bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping in caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumors: A mediation analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Forst Deborah Anne , Willis Kelcie D , Strander Sumita Madhok , Whitman Jessica Devon , Chiu Daniel , Horick Nora K. , Pintro Kedie , El-Jawahri Areej , Greer Joseph A. , Temel Jennifer S. , Jacobs Jamie M.
Published: June 2024

12110

Background: Caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumors (PMBT) experience immense psychological distress and lack tailored supportive care resources. In a recently completed randomized controlled trial, we demonstrated that a brief telehealth-based psychological intervention (“NeuroCARE”) for caregivers of patients with PMBT led to decreased anxiety and depression symptoms as well as greater caregiving self-efficacy and coping ability compared to usual care (UC). To explore active drivers of the intervention, we examined whether improvements in caregivers’ coping ability mediated the effects of NeuroCARE on psychosocial outcomes. Methods: From October 2019 to June 2022, we enrolled 120 adult caregivers (mean age 53 years, 83% female, 70% spouse/partner) of patients newly diagnosed with a PMBT to a trial of NeuroCARE vs. UC. Eligible caregivers had elevated baseline anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 ≥ 5). Caregivers self-reported their anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety), depression symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression), coping skills (Measure of Current Status), and caregiving self-efficacy (Lewis Cancer Self-Efficacy Scale) at baseline and 11 weeks (post-intervention). We ran three causal mediation regression models with bias-corrected bootstrapping to examine whether intervention effects on anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and self-efficacy at 11 weeks were mediated by changes in coping ability from baseline to 11-weeks. Results: Improvements in anxiety symptoms at 11 weeks in caregivers assigned to NeuroCARE, compared to those receiving UC, were mediated by increased coping ability across the 11 weeks. Improved coping ability led to a 1.44 decrease in anxiety on the HADS-A for patients assigned to NeuroCARE (indirect effect = -1.44, bootstrapped SE = 0.49, 95% CI [-2.50, -0.54]). This indirect effect accounted for 75% of the total intervention effect on anxiety. Similarly, NeuroCARE-related reductions in 11-week depression symptoms were mediated by improved coping ability (indirect effect = -1.43, bootstrapped SE = 0.38, 95% CI [-2.21, -0.74], 82% of the total effect), as were increases in caregiving self-efficacy (indirect effect = 11.03, bootstrapped SE = 2.59, 95% CI [6.30, 16.53], 63% of the total effect). Conclusions: The beneficial effects of the intervention on caregivers’ anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and self-efficacy were driven indirectly by caregivers’ use of evidence-based coping skills learned in NeuroCARE. The identification of coping as an active intervention component is critical for optimizing the scalability and sustainability of NeuroCARE for this highly burdened and distressed PMBT caregiver population. Clinical trial information: NCT04109209 .
Patterns of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with melanoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Authors: He Jiasen , John Ida , Afridi Faraz , Sun Mianen , Wang Yinghong , Roth Michael , McQuade Jennifer Leigh
Published: June 2024

12117

Background: ICIs are increasingly used in AYAs with cancer, however, limited data exists on the frequency and pattern of irAEs in this population and the ability to rechallenge with ICIs after irAEs. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed AYAs aged 15-39 with melanoma who received treatment with ICIs at MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2013 to 2023. Treatment cessation was defined as switching therapies or pausing the original treatment for over 3 months, and rechallenge as resuming immunotherapy post-cessation. Results: A total of 136 pts were included, 80 were male (59%), with median age at 33 years (range, 15-39 years) upon initial ICI exposure. The majority had non-acral cutaneous melanoma (107, 79%) and 83 (63%) had a BRAF V600E/R/K alteration. Ninety-three percent patients had stage III/IV cancer at ICI treatment initiation. Targeted therapy was used in 20 patients (15%) prior to starting ICI and 16 patients (12%) concurrently. Combination immunotherapy was utilized in 43% of cases, while monotherapy in 57%. The initial intent for ICIs was adjuvant in 51% of the cases, palliative in 37% and neoadjuvant in 12%. The incidence of any-grade and grade III/IV irAEs with 1st line ICI therapy was 60% and 21% for the full cohort (with combination of CTLA-4/PD-1 blockers 70% and 33%; with PD-1 blockers monotherapy was 50% and 9%, respectively). Forty-eight AYAs had multi-system irAEs (35%) and 23 were grade III/IV. Thirty-two (24%) patients had their initial ICI stopped due to irAEs with hepatitis (31%, 10/32) and colitis (28%, 9/32) being the most common causes. Eighteen patients (13%) had irAE-related hospitalizations. Specific irAEs are listed in the table. Seventy-two (53%) patients were rechallenged with ICIs. Of these, 51 had previous irAEs and among these, 71% had recurrent irAEs. Seventy-six percent (36/51) experienced irAEs again with 33% (17/51) having the same irAEs. Twenty-six percent of patients (13/51) had grade III/IV irAEs. Conclusions: In AYAs with melanoma who were treated with ICIs, irAE is one of the major reasons for treatment interruption. The incidence of irAEs in AYAs appears somewhat lower than the rates previously reported in registrational trials, though this should be interpreted with caution given retrospective nature of current study. Patients with prior irAEs have a higher risk of recurrent or new irAEs upon rechallenge, however, the majority were low grade without serious negative outcome. [Table: see text]
Determination of amino acid and fatty acid profiles of bogue (Boops boops) fished in the Gulf of Antalya
Authors: Cevher Hasan , Bilgin Şengül , Doğan Güntekin
Published: June 2024

Our study aimed to establish the monthly changes of bogue fatty acids and amino acids (Boops boops Linnaeus, 1758) economically important species during the fishing season. According to the results of the fatty acid analysis of bogue; the highest values were detected for C20:4 ω-6 (arachidonic acid) in December (6.50%), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) C20:5 ω-3 in September (5.45%), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) C22:6 ω-3 in March (16.36%), ΣMUFA (total monounsaturated fatty acid) in April (36.57%), ΣPUFA (total polyunsaturated fatty acid) in November (31.81%) and EPA+DHA in March (19.61%). The highest EPA, DHA and total ω-3 values were observed in March. Amino acid values usually showed important monthly variation (P<0.05). EAA (Essential amino acids) such as lysine (4038.5 mg/100g), valine (1126.5 mg/100g) and leucine (1737.5 mg/100g) contents of bogue were detected in February as the highest values. Glutamic acid and aspartic acid from the NEAA (Non-essential amino acid) values were found highest amount in April. Fatty acids and amino acid values, obtained from the bogue samples changed monthly and were generally significant (P<0.05).
The role of prebiotics in gastrointestinal health: a systematic review
Authors: Ojo Omorogieva , Elliott Helen
Published: June 2024

Background:

Many chronic conditions in humans, including inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, have been linked to an imbalance in the gut microbial ecosystem. The maintenance of healthy gut microbiota involving the use of prebiotics may contribute to eubiosis, which could be useful in promoting gastrointestinal health. This systemic review aims to examine the role of prebiotics in gastrointestinal health.

Method:

The systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA framework. Searches were carried out in electronic databases including Health Sciences Research Databases, EMBASE and the reference list of articles. The PICO tool was used to develop the search terms and the results of the searches were screened for eligibility based on inclusion and the exclusion criteria.

Results:

Seven randomised controlled studies were included in the systematic review. Following the review of the results of the studies included, three distinct areas were identified.

Conclusions:

This systematic review has demonstrated that prebiotics are effective in promoting the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and gastrointestinal health with minimal discomfort, although the type and amount of prebiotics are important factors.
Manuka honey in stoma care
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: June 2024

Mark Greener discusses the application of manuka honey in stoma care
Patient voice and involvement are at the heart of Kidney Care UK
Authors: Palmer Nick
Published: June 2024

Nick Palmer outlines how important patients are to the aims of Kidney Care UK
Why people sell their kidneys for transplant
Authors: Ellis Peter
Published: June 2024

This article outlines why people should not be allowed to sell their kidneys, and the reasons that people sell them
Acemhöyük Erken Tunç Çağı İdolleri
Authors: Şener Tuğçe
Published: June 2024

Acemhöyük, gerek konumu gerekse sahip olduğu boyutları ile Erken Tunç Çağı (MÖ 3000-2000) ve Orta Tunç Çağı (MÖ 2000-1700) boyunca Orta Anadolu Bölgesi’nin önemli krallık merkezlerinden biri olmuştur. Yerleşim en parlak dönemini üç büyük anıtsal bina ile Asur Ticaret Kolonileri Çağı’nda yaşamıştır. Ancak son yıllarda Erken Tunç Çağı tabakalarında ağırlık verilen kazılar benzer bir tablo ortaya koymaktadır. Daha önce benzerine rastlanmamış anıtsal sur duvarı, radyal planlı mekanları, kültürel bağlantıları tanımlayan buluntuları ile Acemhöyük’ün Erken Tunç Çağı’nda da önemli bir krallık merkezi olduğu anlaşılmaktadır. Bu bağlantıları tanımlayan önemli malzeme gruplarından birisi de idollerdir. Bu çalışmada Acemhöyük Erken Tunç Çağı III tabakalarında ele geçen 23 adet idol değerlendirilmiştir. Yapıldıkları hammadde ve form özelliklerine göre sınıflandırılan idoller, yakın ve uzak coğrafyalarda yer alan yerleşimler ile karşılaştırılmıştır. Çağdaş örnekler üzerinden benzerlik ve farklılıklar belirlenmiştir. Daha çok seramik materyali üzerinden kurulan Acemhöyük kültürel bağlantıları, idoller vasıtasıyla bir kez daha ele alınmış ve benzer bir tablo ortaya konmuştur.
Mardin Müzesi nde Bulunan Lapis Lazuli Taşından Bir Silindir Mührün Renk Sembolizmi Açısından Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: DUMAN Bilge , AKARSU Rabia
Published: June 2024

Mezopotamya’da çeşitli değerli ve yarı değerli taşlardan yapılmış silindir mühürlerin güvenliği sağlamak, onay ve özel mülkiyeti belirtmek gibi resmi işlevinin yanı sıra nazardan veya kötülüklerden korunmak için amulet (muska) olarak kullanılmasıyla dinsel işlevi olduğu da bilinmektedir. Mühürlerin amulet olarak kullanıldığının düşünülmesinde, üzerinde işaret, yazı ve dua bulundurması, değerli ve yarı değerli taşlardan yapılmasının etkili olduğu görülmektedir. Mühür yapımında kullanılan taşların renkleri ve bir enerjiye sahip oldukları yönündeki yaygın inanç mühürlerin işlevlerinin yorumlanmasını farklı bir boyuta taşımaktadır. Taşların barındırdığı büyülü etkiyi mühürlerle buluşturan erken dönem toplumları, mühürlerin sihirsel güçlerinin bu değerli taşlardan geldiğine inanmıştır. Lapis lazuli erken dönemlerden itibaren kendine has mavi rengi ve ender bulunması nedeniyle değerli sanat eserlerinin üretiminde tercih edilmiştir. Erken dönem halkları tarafından gökyüzü ve su ile ilişki kurulan “mavi” renk, yaşamı ve yeniden doğuşu temsil eden bir renk olmuştur. Bu çalışmada, Mardin Müzesi’ne satın alma yoluyla gelmiş olan lapis lazuli taşından bir adet silindir mühürün, bu mühürün yapımında kullanılan lapis lazuli taşının ve mavi renk sembolizminin önemi üzerinde durulmaktadır.
Philadelphia Antik Kentinden (Isauria Kilikia Trakheia) Kaburga Bezemeli Cam Kâse/Fincanlar
Authors: KÖRSULU Hatice
Published: June 2024

Philadelphia antik kenti, Isauria – Kilikia Trakheia Bölgesi’nde gösterilmektedir. Bugün Karaman ili Ermenek ilçesinde Gökçeseki köyünün kuzeyinde yer almaktadır. 2015 yılında antik kentin nekropolisinde bir kurtarma kazısı yapılmıştır. Kazılarda podyumlu lahit mezarlar ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Bu lahitlerin bitiminde atık çukuru olduğu düşünülen bir alanla karşılaşılmıştır. Bu çalışmanın konusu, söz konusu atık çukurundan ele geçen kaburga bezemeli cam kâse/fincanlardır. Bunlar arasında yarı küresel gövdeli-kaburga bezemeli kâseler, ince kaburgalı kâse/fincanlar (Zarte Rippenschalen) ile kaburga bezemeli kâse/fincanlar bulunmaktadır. Bunlar sırasıyla kalıba döküm, serbest üfleme, kalıba üfleme tekniklerinde üretilmiş kaburgalı eserlerdir. Genel olarak MÖ I. yüzyıl ortaları ile MS I. yüzyıl arasına tarihlenmektedirler. Philadelphia kentini, MS 38’de Kommagene kralı IV. Antiokhos’un kurduğu bilinmektedir. Bununla birlikte Philadelphia nekropolisi’nde aynı alandan ele geçen Doğu Sigillata A Kapları, Kurşun Sırlı Seramikler, cam bir alabastron MÖ II-I. yüzyılları göstermektedir. Bu çalışmaya konu olan Kaburga bezemeli kâse/fincanlarda bu tarihleri desteklemektedir. Buna göre en az Geç Hellenistik Dönem’de burada bir yerleşim olmalıdır. MS 38’de ise var olan yerleşimin Philadelphia adıyla yeniden kurulduğu önerilebilir. Philadelphia ve çevresinde cam üretimine dair herhangi bir veri yoktur. Kaburga bezemeli kâse/fincanlar, kente olasılıkla ithal olarak ulaşmış olmalıdır.
Bringing research into policy: understanding context-specific requirements for productive knowledge brokering in legislatures
Authors: Karaulova Maria , Edler Jakob
Published: June 2024

Background:

Knowledge brokering is suggested as an instrument to improve productive use of research in policy organisations. Previous research asserted that research utilisation is dependent on dynamics of knowledge exchange in institutional settings, but these claims have not received substantial empirical attention (Saarela et al, 2015; Akerlof et al, 2019; MacKillop et al, 2020). Viewing knowledge brokering as the involved role, three specific challenges are identified: high legitimacy requirements for the brokered knowledge and the broker; the need to cater for a wide range of topics, audiences and uses; and the need to compete with other evidence suppliers.

Aims and objectives:

The research question of the article is: how do legislative knowledge brokers navigate context-specific knowledge transfer challenges presented by their institutional context?

Methods:

An in-depth interpretive case study of the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. The analysis includes interviews with parliamentary actors, shadowing and participant observation.

Findings:

The results substantiate the challenges of legislative knowledge brokering in the UK context and inductively identify a further challenge of demonstrating impact. Legislative knowledge brokers employ multiple strategies to navigate the challenges: co-shape and adhere to the norms of impartiality, mobilise external expertise, collaborate with in-house and external research support actors, employ anticipation techniques, build broker chains, seek understanding of own role and impact.

Discussion and conclusion:

The article contributes to the understanding of knowledge brokering as a context-dependent role. The conclusions discuss influence of knowledge brokers’ work remit and positionality in deploying strategies to overcome the legislative challenges.
Improving correlation based super-resolution microscopy images through image fusion by self-supervised deep learning
Authors: Beck Lior M. , Shocher Assaf , Rossman Uri , Halfon Ariel , Irani Michal , Oron Dan
Published: June 2024

Super-resolution imaging is a powerful tool in modern biological research, allowing for the optical observation of subcellular structures with great detail. In this paper, we present a deep learning approach for image fusion of intensity and super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging (SOFI) microscopy images. We construct a network that can successfully combine the advantages of these two imaging methods, producing a fused image with a resolution comparable to that of SOFI and an SNR comparable to that of the intensity image. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach experimentally, specifically on cell samples where microtubules were stained with ATTO647N and imaged using a confocal microscope with a single photon fiber bundle camera, allowing for the simultaneous acquisition of an image scanning microscopy (ISM) image and a SOFISM (ISM and SOFI) image. Our network is designed as a self-supervised network and shows the ability to train on a single pair of images and to generalize to other image pairs without the need for additional training. Our approach offers a flexible and efficient way to combine the strengths of correlation based imaging techniques along with traditional intensity based microscopy, and can be readily applied to other fluctuation based imaging modalities.
Ultrawide dual contact strip fabricated quantum cascade lasers with reduced beam divergence angle
Authors: Suttinger Matthew , Flores Enoc , Go Rowel , Lu Chunte A.
Published: June 2024

Power scaling through the broadening of the laser core in Quantum Cascade Lasers can extract greater average power from devices at the cost of mode quality. To improve transverse mode quality for ultrawide (>100 µm) devices, a dual contact strip waveguide geometry is designed and demonstrated, utilizing a reduced top cladding thickness, and modifying the gold electrical epi-side contact to affect mode competition. A 200 µm wide Dual Contact Strip laser emitting at 4.6 µm wavelength is measured with far-field full-width half-maximum of 2.5° in a central single lobe. Relative an identical waveguide without the dual contact strips, peak power was 30% higher and far field was 32% narrower. This demonstrates the ability to achieve fundamental-like far field behavior in very broad quantum cascadel asers while potentially simplifying the fabrication method.
Efficient source-independent quantum conference key agreement
Authors: Bao Yu , Xiao Yi-Ran , Song Yu-Chen , Cao Xiao-Yu , Fu Yao , Yin Hua-Lei , Chen Zeng-Bing
Published: June 2024

Quantum conference key agreement (QCKA) enables the unconditional secure distribution of conference keys among multiple participants. Due to challenges in high-fidelity preparation and long-distance distribution of multi-photon entanglement, entanglement-based QCKA is facing severe limitations in both key rate and scalability. Here, we propose a source-independent QCKA scheme utilizing the post-matching method, feasible within the entangled photon pair distribution network. We introduce an equivalent distributing virtual multi-photon entanglement protocol for providing unconditional security proof even in the case of coherent attacks. For the symmetry star network, compared with the previous n-photon entanglement protocol, the conference key rate is improved from O(η
n
) to O(η2), where η is the transmittance from the entanglement source to one participant. Simulation results show that the performance of our protocol has multiple orders of magnitude advantages in the intercity distance. We anticipate that our approach will demonstrate its potential in the implementation of quantum networks.
Rydberg-atom-based radio-frequency sensors: amplitude-regime sensing
Authors: Schmidt Matthias , Bohaichuk Stephanie , Venu Vijin , Christaller Florian , Liu Chang , Ripka Fabian , Kübler Harald , Shaffer James P.
Published: June 2024

Rydberg atom-based radio frequency electromagnetic field sensors are drawing wide-spread interest because of their unique properties, such as small size, dielectric construction, and self-calibration. These photonic sensors use lasers to prepare atoms and read out the atomic response to a radio frequency electromagnetic field based on electromagnetically induced transparency, or related phenomena. Much of the theoretical work has focused on the Autler-Townes splitting induced by the radio frequency wave. The amplitude regime, where the change in transmission observed on resonance is measured to determine electric field strength, has received less attention. In this paper, we deliver analytic expressions that are useful for calculating the absorption coefficient in the amplitude regime. Our main goal is to describe the analytic expressions for the absorption coefficient and demonstrate their validity over a large range of the interesting parameter space. The effect of the thermal motion of the atoms is explicitly addressed. The analytic formulas for the absorption coefficient for different types of Doppler broadening are compared to estimate the sensitivity under conditions where it is limited by the laser shot noise. Residual Doppler shifts are shown to limit sensitivity. The expressions, approximations and descriptions presented in the paper are important for understanding the absorption of Rydberg atom-based sensors in the amplitude regime. This provides insight into the physics of multi-level interference phenomena.
Enhanced rotation sensing with high-order exceptional points in a multi-mode coupled-ring gyroscope
Authors: Xie Zhihao , Wang Yimin , Li Zhenhua , Li Tao
Published: June 2024

Exceptional points (EPs) of non-Hermitian systems are sensitive to
perturbations and facilitate the development of highly sensitive
gyroscopes. We propose a compact multi-mode optical gyroscope protocol
that incorporates two coupled rings and exhibits a fourth-order EP,
achieving higher sensitivity compared to gyroscopes based on
second-order EPs. We show that the gyroscope sensitivity can be
further improved by deviating from the fourth-order EP due to the gain
dependence on the cavity intensity. Furthermore, our protocol exhibits
resilience against backscattering from counter-propagating modes,
which leads to a reduced angular random walk (ARW) factor and
increased sensitivity. These features make our protocol highly
promising for advancing high-performance optical gyroscopes and
enhancing angular velocity sensing technologies.
Causal relationships between body mass index, low-density lipoprotein and bone mineral density: Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization
Authors: Wu Yuxiang , Ma Weiwei , Cheng Zhenda , Zhang Qiwei , Li Zhaodong , Weng Punan , Li Bushuang , Huang Zhiqiang , Fu Changlong
Published: June 2024

Utilizing the Mendelian randomization technique, this research clarifies the putative causal relationship between body mass index (BMI) andbone mineral density (BMD), and the mediating role of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The implications of these findings present promising opportunities for enhancing our understanding of complex bone-related characteristics and disorders, offering potential directions for treatment and intervention.

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between BMI and BMD, while exploring the intermediary role of LDL in mediating the causal impact of BMI on BMD outcomes via Mendelian randomization.

Methods

In this study, we employed genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on BMI, LDL, and BMD to conduct a comparative analysis using both univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization.

Results

Our study employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization design. Considering BMI as the exposure and BMD as the outcome, our results suggest that BMI may function as a potential protective factor for BMD (β = 0.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.09, P = 0.01). However, when treating LDL as the exposure and BMD as the outcome, our findings indicate LDL as a risk factor for BMD (β = -0.04, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.99, P = 0.04). In our multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) model, the combined influence of BMI and LDL was used as the exposure for BMD outcomes. The analysis pointed towards a substantial protective effect of LDL on BMD (β = 0.08, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.97, P = 0.006). In the analysis of mediation effects, LDL was found to mediate the relationship between BMI and BMD, and the effect was calculated at (β = 0.05, 95% CI 1.052 to 1.048, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that BMI may be considered a protective factor for BMD, while LDL may act as a risk factor. Moreover, LDL appears to play a mediatory role in the causal influence of BMI on BMD.
Uncontrolled hypertension among hypertensive patients in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aytenew Tigabu Munye , Kassaw Amare , Simegn Amare , Nibret Mihretie Gedefaye , Asnakew Sintayehu , Tesfahun Kassie Yohannes , Demis Solomon , Kefale Demewoz , Zeleke Shegaw , Necho Asferie Worku
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Hypertension is a major global public health problem. It currently affects more than 1.4 billion people worldwide, projected to increase to 1.6 billion by 2025. Despite numerous primary studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and identify its associated factors among hypertensive patients in Sub-Saharan Africa, these studies presented inconsistent findings. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and identify its associated factors.

Methods

We have searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases extensively for all relevant studies. A manual search of the reference lists of included studies was performed. A weighted inverse-variance random-effects model was used to compute the overall pooled prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and the effect size of its associated factors. Variations across the included studies were checked using forest plot, funnel plot, I2 statistics, and Egger’s test.

Results

A total of twenty-six primary studies with a sample size of 11,600 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was 50.29% (95% CI: 41.88, 58.69; I2 = 98.98%; P<0.001). Age of the patient [AOR = 1.57: 95% CI: 1.004, 2.44], duration of diagnosis [AOR = 2.57: 95% CI: 1.18, 5.57], non-adherence to physical activity [AOR = 2.13: 95% CI: 1.15, 3.95], khat chewing [AOR = 3.83: 95% CI: 1.59, 9.24] and habitual coffee consumption [AOR = 10.79: 95% CI: 1.84, 63.24] were significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension among hypertensive patients.

Conclusions

The pooled prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was considerably high. Older age, duration of diagnosis, non-adherence to physical activity, khat chewing and habitual coffee consumption were independent predictors of uncontrolled hypertension. Therefore, health professionals and other responsible stakeholders should encourage hypertensive patients to adhere to regular physical activity, and abstain from khat chewing and habitual coffee consumption. Early identification of hypertension and management of comorbidities is crucial, and it should be emphasized to control hypertension easily.
Umbrella review of international evidence for the effectiveness of school-based physical activity interventions
Authors: Alalawi Abdullah , Blank Lindsay , Goyder Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Background

Obesity and physical inactivity among children and young people are public health concerns. Despite the wide variety of interventions available to promote physical activity, little is known about which interventions are most effective. This review aimed to evaluate the existing literature on school-based interventions that aim to increase physical activity among children and young people aged 6 to 18 years.

Methods

A systematic review of reviews was undertaken. We searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between December 2017 and January 2024 using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. Titles and abstracts were independently screened by two reviewers, who also conducted data extraction and quality assessments. We focused on outcomes like changes in physical activity levels and body mass index to assess the effectiveness of the interventions.

Results

A total of 23 reviews examining school-based physical activity interventions met the inclusion criteria, comprising 15 systematic reviews and 8 meta-analyses. All reviews (N = 23) were implemented in the school setting: three in primary schools, seven in secondary schools, and thirteen targeted both primary and secondary schools. The findings demonstrated that six reviews reported a statistical increase in physical activity levels among the target population, and one review found a decrease in body mass index. The most promising interventions focused on physical activity included within the school curriculum and were characterised as long-term interventions. 20 out of 23 reviews assessed the quality of primary studies.

Conclusion

Some interventions were promising in promoting physical activity among school-aged children and young people such as Daily Mile, Active Break, and Active transport while multi-component interventions seem to be positively effective in reducing BMI. Future efforts should focus on long-term, theory-driven programmes to ensure sustainable increases in physical activity.
A novel peptide derived from Zingiber cassumunar rhizomes exhibits anticancer activity against the colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) via the induction of intrinsic apoptosis signaling
Authors: Promsut Kitjasit , Sangtanoo Papassara , Srimongkol Piroonporn , Saisavoey Tanatorn , Puthong Songchan , Buakeaw Anumart , Reamtong Onrapak , Nutho Bodee , Karnchanatat Aphichart
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the initial exploration of the free radical scavenging capabilities of peptides derived from protein hydrolysates (PPH) obtained from Zingiber cassumunar rhizomes (Phlai). To replicate the conditions of gastrointestinal digestion, a combination of pepsin and pancreatin proteolysis was employed to generate these hydrolysates. Subsequently, the hydrolysate underwent fractionation using molecular weight cut-off membranes at 10, 5, 3, and 0.65 kDa. The fraction with a molecular weight less than 0.65 kDa exhibited the highest levels ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and NO radical scavenging activity. Following this, RP-HPLC was used to further separate the fraction with a molecular weight less than 0.65 kDa into three sub-fractions. Among these, the F5 sub-fraction displayed the most prominent radical-scavenging properties. De novo peptide sequencing via quadrupole-time-of-flight-electron spin induction-mass spectrometry identified a pair of novel peptides: Asp-Gly-Ile-Phe-Val-Leu-Asn-Tyr (DGIFVLNY or DY-8) and Ile-Pro-Thr-Asp-Glu-Lys (IPTDEK or IK-6). Database analysis confirmed various properties, including biological activity, toxicity, hydrophilicity, solubility, and potential allergy concerns. Furthermore, when tested on the human adenocarcinoma colon (Caco-2) cell line, two synthetic peptides demonstrated cellular antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. These peptides were also assessed using the FITC Annexin V apoptosis detection kit with PI, confirming the induction of apoptosis. Notably, the DY-8 peptide induced apoptosis, upregulated mRNA levels of caspase-3, -8, and -9, and downregulated Bcl-2, as confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Western blot analysis indicated increased pro-apoptotic Bax expression and decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression in Caco-2 cells exposed to the DY-8 peptide. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the DY-8 peptide exhibited binding affinity with Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1, suggesting potential utility in combating colon cancer as functional food ingredients.
Perception and reasons for the choice of informal provider among women receiving antenatal care services from traditional birth attendants in rural communities of Lagos state, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwole Esther O. , Oluwadumila Tolulope E. , Okafor Ifeoma P. , Temitayo-Oboh Abiola O.
Published: June 2024

Background

Unskilled delivery, particularly the use of traditional birth attendants, is a major threat to reducing maternal mortality in Africa. Despite the associated risks, there is insufficient evidence on the major reasons why pregnant women in Nigeria continue to use traditional birth attendant (TBA) services, especially in rural areas. This study, therefore, assessed the perception, reasons for use, and utilization of only TBA services in current pregnancy among rural-dwelling pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 347 pregnant women recruited from traditional birth attendant facilities at Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos. Data were collected with an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted with a significance level set at p<0.05. The outcome measures included perception, utilization of only TBA services in current pregnancy, and reasons for use. Positive perception refers to positive thought, belief, or opinion held by the participants towards the TBA.

Results

All the respondents had a positive perception of TBAs, majority (70.3%) utilized TBA only while 29.7% combined TBA and healthcare facilities services in the current pregnancy. Recommendations from previous users (81.6%), welcoming and hospitable staff (77.2%), perceived spiritual protection (75.2%), and past use (68.6%), were some of the reasons cited by the respondents for utilizing only TBA services. Predictors of utilizing only TBA services were respondents’ level of education, those with secondary (aOR = 0.261; 95% CI; 0.108–0.629) and tertiary (aOR = 0.352; 95% CI; 0.162–0.769) had lower utilization while the lack of health insurance coverage (aOR = 3.017; 95% CI; 1.476–6.166) were associated with higher utilization of TBAs.

Conclusion

Respondents in this study had a positive perception of TBA services. Continuous training and an effective monitoring system of TBAs by the government and other healthcare stakeholders to improve women’s birthing experiences is recommended.
Strains on the human femur after revision total knee arthroplasty: An in vitro study using digital image correlation
Authors: Sporer Elisabeth M. , Schilling Christoph , Tait Robert J. , Giurea Alexander , Grupp Thomas M.
Published: June 2024

Pain at the tip of the stem of a knee prosthesis (End-of-Stem Pain) is a common problem in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It may be caused by a problematic interaction between stem and bone, but the exact biomechanical correlate is still unknown. On top of this, there is no biomechanical study investigating End-of-Stem Pain at the distal femur using human specimens. Aim of this study was to find out whether the implantation of a revision total knee implant leads to high femoral surface strains at the tip of the stem, which the authors expect to be the biomechanical correlate of End-of-Stem Pain. We implanted 16 rotating hinge knee implants into 16 fresh-frozen human femora using the hybrid fixation technique and comparing two reaming protocols. Afterwards, surface strains on these femora were measured under dynamic load in two different load scenarios (climbing stairs and chair rising) using digital image correlation (DIC) and fracture patterns after overcritical load were analysed. Peak surface strains were found at the tip of the stem in several measurements in both load scenarios. There were no significant differences between the two compared groups (different trial sizes) regarding surface strains and fracture patterns. We conclude that implantation of a long intramedullary stem in revision TKA can lead to high surface strains at the tip of the stem that may be the correlate of femoral End-of-Stem Pain. This finding might allow for a targeted development of future stem designs that can lead to lower surface strains and therefore might reduce End-of-Stem Pain. Digital Image Correlation proved valid for the measurement of surface strains and can be used in the future to test new stem designs in vitro.
Tolerability and efficacy of switching anti-fibrotic treatment from nintedanib to pirfenidone for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Sugino Keishi , Ono Hirotaka , Saito Mikako , Ando Masahiro , Tsuboi Eiyasu
Published: June 2024

Background

In real-world studies, the rate of discontinuation of nintedanib (NT) varies from 4% to 53%. Switching anti-fibrotic treatment in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has not been adequately investigated, and data on the tolerability and efficacy of changes in anti-fibrotic treatment is limited in clinical practice.

Objective

To identify factors associated with poor continuation of NT, efficacy and predictors of deterioration after switching from NT to pirfenidone (PFD) in patients with IPF.

Subjects and methods

One hundred and seventy patients with IPF in whom NT was introduced between April 2017 and March 2022 were included to investigate NT continuation status and the effect of switching to PFD.

Results

A total of 123 patients (72.4%) continued NT for 1 year and had a significantly higher %forced vital capacity (FVC) at NT introduction than those who discontinued within 1 year (80.9% ± 16.3% vs. 71.9% ± 22.1%, P = 0.004). The determinant of poor NT continuation was the high GAP stage. On the other hand, 28 of 36 patients who discontinued NT because of disease progression switched to PFD. Consequently, FVC decline was suppressed before and after the change. The predictor of deterioration after the switch was a lower body mass index.

Conclusions

In patients with IPF, early NT introduction increased continuation rates, and switching to PFD was effective when patients deteriorated despite initial NT treatment.
Hizkuntzaren nahasteak eskizofrenian: ehun urteko ikerlanak
Authors: Insua Patricia , Huizi Pello , Grijalvo Jorge
Published: June 2024

Pentsamendu eta hizkuntza eskizofrenikoaren izaerari buruzko ikerketa teoria kliniko psikogeno eta deskribatzaileetatik abiatu eta neurtzeko sistema fidagarri eta operazionaletan garatu da. Lehenik eta behin, artikulu honek berrikusten ditu, batetik, hasierako hurbiltzeak, baieztatzen zutenak eskizofrenia zuten pertsonen pentsamendua “paralogikoa” zela eta haien diskurtsoa haur-antzekoa eta, sarritan, ulertezina zela; eta, bestetik, “hitzezko portaerari” buruzko ikerketak, konduktismoaren nagusitasunean garatuak eta, ondoren, paradigma kognitiboak gogor kritikatuak. Ondoren, artikuluak sakon aztertzen du xx. mendearen bigarren erdian egindako ikerketa psikolinguistikoa, batez ere komunikazioari buruzkoa. Ikerketa horrek defizitak erakutsi zituen diskurtsoaren maila desberdinetan, baina bereziki prozesatze-maila “altuetan”. Azkenik, azterketa berrienak berrikusten ditugu. Horien arabera, eskizofrenia duten pertsonen hizketak gutxienez hiru kausa-faktorerekin du zerikusia: a) arreta jartzeko ezintasunarekin, b) funtzio betearazlearen hutsegitearekin, eta c) transmititzen diren oroitzapenetara ausaz sartzea, nahiz eta testuinguruarekin bat ez etorri. Ondorioztatzen dugu bi gauza egin behar direla etorkizunean: berariazko atazak diseinatzea patologia honetako prozesatzearen lehen etapak ikertzeko (prozesu “linguistiko” hutsek eskizofrenia dutenpertsonen hizkuntzan eta pentsamenduan duten zeregina azaltzeko), eta hizketa naturalaren ekoizpenaren ereduak hobetzea, hizkuntza sortzeko lehen etapetan egindako prozesuak hobeto azaltzeko.
La mente moral
Authors: Huizi Pello
Published: June 2024

Liburuaren jatorrizko bertsioa, ingelesezkoa, 2006koa da eta izenburu honekin agertu zen: Moral Minds. How nature designed our universal sense of right and wrong. Goian gaztelaniazko itzulpenaren erreferentzia eman dut arrazoi sinple bategatik: bertsio horretan irakurria dut liburua. Dena dela, lan honen bukaeran ikusiko denez, zalantzazko zenbait kasutan kontuan hartu dut ingelesezko testua ere.
ERR Earthrotation
Authors: Schrausser Dietmar Gerald
Published: June 2024

Android application for displaying Earth's and local magnetic field, gravity, acceleration, GPSand more. As an additional tool to the SSR Solar System Simulatorfor orientation with a particular focus on position and time determination on Earth.
Opioids and the Gastrointestinal Tract: The Role of Peripherally Active µ-Opioid Receptor Antagonists in Modulating Intestinal Permeability
Authors: Lacy Brian E. , Cangemi David J.
Published: June 2024

Opioid receptors are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, including the large intestine. Many patients treated with opioids experience opioid-induced constipation (OIC). Laxatives are not effective in most patients, and in those who do initially respond, the efficacy of laxatives generally diminishes over time. In addition, OIC does not spontaneously resolve for most patients. However, complications of opioids extend far beyond simply slowing gastrointestinal transit. Opioid use can affect intestinal permeability through a variety of mechanisms. Toll-like receptors are a crucial component of innate immunity and are tightly regulated within the gut epithelium. Pathologic µ-opioid receptor (MOR) and toll-like receptor signaling, resulting from chronic opioid exposure, disrupts intestinal permeability leading to potentially harmful bacterial translocation, elevated levels of bacterial toxins, immune activation, and increased cytokine production. Peripherally active MOR antagonists, including methylnaltrexone, are effective at treating OIC. Benefits extend beyond simply blocking the MOR; these agents also act to ameliorate opioid-induced disrupted intestinal permeability. In this review, we briefly describe the physiology of the gastrointestinal epithelial border and discuss the impact of opioids on gastrointestinal function. Finally, we consider the use of peripherally active MOR antagonists to treat disrupted intestinal permeability resulting from opioid use and discuss the potential for improved morbidity and mortality in patients treated with methylnaltrexone for opioid-induced bowel disorders.
Pendekatan Fiskal Keruangan untuk Pengembangan Wilayah Pulau-Pulau Kecil Perbatasan yang Berkelanjutan di Kabupaten Kepulauan Anambas
Authors: Ma'rif Samsul , Hadi Sudharto P , Maryono Maryono
Published: June 2024

The problem of small border islands in the Anambas Islands Regency in the Riau Islands Province related to development policy interventions is still lacking. Remote geographical location, economic scale of business, inadequate transportation conditions, limited facilities and infrastructure such as electricity, roads, telecommunications, clean water, etc. another small island in the vicinity. In connection with these problems, descriptively, this paper tries to initiate the need for increased development interventions through the application of economic fiscal policy combined with the allocation of space utilization according to the ecological carrying capacity of the environment. Through an economic-ecological approach in the form of implementing spatial fiscal allocations, the government's role as a development actor becomes the main driver for the sustainable development of small border islands. Government intervention through a spatial fiscal approach in the form of spending on goods and services, employee salaries and transfer payments will be the initial mover of the multiplier effect process of development activities. Furthermore, it will gradually attract the private sector or the business world to be involved in investing in the development of small border islands in a sustainable manner.
Is the Tourism Business Ready to Face the Threat of Tsunami Disaster? (Case Study of Coastal Area of North Lombok Regency)
Authors: Rumambi Freddy Johanis , Sari Dwi Novita
Published: June 2024

Due to its proximity to the Flores Back Arc Thrust, North Lombok Regency, a popular tourist location in Indonesia, is regarded as being particularly vulnerable to earthquakes with the potential to trigger tsunamis. Concrete steps must be taken to lower the risk of a tsunami's impact and safeguard the stability of the tourism sector. This study aimed to find out how the preparedness of the tourism business in the coastal area of North Lombok Regency in facing the threat of a tsunami disaster by looking at the aspects of preparedness are a) Vulnerability Assessment b) Planning; c) Institutional Framework; d) Information System; e) Resource Base; f) Warning System; g) Response Mechanisms; g) Education and Training; and h) Rehearsal. The type of case study research with a qualitative approach was chosen in this study. The respondents involved consisted of tourism business actors whose information was extracted using in-depth interview techniques, focus group discussions, and observation. The Miles and Huberman model was used to assess the data once it was obtained, and data triangulation was used to reduce bias. The study's findings indicated that raising awareness of the tourism industry is still necessary, and that the industry's post-tsunami preparedness is only limited to the creation of standard operating procedures and the installation of evacuation routes. The need for integrated cooperation between tourism businesses, the government and the community in maximizing effective and efficient preparedness.
Evaluation of Regional Spatial Development on Landslide and Flood Prone with Actual Site Conditions in Kendari City
Authors: Aldiansyah Septianto , Ningsih Duwi Setiyo Wigati , Saputra Randi Adrian
Published: June 2024

Kendari City is an area that has a high level of vulnerability to landslides and floods. The high intensity of rainfall and the geomorphological form of the area make Kendari City almost every year landslides and floods occur. This study aims to analyze the distribution of landslide and flood susceptibility and its suitability to the actual situation and evaluate the spatial pattern plan, especially in settlement areas. The method used is survey-based scoring and weighting. Overlay technique used in this study on physical variables including geological conditions, slope, rainfall, land use, soil type and distance from the river. The results show that areas in Kendari City are prone to landslides and floods respectively 79.33% and 81.75% with variations in the level of moderate and high vulnerability. Moderate vulnerability dominates in both disasters with an area of 165.80 km2 and 165.70 km2. The suitability between the map and the actual situation reached 80.63% and 91.30%. Most of the spatial pattern plans, especially settlements that have been made and determined by the government, are appropriate for regional development in Kendari City. Evaluation of spatial patterns of landslide and flood prone zones shows that a small proportion of high vulnerability zones are in the delineation of settlement areas with suitability levels reaching 93.05% and 76.45%.
Evaluation of High Performance Interference Canceller to Boost the Error Performance of The Wi-Fi 5 IEEE 802.11ac
Authors: Syafei Wahyul Amien , Hidayatno Achmad , Nurhayati Oky Dwi , Nugraheni Dinar
Published: June 2024

The Wi-fi 5 IEEE 802.11ac can achieve throughput up to 6,933 Mbps by occupying 160MHz of bandwidth in each eight spatial streams with 256-QAM. It provides not only very high throughput but also high performance of wireless communications. However, due to the use of multiple antennas at both transmitter and receiver side which operate in the same frequency band; it experiences many interference signals. Therefore, a high-performance interference canceller is highly required to cancel these interferences and get the desired information back. The conventional interference cancellers are based on linear method, i.e. zero forcing and minimum mean square error. Both are simple but low in performance. This paper presents evaluation of a high-performance interference canceller based on maximum likelihood detection to boost the error performance of the wi-fi 5. Run test under in-door channel model demonstrates the superiority of this interference canceller. For target bit error rate of 10-4, it dramatically boosts the error performance by 16 dB and 17,5 dB compared to linear methods by the cost of very high complexity.