bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress in the clinical treatment of keloids
Authors: Qi Wenli , Xiao Xinyue , Tong Jing , Guo Nengqiang
Published: November 2023

Keloid is a pathological scar that is higher than the skin surface following skin damage. Its lesion range often extends beyond the original damage boundary and does not naturally subside over time. Its pathogenesis is very complex, currently the main causes include fibroblast excessive proliferation, collagen and extracellular matrix (Extracellular matrix, ECM) excessive deposition, excessive angiogenesis, and so on. The traditional treatment method primarily involves surgical intervention, but it is associated with a high recurrence rate post-surgery. Consequently, many treatment methods are derived according to the different clinical characteristics of keloid. This paper will review the therapeutic progress in recent years from surgical treatment, physiotherapy, drug therapy, and biological therapy, with the goal of offering valuable insights for the clinical treatment of keloids.
Effects of replacing hybrid giant napier with sugarcane bagasse and fermented sugarcane bagasse on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen microorganisms of Simmental crossbred cattle
Authors: Jin Yadong , Huang Yanru , Luo Haocen , Wang Langzhou , Chen Binlong , Zhang Yi , Deng Kaimei , Zhao Ningbo , Lai Anqiang
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the effects of replacing hybrid giant napiers with sugarcane bagasse and fermented sugarcane bagasse on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen microorganisms of Simmental crossbred cattle. Twenty-one Simmental crossbred cattle with similar initial body weight (363.42 ± 8.67 kg) were randomly divided into three groups: Group CON (20% hybrid giant napier +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture), Group SB (20% sugarcane bagasse +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture), and Group FSB (20% fermented sugarcane bagasse +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture). The average daily weight gain in the SB group was lower than in the CON group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The feed conversion ratio of the CON and FSB groups was lower compared to the SB group. The apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber in the SB group was lower than in the CON group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The levels of NH3-N, microbial protein, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and total volatile fatty acids were higher in the CON and FSB groups than in the SB group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The relative abundances of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Saccharofermentans, and Eubacteriumcoprostanoligenes_group were lower in the CON and FSB groups compared to the SB group. The relative abundance of Succiniclasticum was highest in the FSB group, followed by the CON group and then the SB group. Correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum was positively correlated with propionate and NH3-N content, while the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group was inversely correlated with NH3-N content. Gene function prediction indicated that fermented sugarcane bagasse promoted rumen microbial amino acid metabolism. In conclusion, replacing hybrid giant napiers with 20% sugarcane bagasse negatively affected the growth performance of Simmental crossbred cattle, while the addition of 20% fermented sugarcane bagasse had no adverse effects on growth performance and rumen fermentation characteristics, and did not alter the abundance of the rumen core flora in Simmental crossbred cattle.
Gut microbiota profiles in two New Zealand cohorts with overweight and prediabetes: a Tū Ora/PREVIEW comparative study
Authors: Mathrani Akarsh , Lu Louise W. , Sequeira-Bisson Ivana R. , Silvestre Marta P. , Hoggard Michael , Barnett Daniel , Fogelholm Mikael , Raben Anne , Poppitt Sally D. , Taylor Michael W.
Published: November 2023

Obesity-related metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) are major global health issues, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The underlying factors are both diverse and complex, incorporating biological as well as cultural considerations. A role for ethnicity – a measure of self-perceived cultural affiliation which encompasses diet, lifestyle and genetic components – in susceptibility to metabolic diseases such as T2D is well established. For example, Asian populations may be disproportionally affected by the adverse ‘TOFI’ (Thin on the Outside, Fat on the Inside) profile, whereby outwardly lean individuals have increased susceptibility due to excess visceral and ectopic organ fat deposition. A potential link between the gut microbiota and metabolic disease has more recently come under consideration, yet our understanding of the interplay between ethnicity, the microbiota and T2D remains incomplete. We present here a 16S rRNA gene-based comparison of the fecal microbiota of European-ancestry and Chinese-ancestry cohorts with overweight and prediabetes, residing in New Zealand. The cohorts were matched for mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG: mean ± SD, European-ancestry: 6.1 ± 0.4; Chinese-ancestry: 6.0 ± 0.4 mmol/L), a consequence of which was a significantly higher mean body mass index in the European group (BMI: European-ancestry: 37.4 ± 6.8; Chinese-ancestry: 27.7 ± 4.0 kg/m2; p < 0.001). Our findings reveal significant microbiota differences between the two ethnicities, though we cannot determine the underpinning factors. In both cohorts Firmicutes was by far the dominant bacterial phylum (European-ancestry: 93.4 ± 5.5%; Chinese-ancestry: 79.6 ± 10.4% of 16S rRNA gene sequences), with Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria the next most abundant. Among the more abundant (≥1% overall relative sequence abundance) genus-level taxa, four zero-radius operational taxonomic units (zOTUs) were significantly higher in the European-ancestry cohort, namely members of the Subdoligranulum, Blautia, Ruminoclostridium, and Dorea genera. Differential abundance analysis further identified a number of additional zOTUs to be disproportionately overrepresented across the two ethnicities, with the majority of taxa exhibiting a higher abundance in the Chinese-ancestry cohort. Our findings underscore a potential influence of ethnicity on gut microbiota composition in the context of individuals with overweight and prediabetes.
Mycobacteriosis in slaughter pigs from South Africa from 1991 to 2002: Mycobacterium spp. diversity and Mycobacterium avium complex genotypes
Authors: Gcebe Nomakorinte , Pierneef Rian Ewald , Michel Anita Luise , Hlokwe Motlatso Tiny
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) bacteria are the most prominent etiological agents of lymphadenitis in pigs. M. avium subspecies hominissuis (MAH) is a member of MAC and has been reported in many parts of the world to be the most prevalent non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) to cause mycobacteriosis in humans, mainly in children. Thus, the economic and zoonotic impact of MAC species are increasingly being recognized. In South Africa, little is known about the distribution of NTM and the molecular epidemiology of M. avium in pigs.

Materials and methods

In this study, lymph nodes including mandibular, mesenteric, submandibular, and retropharyngeal, with tuberculosis-like lesions were collected during routine meat inspection of slaughter pigs with no disease symptoms (n = 132), between 1991 and 2002. These pigs were slaughtered at 44 abattoirs distributed across seven of the nine South African provinces. Mycobacterial culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequencing of the Mycobacterium specific 577 bp 16S rRNA gene fragment were performed for species and subspecies identification.

Results

The majority of the isolates (each per sample); 114 (86.4%) were identified as MAH, 8 (6%) as MAA/M. avium subsp. silvaticum, 4 (3%) were Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 2 (1.5%) as Mycobacterium intracellulare, and 1 (0.75%) as Mycobacterium bovis. The other isolates were identified as Mycobacterium lentiflavum (0.75%), Mycobacterium novocastrense (0.75%), and a Micrococcus spp. (0.75%). Using an eight-marker MLVA typing tool, we deciphered at least nine MIRU VNTR INMV types of MAH and MAA.

Discussion

Identification of known zoonotic mycobacteria, including MAH, MAA, M. intracellulare, M. bovis, and M. tuberculosis, from slaughter pigs has a potential public health impact and also strengthens recognition of the potential economic impact of MAC. This study has also for the first time in South Africa, revealed MAC MIRU VNTR INMV genotypes which will aid in the future epidemiological investigation of MAC in South Africa.
Bacteroides vulgatus alleviates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis and depression-like behaviour by facilitating gut-brain axis balance
Authors: Wu Xing , Xu Jiahao , Li Jingbo , Deng Minzi , Shen Zhaohua , Nie Kai , Luo Weiwei , Zhang Chao , Ma Kejia , Chen Xuejie , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher prevalence of depression. Gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in IBD and depression. However, few studies have explored the characteristic microbiota of patients with IBD and depression (IBDD), or their role in IBDD.

Methods

We performed deep metagenomic sequencing and 16S rDNA quantitative PCR to characterise the gut microbial communities of patients with IBDD and patients with IBD without depression (IBDND). We then assessed the effect of the microbiota on colitis and depression in mouse models of dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression. Furthermore, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyse the microbiota-derived metabolites involved in gut–brain communication. Evans Blue tracer dye was used to assess blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability.

Results

Our results showed that the faecal abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus (B. vulgatus) was lower in patients with IBDD than in those with IBDND. In the DSS-induced colitis mouse model, the B. vulgatus group showed a significantly lower disease activity index score, lesser weight loss, and longer colon length than the DSS group. Moreover, B. vulgatus relieved depression-like behaviour in the DSS-induced colitis mouse model and in the LPS-induced depression mouse model. Furthermore, the key metabolite of B. vulgatus was p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPAA), which was found to relieve intestinal inflammation and alleviate depression-like behaviours in mouse models. By increasing the expression of the tight junction protein claudin-5 in the vascular endothelium of the BBB, B. vulgatus and 4-HPAA play critical roles in gut–brain communication.

Conclusion

B. vulgatus and B. vulgatus-derived 4-HPAA ameliorated intestinal inflammation and relieved depressive symptoms through the gut–brain axis. Thus, administration of B. vulgatus or 4-HPAA supplementation is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating IBD, particularly IBDD.
Using the structural diversity of RNA: protein interfaces to selectively target RNA with small molecules in cells: methods and perspectives
Authors: Li Aixiao , Bouhss Ahmed , Clément Marie-Jeanne , Bauvais Cyril , Taylor J. Paul , Bollot Guillaume , Pastré David
Published: November 2023

In recent years, RNA has gained traction both as a therapeutic molecule and as a therapeutic target in several human pathologies. In this review, we consider the approach of targeting RNA using small molecules for both research and therapeutic purposes. Given the primary challenge presented by the low structural diversity of RNA, we discuss the potential for targeting RNA: protein interactions to enhance the structural and sequence specificity of drug candidates. We review available tools and inherent challenges in this approach, ranging from adapted bioinformatics tools to in vitro and cellular high-throughput screening and functional analysis. We further consider two critical steps in targeting RNA/protein interactions: first, the integration of in silico and structural analyses to improve the efficacy of molecules by identifying scaffolds with high affinity, and second, increasing the likelihood of identifying on-target compounds in cells through a combination of high-throughput approaches and functional assays. We anticipate that the development of a new class of molecules targeting RNA: protein interactions to prevent physio-pathological mechanisms could significantly expand the arsenal of effective therapeutic compounds.
Fatigue factors and fatigue indices in SSVEP-based brain-computer interfaces: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Azadi Moghadam Maedeh , Maleki Ali
Published: November 2023

Background

Fatigue is a serious challenge when applying a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in the real world. Many researchers have used quantitative indices to study the effect of visual stimuli on fatigue. According to a wide range of studies in fatigue analysis, there are contradictions and inconsistencies in the behavior of fatigue indicators.

New method

In this study, for the first time, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on fatigue indices and fatigue caused by stimulation paradigm. We queried three scientific search engines for studies published between 2000 and 2022. The inclusion criteria were papers investigating mental and visual fatigue from performing a visual task using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals.

Results

Attractiveness and variation are the most effective ways to reduce BCI fatigue. Therefore, zoom motion, Newton’s ring motion, and cue patterns reduce fatigue. While the color of the cue could effectively reduce fatigue, its shape and background had no effect on fatigue. Additionally, the questionnaire and quantitative indicators such as frequency indices, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), SSVEP amplitude, and multiscale entropy were utilized to assess fatigue. Meta-analysis indicated that when a person is fatigued, the spectrum amplitude of alpha, theta, and α+θ/β increase significantly, while SNR and SSVEP amplitude decrease significantly.

Conclusion

The outcomes of this study can be used to design more optimal stimulation protocols that cause less fatigue. Moreover, the level of fatigue can be quantitatively assessed with indicators without the participant’s self-reports.
Pharmacokinetic differences in nicotine and nicotine salts mediate reinforcement-related behavior: an animal model study
Authors: Han Pengfei , Jing Xiaoyuan , Han Shulei , Wang Xinsheng , Li Qiannan , Zhang Yuan , Yu Pengpeng , Liu Xin-an , Wu Ping , Chen Huan , Hou Hongwei , Hu Qingyuan
Published: November 2023

Since their introduction in the United States and Europe in 2007, electronic cigarettes (E-Cigs) have become increasingly popular among smokers. Nicotine, a key component in both tobacco and e-cigarettes, can exist in two forms: nicotine-freebase (FBN) and nicotine salts (NS). While nicotine salt is becoming more popular in e-cigarettes, the effect of nicotine salts on reinforcement-related behaviors remains poorly understood. This study aimed to compare the reinforcing effects of nicotine and nicotine salts in animal models of drug self-administration and explore potential mechanisms that may contribute to these differences. The results demonstrated that three nicotine salts (nicotine benzoate, nicotine lactate, and nicotine tartrate) resulted in greater reinforcement-related behaviors in rats compared to nicotine-freebase. Moreover, withdrawal-induced anxiety symptoms were lower in the three nicotine salt groups than in the nicotine-freebase group. The study suggested that differences in the pharmacokinetics of nicotine-freebase and nicotine salts in vivo may explain the observed behavioral differences. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the reinforcing effects of nicotine as well as potential differences between nicotine-freebase and nicotine salts.
Influence of specific collagen peptides and 12-week concurrent training on recovery-related biomechanical characteristics following exercise-induced muscle damage—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bischof Kevin , Stafilidis Savvas , Bundschuh Larissa , Oesser Steffen , Baca Arnold , König Daniel
Published: November 2023

Introduction

It has been shown that short-term ingestion of collagen peptides improves markers related to muscular recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether and to what extent a longer-term specific collagen peptide (SCP) supplementation combined with a training intervention influences recovery markers following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.

Methods

Fifty-five predominantly sedentary male participants were assigned to consume either 15 g SCP or placebo (PLA) and engage in a concurrent training (CT) intervention (30 min each of resistance and endurance training, 3x/week) for 12 weeks. Before (T1) and after the intervention (T2), eccentric muscle damage was induced by 150 drop jumps. Measurements of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), rate of force development (RFD), peak RFD, countermovement jump height (CMJ), and muscle soreness (MS) were determined pre-exercise, immediately after exercise, and 24 and 48 h post-exercise. In addition, body composition, including fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), body cell mass (BCM) and extracellular mass (ECM) were determined at rest both before and after the 12-week intervention period.

Results

Three-way mixed ANOVA showed significant interaction effects in favor of the SCP group. MVC (p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.11), RFD (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.18), peak RFD (p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.15), and CMJ height (p = 0.046, ηp2 = 0.06) recovered significantly faster in the SCP group. No effects were found for muscle soreness (p = 0.66) and body composition (FM: p = 0.41, FFM: p = 0.56, BCM: p = 0.79, ECM: p = 0.58).

Conclusion

In summary, the results show that combining specific collagen peptide supplementation (SCP) and concurrent training (CT) over a 12-week period significantly improved markers reflecting recovery, specifically in maximal, explosive, and reactive strength. It is hypothesized that prolonged intake of collagen peptides may support muscular adaptations by facilitating remodeling of the extracellular matrix. This, in turn, could enhance the generation of explosive force.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier ID: NCT05220371.
Intestinal flora and linear growth in children
Authors: He Pingsihua , Shen Xingyuan , Guo Sheng
Published: November 2023

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in human growth and development as well as the regulation of human pathophysiological processes. According to research, the gut microbiota controls the host's growth and development in areas such as nutrition, metabolism, endocrine hormones, and immune modulation. The human gut microbiota has an important role in child and adolescent growth, especially when nutritional conditions are poor. In this review, we focus on recent findings about the gut microbiota's influence on child growth, including the relationship between the gut microbiota and linear growth during pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Furthermore, we also review some mechanisms by which intestinal flora influence the host's linear growth. Although the data supports a link between intestinal flora and linear development in children, our review has limitations that prohibit us from fully verifying the causal relationship between gut flora and linear development in children. Improving the gut microbiota, in conjunction with renutrition techniques, has the potential to ameliorate the growth and development impairments currently associated with chronic illness and malnutrition in children.
Efficacy and safety of molnupiravir in patients with Omicron variant vaccine breakthrough COVID-19 infection: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Liu Yayun , Fan Shiyong , Xu Aijing , Ge Lingling , Wang Xinyu , Dong Xu , Xu Mingxiao , Fan Wenhan , Zhong Wu , Liang Xuesong
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Randomized, controlled trials of molnupiravir in real-world use during the Omicron wave are scarce. The frequency of hospitalization and death is low, so further research is needed to confirm the virological efficacy of molnupiravir.

Methods: A single-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted, and 111 hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients were randomly assigned at a ratio of 1:1. Fifty-three patients in the molnupiravir group were administered 800 mg of molnupiravir twice daily for 5 days in addition to the standard therapy, and 58 patients in the control group only received the standard therapy in accordance with local guidelines. The antiviral effect and adverse events were evaluated during the follow-up.

Results: The median viral clearance time in the molnupiravir group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (p = 0.003). Furthermore, patients who started molnupiravir therapy within 3 days had significantly shorter viral clearance time than the controls (p = 0.003). In the vaccinated subgroup, molnupiravir therapy was also associated with a shorter viral clearance time (p = 0.003). A total of three adverse events, which were minor, were reported in the molnupiravir group. One of the patients had mild liver function abnormalities, and all of them were resolved without intervention. However, the remission time was similar between the two tested groups.

Conclusion: Molnupiravir exhibited good viral replication inhibitor efficacy in patients with Omicron variant vaccine breakthrough COVID-19 infection.

Clinical Trial Registration: [https://www.chictr.org.cn/], identifier [ChiCTR2200059796].
In vitro selection of drought-tolerant white poplar clones based on antioxidant activities and osmoprotectant content
Authors: Vuksanović Vanja , Kovačević Branislav , Kebert Marko , Pavlović Lazar , Kesić Lazar , Čukanović Jelena , Orlović Saša
Published: November 2023

Introduction

In light of upcoming climate change, there is an urgent requirement for tree improvement regarding adaptability to drought-caused stress and the development of quick and reliable screening methodologies for genotypes’ drought tolerance. White poplar is, despite its high adaptability, considered to be an endangered tree species in Serbia, which gives it special importance in the preservation and improvement of biodiversity of riparian ecosystems. The main goal of this research was to evaluate the tolerance of five white poplar clones to the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000 molecular weight 6000) (different concentrations (e.g. 0 g/L, 1 g/L, 10 g/L, 20 g/L, and 50 g/L) in Aspen Culture Medium (ACM).

Methods

The tolerance of the clones was evaluated by using morphological parameters (shoot fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight), photosynthetic pigments (contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and chlorophyll a+b), and biochemical parameters (total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ferric reducing antioxidant power, antioxidant activities (DPPH activity and ABTS assay), free proline content and glycine betaine content.

Results and Discussion

The values of morphological and photosynthetic pigments declined with an increase in the concentration of PEG 6000. At a concentration of 50 g/L, the content of shoot fresh mass decreased by 41%, the content of Chl a by 68%, Chl b by 65%, and Car by 76% compared to the control. Also, at the same medium, there was an increase in the content of total phenols, accumulation of proline, the content of glycine betaine as well as in antioxidant activity. Based on the obtained results, it can be assumed that more drought-tolerant clones are characterized by high values for biomass, high content of photosynthetic pigments, and high content of proline and glycine betaine in conditions similar to drought in vitro. Clone L-80 showed better results in most of the tested parameters, especially compared to the reference clone Villafranca.
The K+ transporter NPF7.3/NRT1.5 and the proton pump AHA2 contribute to K+ transport in Arabidopsis thaliana under K+ and NO3- deficiency
Authors: Sena Florencia , Kunze Reinhard
Published: November 2023

Nitrate (NO3-) and potassium (K+) are distributed in plants via short and long-distance transport. These two pathways jointly regulate NO3- and K+ levels in all higher plants. The Arabidopsis thaliana transporter NPF7.3/NRT1.5 is responsible for loading NO3- and K+ from root pericycle cells into the xylem vessels, facilitating the long-distance transport of NO3- and K+ to shoots. In this study, we demonstrate a protein-protein interaction of NPF7.3/NRT1.5 with the proton pump AHA2 in the plasma membrane by split ubiquitin and bimolecular complementation assays, and we show that a conserved glycine residue in a transmembrane domain of NPF7.3/NRT1.5 is crucial for the interaction. We demonstrate that AHA2 together with NRT1.5 affects the K+ level in shoots, modulates the root architecture, and alters extracellular pH and the plasma membrane potential. We hypothesize that NRT1.5 and AHA2 interaction plays a role in maintaining the pH gradient and membrane potential across the root pericycle cell plasma membrane during K+ and/or NO3- transport.
Identifying emotional components of event-related potentials in the brain functioning of individuals with contamination obsessions and comparison with healthy control group
Authors: Seyednezhad Golkhatmi Seyed Hamid , Dolatshahi Behrooz , Nosratabadi Masoud , Shakiba Shima , Sadjadi Seyed Alireza
Published: November 2023

The present study aimed to examine the emotional components of event-related potentials (ERPs) in individuals with contamination OCD and compare them with a healthy control group. A convenience sample of 45 participants was included, consisting of 30 individuals diagnosed with contamination-type OCD and 15 individuals in a healthy control group. Both groups participated in an ERP study where they encountered a computer-based task presenting both contamination and neutral pictures, while their brain activity was recorded. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (RANOVA) with SPSS-24 and Matlab software. Findings suggest that in P3 amplitude, only individuals with OCD exhibited a larger positive amplitude (p < 0.05) in response to contaminated pictures compared to neutral pictures and in N2 amplitude, only individuals with OCD exhibited a larger negative amplitude (p < 0.05) in response to contaminated pictures compared to neutral pictures in the central vertex (Fz). These findings hold promising implications for the development of more targeted and effective treatments for contamination OCD, emphasizing the importance of emotion-oriented approaches to address the unique neural patterns observed in the frontal vertex.
Preferences for coaching strategies in a personalized virtual coach for emotional eaters: an explorative study
Authors: Dol Aranka , van Strien Tatjana , Velthuijsen Hugo , van Gemert-Pijnen Lisette , Bode Christina
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Emotional eating is recognized as a potential contributor to weight gain. Emotional eaters often hide their problems because of feelings of shame about their behavior, making it challenging to provide them with the necessary support. The introduction of a virtual coach might offer a potential solution in assisting them. To find out whether emotional eaters are receptive to online personalized coaching, we presented emotional eaters with two essential proto-typical problem situations for emotional eaters: “experiencing cravings” and “after giving in to cravings,” and asked them whether they preferred one of the three coaching strategies presented: Validating, Focus-on-Change and Dialectical.

Methods

An experimental vignette study (2 × 3 design) was carried out. The vignettes featured two distinct personas, each representing one of the two common problem scenarios experienced by emotional eaters, along with three distinct coaching strategies for each scenario. To identify potential predictors for recognition of problem situations, questionnaires on emotional eating (DEBQ), personality traits (Big-5), well-being (PANAS), and BMI were administrated.

Results

A total of 62% of the respondents identified themselves with “after giving in to cravings” and 47% with “experiencing cravings.” BMI, emotional eating and emotional stability appeared to be predictors in recognizing both the problem situations. In “experiencing cravings,” the participating women preferred Dialectical and the Validation coaching strategies. In the “after giving in to cravings” condition, they revealed a preference for the Dialectical and the Focus-on-Change coaching strategies.

Conclusion

Using vignettes allowed a less threatening way of bringing up sensitive topics for emotional eaters. The personas representing the problem situations were reasonably well recognized. To further enhance this recognition, it is important for the design and content of the personas to be even more closely related to the typical problem scenarios of emotional eaters, rather than focusing on physical characteristics or social backgrounds. This way, users may be less distracted by these factors. With the knowledge gained about the predictors that may influence recognition of the problem situations, design for coaching can be more customized. The participants represented individuals with high emotional eating levels, enhancing external validity.
The impact of loneliness and social isolation during COVID-19 on cognition in older adults: a scoping review
Authors: Kassam Kareena , McMillan Jacqueline M.
Published: November 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic required implementation of public health measures to reduce the spread of SARS CoV-2. This resulted in social isolation and loneliness for many older adults. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with cognitive decline, however, the impact of this during COVID-19 has not been fully characterized.

Objective

The aim of this scoping review was to explore the impact of social isolation and loneliness during COVID-19 on cognition in older adults.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible studies occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, enrolled older adults and reported longitudinal quantitative data on both loneliness (exposure) and cognition (outcome).

Sources of evidence

A comprehensive search was conducted in CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and Psychinfo databases (updated October 10, 2023).

Charting methods

Studies were screened independently by two reviewers and study characteristics, including participant demographics, loneliness and cognition measurement tools, study objectives, methods and results were extracted.

Results

The search yielded 415 results, and seven were included in the final data synthesis. All studies were conducted between 2019 and 2023. Six studies enrolled community-dwelling individuals while the remaining study was conducted in long-term care. In 6 studies, loneliness and/or social isolation was correlated with poorer cognitive function. In the seventh study, subjective memory worsened, while objective cognitive testing did not.

Conclusion

Loneliness and social isolation during COVID-19 were correlated with cognitive decline in older adults. The long-term effect of these impacts remains to be shown. Future studies may focus on interventions to mitigate the effects of loneliness and social isolation during future pandemics.
Exercise intervention for patients with chronic low back pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ying , Yan Lei , Hou Lingyu , Zhang Xiaoya , Zhao Hanping , Yan Chengkun , Li Xianhuang , Li Yuanhe , Chen Xiaoan , Ding Xiaorong
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is an aging and public health issue that is a leading cause of disability worldwide and has a significant economic impact on a global scale. Treatments for CLBP are varied, and there is currently no study with high-quality evidence to show which treatment works best. Exercise therapy has the characteristics of minor harm, low cost, and convenient implementation. It has become a mainstream treatment method in clinics for chronic low back pain. However, there is insufficient evidence on which specific exercise regimen is more effective for chronic non-specific low back pain. This network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of different exercise therapies on chronic low back pain and provide a reference for exercise regimens in CLBP patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to 10 May 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used for selection. We collected information from studies to compare the effects of 20 exercise interventions on patients with chronic low back pain.

Results

This study included 75 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 5,254 participants. Network meta-analysis results showed that tai chi [standardized mean difference (SMD), −2.11; 95% CI, −3.62 to −0.61], yoga (SMD, −1.76; 95% CI −2.72 to −0.81), Pilates exercise (SMD, −1.52; 95% CI, −2.68, to −0.36), and sling exercise (SMD, −1.19; 95% CI, −2.07 to −0.30) showed a better pain improvement than conventional rehabilitation. Tai chi (SMD, −2.42; 95% CI, −3.81 to −1.03) and yoga (SMD, −2.07; 95% CI, −2.80 to −1.34) showed a better pain improvement than no intervention provided. Yoga (SMD, −1.72; 95% CI, −2.91 to −0.53) and core or stabilization exercises (SMD, −1.04; 95% CI, −1.80 to −0.28) showed a better physical function improvement than conventional rehabilitation. Yoga (SMD, −1.81; 95% CI, −2.78 to −0.83) and core or stabilization exercises (SMD, −1.13; 95% CI, −1.66 to −0.59) showed a better physical function improvement than no intervention provided.

Conclusion

Compared with conventional rehabilitation and no intervention provided, tai chi, toga, Pilates exercise, sling exercise, motor control exercise, and core or stabilization exercises significantly improved CLBP in patients. Compared with conventional rehabilitation and no intervention provided, yoga and core or stabilization exercises were statistically significant in improving physical function in patients with CLBP. Due to the limitations of the quality and quantity of the included studies, it is difficult to make a definitive recommendation before more large-scale and high-quality RCTs are conducted.
Association between parents’ concerns about eating and sleeping problems and social-emotional development in Chinese children aged 3 to 6 years
Authors: Hu Tongxi , Liu Shaoying , Zhan Jianying , Xu Luxin , Zhou Yanqing
Published: November 2023

Background

Parents’ parenting beliefs have a major influence on their children’s eating and sleeping problems and emotional socialization. However, the relationship between parent’s concerns about eating or sleeping problems and social-emotional development is unclear.

Methods

We used a convenience sampling method to investigate 997 parents of preschool children aged 3 to 6 in Hangzhou, China, and asked them to complete the “Ages & Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (2nd Edition)” (ASQ: SE-2) and the Survey of Concerns about Children’s Eating and Sleeping Problems. To examine the relationship between children’s social-emotional development and their parents’ concerns about their eating or sleeping problems, binary logistic regression was used.

Results

There were 218 children (21.9%) with a suspected social-emotional development delay, and 273 parents (27.4%) were concerned about their children’s eating or sleeping problems, which mainly focused on ill-balanced eating, bad eating habits, and difficulty falling asleep. The rate of suspected social-emotional development delay in children with the co-occurrence of eating and sleeping problems (37.8%) was significantly higher than those with only eating problems (29.7%), only sleeping problems (24.4%), and those with no eating or sleeping problems (18.8%) (p < 0.05). A binary logistic regression analysis showed that parents’ concerns about the co-occurrence of eating and sleeping problems (OR = 2.52, p = 0.01) and only eating problems (OR = 1.71, p = 0.004) were risk factors for children’s social-emotional development. In addition, boys were more likely than girls to have suspected social-emotional development delay (OR = 1.49, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Children whose parents were concerned about only eating or the co-occurrence of eating and sleeping problems were linked to have a higher risk of suspected social-emotional development delay.
Violence against healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey at Cairo University Hospital
Authors: Seddik Salma Abdelrehim , Abdelhai Rehab , Aboushady Ahmed Taha , Nawwar Ahmed Essam , El Essawy Rania Assem , Hegazy Amira Aly
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Healthcare workers have a significant chance of experiencing violence, with physical violence impacting anywhere from 8 to 38% of healthcare professionals throughout their careers. Besides physical abuse, many healthcare workers are subject to verbal aggression or threats, with patients and visitors being the most frequent sources of such incidents.

Methods

This research examines the work atmosphere of healthcare professionals at Kasr Al-Aini University Hospital in Cairo, Egypt, during the pandemic. The study aims to evaluate the frequency of violence toward healthcare workers and health professionals training through a cross-sectional survey conducted among them. The research was conducted on Egyptian healthcare workers over 6 months, from November 2020 until the end of January 2021, using convenience sampling in a cross-sectional study. Over half of the respondents reported experiencing violence.

Results

Among those who experienced violence, 93% reported verbal aggression, 43% reported physical and verbal abuse, and 59% claimed that violence increased during the pandemic. Additionally, 97% of those who experienced violence reported it occurring within the 4 months following the survey. About 42.5% of the respondents were female, and nearly 65% were over 30. 82% of the respondents did not receive training on handling violence while performing their job.

Conclusion

This study highlights the high prevalence of verbal assaults in healthcare settings, primarily by patients’ families or acquaintances. Despite reporting such incidents, most respondents did not see any significant government action. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly change the frequency of violent incidents, indicating that the root causes of violence are systemic and extend beyond the pandemic. These findings underscore the need for systemic changes in healthcare organizations to address and prevent violence against healthcare workers.
Occupational risk factors for multiple sclerosis: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Vitturi Bruno Kusznir , Montecucco Alfredo , Rahmani Alborz , Dini Guglielmo , Durando Paolo
Published: November 2023

Objective

We decided to conduct the first systematic review with meta-analysis to provide the highest level of up-to-date evidence on the occupational risk factors for Multiple Sclerosis.

Methods

A systematic, comprehensive literature search was performed in four electronic academic databases. We included any case-control study that enrolled working-age subjects and compared the proportion of MS cases with controls who were not exposed to an occupational risk factor. The primary outcome was the occurrence of MS. The quality assessment was performed with the Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Control Studies, developed, and validated by the Joanna Briggs Institute. All the selection process was also carried out by two independent and previously trained researchers.

Results

Overall, the total sample included 19,004 people with MS and 4,164,162 controls. Agricultural workers (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.13–1.83), offshore workers (OR = 3.56, 95% CI 2.74–4.61), and hairdressers (OR = 8.25, 95% CI 1.02–66.52) were associated with a higher probability of being diagnosed with MS. In parallel, workers exposed to toxic fumes from oil wells (OR = 16.80, 95% CI 8.33–33.90), low-frequency magnetic fields (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.03–2.72), and pesticides (OR = 3.17, 95% CI = 2.53–3.99) also had an increased likelihood of having MS.

Conclusion

Our study has the potential to influence more assertive public policies. Nevertheless, future studies on how the occupational setting may contribute to the incidence of MS are highly recommended.

Systematic review registration

The protocol was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO– CRD42023443257).
Glycosylation as regulator of human B-cell leukaemias in bone marrow
Authors: Heisterkamp Nora
Published: November 2023

Leukemic B-cells are lodged in the bone marrow [BM], a complex organ composed of many cell types and extracellular matrix. Determining how the reciprocal interactions between these components are regulated is critical to our understanding of the factors that allow leukemia cells to survive, multiply and withstand treatment. All cells in the bone marrow are surrounded by a glycocalyx, a glycan-rich layer of high complexity, which regulates such cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. However, the structure and function of the glycan components of the biomolecules that constitute this layer have not been explored in much detail. Gaps are difficult to fill due to technical limitations as well as the fact that the composition of the BM in health, disease and aging is not static. This also applies to B-lineage malignancies that develop or persist in BM such as B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Multiple Myeloma, and the effects of their treatment. In contrast, the proteomes and transcriptomes of different human bone marrow cells have been studied more extensively. A combination of technologies now increasingly allows correlations to be made between the expression of glycosyltransferases and glycan structures in cell lines, which could be extrapolated to RNAseq data from primary cells. Glycopeptide analysis will also be invaluable in providing details of specific glycan occupancy on glycoproteins, even if only as a snapshot in time. Functional studies on CD19, CD138/SDC1 and BCMA/TNFRSF17 have already demonstrated the importance of their glycosylation. Additional studies using such approaches are likely to find many more other instances in which malignant B-cell homeostasis is regulated by glycosylation, and lead to the identification of new targets to treat B-cell malignancies.
Benefits and challenges in the use of RE-AIM for evaluation of a national social work staffing program in the veterans health administration
Authors: Cornell Portia Y. , Hua Cassandra L. , Halladay Christopher W. , Halaszynski Jaime , Harmon Alita , Koget Jennifer , Silva Jennifer W.
Published: November 2023

Background

In the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA), social workers embedded in primary care teams address social and emotional needs that are associated with health outcomes. The mission of the National Social Work PACT Staffing Program is to improve access to social work services for rural Veterans by supporting additional social work staffing in VA medical centers serving rural areas.

Methods

We obtained data from the VA corporate data warehouse on Veterans’ characteristics and health care use from 2016 to 2022 for all Veterans who received primary care at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) or associated clinic that received funding from the program. We evaluated the program according to RE-AIM constructs as follows: Reach [total number of Veterans who engaged with PACT social work and representativeness with regard to race, rural residence, chronic conditions and health behaviors, and hospital and emergency department (ED) use in the previous 12 months]; Effectiveness (impact of the program on key health care use outcomes which include hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and palliative care); Adoption (number of VA medical centers and outpatient clinics serving rural Veterans that have participated in the program, and number and representativeness of sites eligible for program participation that have not yet received funding); Implementation (adherence to standardized note templates), and Maintenance (permanent social work positions created by the program and continued technical support).

Results

In 2022, the program engaged with 30,982 Veterans, 65% of whom lived in rural areas. The program increased social work encounters, reduce hospital and emergency department use, and increase use of palliative care services among Veterans. Key elements of implementation include proactive outreach to Veterans with high-risk indicators and assessment for social risk factors using standardized, national note templates. In terms of maintenance, the program continues to provide data and technical assistance to 23 sites and has created 171 permanent social work positions.

Conclusions and implications

The Social Work PACT Staffing Program demonstrates positive outcomes and program sustainment. The RE-AIM framework was a useful tool to evaluate the program, but additional adaption was needed to fit the program’s needs.
On advances, challenges and potentials of remote sensing image analysis in marine debris and suspected plastics monitoring
Authors: Karakuş Oktay
Published: November 2023

Marine plastic pollution is an emerging environmental problem since it pollutes the ocean, air and food whilst endangering the ocean wildlife via the ingestion and entanglements. During the last decade, an enormous effort has been spent on finding possible solutions to marine plastic pollution. Remote sensing imagery sits in a crucial place for these efforts since it provides informative earth observation products, and the current technology offers further essential development. Despite the advances in the last decade, there is still a way to go for marine plastic monitoring research where challenges are rarely highlighted. This paper contributes to the literature with a critical review and aims to highlight literature milestones in marine debris and suspected plastics (MD&SP) monitoring by promoting the computational imaging methodology behind these approaches along with detailed discussions on challenges and potential future research directions.
How to Color the Universe
Authors: Arcand Kimberly , Knapp Taylor , Watzke Megan
Published: November 2023

Although we can see thousands of stars in the night sky with just our eyes, we know there are millions of other objects out there. To see these other stars, galaxies, nebulas, and more, we need telescopes that are not only more powerful than the human eye, but that can see types of light that our vision cannot process. Each of these telescopes specializes in seeing a certain type of light and provides unique information. By combining images from multiple telescopes, we can get a big-picture understanding of objects across the cosmos. In this article, using the center of our Milky Way Galaxy, the Tarantula Nebula, and the Tycho supernova remnant as examples, we explore how different telescopes, such as NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, James Webb Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Hubble Space Telescope, work together to produce beautiful and informative images of our Universe.