bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Media-Based Health Information Seeking Behaviors Among Latinx Populations in the United States
Authors: DuPont-Reyes Melissa J. , Villatoro Alice P. , Tang Lu
Published: June 2024

To inform health communication efforts for Latinx communities, we assessed health information seeking behaviors to media sources, healthcare providers, and family/friends among a purposive sample of Latinx adults in 2021 using recruitment quotas by ethnic origin and age. Participants ( N = 1,574) self-completed an online cross-sectional survey using their own digital devices. The survey assessed mental and physical health information scanning and seeking across Spanish-language, Latinx-tailored English-language, and general English-language media as the primary outcomes of interest and seeking to healthcare providers and family/friends. Logistic regression models generated predicted probabilities for all health information seeking outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Overall, Latinx adults in the study sample were most likely to scan health information on TV and social media and seek health information on social/Internet-based media. In terms of language/cultural media usage, the highest probability was general-English media followed by Latinx-tailored and Spanish-language media. U.S.-born Latinx adults reported higher probabilities than foreign-born across all outcomes. In sum, Latinx populations, especially U.S.-born, are likely to consume high levels of diverse language/cultural media for health information. Social/Internet-based media and family/friends supersede healthcare providers as sources of health information, particularly for mental health content and among the foreign-born sub-sample. Scrutiny of how diverse language/cultural media disseminates information, decides what content to disseminate, and engages diverse audiences is needed to promote health equity.
Disparities in the Care Disruption During COVID-19 and in its Impacts on the Mental and Physical Well-Being of Cancer Survivors
Authors: Elkefi Safa , Matthews Alicia K.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Our study explores cancer care disruption among different demographic subgroups. It also investigates these disruptions’ impacts on cancer survivors’ mental and physical well-being.

Design

Pooled cross-sectional survey data.

Setting

Health Information Trends Survey for Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results, HINTS-SEER.

Participation

n = 1234 cancer survivors participated in the study and completed the survey.

Measures

Outcome variables were treatment disruption in cancer care, mental health and physical health perceptions, age, race, education, income, and sexual orientation.

Analysis

Multiple imputations were used to address missing data. Descriptive statistics were conducted to understand the perceptions of care disruption. Partial least squares structural equation models were employed for data analysis, adjusted for socio-demographics.

Results

COVID-19 impacted cancer treatment and follow-up appointments (69.45%), routine cancer screening (60.70%), and treatment plans (73.58%), especially among elderly patients. It changed the interactions with health care providers (HCP) for 28.03% of the participants. Older adults were 2.33 times more likely to experience treatment appointment disruptions. People who thought their contact with their doctors changed during COVID-19 were more likely to be older adults (65 or more) (OR = 3.85, P = .011), white (OR >1, P = .002), and with higher income (OR = 1.81, P = .002). The changes to cancer treatment and follow-up medical appointments negatively impacted the well-being of the patients (mental: β = −.006, P = .043; physical: β = −.001, P = .006), routine screening and preventative care visits (mental: β = −.029, P = .031; physical: β = −.003, P = .008), and cancer treatment plans (mental: β = −.044, P = .024; physical: β = −.021, P = .040).

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the crucial requirement for implementing focused interventions aimed at alleviating the discrepancies in the accessibility of cancer care across diverse demographic groups, particularly during times of emergency, in order to mitigate any potential disruptions in care.
Fabrication of SrTiO3−Tween80 reinforced biological poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate composite film and its proton permeability
Authors: Faizal Nur Amirah , Ishak Khairul Anwar , Mohamad Annuar Mohamad Suffian
Published: June 2024

Flexile composite film of Poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate−Perovskite−Tween 80 (PHA-PV-T80) as a green membrane film was prepared. Pristine medium-chain-length poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA), produced through bacterial fermentation, was blended with different concentrations of perovskite (PV) and Tween 80 (T80) ranging from 0.01 to 0.0025 % ( w/v) and 1.5 – 4.5 % ( w/v), respectively, to fabricate the composite films. Ultrasound irradiation was applied to aid homogenous dispersion of blend solution prior to film casting. The composite film exhibited improved physical properties compared to the neat mcl-PHA film, which is more susceptible to ripping upon peeling. Thorough distribution of perovskite, facilitated by T80, were responsible for promoting increased side-chain crystallization, resulting in the formation of extensive rigid regions within the PHA matrix, which significantly improved proton permeability of the composite film. PHA composites showed higher proton flux (>3.5 × 10−4 mol.min−1.cm−2) compared to neat PHA (1.03 × 10−4 mol.min−1.cm−2) and commercial Nafion (1.22 × 10−4 mol.min−1.cm−2). The relationship between physicochemical attributes and proton flux characteristics of the composite films were discussed with regards to their potential application as proton exchange membrane.
Broken yet Brave: Arabic Women’s Experience of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Alsababha Rawan , McDermid Fiona , O’Reilly Rebecca , Mannix Judy , Peters Kath
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Arabic women and is often diagnosed in advanced stages, resulting in an increased likelihood of requiring a mastectomy. Despite this, there is a lack of contemporary literature exploring Arabic women’s experiences of breast cancer and its sequelae.

Method:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted between 2019 and 2022 of Arabic women diagnosed with breast cancer. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clark.

Results:

Two main themes were identified: (a) Broken yet brave describes participants’ experiences when diagnosed and (b) Making decisions about treatment and experiences of support detailing their lack of decision-making autonomy and perceptions of support.

Discussion:

Arabic women believe in the concept of fate and faith, and their cultural conditioning is to prioritize family over themselves, often with limited support. They lack autonomy in decision-making due to the patriarchal society they live in.
Experimental study and numerical analysis of the flexural performance of key-tooth assembled prestressed concrete cap beam
Authors: Liu Duo , Wu Jin , Chen Xudong , Tian Ye , Zhang Jiandong
Published: June 2024

The application of segmental precast assembled concrete cover beams in bridge construction is beneficial to promote low carbon, green and sustainable development of construction projects. To investigate the influence of the fabrication process of large key tooth joints on the shear performance of precast assembled concrete cover girders, the damage process of large key tooth assembled prestressed concrete cover girder specimens was investigated by using ABAQUS finite element analysis (FEA). The results show that: the section precast assembled concrete beams under four-point bending loading conditions, it is in the key tooth joint area that obvious cracking occurs; the finite element model of the large key tooth assembled prestressed cover beams can be effectively used to simulate the overall stress behavior of the beams; as the key tooth depth-to-height ratio increases, the stronger the connecting effect between the damaging key tooth and the positive key tooth is, and the load carrying capacity of the assembled beams is increased by 20% compared with the single key tooth, and ductility is increased by 30%; in the range of suitable reinforcement, the change of reinforcement rate does not have a significant effect on the stress performance of the beam.
Intravascular Lithotripsy for Treatment of Severely Calcified Common Femoral Artery Disease: Results From the Disrupt PAD III Observational Study
Authors: Shammas Nicolas W. , Mangalmurti Sarang , Bernardo Nelson L. , Mehrle Anderson , Adams George , Bertolet Barry , Stavroulakis Konstantinos , Soukas Peter A.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Surgical endarterectomy is currently considered the front-line therapy for the treatment of calcified lesions in the common femoral artery (CFA). Endovascular interventions have evolved, and their use is increasing in frequency. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has shown promising safety and effectiveness in calcified CFA lesions in a small pilot study, but “real-world” evidence from a larger cohort is lacking.

Methods:

The Disrupt PAD III Observational Study (NCT02923193) was a prospective, multicenter registry designed to assess the acute safety and effectiveness of IVL treatment for calcified peripheral arterial disease. Any concomitant treatment with other calcium-modifying technologies as well as definitive treatment strategies was at the discretion of the operators. Patients with CFA lesions were evaluated for acute angiographic safety and effectiveness outcomes following IVL treatment as determined by an independent angiographic core lab.

Results:

Common femoral artery treatment was indicated in 177 patients (n=163 could be analyzed based on core-laboratory data) enrolled at 23 sites. Characteristics for 164 treated lesions included moderate-severe calcification 95.1%, diameter stenosis 74.8±17.7%, and lesion length 53.6±53.1 mm. Concomitant calcium-modifying therapy was used in 32.3% of lesions. Final therapy included drug-coated balloons in 68.9% and stenting in 16.5% of lesions. Post-IVL and final residual stenoses were 29.2±16.5%and 23.6±11.5%, respectively. No vascular complications (flow-limiting dissections, perforations, embolization, slow or no reflow, or abrupt closure) were present at the end of the procedure by core-laboratory assessment, with 1 (0.8%) flow-limiting dissection initially occurring immediately following IVL treatment.

Conclusion:

This study represents the largest real-world experience of IVL treatment in heavily calcified CFA lesions. Intravascular lithotripsy treatment showed significant stenosis reduction and favorable periprocedural safety in this challenging patient population.

Clinical Impact

In this study we show that calcified common femoral artery disease can be safely and effectively treated with shockwave balloon angioplasty with high procedural success and low complication rates and in clinical practice can now be offered as an alternative to surgical treatment in those patients reluctant to or high risk for vascular surgery. This opens another option for clinicians to treat calcified common femoral artery disease without the risk of dissection, perforation or distal embolization that are associated with atherectomy. This study shows that shockwave lithoplasty offers an innovative plaque modification technology to tackle calcified disease in the common femoral artery.
Associations Among Hypersensitivity, Vagal Tone, and Mood State in Adults
Authors: Otsuka Hikari , Irie Keisuke , Takebuchi Riku , Inadomi Hiroyuki
Published: June 2024

Although many previous studies have reported the relationship between hypersensitivity and vagal function in children, the relationship in adults is unclear. This study investigates the relationship between hypersensitivity and vagal function, discomfort to sensory stimuli, and daily mood states in healthy adults. Using a questionnaire, 39 healthy adults were divided into hypersensitivity and control groups. We compared the baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), reflecting vagal tone and reactivity, subjective discomfort to sensory stimuli, and daily mood status between groups. Those in the hypersensitivity group had significantly lower baseline RSA and were more likely to experience greater RSA variability and discomfort during exposure to sensory stimuli than the control group. We found no significant difference between groups in daily mood status. These findings suggest that vagal function is an important marker of hypersensitivity in healthy adults.
Visual processing and decision-making in autism and dyslexia: Insights from cross-syndrome approaches
Authors: Manning Catherine
Published: June 2024

Atypical visual processing has been reported in developmental conditions like autism and dyslexia, and some accounts propose a causal role for visual processing in the development of these conditions. However, few studies make direct comparisons between conditions, or use sufficiently sensitive methods, meaning that it is hard to say whether atypical visual processing tells us anything specific about these conditions, or whether it reflects a more general marker of atypical development. Here I review findings from two computational modelling approaches (equivalent noise and diffusion modelling) and related electroencephalography (EEG) indices which we have applied to data from autistic, dyslexic and typically developing children to reveal how the component processes involved in visual processing and decision-making are altered in autism and dyslexia. The results identify both areas of convergence and divergence in autistic and dyslexic children’s visual processing and decision-making, with implications for influential theoretical accounts such as weak central coherence, increased internal noise, and dorsal-stream vulnerability. In both sets of studies, we also see considerable variability across children in all three groups. To better understand this variability, and further understand the convergence and divergence identified between conditions, future studies would benefit from studying how the component processes reviewed here relate to transdiagnostic dimensions, which will also give insights into individual differences in visual processing and decision-making more generally.
Epidemiology of Injuries Among National Basketball Association Players: 2013-2014 Through 2018-2019
Authors: Mack Christina D. , Herzog Mackenzie M. , Maak Travis G. , Bedi Asheesh , Gondalia Rahul , Meisel Peter , Azar Frederick M. , Mancell Jimmie , Nelson Aaron , DiFiori John
Published: June 2024

Background:

Understanding the epidemiology of injuries to athletes is essential to informing injury prevention efforts.

Hypothesis:

The incidence and impact of basketball-related injuries among National Basketball Association (NBA) players from 2013-2014 through 2018-2019 is relatively stable over time.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Injuries from 2013-2014 through 2018-2019 were analyzed using the NBA Injury and Illness Database from an electronic medical record system. Descriptive statistics were calculated for injuries by season, game-loss, and onset. Incidence rates were estimated using Poisson models and linear trend tests.

Results:

Between 552 and 606 players participated in ≥1 game per season during the study. Annual injury incidence ranged from 1550 to 1892, with 33.6% to 38.5% resulting in a missed NBA game. Game-loss injury rates ranged from 5.6 to 7.0 injuries per 10,000 player-minutes from 2014-2015 through 2018-2019 ( P = 0.19); the rate was lower in 2013-2014 (5.0 injuries per 10,000 player-minutes), partly due to increased preseason injury rates and transition of reporting processes. The 6-year game-loss injury rate in preseason and regular season games was 6.9 (95% CI 6.0, 8.0) and 6.2 (95% CI 6.0, 6.5) injuries per 10,000 player-minutes; the rate in playoff games was lower ( P < 0.01) at 2.8 (95% CI 2.2, 3.6). Most (73%) game-loss injuries had acute onset; 44.4% to 52.5% of these involved contact with another player.

Conclusion:

From 2013-2014 through 2018-2019, over one-third of injuries resulted in missed NBA games, with highest rates of game-loss injuries in preseason games and lowest rates in playoff games. Most game-loss injuries had acute onset, and half of those involved contact with another player.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings - through reliable data reporting by team medical staff in an audited system - can guide evidence-based injury reduction strategies and inform player health priorities.
Risk of mortality and recurrence after first-time stroke among patients with type 2 diabetes: A Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kristensen Frederik Pagh Bredahl , Svane Helene Matilde Lundsgaard , Laugesen Kristina , Al-Mashhadi Sofie Kejlberg , Christensen Diana Hedevang , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Skajaa Nils
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

The prognosis for stroke patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains poorly understood. We examined the risk of mortality and stroke recurrence in stroke patients with T2DM and stroke patients without diabetes.

Patients and methods:

We conducted a population-based cohort study including all patients diagnosed with a first-time ischemic stroke ( n = 131,594) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH, n = 15,492) in Denmark, 2005–2021. Patients with T2DM were identified using hospital diagnosis codes and glucose-lowering drug prescriptions. We calculated risks, risk differences, and risk ratios, standardized by age, sex, and calendar year of stroke admission.

Results:

Following ischemic stroke, the 5-year standardized mortality was 46.1% for patients with T2DM and 35.4% for patients without diabetes (standardized risk difference: 10.7% [95% CI 9.9–11.6]; risk ratio: 1.3 [95% CI 1.3–1.3]). The 5-year risk of recurrence following ischemic stroke was 12.7% for patients with T2DM and 11.3% for those without diabetes (risk difference: 1.4% [95% CI 0.9–2.0]; risk ratio: 1.1 [95% CI 1.1–1.2]). Following ICH, the 5-year mortality was 62.8% for patients with T2DM and 53.0% for patients without diabetes (risk difference: 9.8% [95% CI 7.2–12.4)]; risk ratio: 1.2 [95% CI 1.1–1.2]). The 5-year risk of recurrence after ICH was 9.1% for patients with T2DM and 9.7% for patients without diabetes.

Discussion and conclusion:

Stroke patients with T2DM were at increased risk of mortality. The risk of stroke recurrence was slightly higher for ischemic stroke patients with T2DM than patients without diabetes, while no difference was observed among ICH patients.
Developmental milestones and daily living skills in individuals with Angelman syndrome
Authors: Sadhwani Anjali , Powers Sonya , Wheeler Anne , Miller Hillary , Potter Sarah Nelson , Peters Sarika U. , Bacino Carlos A. , Skinner Steven A. , Wink Logan K. , Erickson Craig A. , Bird Lynne M. , Tan Wen-Hann
Published: June 2024

Background

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with severe global developmental delay. However, the ages at which different developmental skills are achieved in these individuals remain unclear. We seek to determine the probability and the age of acquisition of specific developmental milestones and daily living skills in individuals with AS across the different molecular subtypes, viz. class I deletion, class II deletion, uniparental disomy, imprinting defect, and UBE3A variants.

Methods

Caregivers participating in a longitudinal multicenter Angelman Syndrome Natural History Study completed a questionnaire regarding the age at which their children achieved specific developmental milestones and daily living skills. The Cox Proportional Hazard model was applied to analyze differences in the probability of achievement of skills at various ages among five molecular subtypes of AS.

Results

Almost all individuals, regardless of molecular subtype, were able to walk with support by five years of age. By age 15, those with a deletion had at least a 50% probability of acquiring 17 out of 30 skills compared to 25 out of 30 skills among those without a deletion. Overall, fine and gross motor skills such as holding and reaching for small objects, sitting, and walking with support were achieved within a fairly narrow range of ages, while toileting, feeding, and hygiene skills tend to have greater variability in the ages at which these skills were achieved. Those without a deletion had a higher probability (25–92%) of achieving daily living skills such as independently toileting and dressing compared to those with a deletion (0–13%). Across all molecular subtypes, there was a low probability of achieving independence in bathing and brushing teeth.

Conclusion

Individuals with AS without a deletion are more likely to achieve developmental milestones and daily living skills at an earlier age than those with a deletion. Many individuals with AS are unable to achieve daily living skills necessary for independent self-care.
CPMI: comprehensive neighborhood-based perturbed mutual information for identifying critical states of complex biological processes
Authors: Ren Jing , Li Peiluan , Yan Jinling
Published: June 2024

Background

There exists a critical transition or tipping point during the complex biological process. Such critical transition is usually accompanied by the catastrophic consequences. Therefore, hunting for the tipping point or critical state is of significant importance to prevent or delay the occurrence of catastrophic consequences. However, predicting critical state based on the high-dimensional small sample data is a difficult problem, especially for single-cell expression data.

Results

In this study, we propose the comprehensive neighbourhood-based perturbed mutual information (CPMI) method to detect the critical states of complex biological processes. The CPMI method takes into account the relationship between genes and neighbours, so as to reduce the noise and enhance the robustness. This method is applied to a simulated dataset and six real datasets, including an influenza dataset, two single-cell expression datasets and three bulk datasets. The method can not only successfully detect the tipping points, but also identify their dynamic network biomarkers (DNBs). In addition, the discovery of transcription factors (TFs) which can regulate DNB genes and nondifferential ‘dark genes’ validates the effectiveness of our method. The numerical simulation verifies that the CPMI method is robust under different noise strengths and is superior to the existing methods on identifying the critical states.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we propose a robust computational method, i.e., CPMI, which is applicable in both the bulk and single cell datasets. The CPMI method holds great potential in providing the early warning signals for complex biological processes and enabling early disease diagnosis.
Integration of transcriptomics, metabolomics, and hormone analysis revealed the formation of lesion spots inhibited by GA and CTK was related to cell death and disease resistance in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Li Cong , Yan Lei , Liu Qian , Tian Rong , Wang Surong , Umer Muhammad Faisal , Jalil Muhammad Junaid , Lohani Md Nahibuzzaman , Liu Yanlin , Tang Huaping , Xu Qiang , Jiang Qiantao , Chen Guoyue , Qi Pengfei , Jiang Yunfeng , Gou Lulu , Yao Qifu , Zheng Youliang , Wei Yuming , Ma Jian
Published: June 2024

Background

Wheat is one of the important grain crops in the world. The formation of lesion spots related to cell death is involved in disease resistance, whereas the regulatory pathway of lesion spot production and resistance mechanism to pathogens in wheat is largely unknown.

Results

In this study, a pair of NILs (NIL-Lm5W and NIL-Lm5M) was constructed from the BC1F4 population by the wheat lesion mimic mutant MC21 and its wild genotype Chuannong 16. The formation of lesion spots in NIL-Lm5M significantly increased its resistance to stripe rust, and NIL-Lm5M showed superiour agronomic traits than NIL-Lm5W under stripe rust infection.Whereafter, the NILs were subjected to transcriptomic (stage N: no spots; stage S, only a few spots; and stage M, numerous spots), metabolomic (stage N and S), and hormone analysis (stage S), with samples taken from normal plants in the field. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were enriched in plant-pathogen interaction, and defense-related genes were significantly upregulated following the formation of lesion spots. Metabolomic analysis showed that the differentially accumulated metabolites were enriched in energy metabolism, including amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Correlation network diagrams of transcriptomic and metabolomic showed that they were both enriched in energy metabolism. Additionally, the contents of gibberellin A7, cis-Zeatin, and abscisic acid were decreased in leaves upon lesion spot formation, whereas the lesion spots in NIL-Lm5M leaves were restrained by spaying GA and cytokinin (CTK, trans-zeatin) in the field.

Conclusion

The formation of lesion spots can result in cell death and enhance strip rust resistance by protein degradation pathway and defense-related genes overexpression in wheat. Besides, the formation of lesion spots was significantly affected by GA and CTK. Altogether, these results may contribute to the understanding of lesion spot formation in wheat and laid a foundation for regulating the resistance mechanism to stripe rust.
Deciphering genotype-by-environment interaction of grass pea genotypes under rain-fed conditions and emphasizing the role of monthly rainfall
Authors: Maleki Hamid Hatami , Vaezi Behrouz , Jozeyan Askar , Mirzaei Amir , Darvishzadeh Reza , Dashti Shahryar , Abdi Hossein , Zeinalzadeh-Tabrizi Hossein
Published: June 2024

Rainfed regions have inconsistent spatial and temporal rainfall. So, these regions could face water deficiency during critical stages of crop growth. In this regard, multi-environment trials could play a key role in introducing stable genotypes with good performance across several rainfed regions. Grass pea, as a potential forage crop, is a resilient plant that could grow in unsuitable circumstances. In this study, agro-morphological attributes of 16 grass pea genotypes were examined in four semi-warm rain-fed regions during the years 2018–2021. The MLM analysis of variance showed a significant genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) for dry yield, seed yield, days to maturity, days to flowering, and plant height of grass pea. The PLS (partial least squares) regression revealed that rainfall in the grass pea establishment stage (October and November) is meaningful. For grass pea cultivation, monthly rainfall during plant growth is important, especially in May, with an aim for seed yield. Regarding dry yield, G5, G10, G11, G12, G13, and G15 were selected as good performers and stable genotypes using DY × WAASB biplots, while SY × WAASB biplot manifested G2, G3, G12, and G13 as superior genotypes with stable seed yield. Considering equal weights for yield as well as the WAASB stability index (50/50), G13 was selected as the best one. Among test environments, E2 and E11 played a prominent role in distinguishing the above genotypes from other ones. In this study, MTSI (multi-trait stability index) analysis was applied to select a stable genotype, considering all measured agro-morphological traits simultaneously. Henceforth, the G5 and G15 grass pea genotypes were discerningly chosen due to their commendable performance in the WAASBY plot. In this context, G13 did not emerge as the winner based on MTSI; however, it exhibited an MTSI value in close proximity to the outer boundary of the circle. Consequently, upon comprehensive consideration of all traits, it is deduced that G5, G13, and G15 can be appraised as promising superior genotypes with stability across diverse environmental conditions.
Interventions that have potential to help older adults living with social frailty: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Kastner Monika , Herrington Isabella , Makarski Julie , Amog Krystle , Bain Tejia , Evangelista Vianca , Hayden Leigh , Gruber Alexa , Sutherland Justin , Sirkin Amy , Perrier Laure , Graham Ian D. , Greiver Michelle , Honsberger Joan , Hynes Mary , Macfarlane Charlie , Prasaud Leela , Sklar Barbara , Twohig Margo , Liu Barbara , Munce Sarah , Marr Sharon , O’Neill Braden , Papaioannou Alexandra , Seaton Bianca , Straus Sharon E. , Dainty Katie , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna
Published: June 2024

Background

The impact of social frailty on older adults is profound including mortality risk, functional decline, falls, and disability. However, effective strategies that respond to the needs of socially frail older adults are lacking and few studies have unpacked how social determinants operate or how interventions can be adapted during periods requiring social distancing and isolation such as the COVID-19 pandemic. To address these gaps, we conducted a scoping review using JBI methodology to identify interventions that have the best potential to help socially frail older adults (age ≥65 years).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL (EPSCO), EMBASE and COVID-19 databases and the grey literature. Eligibility criteria were developed using the PICOS framework. Our results were summarized descriptively according to study, patient, intervention and outcome characteristics. Data synthesis involved charting and categorizing identified interventions using a social frailty framework. 

Results

Of 263 included studies, we identified 495 interventions involving ~124,498 older adults who were mostly female. The largest proportion of older adults (40.5%) had a mean age range of 70-79 years. The 495 interventions were spread across four social frailty domains: social resource (40%), self-management (32%), social behavioural activity (28%), and general resource (0.4%). Of these, 189 interventions were effective for improving loneliness, social and health and wellbeing outcomes across psychological self-management, self-management education, leisure activity, physical activity, Information Communication Technology and socially assistive robot interventions. Sixty-three interventions were identified as feasible to be adapted during infectious disease outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19, flu) to help socially frail older adults.

Conclusions

Our scoping review identified promising interventions with the best potential to help older adults living with social frailty.
The association between XPD rs13181 and rs1799793 polymorphism and oral cancer risk: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Wenli , Xu Wanting , Long Wu
Published: June 2024

Objective

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are common in genes and can lead to dysregulation of gene expression in tissues, which can affect carcinogenesis. Many studies reporting the association between xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) polymorphisms of rs13181 and rs1799793 with oral cancer risk, but with conflicting and inconclusive results.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive and systematic search through the PubMed, Elsevier, Web of science, and Embase databases, twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis to determine whether XPD rs13181 and rs1799793 polymorphism contributed to the risk of oral cancer.

Results

The pooled date indicated a significant association between the rs13181 polymorphism and oral cancer risk for the allele comparison model (odds ratio, OR = 1.60, 95% confidence intervals, CI = 1.09–2.35, P = 0.02), the dominant model (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.08–2.82, P = 0.02), and the heterozygote model (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.02–2.49, P = 0.04). For the XPD rs1799793 polymorphism, it is not associated with the incidence of oral cancer under any model. Subgroup analyses based on ethnicity indicated that the rs13181 polymorphism increased the risk of oral cancer among Asians according to the allele comparison model (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.10–3.51, P = 0.02), the dominant model (OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.25–4.44, P = 0.008), the heterozygote model (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.15–3.66, P = 0.01), and the homozygous model (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.06–5.76, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggests a positive correlation between XPD rs13181polymorphism and the development of oral cancer among Asians, but a negative correlation among Caucasians populations.
Risk of carpal tunnel syndrome among patients with osteoarthritis: a US population-based study
Authors: Chen Shuang , Ho Tina , Asubonteng Julius , Sobel Rachel E. , Eng Simon , DiMartino Stephen J. , Manthripragada Angelika
Published: June 2024

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), an entrapment neuropathy caused by pressure of the median nerve, is a progressive condition that can lead to a decreased quality of life. Studies suggest an association between CTS and arthritis; however, previous studies examining osteoarthritis (OA) and CTS are limited in number, scope and study design. This study estimated the incidence and risk of CTS among patients with OA, both overall and by specific joints, in a large population-based cohort in the United States.

Methods

Patients from the Optum claims database aged ≥ 45 years and diagnosed with OA between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, were eligible for the OA cohort. The non-OA cohort included those without a diagnosis of OA at the index date and no history of OA for 12 months pre-index. Baseline characteristics were balanced using propensity score matching. The risk of CTS in the OA and non-OA cohort were evaluated using incidence rates and adjusted hazard ratios that were estimated using Cox regression.

Results

After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 3,610,240 of the 6,023,384 adults with a diagnosis of OA remained in the OA cohort. After propensity-score matching, each cohort included 1,033,439 individuals. The incidence rates for CTS per 1000 person-years were 7.35 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.21–7.49) in the OA cohort and 1.44 (95% CI 1.38–1.50) in the non-OA cohort. The risk of developing CTS in patients with OA was ~ 4 times that of patients without (hazard ratio = 3.80; 95% CI 3.54–4.07). This increased risk was found across all OA joint types, with OA of the hand/wrist having the highest risk for CTS. Additionally, multiple OA joints presented a higher risk compared with a single affected joint.

Conclusions

OA increases the risk of CTS, but this is not limited to patients with hand/wrist OA, suggesting a systemic impact of OA on CTS. While the risk appears highest for patients with hand/wrist OA, patients with more distant affected joints like knee or hip also have an increased risk of CTS.
Evolution in the management of thyroid surgery over a period of 15 years in a Belgian center
Authors: Saïe Clotilde , Marchand Victor , Zhang-Yin Jules , Ers Vincent , Mauel Etienne
Published: June 2024

Background

Guidelines for thyroid surgery have evolved to reflect advances in medical knowledge and decrease the overdiagnosis of low-risk thyroid cancer. Our goal was to analyze the change made in operative thyroid management and the impact on thyroid cancer diagnosis.

Background

Guidelines for thyroid surgery have evolved to reflect advances in medical knowledge and decrease overdiagnosis of low risk thyroid cancer. Our goal was to study the evolution, over a long period, of pre- and postoperative management and the influence on histological cancer diagnosis and, more particularly, microcancer.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included 891 consecutive patients who underwent thyroid surgery between 2007 and 2020.

Results

Respectively 305, 290 and 266 patients underwent surgery over the 3 periods of 2007–2010, 2011–2015 and 2016–2020. In all three periods, women represented approximately 70% of the population, and the mean age was 54 years old (range: 67). Most surgeries (90%) involved total thyroidectomies. Over the study period, the proportion of preoperative fine needle aspiration (FNA) increased from 13 to 55%, p < 0,01. Cancer was found in a total of 116 patients: 35 (11%) patients between 2007 and 2010, 50 (17%) between 2011 and 2015 and 32 (12%) between 2016 and 2020 (p = 0.08). For all 3 periods, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) was the most prevalent, at approximately 80%. The proportion of thyroid cancer > T1a increased significantly from 37% (2011–2015 period) to 81% (2016–2020 period), p = 0.001. Patients treated with radioiodine remained relatively stable (approximately 60%) but were more frequently treated with a low dose of radioiodine (p < 0.01) and recombinant human TSH (p < 0.01). Operative thyroid weight decreased over time in all but the low-risk T1a PTC cases.

Conclusions

Over a period of 15 years and according to the evolution of recommendations, the care of patients who underwent thyroid surgery changed with the increased use of preoperative FNA. This change came with a decrease in low-risk T1a PTC.
Comparative evaluation of marginal adaptation and fatigue resistance of endodontically treated premolars restored with direct and indirect coronal restorations: an in vitro study
Authors: Rohym Shaimaa Mohammed , Badra Heba , Nassar Hanaa
Published: June 2024

Background

An optimum restoration for reconstructing endodontically treated teeth should provide excellent marginal adaptation, high fracture resistance as well as maximum tooth structure conservation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal adaptation and fatigue resistance of different coronal restorations in endodontically treated premolars.

Methods

Thirty sound maxillary first premolars were endodontically treated and received MOD cavities. Teeth were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 10) according to the type of coronal restoration: Group R: polyethylene fibers (ribbond), fibers-reinforced composite (everX posterior) and final layer of nano-hybrid composite. Group O: indirect lithium disilicate overlay and Group C: fiber-post, resin composite restoration, and lithium disilicate crown. Marginal gap assessment was performed before and after thermocycling (5000 cycles) using stereomicroscope. Samples were subjected to stepwise-stress loading starting at 200 N, and increased by 100 N in each step until failure occurred. Statistical analysis was done by One-way ANOVA followed Tukey`s Post Hoc test for multiple comparison. Paired t test was used to compare the marginal adaptation before and after thermocycling. Survival probability was evaluated by Life table survival analysis. Failure mode analysis was performed with Chi-square test.

Results

Marginal gap was significantly the lowest in group R (37.49 ± 5.05) and (42.68 ± 2.38), while being the highest in group C (59.78 ± 5.67) and (71.52 ± 5.18) in before and after thermocycling respectively (P < 0.0001). Fatigue resistance was the highest for group O (1310.8 ± 196.7), and the lowest for group R (905.4 ± 170.51) with a significant difference between groups (P < 0.0001). Crown group had the highest percentage (80%) of catastrophic failure, while, overlay group exhibited the lowest (20%).

Conclusions

Direct restoration without cuspal coverage using ribbon fibers with short FRC provided better marginal adaptation than indirect overlays and crowns, but fatigue resistance wasn’t significantly improved. Adhesive ceramic overlays showed the best fatigue performance and the least catastrophic failure rate compared to both direct fiber-reinforced composite and indirect ceramic full coverage restorations.

Clinical significance

Indirect adhesive overlays are a suitable, more conservative restorative option for endodontically treated teeth than full coverage restorations, especially when tooth structure is severely compromised.
Predictability of expansion movements performed by clear aligners in mixed dentition in both arches: a retrospective study on digital casts
Authors: Loberto Saveria , Pavoni Chiara , Fanelli Silvia , Lugli Letizia , Cozza Paola , Lione Roberta
Published: June 2024

Background

to evaluate the predictability of expansion achieved in patients in early mixed dentition treated with Clear Aligners (CA), analyzing the efficiency of the expansion at the end of the first set of aligners and at the end of the therapy in the upper and lower arch.

Methods

36 patients (20 F, 16 M; mean age 8.3 ± 1.5 years) were selected retrospectively from the Department of Orthodontics of the Hospital of Rome “Tor Vergata”. All subjects were treated with CA with no other auxiliaries than attachments. For each patient a standardized sequential expansion protocol was planned for both arches. Digital dental casts were created at three observation periods from an intraoral scanner: prior to treatment (T0), at the end of the first set of aligners (T1), at the end of treatment (T2). The 3D models in planned position determined by the first Clincheck (CC) were obtained for comparison with T1 and T2. Six linear transversal measurements were used to evaluate the dimensional changes and the predictability of expansion movements, comparing T1-CC and T2-CC.

Results

a statistically significant increase within the pre-treatment and the final outcomes for all the variables examined was found. In the upper arch, the greatest level of predictability was detected at the level of the first (46.44%) and second deciduous molar width (44.95%) at T1. The analysis of T2-CC changes showed a significant increase in the percentage of predictability of expansion at the level of the first permanent molars, at mesial (54.86%) and distal (58.92%) width. In the lower arch, a higher percentage of predictability than the upper arch was reported at T1-CC and T2-CC, with the greatest values at the level of second (T1-CC: 48.70%; T2-CC: 75.32%) and first deciduous molar width (T1-CC: 45.71%; T2-CC: 72.75%).

Conclusions

CA can induce significant transversal increments. The predictability of expansion is variable, but it did not exceed the 50% during the first set of aligners. It was necessary to apply refinement set to achieve a good predictability for expansion of about 70%. The expansion in the lower arch was observed to be more predictable than in the upper arch.
Prospective study on health-related quality of life, oral mucositis and oral health on during treatment of head and neck cancer
Authors: Karlsson Charlott , Bohm Niklas , Andersson Jessica Skoogh , Finizia Caterina , Almståhl Annica
Published: June 2024

Background

Few studies have examined health related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) during the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) with even fewer focusing on the impact of oral mucositis (OM) on HR-QoL. Studies performed during treatment of HNC makes it possible to follow fluctuations in HR-QoL, OM and other treatment related side effects. The aim was to prospectively analyze HR-QoL, changes in clinical variables and the impact of OM on HR-QoL during HNC treatment.

Materials and methods

Patients were recruited before commencing curative cancer treatment and were given professional oral care weekly during oncologic treatment. HR-QoL was reported before, during (week 2, 4 and 6) and three months after treatment using the EORTC Quality of Life questionnaires C30 and H&N35 and the stimulated whole salivary secretion rate was determined at the same time-points. OM (erythema and ulceration) was registered using the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS), at baseline, weekly during treatment and post treatment. Differences in HR-QoL between different timepoints were analyzed. To analyze the impact of OM on HR-QoL the patients were categorized into two groups: no/mild OM (OMAS ulceration score 0–1) or severe OM (OMAS ulceration score ≥ 2) and HR-QoL was compared between the two OM groups at three timepoints during treatment.

Results

Fifty-seven patients (43 men, 14 women), with a mean age of 58 years were included. Patients reported progressively impaired HR-QoL, with peak issues noted at weeks 4 and 6, particularly in social eating, senses, appetite loss, sticky saliva, and decreasing salivary secretion rates were determined. Patients with severe OM reported worse HR-QoL compared to those with no/mild OM. Persistent problems 3 months post treatment were appetite loss, dry mouth, senses (smell and taste) and problems with social eating.

Conclusion

Patients experienced exacerbated symptoms and problems weeks 4 and 6 of oncological treatment, especially among those with severe OM, stressing the importance of clinically monitoring the patients to reduce and alleviate their symptoms. Persistent problems three months post treatment are likely associated with the reduced salivary secretion rate indicating that patients should be monitored also after completed oncological treatment.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) patient information-seeking behavior: a qualitative study
Authors: Mayette Emma , Scalise Ariel , Li Angela , McGeorge Nicolette , James Kaitlyn , Mahalingaiah Shruthi
Published: June 2024

Background

Approximately 13% of women in the United States of reproductive age seek infertility services. Assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization, is used to help patients achieve pregnancy. Many people are not familiar with these treatments prior to becoming patients and possess knowledge gaps about care.

Methods

This study employed qualitative methods to investigate how patients interact with information sources during care. Patients who underwent ART including embryo transfer between January 2017 and April 2022 at a large urban healthcare center were eligible. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted between August and October 2022. Fifteen females with an average age of 39 years participated. Reflexive thematic analysis was performed.

Results

Two main themes emerged. Participants (1) utilized clinic-provided information and then turned to outside sources to fill knowledge gaps; (2) struggled to learn about costs, insurance, and mental health resources to support care. Participants preferred clinic-provided resources and then utilized academic sources, the internet, and social media when they had unfulfilled information needs. Knowledge gaps related to cost, insurance, and mental health support were reported.

Conclusion

ART clinics can consider providing more information about cost, insurance, and mental health support to patients.

Trial registration

The Massachusetts General Hospital Institutional Review Board approved this study (#2022P000474) and informed consent was obtained from each participant.
Catechin-Induced changes in PODXL, DNMTs, and miRNA expression in Nalm6 cells: an integrated in silico and in vitro approach
Authors: Afgar Ali , Keyhani Alireza , Afgar Amirreza , Mirzaei-Parsa Mohamad Javad , Kermani Mahdiyeh Ramezani Zadeh , Rezaei Masoud , Ebrahimipour Mohammad , Langroudi Ladan , Bardsiri Mahla Sattarzadeh , Vahidi Reza
Published: June 2024

Background

This study explored the impact of predicted miRNAs on DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and the PODXL gene in Nalm6 cells, revealing the significance of these miRNAs in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

Methods

A comprehensive approach was adopted, integrating bioinformatic analyses encompassing protein structure prediction, molecular docking, dynamics, and ADMET profiling, in conjunction with evaluations of gene and miRNA expression patterns. This methodology was employed to elucidate the therapeutic potential of catechin compounds in modulating the activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and the PODXL gene.

Results

The findings from our investigation indicate that catechins possess the capability to inhibit DNMT enzymes. This inhibitory effect is associated with the upregulation of microRNAs miR-200c and miR-548 and a concurrent downregulation of PODXL gene expression. These molecular interactions culminate in an augmented apoptotic response within ALL (Nalm6) cells.

Conclusion

The study posits that catechins may represent a viable therapeutic avenue for inducing apoptosis in ALL cells. This is achieved through the modulation of epigenetic mechanisms and alterations in gene expression profiles, highlighting the potential of catechins as agents for cancer therapy.