GAD-7 scale (−17.6%), PCL-C (−6.0%), and BRS (+3.2%) from baseline to 3 months. Similarly, there was a reduction, although not statistically significant, in the prevalence of low resilience (55.1 vs. 53.4%), poor mental well-being (71.6 vs. 48.3%), likely MDD (71.4 vs. 40.7%), likely GAD (42.1 vs. 33.3%), and likely PTSD (42.0 vs. 38.4%).

Conclusion

The study’s findings underscore the potential of the supportive text intervention program in effectively aiding individuals who have endured natural disasters such as wildfires. Providing supportive text messages during wildfire events is a promising strategy for mitigating mental health conditions over time.
Epidemiological characteristics and prediction model construction of hand, foot and mouth disease in Quzhou City, China, 2005–2023
Authors: Xu Wenjie , Zheng Canjie , Fu Canya , Gong Xiaoying , Fang Quanjun , Yin Zhiying
Published: December 2024

Background

HFMD is a common infectious disease that is prevalent worldwide. In many provinces in China, there have been outbreaks and epidemics of whooping cough, posing a threat to public health.

Purpose

It is crucial to grasp the epidemiological characteristics of HFMD in Quzhou and establish a prediction model for HFMD to lay the foundation for early warning of HFMD.

Method

Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemic characteristics of HFMD, the incidence map was drawn by ArcGIS software, the Seasonal Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and Prophet model were established by R software. Then, root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were used to evaluate the fitting and prediction performances of the model.

Results

From 2010 to 2023, Quzhou City reported a total of 66,601 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), with the annual number of reported cases fluctuating between 2,265 and 7,964. The average annual incidence rate was 216.88/100,000, with the lowest in 2010 (97.08 /100,000) and the highest in 2016 (373.37/100,000) (Ptrend < 0.001). The cases exhibited a seasonal bimodal distribution, with the first peak occurring from April to July and the second peak from October to December. The incidence rate of HFMD in males (246.71/100,000) was higher than that in females (185.81 /100,000). The performance of the SARIMA (1,0,1)(2,1,0)12 model was better than that of the Prophet model in terms of prediction accuracy.

Conclusion

The incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Quzhou is on the rise in 2010–2016 and 2022–2023. In this study, the SARIMA prediction model was compared with the FB Prophet model. Data for more years can then be observed to better predict trends in the incidence of HFMD, providing a basis for prevention strategies and resource allocation. Further research can optimize the model to enhance predictive ability to improve the understanding and management of Chinese rival foot and mouth disease.
Health-related quality of life profiles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Song Yuqing , Chen Yanling , Wen Liting , He Benyi , Ding Yulin , Liu Mei , Tang Fangmei , Wang Li , Wu Jianmei , Deng Xue , Xing Lu , Zhao Wen
Published: December 2024

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common rheumatic disease that most commonly affects joints and negatively impacts individuals’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although some studies have explored HRQoL of RA patients, existing studies treated RA patients as a homogeneous group based on their overall HRQoL and ignore the heterogeneity of patients’ HRQoL patterns. This study aimed to identify subgroups of RA patients based on their HRQoL and variables associated with group membership.

Methods

This was a multi-center cross-sectional study conducted at 3 tertiary hospitals. All participants completed standardized questionnaires including demographic variables, HRQoL, physical function, disease activity and self-efficacy. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the optimal number of subgroups (profiles) and multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to explore variables associated with profile membership.

Results

The analysis revealed 3 profiles of RA patients: poor HRQoL (N = 92, 60.9%), moderate HRQoL but poor role function (N = 45, 29.8%), good HRQoL (N = 14, 9.3%). Regression analysis revealed that patients with worse physical function were more likely to belong to “poor HRQoL” and “moderate HRQoL but poor role function” profile. Additionally, patients with junior high school or below educational level were less likely to belong to “moderate HRQoL but poor role function” profile.

Conclusion

This study identified 3 profiles of HRQoL within RA patients and found that physical function and educational level was associated with HRQoL profiles. The finding can provide the basis for developing tailored interventions to specific subgroups of RA patients.
A comparative study on person-centered care practice between public and private General Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Ali Mierage , Charkos Tesfaye Getachew
Published: December 2024

Background

Person-centered care practice has not yet been fully adopted in low- and middle-income nations such as Ethiopia. It focuses on improving several areas of patient-physician interaction. Despite Ethiopia's rapid growth in healthcare facilities, there is insufficient data available on care practices.

Method

A facility-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in selected public and private general hospitals in Addis Ababa from May 26 to July 26, 2023. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, entered into Epi Info-7, and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant factors associated with care practices.

Results

A total of 848 patients were involved, with a response rate of 99.5%. The overall magnitude of good care practice was 52.8%, with 34.8% in public hospitals and 70.9% in private hospitals. Factors associated with good care practices in private hospitals included hospital attractiveness (AOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.6–6.5), ease of access to services (AOR: 12.1; 95% CI: 6.2–23.3), and privacy of access and care (AOR: 10.89; 95% CI: 5.60–21.19). In contrast, factors associated with good healthcare practices in public hospitals were perceived intimacy with the provider (AOR: 8.85; 95% CI: 4.50–17.43), privacy in accessing care (AOR: 12.1; 95% CI: 6.62–22.16), and the provision of medication information (AOR: 4.39; 95% CI: 2.40–8.03).

Conclusion

Overall, 52.8% of participants rated person-centered care practices as good, with private hospitals in Addis Ababa (70.9%) demonstrating a higher prevalence of person-centered care practices compared to public hospitals (34.8%). The factors associated with healthcare practices in both public and private hospitals include hospital type, hospital attractiveness, ease of access to services, privacy in accessing care, perceived intimacy with the provider, and the provision of medication information. We recommend targeted improvements in public hospitals to enhance the quality of PCC.
Assessment of glove integrity across various dental specialties in a dental school setting
Authors: Alsaegh Mohammed Amjed , AlSiraj Mohammed Farooq , Alsadoon Ahmed Naji , Soufi Omar , Mahmoud Okba , Varma Sudhir Rama
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the integrity of non-sterile, powder-free latex gloves used by dental students in various dental specialties.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study involved dental students from Ajman University who provided gloves during various dental specialty procedures. A total of 177 pairs of latex examination powder-free gloves were included and categorized as follows: 43 pairs (24.3%) were used in operative dentistry, 30 pairs (16.9%) in oral surgery, 28 pairs (15.8%) in endodontics, 24 pairs (13.6%) in periodontics, 21 pairs (11.9%) in pedodontics, 13 pairs (7.3%) in prosthodontics, and 18 pairs (10.2%) as control gloves. After use, glove integrity was assessed with a modified water leak test.

Results

Perforations were identified in 72 cases (40.7%) of gloves, distributed as follows: 22 cases (51.2%) in operative dentistry, 12 cases (40.0%) in oral surgery, 11 cases (39.3%) in endodontics, 11 cases (45.8%) in periodontics, 10 cases (47.6%) in pedodontics, 5 cases (38.5%) in prosthodontics, and 1 case (5.5%) in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in the loss of glove integrity among different dental specialty procedures (χ2 = 11.899, p = 0.064) or among different glove usage durations (χ2 = 1.732, p = 0.785). However, the location of perforations in the experimental groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 34.427, p < 0.001). The most common locations were the right thumb (n = 18; 13.7%) and the right index finger (n = 17; 13%), with no perforations in the left ring finger and only one perforation in the left little finger (n = 1, 0.08%). There was a statistically significant correlation between the anticipated and actual presence of defects (χ2 = 32.875, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The study found a high rate of glove perforations during dental procedures by undergraduate students, especially in the right thumb and index finger. To reduce cross-infection risks, strict protocols like double gloving, frequent glove changes, and covering wounds with plaster are recommended.
Does self-paced learning in mobile flood protection unit construction in virtual reality have advantages over traditional measures?
Authors: Querl Patrick , Chandra Raymond Leonardo , Berkaoui Djamel , Castermans Koen , Nacken Heribert
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The study explores the application of virtual reality (VR) in university education, specifically within the context of civil engineering. It aims to investigate the potential of an immersive virtual lab employing self-paced learning for teaching complex tasks. The focus is on the construction of a Mobile Flood Protection Unit (MFPU), traditionally taught through written instructions or video tutorials.

Methods

An experiment was conducted involving 48 students who were divided into two groups. One group learned to build an MFPU using a VR tutorial, while the other group used a traditional instructional video. The effectiveness of these teaching tools was assessed based on factual and procedural knowledge transfer. Additionally, students' personal perceptions regarding the use of VR software were evaluated.

Results

The findings indicated a positive effect on factual knowledge transfer when using VR. Moreover, students expressed favorable perceptions towards utilizing VR as a learning tool.

Discussion

The study suggests that VR can enhance factual knowledge acquisition and is well-received by students in educational settings. However, it also highlights the need for further research to better understand its impact on procedural knowledge gain. Future studies could explore long-term effects and different applications within various fields of education.
Impact of rumen-protected glucose on performance, milk composition, and selected blood metabolites of early lactating Holstein Friesian cows
Authors: Yu Hairui , Rahman Abdur , Rahman Hafeez Ur , Khan Muhammad , Mushtaq Maida , Quan Guobo , Zafar Muhammad Hammad , Li Zijian , Rahman Muhammad Aziz Ur
Published: December 2024

Introduction

High-producing dairy cows often face calving stress and reduced feed intake during the transition period, leading to body fat mobilization to meet production demands. Supplementing rations with energy-dense sources like rumen-protected glucose (RPG) may enhance production performance in early lactation.

Methods

This study evaluated the effects of RPG supplementation on feed intake, body condition score (BCS), production performance, and blood metabolites in 32 early-lactation Holstein Friesian cows (6 ± 1 DIM; milk yield: 30 ± 5 kg/day; body weight: 550 ± 50 kg; BCS: 3.00 ± 0.25). Cows were assigned to four groups (n = 8/group) and fed a basal diet (Control) or supplemented with 150 g (S-150), 300 g (S-300), or 450 g (S-450) of RPG for a 42-day trial after 2 weeks of adaptation.

Results

Results showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in final body weight, milk yield, energy-corrected milk, and milk-to-feed ratio with RPG supplementation, with the highest effects observed at 450 g/day. Milk components, including solids-not-fat, lactose, and total solids, also increased significantly. While feed intake remained similar (p > 0.05), blood glucose levels rose, and non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations decreased (p < 0.05), indicating reduced ketosis and negative energy balance.

Conclusion

These findings suggest RPG supplementation at 450 g/day improves milk production, quality, and metabolic health in early lactating cows, warranting further exploration of higher dosages like 500–550 g/day.
Flumazenil may improve gait and mentation in dogs presenting with marijuana toxicosis
Authors: Fitzgerald Alyson H. , Zhang Yuntao , Stewart Samuel , Fritz Scott A. , Lynch Alex M. , Ramras Monique , Meola Stacy D.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Alongside the United States’ growing landscape of legalized recreational marijuana intended for humans, cases of canine marijuana toxicosis have been on the rise. Most commonly these dogs have mild clinical signs and respond well to supportive therapies. However, patients might still be ataxic, unable to walk, or remain heavily sedated at the time of discharge. Our hypothesis was that flumazenil would improve the level of consciousness, brainstem reflexes, gait, and stance in dogs with marijuana toxicosis.

Methods

Seventeen dogs presenting for marijuana toxicosis were enrolled. MGCS and Canine Marijuana Severity Score (CMSS), were used to assess level of consciousness, brain stem reflexes, gait, and stance. Flumazenil 0.01 mg/kg was administered IV once. Baseline values immediately before flumazenil administration, 5 min, 15 min, and 30 min after flumazenil were recorded. Serum was collected and analyzed for delta-9-THC using ultraperformance liquid chromatography.

Results

There was a significant change in MGCS and CMSS following flumazenil administration (p = 0.0033 and p ≤ 0.001). The median CMSS at baseline was 17 (10–19), at 5 min was 18 (10–21), at 15 min was 18 (12–22), and at 30 min was 19 (14–22). There was a significant difference between the concentration of delta-9-THC and clinical sign score (p = 0.0275).

Discussion

The administration of flumazenil to dog affected by marijuana toxicosis might result in improved gait, stance, and level of consciousness. There might be some discriminative ability of the CMSS to stratify the severity level of canine marijuana toxicosis.