bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change as Represented in Corporate Social Responsibility Reports of American and Chinese Energy Giants: A Critical Frame Analysis Perspective
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhang Jingyuan
Published: November 2023

Adopting a critical frame analysis perspective, this study investigates how American and Chinese energy giants represent and frame climate change in their corporate social responsibility reports, and reveals the respective underlying motivations and ideologies. The results show that the eight energy giants all recognized climate change, barely diagnosed its causes, slightly interpreted its impacts, but placed heavy emphasis on their solutions. They divert responsibility and criticism, through representing themselves as a victim and solver rather than a contributor. The frames identified in both corpora include Emission Management frame, Techno-optimism frame, Countermeasures frame, and Stakeholder Engagement frame, with common and distinct characteristics across the two corpora. The analysis of representations and frames exposes shared motivations such as greenwashing, legitimacy, and stakeholder engagement. However, these motivations indicate distinct ideologies, with American energy giants’ ideological denial, a subtle form of climate denialism, and Chinese energy giants’ green growth ideology, striving for a green, low-carbon development while reducing emissions.
A novel two-way rebalancing strategy for identifying carbonylation sites
Authors: Chen Linjun , Jing Xiao-Yuan , Hao Yaru , Liu Wei , Zhu Xiaoke , Han Wei
Published: November 2023

Background

As an irreversible post-translational modification, protein carbonylation is closely related to many diseases and aging. Protein carbonylation prediction for related patients is significant, which can help clinicians make appropriate therapeutic schemes. Because carbonylation sites can be used to indicate change or loss of protein function, integrating these protein carbonylation site data has been a promising method in prediction. Based on these protein carbonylation site data, some protein carbonylation prediction methods have been proposed. However, most data is highly class imbalanced, and the number of un-carbonylation sites greatly exceeds that of carbonylation sites. Unfortunately, existing methods have not addressed this issue adequately.

Results

In this work, we propose a novel two-way rebalancing strategy based on the attention technique and generative adversarial network (Carsite_AGan) for identifying protein carbonylation sites. Specifically, Carsite_AGan proposes a novel undersampling method based on attention technology that allows sites with high importance value to be selected from un-carbonylation sites. The attention technique can obtain the value of each sample’s importance. In the meanwhile, Carsite_AGan designs a generative adversarial network-based oversampling method to generate high-feasibility carbonylation sites. The generative adversarial network can generate high-feasibility samples through its generator and discriminator. Finally, we use a classifier like a nonlinear support vector machine to identify protein carbonylation sites.

Conclusions

Experimental results demonstrate that our approach significantly outperforms other resampling methods. Using our approach to resampling carbonylation data can significantly improve the effect of identifying protein carbonylation sites.
Factors affecting the preparedness of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in disasters: a systematic review
Authors: Hatami Mahmoud , Marzaleh Milad Ahmadi , Bijani Mostafa , Peyravi Mahmoudreza
Published: November 2023

Background

One of the most significant advantages of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in disaster relief efforts is their ability to reach inaccessible or remote areas quickly. This is especially important in the aftermath of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes, where roads may be blocked or damaged, and conventional ground transportation may not be available. There are many factors can affect the performance of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in disasters. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in disasters.

Methods

The systematic search in Cochran Library, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases between the first of January in 1975 and the thirty-first of May in 2023. The articles were selected based on the keywords of the authors. At last, the criteria were extracted from the selected ones.

Results

The primary search included 839 articles. After studying their title, abstract, and full context, only nine articles, including two qualitative and seven quantitative ones, were chosen for analysis. After analysis and extracting data from the final studies, the preparation factors were categorized into 6 general classes of human resources: training and practicing, management, instructions and standards, equipment, and structure. Among these, the role of training is highlighted by holding practice and maneuvers to improve and prepare the personnel and manage disasters and incidents.

Conclusion

The results obtained from this systematic review provide a total view of the factors affecting the preparation of the air ambulance during disasters and incidents. It is recommended that senior managers and policy makers use the findings of the present study to identify the factors which affect preparedness of HEMS in disasters and take the necessary measures to eliminate to obstacles.
Impact on physical function of the +AGIL Barcelona program in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairment: an interventional cohort study
Authors: Arnal Cristina , Pérez L Monica , Soto Luís , Herrero Álvaro Casas , Ars Joan , Baró Sonia , Díaz Francisco , Abilla Araceli , Enfedaque M Belén , Cesari Matteo , Inzitari Marco
Published: November 2023

Background

Older adults with cognitive impairment (CI) have higher multimorbidity and frailty prevalence, lower functional status and an increased likelihood to develop dementia, non-cognitive deficits, and adverse health-related events. +AGIL, a real-world program for frail older adults in a primary care area of Barcelona, is a pragmatic, multi-component and integrated intervention implemented since 2016. It includes physical activity, nutrition, sleep hygiene, revision and adequacy of pharmacological treatment, detection of undesired loneliness and screening for CI; to improve physical function in community-dwelling older adults. We aimed to assess the + AGIL longitudinal impact on physical function among community-dwelling frail older persons with CI.

Methods

An interventional cohort study included data from all the + AGIL consecutive participants from July 2016 until March 2020. Based on the comprehensive geriatric assessment, participants were offered a tailored multi-component community intervention, including a 10-week physical activity program led by an expert physical therapist. Physical performance was measured at baseline, three and six months follow-up. The pre-post impact on physical function was assessed by paired sample t-test for repeated samples. Linear mixed models were applied to analyze the + AGIL longitudinal impact. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

194 participants were included (82 with CI, based on previous diagnosis or the Mini-COG screening tool), 68% women, mean age 81.6 (SD = 5.8) yo. Participants were mostly independent in Activities of Daily Living (mean Barthel = 92.4, SD = 11.1). The physical activity program showed high adherence (87.6% attended ≥ 75% sessions). At three months, there was a clinically and statistically significant improvement in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and its subcomponents in the whole sample and after stratification for CI [CI group improvements: SPPB = 1.1 (SD = 1.8) points, gait speed (GS) = 0.05 (SD = 0.13) m/s, Chair stand test (CST)=-2.6 (SD = 11.4) s. Non-CI group improvements: SPPB = 1.6 (SD = 1.8) points, GS = 0.08 (SD = 0.13) m/s, CST=-6.4 (SD = 12.1) seg]. SPPB and gait speed remained stable at six months in the study sample and subgroups. CI had no significant impact on SPPB or GS improvements.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that older adults with CI can benefit from a multidisciplinary integrated and comprehensive geriatric intervention to improve physical function, a component of frailty.
Effect of admission in the stroke care unit versus intensive care unit on in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Kanda Masato , Sato Takanori , Yoshida Yoichi , Kuwabara Hiroyo , Kobayashi Yoshio , Inoue Takahiro
Published: November 2023

Background/objective

Few reports have directly compared the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who are managed in a stroke care unit (SCU) with those who are managed in an intensive care units (ICU). This large database study in Japan aimed to compare in-hospital mortality between patients with AIS admitted into SCU and those admitted into ICU.

Methods

Patients with AIS who were admitted between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2019, were selected from the administrative database and divided into the SCU and ICU groups. We calculated the propensity score to match groups for which the admission unit assignment was independent of confounding factors, including the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes were the mRS score at discharge, length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization cost.

Results

Overall, 8,683 patients were included, and 960 pairs were matched. After matching, the in-hospital mortality rates of the SCU and ICU groups were not significantly different (5.9% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.106). LOS was significantly shorter (SCU = 20.9 vs. ICU = 26.2 days, P < 0.001) and expenses were significantly lower in the SCU group than in the ICU group (SCU = 1,686,588 vs. ICU = 1,998,260 yen, P < 0.001). mRS scores (score of 1–3 or 4–6) at discharge were not significantly different after matching. Stratified analysis showed that the in-hospital mortality rate was lower in the ICU group than in the SCU group among patients who underwent thrombectomy.

Conclusions

In-hospital mortality was not significantly different between the ICU and SCU groups, with significantly lower costs and shorter LOS in the SCU group than in the ICU group.
Perinatal deaths from birth defects in Hunan Province, China, 2010–2020
Authors: Zhou Xu , Xie Donghua , He Jian , Jiang Yurong , Fang Junqun , Wang Hua
Published: November 2023

Objective

To describe the perinatal mortality rate (PMR) of birth defects and to define the relationship between birth defects (including a broad range of specific defects) and a broad range of factors.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Birth Defects Surveillance System in Hunan Province, China, 2010–2020. The prevalence rate (PR) of birth defects is the number of birth defects per 1000 fetuses (births and deaths at 28 weeks of gestation and beyond). PMR is the number of perinatal deaths per 100 fetuses. PR and PMR with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the log-binomial method. Chi-square trend tests (χ2trend) were used to determine trends in PR and PMR by year, maternal age, income, education level, parity, and gestational age of termination. Crude odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to examine the association of each maternal characteristic with perinatal deaths attributable to birth defects.

Results

Our study included 1,619,376 fetuses, a total of 30,596 birth defects, and 18,212 perinatal deaths (including 16,561 stillbirths and 1651 early neonatal deaths) were identified. The PR of birth defects was 18.89‰ (95%CI: 18.68–19.11), and the total PMR was 1.12%(95%CI: 1.11–1.14). Birth defects accounted for 42.0% (7657 cases) of perinatal deaths, and the PMR of birth defects was 25.03%. From 2010 to 2020, the PMR of birth defects decreased from 37.03% to 2010 to 21.00% in 2020, showing a downward trend (χ2trend = 373.65, P < 0.01). Congenital heart defects caused the most perinatal deaths (2264 cases); the PMR was 23.15%. PMR is highest for encephalocele (86.79%). Birth defects accounted for 45.01% (7454 cases) of stillbirths, and 96.16% (7168 cases) were selective termination of pregnancy. Perinatal deaths attributable to birth defects were more common in rural than urban areas (31.65% vs. 18.60%, OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.92–2.14) and in females than males (27.92% vs. 22.68%, OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.25–1.39). PMR of birth defects showed downward trends with rising maternal age (χ2trend = 200.86, P < 0.01), income (χ2trend = 54.39, P < 0.01), maternal education level (χ2trend = 405.66, P < 0.01), parity (χ2trend = 85.11, P < 0.01) and gestational age of termination (χ2trend = 15297.28, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

In summary, birth defects are an important cause of perinatal deaths. Rural areas, female fetuses, mothers with low maternal age, low income, low education level, low parity, and low gestational age of termination were risk factors for perinatal deaths attributable to birth defects. Future studies should examine the mechanisms. Our study is helpful for intervention programs to reduce the PMR of birth defects.
Downregulation of TAB182 promotes cancer stem-like cell properties and therapeutic resistance in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: He Huan , Wang Shaozheng , Zhang Wen , Gao Shanshan , Guan Hua , Zhou Pingkun
Published: November 2023

TAB182 participates in DNA damage repair and radio-/chemosensitivity regulation in various tumors, but its role in tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance in breast cancer remains unclear. In the current paper, we observed that triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive type of breast cancer, exhibits a lower expression of TAB182. TAB182 knockdown stimulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells. Our study first obtained RNA-seq data to explore the cellular functions mediated by TAB182 at the genome level in TNBC cells. A transcriptome analysis and in vitro experiments enabled us to identify that TAB182 downregulation drives the enhanced properties of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in TNBC cells. Furthermore, TAB182 deletion contributes to the resistance of cells to olaparib or cisplatin, which can be rescued by silencing GLI2, a gene downstream of cancer stemness-related signaling pathways. Our results reveal a novel function of TAB182 as a potential negative regulator of cancer stem-like properties and drug sensitivity in TNBC cells, suggesting that TAB182 may be a tumor suppressor gene and is associated with increased therapeutic benefits for TNBC patients.
Evaluation of an eight marker-panel including long mononucleotide repeat markers to detect microsatellite instability in colorectal, gastric, and endometrial cancers
Authors: Chung Yousun , Nam Soo Kyung , Chang Ho Eun , Lee Cheol , Kang Gyeong Hoon , Lee Hye Seung , Park Kyoung Un
Published: November 2023

Background

Accurate determination of microsatellite instability (MSI) status is critical for optimal treatment in cancer patients. Conventional MSI markers can sometimes display subtle shifts that are difficult to interpret, especially in non-colorectal cases. We evaluated an experimental eight marker-panel including long mononucleotide repeat (LMR) markers for detection of MSI.

Methods

The eight marker-panel was comprised of five conventional markers (BAT-25, BAT-26, NR-21, NR-24, and NR-27) and three LMR markers (BAT-52, BAT-59 and BAT-62). MSI testing was performed against 300 specimens of colorectal, gastric, and endometrial cancers through PCR followed by capillary electrophoresis length analysis.

Results

The MSI testing with eight marker-panel showed 99.3% (295/297) concordance with IHC analysis excluding 3 MMR-focal deficient cases. The sensitivity of BAT-59 and BAT-62 was higher than or comparable to that of conventional markers in gastric and endometrial cancer. The mean shift size was larger in LMR markers compared to conventional markers for gastric and endometrial cancers.

Conclusions

The MSI testing with eight maker-panel showed comparable performance with IHC analysis. The LMR markers, especially BAT-59 and BAT-62, showed high sensitivity and large shifts which can contribute to increased confidence in MSI classification, especially in gastric and endometrial cancers. Further study is needed with large number of samples for the validation of these LMR markers.
Evaluation of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhang Xuxiang , Wu Di , Wu Chuanjie , Ren Changhong , Meng Tingting , Ji Xunming
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFL) in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed in a general hospital. The intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis was evaluated by digital subtraction angiography (DSA), computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). High-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT) was used to evaluate the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness.

Results

A total of 102 patients, including 59(57.8%) patients with ICAS and 43(42.2%) patients without ICAS, were finally analysed in the study. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFL) was reduced significantly in the average, the superior and the inferior quadrants of the ipsilateral eyes and in the superior quadrant of the contralateral eyes in patients with ICAS compared with patients without ICAS. After multivariate analysis, only the superior pRNFL thickness in the ipsilateral eyes was significantly associated with ICAS (OR,0.968; 95% CI,0.946–0.991; p = 0.006). The area under receiver operator curve was 0.679 (95% CI,0.576–0.782) for it to identify the presence of ICAS. The cut-off value of the superior pRNFL was 109.5 μm, and the sensitivity and specificity were 50.8% and 83.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

The superior pRNFL in the ipsilateral eye was significantly associated with ICAS in this study. Larger studies are needed to explore the relation between pRNFL and ICAS further.
Altered IL-3 and lipocalin-2 levels are associated with the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder: a case-control study
Authors: Akter Mst. Sarmin , Emon Faisal Abdullah , Nahar Zabun , Shalahuddin Qusar MMA , Islam Sardar Mohammad Ashraful , Shahriar Mohammad , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: November 2023

Background

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common mental ailment and is the primary reason for disability. It manifests a severe impact on moods, thoughts, and physical health. At present, this disorder has become a concern in the field of public health. Alteration of neurochemicals is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of many psychiatric disorders. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate serum IL-3 and lipocalin-2 in MDD patients and healthy controls (HCs).

Method

We included a total of 376 participants in this study. Among them, 196 were MDD patients, and 180 were age-sex-matched HCs. MDD patients were recruited from the Psychiatry Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), but the controls were from different parts of Dhaka. All study participants were evaluated by a psychiatrist using the DSM-5 criteria. To assess the severity of the depression, we used the Hamilton depression (Ham-D) rating scale. Serum IL-3 and lipocalin-2 levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay kits (ELISA kits).

Results

According to this study, we observed elevated serum levels of IL-3 (1,024.73 ± 29.84 pg/mL) and reduced levels of serum lipocalin-2 (29.019 ± 2.073 ng/mL) in MDD patients compared to HCs (911.11 ± 20.55 pg/mL and 48.065 ± 3.583 ng/mL, respectively). No associations between serum levels of IL-3 and lipocalin-2 and depression severity were observed in patients.

Conclusions

According to the present findings, alterations of serum IL-3 and lipocalin might be associated with the pathogenesis of MDD. These results support that altered serum neurochemicals can serve as early risk assessment markers for depression. Further interventional studies are recommended for a better understanding of the role of IL-3 and lipocalin-2 in the pathophysiology of depression.
Usefulness of the autism spectrum quotient (AQ) in screening for autism spectrum disorder and social communication disorder
Authors: Yoshinaga Kiyohiro , Egawa Jun , Watanabe Yuichiro , Kasahara Hiroyuki , Sugimoto Atsunori , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: November 2023

Background

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SCD) were described as a new category of psychiatry nosography. SCD involves impairments in social communication and social interaction but not restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The autism spectrum quotient (AQ) was developed to screen for autism tendencies in adults with normal intelligence. However, AQ cutoff scores for screening ASD and SCD in the DSM-5 have not been established. This study examined whether the Japanese version of the AQ (AQ-J) total scores could discriminate between an ASD group, an SCD group, and a neurotypical (NT) group.

Methods

Participants were 127 ASD patients, 52 SCD patients, and 49 NT individuals. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to examine AQ-J total score cutoff values to distinguish between ASD and NT groups, SCD and NT groups, and ASD and SCD groups.

Results

In the ROC analysis for the ASD and NT groups, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.96, and the optimum cutoff value was 23 points (sensitivity 92.9%, specificity 85.7%). The AUC for the SCD and NT groups was 0.89, and the optimum cutoff value was 22 points (sensitivity 84.6%, specificity 85.7%). The AUC for the ASD and SCD groups was 0.75; the optimum cutoff value was 32 points (sensitivity 67.7%, specificity 71.2%).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the usefulness of the AQ-J in screening for ASD and SCD.
Analysis of the evolving factors of social media users’ emotions and behaviors: a longitudinal study from China’s COVID-19 opening policy period
Authors: Zhang Qiaohe , Yang Jinhua , Niu Tianyue , Wen Kuo-Hsun , Hong Xinhui , Wu YuChen , Wang Min
Published: November 2023

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered citizen panic and social crises worldwide. The Chinese government was the first to implement strict prevention and control policies. However, in December 2022, the Chinese government suddenly changed its prevention and control policies and completely opened up. This led to a large-scale infection of the epidemic in a short period of time, which will cause unknown social impacts. This study collected 500+ epidemic-related hotspots and 200,000+ data from November 1, 2022, to March 1, 2023. Using a sentiment classification method based on pre-trained neural network models, we conducted inductive analysis and a summary of high-frequency words of various emotions. This study focuses on the inflection point of the emotional evolution of social media users and the evolution of “hot topic searches” events and emotional behavioral factors after the sudden open policy. Our research results show that, first of all, the positive emotions of social media users are divided into 4 inflection points and 5 time periods, and the negative emotions are divided into 3 inflection points and 4 time periods. Behavioral factors are different at each stage of each emotion. And the evolution patterns of positive emotions and negative emotions are also different. Secondly, the evolution of behavioral elements deserves more attention. Continue to pay attention: The treatment of diseases, the recovery of personal health, the promotion of festive atmosphere, and the reduction of publicity on the harm of “new crown sequelae and second infections” are the behavioral concerns that affect users’ emotional changes. Finally, it is necessary to change the “hot topic searches” event by guiding the user’s behavioral focus to control the inflection point of the user’s emotion. This study helps governments and institutions understand the dynamic impact of epidemic policy changes on social media users, thereby promoting policy formulation and better coping with social crises.
Beyond the scars: a qualitative study on the experiences of mastectomy among young women with breast cancer in a country with crisis
Authors: Hasan Shaza , Chew Keng Sheng , Balang Rekaya Vincent , Wong Shirly Siew Ling
Published: November 2023

Background

As breast cancer incidence rises among younger women, there is a knowledge gap regarding the emotional, physical, and social effects of mastectomy, specifically in a crisis-affected country such as Syria. This study aimed to explore these effects on young women with breast cancer in Syria, taking into consideration the cultural significance of a woman’s breast as part of her feminine identity.

Methods

A qualitative design, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 young women with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy, was conducted between June to December 2022.

Results

Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, and five main themes were identified: (1) psychological and emotional well-being (altered self-esteem and femininity, impact on sexual life and relationships, psychological distress associated with mastectomy, mirror trauma and the need for psychological care); (2) body image and breast reconstruction (the dilemma over reconstruction decision, body image and clothing and lack of access to prosthetic information/services); (3) social and interpersonal factors (lack of marriage choices and society’s view and stigma); (4) coping mechanisms with mastectomy effects (family support; faith in god almighty; comparing their situation to others and use of prosthetics) and (5) physical health and functioning (physical effects on mobility and function).

Conclusion

Mastectomy has significant physical, emotional, and social consequences on young women with breast cancer, particularly in crisis-affected Syria where access to breast reconstruction is limited. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand these impacts, to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and promote less aggressive treatments to improve women’s quality of life.
Patients’ and providers’ perspectives on the decision to undergo non-urgent egg freezing: a needs assessment
Authors: Dason E. Shirin , Drost Leah , Greenblatt Ellen M. , Scheer Adena , Han Jinglan , Doshi Tanya , Jones Claire A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Previous research has demonstrated that patients have difficulty with the decision to undergo non-urgent egg freezing (EF). This study aimed to investigate the decisional difficulties and possible decisional support mechanisms for patients considering EF, and for their providers.

Methods

This qualitative study involved a needs assessment via individual interviews. Participants included patients considering EF at one academic fertility clinic and providers from across Canada who counsel patients considering EF. 25 participants were included (13 providers and 12 patients). The interview guide was developed according to the Ottawa Decision Support Framework. Interviews were transcribed, and transcripts analyzed for themes and concepts using NVIVO 12.

Findings

Multiple factors contributing to decisional difficulty were identified, including: (1) multiple reproductive options available with differing views from patients/providers regarding their importance; (2) a decision typically made under the pressure of reproductive aging; (3) uncertainty surrounding the technology/inadequate outcome data; (4) the financial burden of EF; (5) inherent uncertainty relating to potential decision regret; and (6) differing perceptions between patients/providers regarding the role providers should play in the decision. Additionally, potential sources of decisional support were identified, including provision of basic information before and/or during initial consultation, followed by an opportunity during or after initial consultation for clarifying information and helping with value judgements. Individualized counselling based on patient values, adequate follow-up, psychosocial counselling, and peer support were also emphasized.

Conclusions

More decisional support for women considering EF is needed. Suggestions include a patient decision aid in conjunction with modified healthcare provider counselling, support and follow up.
“The project did not come to us with a solution”: Perspectives of research teams on implementing a study about electronic health record-embedded individualized pain plans for emergency department treatment of vaso-occlusive episodes in adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Baumann Ana A. , Hankins Jane S. , Hsu Lewis L. , Gibson Robert W. , Richardson Lynne D. , Treadwell Marsha , Glassberg Jeffrey A. , Bourne Sarah , Luo Lingzi , Masese Rita V. , Demartino Terri , Nocek Judith , Taaffe Elizabeth , Gollan Sierra , Ruiz Ome-Ollin , Nwosu Chinonyelum , Qashou Nai , James Aimee S. , Tanabe Paula , King Allison A.
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to capture the implementation process of the ALIGN Study, (An individualized Pain Plan with Patient and Provider Access for Emergency Department care of Sickle Cell Disease). ALIGN aimed to embed Individualized Pain Plans in the electronic health record (E-IPP) and provide access to the plan for both adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and emergency department providers when a person with SCD comes to the emergency department in vaso-occlusive crises.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with research teams from the 8 participating sites from the ALIGN study. Seventeen participants (principal investigators and study coordinators) shared their perspectives about the implementation of ALIGN in their sites. Data were analyzed in three phases using open coding steps adapted from grounded theory and qualitative content analysis.

Results

A total of seven overarching themes were identified: (1) the E-IPP structure (location and upkeep) and collaboration with the informatics team, (2) the role of ED champion, (3) the role of research coordinators, (4) research team communication, and communication between research team and clinical team, (5) challenges with the study protocol, (6) provider feedback: addressing over-utilizers, patient mistrust, and the positive feedback about the intervention, and (7) COVID-19 and its effects on study implementation.

Conclusions

Findings from this study contribute to learning how to implement E-IPPs for adult patients with SCD in ED. The study findings highlight the importance of early engagement with different team members, a champion from the emergency department, study coordinators with different skills and enhancement of communication and trust among team members. Further recommendations are outlined for hospitals aiming to implement E-IPP for patients with SCD in ED.
Circulating cell-free DNA fragmentation is a stepwise and conserved process linked to apoptosis
Authors: Zhu Dandan , Wang Haihong , Wu Wei , Geng Shuaipeng , Zhong Guolin , Li Yunfei , Guo Han , Long Guanghui , Ren Qingqi , Luan Yi , Duan Chaohui , Wei Bing , Ma Jie , Li Shiyong , Zhou Jun , Mao Mao
Published: November 2023

Background

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a pool of short DNA fragments mainly released from apoptotic hematopoietic cells. Nevertheless, the precise physiological process governing the DNA fragmentation and molecular profile of cfDNA remains obscure. To dissect the DNA fragmentation process, we use a human leukemia cell line HL60 undergoing apoptosis to analyze the size distribution of DNA fragments by shallow whole-genome sequencing (sWGS). Meanwhile, we also scrutinize the size profile of plasma cfDNA in 901 healthy human subjects and 38 dogs, as well as 438 patients with six common cancer types by sWGS.

Results

Distinct size distribution profiles were observed in the HL60 cell pellet and supernatant, suggesting fragmentation is a stepwise process. Meanwhile, C-end preference was seen in both intracellular and extracellular cfDNA fragments. Moreover, the cfDNA profiles are characteristic and conserved across mammals. Compared with healthy subjects, distinct cfDNA profiles with a higher proportion of short fragments and lower C-end preference were found in cancer patients.

Conclusions

Our study provides new insight into fragmentomics of circulating cfDNA processing, which will be useful for early diagnosis of cancer and surveillance during cancer progression.
CHOP upregulation and dysregulation of the mature form of the SNAT2 amino acid transporter in the placentas from small for gestational age newborns
Authors: Barroso Emma , Díaz Marta , Reguera Ana Cristina , Peyman Mona , Balsinde Jesús , Jurado-Aguilar Javier , Zhang Meijian , Rostami Adel , Palomer Xavier , Ibáñez Lourdes , Vázquez-Carrera Manuel
Published: November 2023

Background

The placentas from newborns that are small for gestational age (SGA; birth weight < -2 SD for gestational age) may display multiple pathological characteristics. A key determinant of fetal growth and, therefore, birth weight is placental amino acid transport, which is under the control of the serine/threonine kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). The effects of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on the mTOR pathway and the levels of amino acid transporters are not well established.

Methods

Placentas from SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns and the human placental BeWo cell line exposed to the ER stressor tunicamycin were used.

Results

We detected a significant increase in the levels of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in the placentas from SGA newborns compared with those from AGA newborns, while the levels of other ER stress markers were barely affected. In addition, placental mTOR Complex 1 (mTORC1) activity and the levels of the mature form of the amino acid transporter sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2) were also reduced in the SGA group. Interestingly, CHOP has been reported to upregulate growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 34 (GADD34), which in turn suppresses mTORC1 activity. The GADD34 inhibitor guanabenz attenuated the increase in CHOP protein levels and the reduction in mTORC1 activity caused by the ER stressor tunicamycin in the human placental cell line BeWo, but it did not recover mature SNAT2 protein levels, which might be reduced as a result of defective glycosylation.

Conclusions

Collectively, these data reveal that GADD34A activity and glycosylation are key factors controlling mTORC1 signaling and mature SNAT2 levels in trophoblasts, respectively, and might contribute to the SGA condition.
Healthy eating and active living policy, systems, and environmental changes in rural Louisiana: a contextual inquiry to inform implementation strategies
Authors: Houghtaling Bailey , Balis Laura , Pradhananga Nila , Cater Melissa , Holston Denise
Published: November 2023

Background

Healthy eating and active living policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes are implemented across the United States through Cooperative Extension. However, translating multisector PSE changes to practice in community settings is challenging and there is a lack of knowledge about barriers and facilitators to PSE changes among state Extension systems using standardized frameworks. Therefore, a research-to-practice partnership effort aimed to identify Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Science (LFCS) practitioners’ barriers and facilitators to implementing PSE changes in rural Louisiana communities.

Methods

A qualitative approach using the 2022 Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (2022 CFIR) was used. Focus group discussions were conducted at five LFCS regional trainings between February and May 2022. All LFCS practitioners with any level of experience implementing healthy eating and active living PSE changes were eligible to participate, with emphasis on understanding efforts within more rural communities. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Researchers analyzed qualitative data using the constant comparison method and 2022 CFIR domains and constructs including Inner Setting (LFCS organization), Outer Setting (rural Louisiana communities), Innovation (PSE changes), and Individuals (PSE change implementation actors/partners).

Results

Across the five regions, LFCS practitioners (n = 40) described more barriers (n = 210) than facilitators (n = 100); findings were often coded with multiple 2022 CFIR domains. Reported Inner Setting barriers were lack of formal or informal information sharing and lack of access to knowledge and information. Outer Setting barriers included sustaining and initiating community partnerships and local environmental or political conditions. Individual barriers included a lack of time and expertise, and Innovation barriers included the complex nature of rural PSE changes. Facilitators were mentioned at multiple levels and included community partner buy-in and practitioners’ motivation to implement PSE changes.

Conclusions

Implementation strategies are needed to build on organizational strengths and to overcome multi-level barriers to PSE change implementation among LFCS practitioners. The results from the in-depth contextual inquiry used could serve as a guide for future pragmatic assessment efforts among other state Extension systems or as a model for identifying barriers and facilitators and associated implementation strategies among other public health systems in the U.S. and abroad.
Qualitative study of barriers and facilitators to HIV detection and treatment among women who inject drugs during the war against Ukraine
Authors: Karagodina Olena , Kovtun Oksana , Filippovych Myroslava , Neduzhko Oleksandr
Published: November 2023

Background

The Russian Federation’s invasion in Ukraine has resulted social hardship, millions of internally displaced persons, the destruction of medical infrastructure, and limited access to HIV services. There is no available information regarding the impact of the war on the HIV treatment cascade among women who inject drugs (WWID) in Ukraine. In this study, we examine the barriers and facilitators of HIV detection, initiation of treatment, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among WWID.

Methods

During the in-depth interviews, participants were queried about their needs for HIV testing, treatment and related services, as well as barriers to HIV testing, initiation and retention on ART, including organizational barriers and changes in existing preventive and treatment programs. Thematic content analysis was used to employed to derive the results.

Results

From August to September 2022, we conducted in-depth interviews among 38 WWID in Kryvyi Rih, Kyiv, and in the Ivano-Frankivsk and Odesa regions of Ukraine. The most persistent personal facilitator for HIV detection, ART initiation, and retention in services was a combination of several factors, including strong ties with relatives and a sense of responsibility for loved ones, support from the family, willingness to cooperate with specialists, a higher level of education, and a relatively prosperous financial situation. Barriers such as war-related stress and disruptions to healthcare facilities are directly linked to the ongoing war. The influence of other barriers (fear of discovering the presence of the disease, potential social restrictions, and drug use) was universal and only indirectly related to the state of war. The majority of WWID provided positive assessments of the quality of work and the availability of preventive HIV services.

Conclusion

The ongoing war against Ukraine continues to have a detrimental impact on all aspects of the population’s life, particularly affecting WWID. Providers of HIV services must make every effort to sustain and optimize these services, taking into account the evolving context and new requirements. The changing life situation and shifting priorities of WWID necessitate a dynamic and comprehensive assessment of existing challenges.
Periarticular infiltration used in total joint replacements: an update and review article
Authors: King Gavin Anthony , Le Alexander , Nickol Michaela , Sarkis Bianca , van der Merwe Johannes Michiel
Published: November 2023

Periarticular infiltration following total knee and hip arthroplasty has been demonstrated to be equivalent to peripheral nerve blocks for postoperative pain management. The ideal cocktail has not been established yet. We have conducted a literature search on PubMed and Embase. Our search criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs). We tried to only include the most recent studies to keep the information current. The included research focused at Dexmedetomidine, Liposomal Bupivacaine, Ropivacaine, Epinephrine, Ketorolac, Morphine, Ketamine and Glucocorticosteroids. Each medication’s mode of action, duration, ideal dosage, contraindications, side effects and effectiveness have been summarized in the review article. This article will help the clinician to make an informed evidence-based decision about which medications to include in their ideal cocktail.
A microregional reindeer herding landscape in Yamal: patterns and dynamics of movements
Authors: Volkovitskiy Alexander , Terekhina Alexandra
Published: November 2023

Human and animal mobility lies at the core of any nomadic pastoralist system. Anthropological studies of migratory patterns of mobile pastoralists’ movements have revealed two universal sets of factors—ecological and non-ecological—that influence such movements differently. Our study focuses on the nomadic movement of the Yamal Nenets reindeer herders in the Russian Arctic using a microregional approach to study the indigenous communities on a large scale. The Nenets households of the Mordyyakha microregion in the northwest of the Yamal Peninsula have changed winter pasture sites several times over the past 15–20 years, while maintaining a stable summer route. Based on fieldwork among these people, we analyse how environmental and non-environmental factors influence the dynamics of their summer and winter meridional nomadic routes. We argue that long-term changes in their winter mobility are mainly related to the quality of pastures. Changing winter sites is a strategy that relates to ecological factors and still remains relevant for the households migrating via the meridional pastoral corridors of Yamal. In contrast, changing summer areas, as a rule, occurs in response to developing industry and, thus, relates to non-ecological factors.
Research on electromagnetic vibration energy harvester for cloud-edge-end collaborative architecture in power grid
Authors: Zhang Minghao , Song Rui , Zhang Jun , Zhou Chenyuan , Peng Guozheng , Tian Haoyang , Wu Tianyi , Li Yunjia
Published: November 2023

With the deepening of the construction of the new type power system, the grid has become increasingly complex, and its safe and stable operation is facing more challenges. In order to improve the quality and efficiency of power grid management, State Grid Corporation continues to promote the digital transformation of the grid, proposing concepts such as cloud-edge-end collaborative architecture and power Internet of Things, for which comprehensive sensing of the grid is an important foundation. Power equipment is widely distributed and has a wide variety of types, and online monitoring of them involves the deployment and application of a large number of power sensors. However, there are various problems in implementing active power supplies for these sensors, which restrict their service life. In order to collect and utilize the vibration energy widely present in the grid to provide power for sensors, this paper proposes an electromagnetic vibration energy harvester and its design methodology based on a four-straight-beam structure, and carries out a trial production of prototype. The vibration pickup unit of the harvester is composed of polyimide cantilevers, a permanent magnet and a mass-adjusting spacer. The mass-adjusting spacer can control the vibration frequency of the vibration unit to match the target frequency. In this paper, a key novel method is proposed to increase the number of turns in a limited volume by stacking flexible coils, which can boost the output voltage of the energy harvester. A test system is built to conduct a performance test for the prototype harvester. According to the test results, the resonant frequency of the device is $$100\ Hz$$

100

H
z

, the output peak-to-peak voltage at the resonant frequency is $$2.56\ V$$

2.56

V

at the acceleration of $$1\ g$$

1

g

, and the maximum output power is around $$151.7\ \mu W$$

151.7

μ
W

. The proposed four-straight-beam electromagnetic vibration energy harvester in this paper has obvious advantages in output voltage and power compared with state-of-the-art harvesters. It can provide sufficient power for various sensors, support the construction of cloud-edge-end architecture and the deployment of a massive number of power sensors. In the last part of this article, a self-powered transformer vibration monitor is presented, demonstrating the practicality of the proposed vibration energy harvester.
Composition, function, and timing: exploring the early-life gut microbiota in piglets for probiotic interventions
Authors: Quan Jianping , Xu Cineng , Ruan Donglin , Ye Yong , Qiu Yibin , Wu Jie , Zhou Shenping , Luan Menghao , Zhao Xiang , Chen Yue , Lin Danyang , Sun Ying , Yang Jifei , Zheng Enqin , Cai Gengyuan , Wu Zhenfang , Yang Jie
Published: November 2023

Background

The establishment of a robust gut microbiota in piglets during their early developmental stage holds the potential for long-term advantageous effects. However, the optimal timeframe for introducing probiotics to achieve this outcome remains uncertain.

Results

In the context of this investigation, we conducted a longitudinal assessment of the fecal microbiota of 63 piglets at three distinct pre-weaning time points. Simultaneously, we gathered vaginal and fecal samples from 23 sows. Employing 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing methodologies, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the fluctuation patterns in microbial composition, functional capacity, interaction networks, and colonization resistance within the gut microbiota of piglets. As the piglets progressed in age, discernible modifications in intestinal microbial diversity, composition, and function were observed. A source-tracking analysis unveiled the pivotal role of fecal and vaginal microbiota derived from sows in populating the gut microbiota of neonatal piglets. By D21, the microbial interaction network displayed a more concise and efficient configuration, accompanied by enhanced colonization resistance relative to the other two time points. Moreover, we identified three strains of Ruminococcus sp. at D10 as potential candidates for improving piglets' weight gain during the weaning phase.

Conclusions

The findings of this study propose that D10 represents the most opportune juncture for the introduction of external probiotic interventions during the early stages of piglet development. This investigation augments our comprehension of the microbiota dynamics in early-life of piglets and offers valuable insights for guiding forthcoming probiotic interventions.