bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel Chondrogenesis and Osteogenesis Tissue Morphogenesis in Muscle Tissue via Combinations of TGF-β Supergene Family Members
Authors: Xiong Fei , Chevalier Yan , Klar Roland M.
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to decipher the temporal and spatial signaling code for clinical cartilage and bone regeneration. We investigated the effects of continuous equal dosages of a single, dual, or triplicate growth factor combination of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3, and/or BMP-7 on muscle tissue over a culturing period. The hypothesis was that specific growth factor combinations at specific time points direct tissue transformation toward endochondral bone or cartilage formation.

Design

The harvested muscle tissues from F-344 adult male rats were cultured in 96-well plates maintained in a specific medium and cultured at specific conditions. And the multidimensional and multi–time point analyses were performed at both the genetic and protein levels.

Results

The results insinuate that the application of growth factor stimulates a chaotic tissue response that does not follow a chronological signaling cascade. Both osteogenic and chondrogenic genes showed upregulation after induction, a similar result was also observed in the semiquantitative analysis after immunohistochemical staining against different antigens.

Conclusions

The study showed that multiple TGF-β superfamily proteins applied to tissue stimulate developmental tissue processes that do not follow current tissue formation rules. The findings contribute to the understanding of the chronological order of signals and expression patterns needed to achieve chondrogenesis, articular chondrogenesis, or osteogenesis, which is crucial for the development of treatments that can regrow bone and articular cartilage clinically.
Cross-border telework in light of the Rome I-Regulation and the Posting of Workers Directive
Authors: Bruurs Stan
Published: September 2023

Labour mobility within the European Union can take multiple forms and is becoming an increasingly diversified phenomenon. On the one hand, workers can move physically from one Member State to another for a short or long stay, while, on the other hand, virtual migration is rising. Partly due to globalisation and the Covid-19 pandemic, cross-border telework – which can take place anytime and anywhere – has become an integral part of society. Whereas the social security and tax laws applicable to these cross-border teleworkers have been researched extensively, the applicable labour law, following the Rome I-Regulation and the Posting of Workers Directive, remains unclear. The same is true regarding the qualification of such cross-border teleworkers as posted workers under the free movement of services. Indeed, these legal frameworks include a general approach without prescribing specific connecting factors or conditions of application tailored to the virtuality of cross-border teleworkers. Consequently, this contribution examines the labour law applicable to cross-border teleworkers within the EU and the (un)surmountable bottlenecks that arise in applying the legal frameworks currently in place.
Naturalistic face adaptation: How we adapt to freckles fast and sustainably
Authors: Utz Sandra , Mueller Ronja , Strobach Tilo , Carbon Claus-Christian
Published: September 2023

While sunbathing, our skin becomes susceptible to quite remarkable changes in visual appearance, that is, freckles appear or increase in intensity—most obviously on the face. Research on face adaptation repeatedly showed that the inspection of manipulated versions of faces (so-called adaptor faces) leads to robust and sustainable changes in the perception of subsequently presented faces. Therefore, during the adaptation phase of the present study, participants saw faces with either strongly increased or decreased intensities of freckles. After a 5-minute break, during the test phase, participants had to identify the veridical (non-manipulated) face out of two faces (a slightly manipulated face combined with a non-manipulated face). Results showed strong adaptation effects to increased and decreased levels of freckles. We conclude that updating facial representations in memory is relatively fast, and these representation updates seem to sustain over a certain time span (at least 5 minutes). Face-specificity of our effects will be discussed. The results align with our everyday experience that the appearance of freckles in spring is a salient change in a familiar face; however, we seem to not register these changes after a few exposures due to a loss of information quality.
Google Maps Timeline: An open-access digital tool to monitor walking abilities in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Caliendo Daniele , Puca Anna , Lavorgna Luigi , Carotenuto Antonio , Petracca Maria , Lanzillo Roberta , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Moccia Marcello
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Gait impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), but difficult to evaluate in clinical practice. In this proof-of-concept observational study, we compared walking ability recorded by Google Maps Timeline to conventional clinical measures in people with MS.

Methods

We used open-access Google Maps Timeline to record the total number of days with walking activity, walking distance, walking time, and walking speed. Each Google Maps Timeline variable was included in a different stepwise linear regression model including all conventional clinical variables.

Results

We included nine people with MS (age 43.1 ± 6.6 years; females 55.6%; disease duration 12.7 ± 3.1 years; median Expanded Disability Status Scale 3.0 (range 1.0–5.5)). Higher percentage of days with recorded walking was associated with lower Fatigue Severity Scale ( p = 0.01), and higher MS Walking Scale ( p = 0.04). Longer average daily walking distance was associated with shorter Timed-25 Foot Walking Test ( p = 0.02), lower Expanded Disability Status Scale ( p = 0.01), and higher Euro-Quality of Life ( p = 0.04). Longer average daily walking time was associated with shorter Timed-25 Foot Walking Test ( p = 0.03). Higher walking speed was associated with lower Fatigue Severity Scale ( p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Google Maps Timeline parameters provide actual estimates of daily walking activities in MS.
Consumer Complaint Satisfaction and Customer Retention: A Study of Complaint Satisfaction in Electronic Industry
Authors: Lal Madan , Kashyap Heena
Published: September 2023

The aim of this article is to understand consumer complaint satisfaction in the electronics industry. The focus has been placed on consumers of household electronic items who have complained to the company due to one of several reasons (e.g., technical glitch, malfunction, and defect). The various factors responsible for complaint satisfaction have been determined through literature reviews and primary surveys (questionnaires). The three kinds of justice dimensions of organizational behavior (Procedural, Interactional and Distributive) have been incorporated into the model to measure a company’s response to any complaint. The data of 595 consumers of Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) (India) have been collected and analysed using smartPLS 2.0. software. The findings of the study reveal that the process of handling customer complaints affects customer satisfaction and retention rate. Customer who have good experiences during the complaint-handling process, exert positive word of mouth (WOM) and those who have bad experiences during the complaint-handling process exert negative WOM. To study the relationship between complaint satisfaction level, consumers repurchase intention and WOM intention a complaint satisfaction model has been constructed.
Predictors of Hardware Removal in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients Undergoing Syndesmotic Ankle Fixation With Screws
Authors: Bragg Jack T. , Masood Raisa M. , Spence Samara S. , Citron Julia E. , Moon Andrew S. , Salzler Matthew J. , Ryan Scott P.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Indications for removal of syndesmotic screws are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine factors related to elective syndesmotic screw removal.

Methods:

Patients who underwent fixation of ankle syndesmotic injuries were included. Screw removal was offered after a minimum of 12 weeks after surgery for pain, stiffness or patient desire to remove painful or broken hardware. Patient demographics, surgical data, distance of the syndesmotic screw from the joint, location of the screw at the physeal scar, and number of syndesmotic screws placed were collected for all patients. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the relationship between patient characteristics and screw removal and independent predictors of hardware removal.

Results:

Of 160 patients, 60 patients (38%) with an average age of 36.1 (range: 18-84) years underwent elective syndesmotic screw removal at a mean of 7 (range, 3-47) months after initial fixation. The most common reason for screw removal (50/60 patients) was ankle stiffness and pain (83%). Patients who underwent screw removal were more likely to be younger (36.1 years ± 13.0 vs 46.6 years ± 18.2, P < .001) and have a lower ASA score (2 ± 0.8 vs 2.1 ± 0.7, P = .003) by bivariate analysis. Of patients who underwent screw removal, 21.7% (13/60) had a broken screw at the time of removal. Whether the screw was placed at the physeal scar was not significantly associated with patient decision for hardware removal ( P = .80).

Conclusion:

Younger and healthier patients were more likely to undergo elective removal of syndesmotic hardware. Screw distance from joint and screw placement at the physeal scar were not significantly associated with hardware removal.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Three-dimensional numerical modeling of ground motion in the Valley of Mexico: A case study from the Mw3.2 earthquake of July 17, 2019
Authors: Hernández-Aguirre Victor Moises , Paolucci Roberto , Sánchez-Sesma Francisco José , Mazzieri Ilario
Published: September 2023

In this study, a 3D physics-based numerical approach, based on the spectral element numerical code SPEED, is used to simulate seismic wave propagation due to a local earthquake in the Mexico City area. The availability of detailed geological, geophysical, geotechnical, and seismological data allowed for the creation of a large-scale (60 km × 60 km in plan, 10 km in depth) heterogeneous 3D numerical model of the Mexico City area, dimensioned to accurately propagate frequencies up to about 1.3 Hz. The results of numerical simulations are validated against the ground motion recordings of the July 17, 2019, Mw3.2 earthquake, with peak ground acceleration exceeding 0.3 g about 1 km away from the epicenter. A good agreement with records is found, quantitatively evaluated through goodness-of-fit checks. Furthermore, for the lake zone, the simulated decay trend of the peak ground velocity with epicentral distance is reasonably close to the observations, for both horizontal and vertical components. In spite of some limitations, the simulations are successful to provide a realistic picture of seismic wave propagation both in the hill and in the lake zones of Mexico City, including the onset of long-duration quasi-monochromatic ground motion in the basin, with strong amplification at low frequencies (between 0.4 and 0.7 Hz). The numerical results also suggest that surface waves, with predominant prograde particle motion at the ground surface and large ellipticities, dominate the wavefield in the lake zone. Based on these positive outcomes, we conclude that this numerical model may be useful for both a better insight into the seismic response of the Valley of Mexico and the simulation of ground motions during larger-magnitude earthquakes, to generate improved seismic damage scenarios in Mexico City.
Fiber chemistry and technology: their contributions to shaping Society 5.0
Authors: Al Maadeed Mariam Al Ali , Ponnamma Deepalekshmi
Published: September 2023

Society 5.0 establishes innovations and innovativeness as the basic platforms for accelerating the development of solution-based strategies for the sustainability problems every society is facing. It features an interactive cycle operating at a society-wide level through which data are collected, analyzed and transformed into applicable technology for the real world. Transforming the current society into a super smart society requires in-depth knowledge of the Internet of Things, robotics and artificial intelligence. Being a member of the 4th industrial revolution is significant; however, it is equally important to alleviate the socioeconomic challenges associated with it and to maintain sustainability. From cellulose to carbon, fibers have utmost importance in technological applications, industrial developments and sustainability. Fibers are identified as useful energy resources, water treatment mediums, supercapacitors in electronic devices and wearable e-textiles. Therefore, knowing the chemistry behind fiber manipulation for advanced applications for Society 5.0 is beneficial. In this paper, we highlight the contributions of fibers to shaping Society 5.0 and their modifications and role in providing a sustainable environment. We highlight the chemical aspects behind tailoring fibers to provide state-of-the-art information on fiber-based products. We also provide background information on fiber technology and the sustainable development goals for a fiber-oriented Society 5.0. Scientists, researchers and specialists in this field should understand the impact of tailoring and influencing society as a whole.
The potential of carbon-based nanomaterials in hepatitis C virus treatment: a review of carbon nanotubes, dendrimers and fullerenes
Authors: Nader Karim , Shetta Amro , Saber Sameh , Mamdouh Wael
Published: September 2023

HCV, hepatitis C virus, is a virus that causes damage to the liver. Both chronic infection or lack of treatment increase morbidity except if it is an acute infection, as the body clears the virus without any intervention. Also, the virus has many genotypes, and until now, there has yet to be a single treatment capable of affecting and treating all these genotypes at once. This review will discuss the main and most used old treatments, IFN-a, PEG IFN-a, Ribavirin, Celgosvir, and sofosbuvir alone and with the combination of other drugs and their drawbacks. They should be given in combination to improve the effect on the virus compared with being administrated independently, as in the case of sofosbuvir. For these reasons, the need for new treatments and diagnostic tools arises, and the rule of nanotechnology comes here. The role of carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, and fullerenes will be discussed. CNTs, carbon nanotubes, are one-dimensional structures composed of a cylindrical sheet of graphite and are mainly used for diagnostic purposes against HCV. Dendrimers, three-dimensional highly branched structures, are macromolecules that provide better drug delivery and treatment options due to their unique structure that can be modified, producing versatile types; each has unique properties. Fullerenes which are cage like structures derived and closely related to CNTs, and composed of carbon atoms that can be substituted by other atoms which in return open unlimited usage for these carbon based materials. Fullerenes rule is unique since it has two mechanisms that prevent the virus from binding and acting on the virus-replicating enzyme. However, their charge needs to be determined; otherwise, it will lead to cytotoxicity. Lastly, no review has been done on the role of nanotechnology against HCV yet.
The Inferior Grain Filling Initiation Promotes the Source Strength of Rice Leaves
Authors: Jiang Zhengrong , Yang Hongyi , Zhu Meichen , Wu Longmei , Yan Feiyu , Qian Haoyu , He Wenjun , Liu Dun , Chen Hong , Chen Lin , Ding Yanfeng , Sakr Soulaiman , Li Ganghua
Published: September 2023

Poor grain-filling initiation in inferior spikelets severely impedes rice yield improvement, while photo-assimilates from source leaves can greatly stimulate the initiation of inferior grain-filling (sink). To investigate the underlying mechanism of source-sink interaction, a two-year field experiment was conducted in 2019 and 2020 using two large-panicle rice cultivars (CJ03 and W1844). The treatments included intact panicles and partial spikelet removal. These two cultivars showed no significant difference in the number of spikelets per panicle. However, after removing spikelet, W1844 showed higher promotion on 1000-grain weight and seed-setting rate than CJ03, particularly for inferior spikelets. The reason was that the better sink activity of W1844 led to a more effective initiation of inferior grain-filling compared to CJ03. The inferior grain weight of CJ03 and W1844 did not show a significant increase until 8 days poster anthesis (DPA), which follows a similar pattern to the accumulation of photo-assimilates in leaves. After removing spikelets, the source leaves of W1844 exhibited lower photosynthetic inhibition compared to CJ03, as well as stronger metabolism and transport of photo-assimilates. Although T6P levels remained constant in both cultivars under same conditions, the source leaves of W1844 showed notable downregulation of SnRK1 activity and upregulation of phytohormones (such as abscisic acid, cytokinins, and auxin) after removing spikelets. Hence, the high sink strength of inferior spikelets plays a role in triggering the enhancement of source strength in rice leaves, thereby fulfilling grain-filling initiation demands.
Successful treatment of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis with meropenem eye drops — a case report
Authors: Elhardt Carolin , Wolf Armin , Wertheimer Christian Maximilian
Published: September 2023

Background

This case report describes the course and therapeutic management of a fast-spreading bacterial keratitis caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa).

Case presentation

A 27-year-old male contact lens wearer presented with a multi-resistant, fast spreading P. aeruginosa keratitis. After initial resistance to various antibiotic therapies, testing revealed a MDR P. aeruginosa. The keratitis was treated successfully with specially prepared 50 mg/ml off-label meropenem eye drops for 18 days as well as systemic meropenem for seven days with rapid improvement of the corneal infiltrate.

Conclusion

This case report demonstrates the combination of topical and systemic meropenem as a useful treatment option for corneal ulcers caused by MDR P. aeruginosa.
The SOFIA pilot study: assessing feasibility and fidelity of coordinated care to reduce excess mortality and increase quality of life in patients with severe mental illness in a general practice setting; a cluster-randomised pilot trial
Authors: Tranberg Katrine , Jønsson Alexandra , Due Tina , Siersma Volkert , Brodersen John Brandt , Bissenbakker Kristine , Martiny Frederik , Davidsen Annette , Kjellberg Pia Kürstein , Doherty Kevin , Mercer Stewart W. , Nielsen Maria Haahr , Reventlow Susanne , Møller Anne , Rozing Maarten ,   on behalf of the SOFIA Study Group
Published: September 2023

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and fidelity of implementing and assessing the SOFIA coordinated care program aimed at lowering mortality and increasing quality of life in patients with severe mental illness by improving somatic health care in general practice.

Design

A cluster-randomised, non-blinded controlled pilot trial.

Setting

General Practice in Denmark.

Intervention

The SOFIA coordinated care program comprised extended structured consultations carried out by the GP, group-based training of GPs and staff, and a handbook with information on signposting patients to relevant municipal, health, and social initiatives.

Patients

Persons aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of psychotic, bipolar, or severe depressive disorder.

Main outcome measures

We collected quantitative data on the delivery, recruitment and retention rates of practices and patients, and response rates of questionnaires MMQ and EQ-5D-5 L.

Results

From November 2020 to March 2021, nine practices were enrolled and assigned in a 2:1 ratio to the intervention group (n = 6) or control group (n = 3). Intervention group practices included 64 patients and Control practices included 23. The extended consultations were delivered with a high level of fidelity in the general practices; however, thresholds for collecting outcome measures, and recruitment of practices and patients were not reached.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that delivering the coordinated care program in a fully powered trial in primary care is likely feasible. However, the recruitment methodology requires improvement to ensure sufficient recruitment and minimize selective inclusion.

Trial registration

The date of pilot trial protocol registration was 05/11/2020, and the registration number is NCT04618250.
Predicting of elderly population structure and density by a novel grey fractional-order model with theta residual optimization: a case study of Shanghai City, China
Authors: Guo Xiaojun , Li Jiaxin , Zhu Xinyao , Yang Yingjie , Jin Jingliang
Published: September 2023

Background

Accurately predicting the future development trend of population aging is conducive to accelerating the development of the elderly care industry. This study constructed a combined optimization grey prediction model to predict the structure and density of elderly population.

Methods

In this paper, a GT-FGM model is proposed, which combines Theta residual optimization with fractional-order accumulation operator. Fractional-order accumulation can effectively weaken the randomness of the original data sequence. Meanwhile, Theta residual optimization can adjust parameter by minimizing the mean absolute error. And the population statistics of Shanghai city from 2006 to 2020 were selected for prediction analysis. By comparing with the other traditional grey prediction methods, three representative error indexes (MAE, MAPE, RMSE) were conducting for error analysis.

Results

Compared with the FGM model, GM (1,1) model, Verhulst model, Logistic model, SES and other classical prediction methods, the GT-FGM model shows significant forecasting advantages, and its multi-step rolling prediction accuracy is superior to other prediction methods. The results show that the elderly population density in nine districts in Shanghai will exceed 0.5 by 2030, among which Huangpu District has the highest elderly population density, reaching 0.6825. There has been a steady increase in the elderly population over the age of 60.

Conclusions

The GT-FGM model can improve the prediction accuracy effectively. The elderly population in Shanghai shows a steady growth trend on the whole, and the differences between districts are obvious. The government should build a modern pension industry system according to the aging degree of the population in each region, and promote the balanced development of each region.
Development and validation of the 23-item preterm birth risk assessment scale-Korean version
Authors: Kim Jeung-Im
Published: September 2023

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) is a complex and significant challenge in obstetrics. Thus, clinicians and researchers have paid a keen interest in the identification of women at a high risk for PTB. This study aimed to develop a PTB risk assessment scale based on the preliminary 32-item Preterm Birth Risk Assessment Scale-Korean version (PBRAS-K).

Methods

We enrolled 298 participants (167 in the exploratory factor analysis group from March 3, 2021 to August 31, 2021 and 131 in the confirmatory factor analysis group from December 3, 2021 to February 14, 2022) who delivered before 37+0 weeks after experiencing preterm symptoms and were admitted to high-risk pregnancy maternal–fetal intensive care units (MFICUs). After an item-reduction process in the exploratory factor analysis, the psychometric property scales were assessed using SPSS Statistics version 27.0, and the confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using AMOS version 27.0.

Results

The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test and Bartlett’s χ2 test of sphericity confirmed the adequacy of the sample for factor analysis (KMO = .81 (> .80), χ2 = 1841.38, p < .001). The final version of the PBRAS-K comprised 23 items within seven dimensions. Factor analysis identified items explaining 65.9% of the total variance. The PBRAS-K achieved a mean score of 35.58 (± 10.35) and showed high internal consistency and satisfactory reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = .85). Regarding concurrent validity, the PBRAS-K exhibited a low-to-moderate correlation with the PTB risk (r = .45, p < .001). As for criterion validity and convergent validity, the PBRAS-K showed a positive and high correlation with the Somatic Awareness Scale with Spontaneous Preterm Labor (SPL-SAS) (r = .65, p < .001) and pregnancy-related stress (r = .57, p < .001), respectively. Risk scoring for preterm delivery and SPL-SAS were moderately correlated (r = .53, p < .001).

Conclusions

PBRAS-23-K is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the risk for PTB in pregnant women. Clinical nurses are encouraged to apply and obtain information regarding effective interventions in MFICUs. This scale provides meaningful results and reflects the opinions of women who had experienced PTB. The PBRAS-23-K should be evaluated for standardization and cut-off scores using larger sample sizes in the future.
Socioeconomic disparities in Rwanda’s under-5 population’s growth tracking and nutrition promotion: findings from the 2019–2020 demographic and health survey
Authors: Ekholuenetale Michael , Okonji Osaretin Christabel , Nzoputam Chimezie Igwegbe , Edet Clement Kevin , Wegbom Anthony Ike , Arora Amit
Published: September 2023

Background

Regular growth monitoring can be used to evaluate young children’s nutritional and physical health. While adequate evaluation of the scope and quality of nutrition interventions is necessary to increase their effectiveness, there is little research on growth monitoring coverage measurement. The purpose of this study was to investigate socioeconomic disparities in under-5 Rwandan children who participate in growth monitoring and nutrition promotion.

Methods

We used data from the 2019–2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS), which included 8092under-5 children. Percentage was employed in univariate analysis. To examine the socioeconomic inequalities, concentration indices and Lorenz curves were used in growth monitoring and nutrition promotion among under-5 children.

Results

A weighted prevalence of 33.0% (95%CI: 30.6-35.6%) under-5 children growth monitoring and nutrition promotion was estimated. Growth monitoring and nutrition promotion among under-5 children had higher uptake in the most disadvantaged cohort, as the line of equality sags below the diagonal line in Lorenz curve. Overall, there was pro-poor growth monitoring and nutrition promotion among under-5 in Rwanda (Conc. Index = 0.0994; SE = 0.0111). Across the levels of child and mother’s characteristics, the results show higher coverage of under-5 growth monitoring and nutrition promotion in the most socioeconomic disadvantaged cohort.

Conclusion

The study found a pro-poor disparity in growth monitoring and nutrition promotion among under-5 children in Rwanda. By implication, the most disadvantaged children had a higher uptake of growth monitoring and nutrition promotion. The Rwanda government should develop policies and programmes to achieve the universal health coverage for the well-off and underserved population.
Prevalence of markers of beta cell autoimmunity and thyroid disease in children with coeliac disease
Authors: Légeret Corinne , Kutz Alexander , Jessica Brunner , Mundwiler Esther , Köhler Henrik , Bernasconi Luca
Published: September 2023

Background

Over the last decades, the prevalence of coeliac disease (CD), an autoimmune disorder, rose to 1–2%. Whether patients with CD have higher risk of developing other autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto thyroiditis, or Graves` disease remains unclear.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of biomarkers of beta cell and thyroid autoimmunity in children with CD.

Methods

Retrospective cross-sectional cohort study comparing pediatric patients suffering from CD with age and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). Participant`s serum was tested by immunoassay for following autoantibodies (aAb): TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb), anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD), anti-zinc transporter 8 (anti-ZnT8), anti-islet antigen 2 (anti-IA2) and anti-insulin.

Results

A total of 95 patients with CD (mean age 8.9 years; 63% female) and 199 matched healthy controls (mean age 9.2 years; 59.8% female) were included in the study. For patients with CD, a seroprevalence of 2.1% (vs. 1.5% in HC) was calculated for anti-GAD, 1.1% for anti-IA2 (vs. 1.5% in HC), 3.2% for anti-ZnT8 (vs. 4.2% in HC), and 1.1% (vs. 1% in HC) for anti-insulin. For thyroid disease, a seroprevalence of 2.2% for TRAb (vs. 1% in HC), 0% for anti-TPO (vs. 2.5% in HC) and 4.3% for anti-Tg (vs. 3.5% in HC) was found for patients with CD.

Conclusion

This study suggests a higher prevalence of autoimmune antibodies againstthyroid in children with CD compared to HC, whilst it is similar for pancreatic antibodies. Prospective cohort studies are needed to first evaluate the occurrence of autoimmune antibodies against beta cells and thyroid over a longer follow-up time and second to explore their clinical relevance.
Identifying barriers and utility of obtaining ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in a pediatric chronic kidney disease population
Authors: Sadiq Sanober , Black Elizabeth , Oates Aris
Published: September 2023

Background

Hypertension is a prevalent complication of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is the gold standard for diagnosis. The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of obtaining ABPM and to identify barriers to ABPM in this pediatric patient population.

Method

In this retrospective analysis of patients with CKD stage 3–5 who were seen in one academic medical center’s outpatient Pediatric Nephrology clinics between 2018 and 2021, we performed logistic regression to evaluate for associations between demographic factors and odds of having an ABPM.

Result

Among 96 patients included in the study, 48 patients carried a diagnosis of hypertension. 31 patients had ABPM performed with usable data. In those who had ABPM done, 21 had normotension and 10 had undertreated hypertension. Our study also showed 1 had masked hypertension and 5 had white coat hypertension or effect. We did not find a statistically significant difference in those who did or did not undergo ABPM evaluation based on gender, previous diagnosis of hypertension, distance from clinic, language preference, or racial or ethnic identity.

Conclusion

ABPM is a useful tool in our CKD population for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. We did not identify specific barriers to ABPM in our CKD population, and there were no differences in patients who obtained ABPM when looking at specific demographic and disease characteristics. Given these findings, we recommend focusing on areas of future improvement in spheres of patient and provider education as well as better quantification using surveys to further illuminate barriers.
Determination of the cutoff point for Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale for adolescents: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Peng Pu , Chen Zhangming , Ren Silan , Liu Yi , He Ruini , Liang Yudiao , Tan Youguo , Tang Jinsong , Chen Xiaogang , Liao Yanhui
Published: September 2023

Backgrounds

The Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS) is a validated 6-item measurement tool for assessing problematic smartphone use (PSU). However, the absence of established cutoff points for SABAS hinders its utilities. This study aimed to determine the optimal cutoff point for SABAS through latent profile analysis (LPA) and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses among 63, 205. Chinese adolescents. Additionally, the study explored whether PSU screening with SABAS could effectively capture problematic social media use (PSMU) and internet gaming disorder (IGD).

Method

We recruited 63,205. adolescents using cluster sampling. Validated questionnaires were used to assess PSMU, IGD, and mental health (depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, well-being, resilience, and externalizing and internalizing problems).

Results

LPA identified a 3-class model for PSU, including low-risk users (38.6%, n = 24,388.), middle-risk users (42.5%, n = 26,885.), and high-risk users (18.9%, n = 11,932.). High-risk users were regarded as “PSU cases” in ROC analysis, which demonstrated an optimal cut-off point of 23 (sensitivity: 98.1%, specificity: 96.8%). According to the cutoff point, 21.1% (n = 13,317.) were identified as PSU. PSU adolescents displayed higher PSMU, IGD, and worse mental health. PSU screening effectively captured IGD (sensitivity: 86.8%, specificity: 84.5%) and PSMU (sensitivity: 84.5%, specificity: 80.2%).

Conclusion

A potential ideal threshold for utilizing SABAS to identify PSU could be 23 (out of 36). Employing SABAS as a screening tool for PSU holds the potential to reliably pinpoint both IGD and PSMU.
Citizen involvement in COVID-19 contact tracing with digital tools: a qualitative study to explore citizens’ perspectives and needs
Authors: van der Meer A. , Helms Y. B. , Baron R. , Crutzen R. , Timen A. , Kretzschmar M. E. E. , Stein M. L. , Hamdiui N.
Published: September 2023

Background

Contact tracing (CT) is a key strategy when dealing with outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The scale of the COVID-19 pandemic has often left public health professionals (PHPs), who are responsible for the execution of CT, unable to keep up with the rapid and largescale spread of the virus. To enhance or support its execution, and potentially lower the workload for PHPs, citizens may be more actively involved in CT-tasks that are commonly executed by PHPs (referred to as ‘self-led CT’). There is limited insight into citizens’ perspectives on and needs for self-led CT for COVID-19. This study aims to explore the perspectives and needs of Dutch citizens on taking more responsibilities in the execution of CT for COVID-19, potentially through the use of digital tools.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study was performed, in which online semi-structured interviews were conducted. Questions were based on the Reasoned Action Approach and Health Belief Model. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify citizens’ perspectives and needs to participate in self-led CT.

Results

We conducted 27 interviews with Dutch citizens. Seven main themes were identified from the interviews: 1) ‘Citizens’ perspectives on self-led CT are influenced by prior experiences with regular CT’, 2) ‘Citizens’ felt responsibilities and the perceived responsibilities of the PHS in CT shape their perspectives on self-led CT’, 3) ‘Anticipated impacts of self-led CT on the CT-process’, 4) ‘Citizens’ attitude towards the application of self-led CT depends on their own perceived skills and the willingness and skills of others’, 5) ‘Shame and social stigma may hamper participation in self-led CT’, 6) ‘Concerns about privacy and data security: a barrier for self-led CT’, and 7) ‘Citizens’ perspectives and anticipated needs for the implementation and application of self-led CT in practice’.

Conclusions

Most interviewees hold a positive attitude towards self-led CT and using digital tools for this purpose. However, their intention for self-led CT may depend on various factors, such as prior experiences with regular CT, and their perceived self-efficacy to participate. Perspectives and needs of citizens should be considered for the future implementation of self-led CT in practice.
Work-related experiences of prostate cancer survivors in Australia: a qualitative study
Authors: Liu Wei-Hong , Fox Jennifer , Yates Patsy
Published: September 2023

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most diagnosed cancer in Australian men, and the number of survivors is growing with advances in diagnosis and treatment. Work participation following PCa diagnosis and treatment becomes a significant aspect of quality of life and survivorship. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, we explored the work-related experiences of PCa survivors in Australia.

Methods

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 16 men (6 salaried employees, 10 self-employed; 8 diagnosed ≥ 5 years) purposively sampled from a community setting. Interviews were inductively analysed.

Results

Five main themes emerged: motivations to work; treatment decisions and work; the effects of PCa and its treatment on ability to participate in work; being an employee versus being self-employed; and personal agency. PCa and its treatment side-effects were detrimental to men’s work capacity and ability, and could persist over an extended period. Most men expressed a strong desire to retain work or return to work. Discussions with healthcare professionals about work-related consequences were largely missing when treatment decisions were made. Self-employed men faced greater challenges than their salaried counterparts due to high financial burden and limited social and business support. Family, workplace and wider community support, and self-care, enhanced men’s work participation experiences.

Conclusions

PCa and its treatment substantially and persistently impacted men’s working lives, and their experiences were diverse and multifaceted. Self-employed and long-term PCa survivors face greater challenges and are at high risk of poor work outcomes. A systematic approach and involvement of stakeholders at all levels is required to support ongoing work participation.
Turkish version of the ‘food and nutrition literacy questionnaire for Chinese school-age children’ for school-age adolescents: a validity and reliability study
Authors: Mengi Çelik Özge , Karacil Ermumcu Merve Seyda , Ozyildirim Caner
Published: September 2023

Background

In this study, it was aimed to examine the psychometric characteristics of the scale named ‘Food and Nutrition Literacy Questionnaire for Chinese School-age Children (FNLQ-SC)’ in Turkish school age adolescents.

Methods

The research was carried out with 341 school-age adolescents aged 10 to 17 years. The Cronbach’s α coefficient was used to evaluate internal consistency reliability and the test–retest method was applied. The construct validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and the content validity was assessed by the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

EFA indicated that the Turkish version of FNLQ-SC had three factorial structures that accounted for 42.0% of the total variance. The overall Turkish version of FNLQ-SC questionnaire had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.679). The dimensional structure obtained in the EFA was controlled by CFA and the three-factor model showed acceptable goodness-of-fit indices (χ2/df = 1.924, RMSEA = 0.052, CFI = 0.864, GFI = 0.949). The Pearson correlation coefficients between each dimension and the overall questionnaire ranged from 0.300 to 0.842. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age, gender, grade of class, being an only child and discussing nutrition information with families had an effect on food and nutrition literacy (R2 = 0.312;p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Turkish version of FNLQ-SC has good reliability and construct validity to assess the food and nutrition literacy of Turkish school age adolescents.
Incomplete immune reconstitution and its predictors in people living with HIV in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhang Wenyuan , Yan Jisong , Luo Hong , Wang Xianguang , Ruan Lianguo
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to build and validate a nomogram model to predict the risk of incomplete immune reconstitution in people living with HIV (PLWH).

Methods

Totally 3783 individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of HIV/AIDS were included. A predictive model was developed based on a retrospective set (N = 2678) and was validated using the remaining cases (N = 1105). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine valuable predictors among the collected clinical and laboratory variables. The predictive model is presented in the form of a nomogram, which is internally and externally validated with two independent datasets. The discrimination of nomograms was assessed by calculating the area under the curve (AUC). Besides, calibration curve and decision curve (DCA) analyses were performed in the training and validation sets.

Results

The final model comprised 5 predictors, including baseline CD4, age at ART initiation, BMI, HZ and TBIL. The AUC of the nomogram model was 0.902, 0.926, 0.851 in the training cohort, internal validation and external cohorts. The calibration accuracy and diagnostic performance were satisfactory in both the training and validation sets.

Conclusions

This predictive model based on a retrospective study was externally validated using 5 readily available clinical indicators. It showed high performance in predicting the risk of incomplete immune reconstitution in people living with HIV.
Characteristics of diabetic and non-diabetic carpal tunnel syndrome in terms of clinical, electrophysiological, and Sonographic features: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Park Dougho , Lee Sang-Eok , Cho Jae Man , Yang Joong Won , Kim ManSu , Kwon Heum Dai
Published: September 2023

Background

Although diabetes is considered a major risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the characteristics of diabetic CTS have not been fully understood.

Objective

This study is aimed at evaluation of the clinical, electrophysiological, and ultrasonographic findings of non-diabetic and diabetic CTS.

Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with CTS. Patient age, sex, involved side, body mass index, clinical and electrophysiological findings, and median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) were identified. Diabetes was identified through patient or guardian interviews, medical records, and medication history. Linear and binary logistic regression models were established to confirm the associations between the electrophysiological findings, median nerve CSA, and clinical outcomes. Covariates, such as age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, symptom duration, and thenar muscle weakness were adjusted.

Results

Out of the 920 hands, 126 and 794 belonged to the diabetic and non-diabetic CTS groups, respectively. The patients were significantly older in the diabetic CTS group (P < 0.001). The rate of thenar weakness in the diabetic CTS group was also significantly higher than that in the non-diabetic CTS group (P = 0.009). The diabetic CTS group had a more severe electrodiagnostic grade (P = 0.001). The prolonged onset latency of the compound motor nerve action potential (CMAP) and median nerve CSA were well associated with the degree of clinical symptoms. Increased median nerve CSA was significantly associated with prolonged CMAP onset latency (β = 0.64; P = 0.012), prolonged transcarpal latency (β = 0.95; P = 0.044), and decreased CMAP amplitude (β = -0.17; P = 0.002) in the non-diabetic CTS group.

Conclusion

Diabetic CTS had more profound electrophysiological abnormalities. Distal motor latency and median nerve CSA were not only associated with each other, but also with clinical symptoms. Further studies are needed to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diabetic CTS.
An assessment of the pH changes and metal ions released into artificial saliva by fake orthodontic braces
Authors: Haleem Riyam , Shafiai Noor Ayuni Ahmad , Noor Siti Noor Fazliah Mohd
Published: September 2023

Background

This present study assesses changes in the pH as well as the metal ions that fake braces release into artificial saliva (AS) using a pH meter and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), respectively.

Methods

Three sets of fake archwires (AWs) and brackets (Bs) as well as a set of controls were immersed in AS and placed in an incubator shaker at 50 rpm and 37°C. At Days 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28, the pH of the AS medium was measured and 3.0 ml of AS was collected and stored at -20°C for elemental analysis.

Results

Significant changes in pH were observed on Days 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 in the AS of the AW group. However, these changes were only observed in the B group on Days 0 and 7. The fake samples released a large quantity of sodium (Na), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) ions, at concentrations exceeding 100 mg/L, post-28 days of immersion. The control and fake braces samples released other ions; such as lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), barium (Ba), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and aluminium (Al); at concentrations that did not exceed 10 mg/L.

Conclusions

The pH of the AS of all the samples increased post-incubation. Only 10 ions; namely, Na, Li, K, Mg, Ca, Ba, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Al; were detected in the AS.
Oral health-related quality of life in patients aged 8 to 19 years with cleft lip and palate: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Júnior Augusto Garcia , Montagna Erik , Zaia Victor , Barbosa Caio Parente , Bianco Bianca
Published: September 2023

Background

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common facial birth defect worldwide and causes morphological, aesthetic, and functional problems with psychosocial implications for an individual’s life and well-being. The present systematic review and meta-analysis assessed whether the treatment of CLP impacts the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children and adolescents in comparison to healthy controls.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases using terms related to CLP, and included articles until August 2023. Observational comparison studies that assessed OHRQoL in non-syndromic CLP patients aged 8–19 years with validated scales designed to such aim or scales capable to identify aspects related to oral health compared to healthy controls were included. We used the ROBINS-I tool for risk of bias assessment. A meta-analysis of continuous variables was performed using inverse variance for pooling estimates, Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) as a summary measure, with random effects model. Heterogeneity was estimated by the I2 statistics. Sensitivity analyses included subgrouping based on the scale, risk of bias and scale domains. Meta-regression was performed under a mixed-effects model considering the variables type of scale, scale domains and risk of bias.

Results

Fourteen studies were included comprising 1,185 patients with CLP and 1,558 healthy controls. The direction of the effect of OHRQoL favoured the healthy group (-0.92; 95% CI:-1,55;-0,10) and I2 = 95%. After removing three studies, I2 dropped to 80%. Meta-regression showed no influence on risk of bias (p = 0.2240) but influence of scale type (p = 0.0375) and scale domains (p < 0.001). The subgroup analysis indicated that the CPQ and COHIP scales presented very discrepant SMD values, despite pointing to the same effect direction. In contrast, the OHIP scale showed a non-significant difference between cases and controls, with estimates much lower than the other two scales. Results also suggest that OHRQoL associated with oral functionality and social well-being is more influential on outcomes than emotional well-being.

Conclusion

The global OHRQoL is slightly worst in the CLP patients than control group. The difference between OHRQoL was mainly detected through OHIP. The most affected domains are functional, emotional and social.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022336956.