bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for developmental vulnerability: Insight from population-level surveillance using the Early Development Instrument
Authors: Talarico Fernanda , Liu Yang S , Metes Dan , Wang Mengzhe , Wearmouth Dori , Kiyang Lawrence , Wei Yifeng , Gaskin Ashley , Greenshaw Andrew , Janus Magdalena , Cao Bo
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Population-level studies may elucidate the most promising intervention targets to prevent negative outcomes of developmental vulnerability in children. This study aims to bridge the current literature gap on identifying population-level developmental vulnerability risk factors using combined social and biological/health information.

Methods

This study assessed developmental vulnerability among kindergarten children using the 2016 Early Development Instrument (EDI) and identified risk factors of developmental vulnerability using EDI data cross-linked to a population-wide administrative health dataset. A total number of 23,494 children aged 5–6 were included (48% female). Prenatal, neonatal, and early childhood risk factors for developmental vulnerability were investigated, highlighting the most important ones contributing to early development.

Results

The main risk factors for developmental vulnerability were children with a history of mental health diagnosis (risk ratio  = 1.46), biological sex–male (risk ratio =  1.51), and poor socioeconomic status (risk ratio =  1.58).

Conclusion

Our study encompasses both social and health information in a populational-level representative sample of Alberta, Canada. The results confirm evidence established in other geographic regions and jurisdictions and demonstrate the association between perinatal risk factors and developmental vulnerability. Based on these results, we argue that the health system should adopt a multilevel prevention and intervention strategy, targeting individual, family, and community together.
Development of a notification delivery specimen system for perioperative Thai nurses via the LINE application
Authors: Yodchai Kantaporn , Khaorapapong Thanate , Karnjanadecha Montri , Songsriboonsit Buppha
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to develop and examine satisfaction in using a notification delivery specimen system for perioperative Thai nurses through the LINE application.

Methods

Design and development research was used in the study and 100 perioperative nurses were recruited from the three operating theatres in hospital settings in Thailand. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The overall satisfaction in using a notification delivery specimen system for perioperative Thai nurses through the LINE application was at the high level (M = 4.09, SD = 0.75). The perioperative nurses reported ease of use and safety scored high (M = 4.24, SD = 0.62), followed by sharpness of figures and the coloured light alert (M = 4.15, SD = 0.92), sending messages via LINE notification, and delivering the specimen quickly within the time period (M = 4.10, SD = 0.69).

Conclusion

The notification delivery specimen system, designed specifically for perioperative Thai nurses and integrated with the LINE application, yielded exceptionally high levels of satisfaction among users. These promising results suggest the potential for widespread adoption in various hospital settings in the coming years.
Who is the ideal parent of my children? A choice experiment study in China
Authors: Zhou Yang , Yu Jia
Published: November 2023

Existing research has extensively examined the determinants of fertility attitudes and behaviors. However, with the primary focus on whether and when to have children, previous studies have overlooked a crucial dimension—who to have children with. This study innovatively employs the choice experiment method to examine the preferred characteristics of childbearing partners among the Chinese. We also estimate the partial utility and willingness to pay of different attributes of partners in people's fertility decision-making. We further explore the heterogeneities by gender, hukou (household registration) status, education, and birth cohort. Our results indicate that the following characteristics are preferred in ideal childbearing partners: youth, higher socioeconomic status, homeownership, better family background, and more attractive appearance. Compared to men, women place higher importance on income, family background, education, and homeownership. In contrast, men value physical appearance more than women. Heterogeneity analysis further reveals that men's preferred characteristics in an ideal childbearing partner do not vary by hukou status, yet urban women have a stronger preference for partners with a better family background compared to rural women. The preference for highly educated partners increases with one's own years of schooling for both men and women, implying a strong tendency for educational homogamy in China. We did not observe substantial cohort changes, except that men born after 1990 place a slightly higher importance on physical appearance compared to other cohorts. Our results suggest that the choice of childbearing partners corresponds to the wider patterns of social stratification in China.
The Impact of Emotional Finance, and Market Knowledge and Investor Protection on Investment Performance in Stock and Real Estate Markets
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Adeel Raima , Malik Muhammad Shaukat
Published: November 2023

Investors are influenced emotionally when making financial investment decisions. Investing paradigms largely ignore emotions, a phenomenon explored in this study. This study used a survey to examine the relationship between emotional Finance (anxiety, happiness, and optimism), investor protection, and market knowledge and investment performance. Investors in real estate and stocks have provided us with data. We found that market knowledge plays a significant role in ensuring superior investment performance. Anxiety, happiness, and optimism are strong indicators of a higher-order construct of emotional Finance. The findings also showed that emotional Finance is positively associated with investment performance. At the same time, investor protection has been found to have no association with investment performance. Others may investigate additional components of emotions and financial decisions.
Research Productivity of Pakistani Female LIS Authors, 1977 to 2020: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Siddique Nadeem , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Ahmad Shakil , Mahmood Khalid , Khan Muhammad Ajmal , Adil Hafiz Muhammad , Iqbal Abid , Altaf Asif
Published: November 2023

Women LIS researchers in Pakistan have been publishing their research since 1977. This paper provides a bibliometric analysis of the 43 years (1977–2020) of their research. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of the data collected from four data sources, the Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, LISA, and LISTA, to include the maximum number of scholarly publications by women Pakistani LIS researchers working in Pakistan or abroad. The study findings highlighted an upward trend in publications since 1977. It appears to have gathered momentum after the year 2003. The University of the Punjab was the top-ranked organization in publishing research by woman LIS researchers, and the Department of Information Management at the University of the Punjab was identified as being the most prolific in this regard. The researchers had published over 40% of their research in national journals and the rest in international journals of good repute. Kanwal Ameen led the list of woman researchers with over 100 research publications to her name. The main areas of research were academic libraries, information literacy, and evolving trends in LIS. This is the first research paper highlighting the different dimensions of Pakistani LIS women researchers since they started publishing in 1977. The findings of the study would help future researchers to understand trends and various bibliometric aspects of publications originating from women LIS researchers in Pakistan. The findings could also help LIS researchers and funding organizations in promoting the profession.
A Case of Stress Cardiomyopathy With Nab-Paclitaxel Infusion
Authors: Singh Harjinder , Ahmed Omair , Allen Erin , Othman Hussein
Published: November 2023

Stress cardiomyopathy is a transient left ventricular dysfunction caused by physiologic or pathologic stressors. Anaphylaxis is a hypersensitivity disorder that can lead to a rapid life-threatening respiratory collapse. It happens due to exposure to allergens including medications. During anaphylaxis, there is a compensatory release of catecholamines that can lead to stress cardiomyopathy. In this case, nab-paclitaxel infusion led to anaphylaxis with respiratory failure. Echocardiogram showed features of diffuse hypokinesis with preserved basal segment contractility, and cardiac catheterization did not show any evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. The overall clinical picture suggested stress cardiomyopathy. The patient was treated with guideline-directed medical therapy which resulted in normalization of the ejection fraction with no symptoms of congestive heart failure at any point. The patient was thereafter resumed on a reduced dose of nab-paclitaxel. This case report adds to the spectrum of infusion-related reactions associated with paclitaxel and demonstrates the course of events in the management of anaphylaxis and stress cardiomyopathy in this scenario.
Association of Periprosthetic Fibula Fracture With Knotless Suture Button (TightRope) Fixation for Ankle Syndesmosis in Elite Athletes
Authors: Hong Choon Chiet , Harrison William D. , Clough Tim , Calder James
Published: November 2023

Background:

Suture button fixation is frequently used to stabilize the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in athletes sustaining an isolated ligamentous syndesmosis injury.

Purpose:

To report on a series of periprosthetic fibula fractures adjacent to the lateral suture button after a subsequent unrelated ankle injury or progressive stress injury after initial ankle syndesmosis stabilization using the knotless TightRope (Arthrex).

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Eight elite athletes with periprosthetic fibula fractures and stress injuries around the lateral suture buttons were evaluated. In all athletes, the knotless TightRope had been used to stabilize an isolated ligamentous ankle syndesmotic injury, after which all patients recovered and returned to professional sports at their preinjury level. The athletes subsequently developed an acute fibula fracture or a fibula stress fracture related to the 3.7-mm drill hole in the fibula adjacent to the lateral suture buttons after a mean of 14.1 months (range, 5-29 months). The management of these complications was analyzed.

Results:

Five athletes sustained a periprosthetic fibula fracture in the form of undisplaced spiral Weber B injuries after a subsequent, unrelated injury. Poor healing response was noted with initial nonoperative treatment for the first 2 athletes, and surgical intervention was performed with successful union of the fracture and return to sports. The subsequent 3 athletes had early surgery with uneventful recovery. Another 3 athletes developed stress injuries adjacent to the fibula suture button without a history of acute trauma. In 2 of the 3 athletes, the position of lateral suture buttons was in the anterior third of the fibula. Initial nonoperative management yielded poor healing response, and subsequent surgical intervention was required to enable healing and return to sports.

Conclusion:

Nonoperative management of fractures adjacent to the fibula suture button of a knotless TightRope may lead to a delay in union. Therefore, early surgical intervention should be considered in elite athletes, whose return-to-sports time is critical. Care is needed to ensure that the fibula hole for the suture button is centrally located because the eccentric placement of the fibula hole in the anterior third of the fibula may contribute to the development of a stress reaction or stress fracture. Surgical intervention for a periprosthetic fibula stress fracture leads to satisfactory resolution of symptoms.
Association between blood pressure variability and outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: An individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Palaiodimou Lina , Joundi Raed A , Katsanos Aristeidis H , Ahmed Niaz , Kim Joon-Tae , Goyal Nitin , Maier Ilko L , de Havenon Adam , Anadani Mohammad , Matusevicius Marius , Mistry Eva A , Khatri Pooja , Arthur Adam S , Sarraj Amrou , Yaghi Shadi , Shoamanesh Ashkan , Catanese Luciana , Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Malhotra Konark , Spiotta Alejandro M , Vassilopoulou Sofia , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Sandset Else Charlotte , Alexandrov Andrei V , Petersen Nils , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Data on the association between blood pressure variability (BPV) after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and outcomes are limited. We sought to identify whether BPV within the first 24 hours post EVT was associated with key stroke outcomes.

Methods:

We combined individual patient-data from five studies among AIS-patients who underwent EVT, that provided individual BP measurements after the end of the procedure. BPV was estimated as either systolic-BP (SBP) standard deviation (SD) or coefficient of variation (CV) over 24 h post-EVT. We used a logistic mixed-effects model to estimate the association [expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR)] between tertiles of BPV and outcomes of 90-day mortality, 90-day death or disability [modified Rankin Scale-score (mRS) > 2], 90-day functional impairment (⩾1-point increase across all mRS-scores), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), adjusting for age, sex, stroke severity, co-morbidities, pretreatment with intravenous thrombolysis, successful recanalization, and mean SBP and diastolic-BP levels within the first 24 hours post EVT.

Results:

There were 2640 AIS-patients included in the analysis. The highest tertile of SBP-SD was associated with higher 90-day mortality (aOR:1.44;95% CI:1.08–1.92), 90-day death or disability (aOR:1.49;95% CI:1.18–1.89), and 90-day functional impairment (adjusted common OR:1.42;95% CI:1.18–1.72), but not with sICH (aOR:1.22;95% CI:0.76–1.98). Similarly, the highest tertile of SBP-CV was associated with higher 90-day mortality (aOR:1.33;95% CI:1.01–1.74), 90-day death or disability (aOR:1.50;95% CI:1.19–1.89), and 90-day functional impairment (adjusted common OR:1.38;95% CI:1.15–1.65), but not with sICH (aOR:1.33;95% CI:0.83–2.14).

Conclusions:

BPV after EVT appears to be associated with higher mortality and disability, independently of mean BP levels within the first 24 h post EVT. BPV in the first 24 h may be a novel target to improve outcomes after EVT for AIS.
Surfacing the causal assumptions and active ingredients of healthcare quality improvement interventions: An application to primary care opioid prescribing
Authors: McCleary Nicola , Laur Celia , Presseau Justin , Dobell Gail , Lam Jonathan M.C. , Gushue Sharon , Hagel Katie , Bevan Lindsay , Salach Lena , Desveaux Laura , M. Ivers Noah
Published: November 2023

Background

Efforts to maximize the impact of healthcare improvement interventions are hampered when intervention components are not well defined or described, precluding the ability to understand how and why interventions are expected to work.

Method

We partnered with two organizations delivering province-wide quality improvement interventions to establish how they envisaged their interventions lead to change (their underlying causal assumptions) and to identify active ingredients (behavior change techniques [BCTs]). The interventions assessed were an audit and feedback report and an academic detailing program. Both focused on supporting safer opioid prescribing in primary care in Ontario, Canada. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with intervention developers ( n = 8) and a content analysis of intervention documents. Analyses unpacked and articulated how the interventions were intended to achieve change and how this was operationalized.

Results:

Developers anticipated that the feedback report would provide physicians with a clear understanding of their own prescribing patterns in comparison to others. In the feedback report, we found an emphasis on BCTs consistent with that assumption ( feedback on behavior; social comparison). The detailing was designed to provide tailored support to enable physicians to overcome barriers to change and to gradually enact specific practice changes for patients based on improved communication. In the detailing materials, we found an emphasis on instructions on how to perform the behavior, for a range of behaviors (e.g., tapering opioids, treating opioid use disorder). The materials were supplemented by detailer-enacted BCTs (e.g., social support [practical]; goal setting [behavior]; review behavioral goal[s]).

Conclusions

The interventions included a small range of BCTs addressing various clinical behaviors. This work provides a methodological example of how to apply a behavioral lens to surface the active ingredients, target clinical behaviors, and causal assumptions of existing large-scale improvement interventions that could be applied in other contexts to optimize effectiveness and facilitate scale and spread.
Semantic computing with IEML
Authors: Lévy Pierre
Published: November 2023

This paper presents IEML, Information Economy MetaLanguage, a constructed language with the same expressive power as a natural language and with computable semantics. Distinguished from pragmatic and referential semantics, linguistic semantics have not yet been completely formalized. Only its syntagmatic dimension has been mathematized in the form of regular languages. Its paradigmatic dimension remained to be formalized. In order to complete the mathematizing of language, including its paradigmatic dimension, I have coded linguistic semantics with IEML. This article introduces its 3000-word dictionary, its formal grammar, and its integrated tools for building semantic graphs. For the future, IEML could become a vector for a fluid calculation and communication of meaning—semantic interoperability—capable of de-compartmentalizing the digital memory, and of advancing the progress of collective intelligence, artificial intelligence, and digital humanities. I conclude by indicating some research directions.
Autism through midlife: trajectories of symptoms, behavioral functioning, and health
Authors: Hong Jinkuk , DaWalt Leann Smith , Taylor Julie Lounds , Haider Aasma , Mailick Marsha
Published: November 2023

Background

This study describes change in autism symptoms, behavioral functioning, and health measured prospectively over 22 years. Most studies tracking developmental trajectories have focused on autism during childhood, although adulthood is the longest stage of the life course. A robust understanding of how autistic people change through midlife and into older age has yet to be obtained.

Methods

Using an accelerated longitudinal design with 9 waves of data, developmental trajectories were estimated from adolescence through midlife and into early old age in a community-based cohort (n = 406). The overall aim was to determine whether there were age-related increases or decreases, whether the change was linear or curvilinear, and whether these trajectories differed between those who have ID and those who have average or above-average intellectual functioning. Subsequently, the slopes of the trajectories were evaluated to determine if they differed depending on age when the study began, with the goal of identifying possible cohort effects.

Results

There were significant trajectories of age-related change for all but one of the measures, although different measures manifested different patterns. Most autism symptoms improved through adulthood, while health worsened. An inverted U-shaped curve best described change for repetitive behavior symptoms, activities of daily living, maladaptive behaviors, and social interaction. For these measures, improved functioning was evident from adolescence until midlife. Then change leveled off, with worsening functioning from later midlife into early older age. Additionally, differences between autistic individuals with and without ID were evident. Although those who have ID had poorer levels of functioning, there were some indications that those without ID had accelerating challenges in their aging years that were not evident in those with ID – increases in medications for physical health problems and worsening repetitive behaviors.

Conclusions

Meeting the needs of the increasingly large population of autistic adults in midlife and old age requires a nuanced understanding of life course trajectories across the long stretch of adulthood and across multiple domains. Given the heterogeneity of autism, it will be important not to generalize across sub-groups, for example those who are minimally verbal and those who have above-average intellectual functioning.
Molecular mechanism of somatic embryogenesis in paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’ based on transcriptome analysis combined histomorphological observation and metabolite determination
Authors: Zhang Wanqing , Zhang Hongxiao , Zhao Guodong , Wang Na , Guo Lili , Hou Xiaogai
Published: November 2023

Background

Tree peony (Paeonia sect. Moutan DC.) is a famous flower native to China with high ornamental, medicinal, and oil value. However, the low regeneration rate of callus is one of the main constraints for the establishment of a genetic transformation system in tree peony. By histomorphological observation, transcriptomic analysis and metabolite determination, we investigated the molecular mechanism of somatic embryogenesis after the establishment of a culture system and the induction of somatic embryo(SE) formation.

Results

We found that SE formation was successfully induced when cotyledons were used as explants. A total of 3185 differentially expressed genes were screened by comparative transcriptomic analysis of embryogenic callus (EC), SE, and non-embryogenic callus (NEC). Compared to NEC, the auxin synthesis-related genes GH3.6 and PCO2 were up-regulated, whereas cytokinin dehydrogenase (CKX6) and CYP450 family genes were down-regulated in somatic embryogenesis. In SE, the auxin content was significantly higher than the cytokinin content. The methyltransferase-related gene S-adenosylmethionine synthase (SAMS) and the flavonoid biosynthesis-related gene (ANS and F3’5’H) were down-regulated in somatic embryogenesis. The determination of flavonoids showed that rhoifolin and hyperoside had the highest content in SE. The results of transcriptome analysis were consistent with the relative expression of 8 candidate genes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Conclusion

The results revealed that auxin and cytokinin may play a key role in ‘Fengdan’ somatic embryogenesis. The genes related to somatic embryogenesis were revealed, which has partly elucidated the molecular mechanism of somatic embryogenesis in ‘Fengdan’.
Controlling the bacterial load of Salmonella Typhi in an experimental mouse model by a lytic Salmonella phage STWB21: a phage therapy approach
Authors: Mondal Payel , Halder Prolay , Mallick Bani , Bhaumik Subhadip , Koley Hemanta , Dutta Shanta , Dutta Moumita
Published: November 2023

Background

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi is one of the major pathogens causing typhoid fever and a public health burden worldwide. Recently, the increasing number of multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella spp. has made this utmost necessary to consider bacteriophages as a potential alternative to antibiotics for S. Typhi infection treatment. Salmonella phage STWB21, isolated from environmental water, has earlier been reported to be effective as a safe biocontrol agent by our group. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of phage STWB21 in reducing the burden of salmonellosis in a mammalian host by inhibiting Salmonella Typhi invasion into the liver and spleen tissue.

Results

Phage treatment significantly improved the survival percentage of infected mice. This study also demonstrated that oral administration of phage treatment could be beneficial in both preventive and therapeutic treatment of salmonellosis caused by S. Typhi. Altogether the result showed that the phage treatment could control tissue inflammation in mice before and after Salmonella infection.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of phage therapy in a mouse model against a clinically isolated Salmonella Typhi strain that includes direct visualization of histopathology and ultrathin section microscopy images from the liver and spleen sections.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of dioecious floral development in Trachycarpus fortunei using Illumina and PacBio SMRT sequencing
Authors: Xiao Feng , Zhao Yang , Wang Xiurong , Mao Yuexiong , Jian Xueyan
Published: November 2023

Background

Trachycarpus fortuneiis a plant with significant economic and ornamental value. Both male and female flowers ofT. fortuneioriginate as bisexual flowers, and selective abortion occurs during floral development. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear inT. fortunei. In this study, transcriptome sequencing with Illumina and Pacific BioSciences (PacBio) single-molecule real-time (SMRT) platforms were used to investigate gene expression differences between male and femaleT. fortuneiplants.

Results

A total of 833,137 full-length non-chimeric (FLNC) reads were obtained, and 726,846 high-quality full-length transcripts were identified. A total of 159 genes were differentially expressed between male and female flowers at all development stages. Some of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed male bias, including serine/threonine-protein kinase (STPK),THUMP1 homologand other genes. Through single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) identification, 28 genes were considered as potential sex-associated SNPs. Time-Ordered Gene Co-expression Network (TO-GCN) analysis revealed thatMADS2andMADS26may play important roles in the development of female and male flowersT. fortuneplants, respectively.

Conclusions

These findings provide a genetic basis for flower development and differentiation inT. fortunei,and improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying sexual differentiation inT. fortunei.
Public policy on breastfeeding among working mothers in Taiwan: comparison between two national surveys
Authors: Yu Pei-Jung , Wu Wan-Ru , Liu Chieh-Yu
Published: November 2023

Background

Creating a supportive breastfeeding environment after childbirth and enabling women to work with reassurance are essential in maternal care services. The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of the utilization rate of public and workplace lactation rooms in relation to the breastfeeding rate among postpartum women returning to work in Taiwan.

Methods

The study involved a secondary data analysis on 6,992 and 7,350 postpartum women surveyed in 2011 and 2016, respectively. Interviews were conducted with women six months postpartum. Logistic regression analysis was employed to calculate the odds ratio and investigate the differences in the utilization rates of public lactation rooms (PLR) and workplace lactation rooms (WLR) among working mothers over a five-year period, to confirm the effectiveness of public strategies.

Results

Comparing the years 2011 and 2016, significant differences in the rates of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and any breastfeeding (ABF) among working mothers returning to work after an 8-week maternity leave, depending on whether they used PLR or WLR. The rates were higher in 2016 than in 2011. For mothers who used PLR, the breastfeeding rates for EBF at the second, fourth, and sixth months (2011 vs. 2016: 67.6% vs. 81.1%, 75.0% vs. 86.4%, 77.5% vs. 86.2%) and ABF at the second, fourth, and sixth months (2011 vs. 2016: 60.3% vs. 73.9%, 68.8% vs. 81.3%, 73.7% vs. 85.6%). For mothers who used WLR, the breastfeeding rates for EBF at the second, fourth, and sixth months (2011 vs. 2016: 51.3% vs. 58.7%, 54.7% vs. 61.4%, 57.5% vs. 59.3%) and ABF at the second, fourth, and sixth months (2011 vs. 2016: 48.4% vs. 57.0%, 52.3% vs. 60.5%, 54.1% vs. 62.4%). When comparing 2011 to 2016 from the second to the sixth month postpartum, adjusted odds ratios for EBF (PLR: 4.17-5.23 vs. 4.06-6.22, WLR: 1.71-1.83 vs. 1.30-1.61) and ABF (PLR: 6.44-7.02 vs. 9.27-9.90, WLR: 1.91-1.98 vs. 1.97-1.99) showed differences.

Conclusion

Lactation support rooms play a vital role in motivating working mothers to sustain breastfeeding upon their return to work. Incentivizing businesses to build additional lactation rooms and offering breastfeeding resources is essential in striving to enhance the global breastfeeding rate.
Innovations in teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic: comparisons of the impacts of different teaching approaches in psychiatric nursing on undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Shan Yawei , Zhou Xuemei , Qi Wenwen , Liu Xiao , Huang Chuxian
Published: November 2023

Background

Psychiatric nursing education was significantly impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and innovative teaching can be challenging. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of four approaches to psychiatric nursing education in the context of the pandemic.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design was adopted. Students were subjected to different teaching designs: face-to-face teaching (Class A in 2021), blended teaching with flipped classroom using roleplay (Class B in 2021), live broadcast teaching (Class A in 2022), and online blended teaching with flipped classroom using case studies (Class B in 2022). Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse the outcomes in terms of academic performance and course workload.

Results

The number of valid data points was 270. The results indicated that compared with Class A in 2021, the two classes in 2022 achieved significantly higher academic performance scores, and Class B in 2021 exhibited a significantly lower workload. Compared with Class A in 2022, Class B in 2021 exhibited a significantly lower workload. Compared with Class B in 2022, Class B in 2021 exhibited a significantly lower workload and achieved lower academic performance scores.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that innovative teaching designs for psychiatric nursing offer advantages with regard to either facilitating academic performance or optimizing learners’ task loads. Furthermore, blended learning is a promising teaching approach in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future teaching initiatives could adopt student-centred constructive learning designs and ensure feasible teaching.
Exosomal circRNA RHOT1 promotes breast cancer progression by targeting miR-204-5p/ PRMT5 axis
Authors: Jiang Weihua , Yu YinPing , Ou Jianghua , Li Yongtao , Zhu Ning
Published: November 2023

Background

Circular RNA RHOT1 (circRHOT1) plays crucial roles in tumorigenesis by competing with microRNAs. It is largely abundant in tumor cell-derived exosomes. Meanwhile, cancer-derived exosomes participate in diverse biological processes. However, the expression patterns and functions of exosomal circRHOT1 in breast cancer remain unknown. This study is aimed to investigate and elucidate the exosomal circRHOT1/miR-204-5p/PRMT5 axis in breast cancer.

Methods

The exosomes derived from serum samples of breast cancer patients and breast cancer cell lines were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and Western blot. MTT, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays were utilized to analyze cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. Flow cytometry was used for apoptosis analysis. The bioinformatics method was employed to screen differentially expressed novel circRNAs and predict the microRNA targets of circRHOT1. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to verify their direct interaction. Finally, Xenograft experiments were used to investigate the effect of exosomal circRHOT1 on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

CircRHOT1 exhibited significantly high expression in exosomes derived from the serum of breast cancer patients and breast cancer cell lines, which suggested its potential diagnostic value. Breast cancer-derived exosomes promoted the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of breast cancer cells while inhibiting apoptosis. However, exosomes with downregulated circRHOT1 inhibited the growth of co-cultured cells. Mechanistically, circRHOT1 acted as a sponge of miR-204-5p and promoted protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) expression. Moreover, miR-204-5p inhibitor and pcPRMT5 could reverse the tumor suppressive effects mediated by circRHOT1-knockdown. Furthermore, treatment with exosomes derived from breast cancer cells with circRHOT1 knockdown attenuated tumor growth in tumor-bearing nude mice, which was accompanied by a reduction in PRMT5 expression and an enhancement of miR-204-5p expression.

Conclusion

The exosomal circRHOT1 may promote breast cancer progression by regulating the miR-204-5p/PRMT5 axis. The current study strengthens the role of circRHOT1, miR-204-5p, and PRMT5 in breast cancer development and provides a potential treatment strategy for breast cancer.
The role of lactate in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Ouyang Jun , Wang Hui , Huang Jiangnan
Published: November 2023

Cardiovascular diseases pose a major threat worldwide. Common cardiovascular diseases include acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AF) and atherosclerosis. Glycolysis process often has changed during these cardiovascular diseases. Lactate, the end-product of glycolysis, has been overlooked in the past but has gradually been identified to play major biological functions in recent years. Similarly, the role of lactate in cardiovascular disease is gradually being recognized. Targeting lactate production, regulating lactate transport, and modulating circulating lactate levels may serve as potential strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in the future. The purpose of this review is to integrate relevant clinical and basic research on the role of lactate in the pathophysiological process of cardiovascular disease in recent years to clarify the important role of lactate in cardiovascular disease and to guide further studies exploring the role of lactate in cardiovascular and other diseases.
A tissue-engineered model of the blood-tumor barrier during metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Linville Raleigh M. , Maressa Joanna , Guo Zhaobin , Chung Tracy D. , Farrell Alanna , Jha Ria , Searson Peter C.
Published: November 2023

Metastatic brain cancer has poor prognosis due to challenges in both detection and treatment. One contributor to poor prognosis is the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which severely limits the transport of therapeutic agents to intracranial tumors. During the development of brain metastases from primary breast cancer, the BBB is modified and is termed the ‘blood-tumor barrier’ (BTB). A better understanding of the differences between the BBB and BTB across cancer types and stages may assist in identifying new therapeutic targets. Here, we utilize a tissue-engineered microvessel model with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (iBMECs) and surrounded by human breast metastatic cancer spheroids with brain tropism. We directly compare BBB and BTB in vitro microvessels to unravel both physical and chemical interactions occurring during perivascular cancer growth. We determine the dynamics of vascular co-option by cancer cells, modes of vascular degeneration, and quantify the endothelial barrier to antibody transport. Additionally, using bulk RNA sequencing, ELISA of microvessel perfusates, and related functional assays, we probe early brain endothelial changes in the presence of cancer cells. We find that immune cell adhesion and endothelial turnover are elevated within the metastatic BTB, and that macrophages exert a unique influence on BTB identity. Our model provides a novel three-dimensional system to study mechanisms of cancer-vascular-immune interactions and drug delivery occurring within the BTB.
Effectiveness of deep dry needling versus manual therapy in the treatment of myofascial temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Menéndez-Torre Ángela , Pintado-Zugasti Aitor Martín , Zaldivar Juan Nicolás Cuenca , García-Bermejo Paula , Gómez-Costa Diego , Molina-Álvarez Miguel , Arribas-Romano Alberto , Fernández-Carnero Josué
Published: November 2023

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the most common cause of orofacial pain of non-dental origin, with approximately 42% of diagnoses corresponding to myofascial pain. Manual therapy and dry needling are commonly used interventions for the treatment of myofascial temporomandibular disorders. However, it is unclear whether one of them could be superior to the other.

Objectives

The aim of the present systematic review and network meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness of manual therapy and dry needling in patients with myofascial TMD.

Methods

This is a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Randomized clinical trials were searched in the databases of Pubmed, PEDro, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Academic and EMBASE. The methodological quality of studies included in this review was judged using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A frequentist network meta-analysis was carried out, assuming random effects, to estimate the effects of interventions for temporomandibular joint pain measured on a 10-point visual analogue scale.

Results

Out of 3190 records identified, 17 met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis and eight were included in the network meta-analysis. Indirect comparisons between dry needling and manual therapy showed no significant differences in their effects on pain reduction (Odds Ratio [95%CI]; − 0.263 [− 1.517, 0.992]). The ranking of treatments shows that manual therapy (SUCRA = 0.932) followed by deep dry needling (SUCRA = 0.775) present the highest values of estimation and can be considered the most likely to reduce pain.

Conclusions

The results of the network meta-analysis should be considered with caution due to the low quality of the evidence available and the high variability of the study protocols in terms of the method of application of dry needling and manual therapy interventions.

PROSPERO under identifier: (CRD42020186470).
Therapeutic potential of Lianhua Qingke in airway mucus hypersecretion of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Hao Yuanjie , Wang Tongxing , Hou Yunlong , Wang Xiaoqi , Yin Yujie , Liu Yi , Han Ningxin , Ma Yan , Li Zhen , Wei Yaru , Feng Wei , Jia Zhenhua , Qi Hui
Published: November 2023

Background

Lianhua Qingke (LHQK) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine used for treating acute tracheobronchitis. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of LHQK in managing airway mucus hypersecretion in the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Methods

The AECOPD model was established by subjecting male Wistar rats to 12 weeks of cigarette smoke (CS) exposure (80 cigarettes/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks) and intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure (200 μg, on days 1, 14, and 84). The rats were divided into six groups: control (room air exposure), model (CS + LPS exposure), LHQK (LHQK-L, LHQK-M, and LHQK-H), and a positive control group (Ambroxol). H&E staining, and AB-PAS staining were used to evaluate lung tissue pathology, inflammatory responses, and goblet cell hyperplasia. RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and ELISA were utilized to analyze the transcription, expression and secretion of proteins related to mucus production in vivo and in the human airway epithelial cell line NCI-H292 in vitro. To predict and screen the active ingredients of LHQK, network pharmacology analysis and NF-κB reporter system analysis were employed.

Results

LHQK treatment could ameliorate AECOPD-triggered pulmonary structure damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. AB-PAS and immunofluorescence staining with CCSP and Muc5ac antibodies showed that LHQK reduced goblet cell hyperplasia, probably by inhibiting the transdifferentiation of Club cells into goblet cells. RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry of Muc5ac and APQ5 showed that LHQK modulated mucus homeostasis by suppressing Muc5ac transcription and hypersecretion in vivo and in vitro, and maintaining the balance between Muc5ac and AQP5 expression. Network pharmacology analysis and NF-κB luciferase reporter system analysis provided insights into the active ingredients of LHQK that may help control airway mucus hypersecretion and regulate inflammation.

Conclusion

LHQK demonstrated therapeutic effects in AECOPD by reducing inflammation, suppressing goblet cell hyperplasia, preventing Club cell transdifferentiation, reducing Muc5ac hypersecretion, and modulating airway mucus homeostasis. These findings support the clinical use of LHQK as a potential treatment for AECOPD.
Limitations of the human iPSC-derived neuron model for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Valdes Phoebe , Henry Kenneth W. , Fitzgerald Michael Q. , Muralidharan Koushik , Caldwell Andrew B. , Ramachandran Srinivasan , Goldstein Lawrence S. B. , Mobley William C. , Galasko Douglas R. , Subramaniam Shankar
Published: November 2023

Non-familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD) occurring before 65 years of age is commonly referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) and constitutes ~ 5–6% of all AD cases (Mendez et al. in Continuum 25:34–51, 2019). While EOAD exhibits the same clinicopathological changes such as amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), brain atrophy, and cognitive decline (Sirkis et al. in Mol Psychiatry 27:2674–88, 2022; Caldwell et al. in Mol Brain 15:83, 2022) as observed in the more prevalent late-onset AD (LOAD), EOAD patients tend to have more severe cognitive deficits, including visuospatial, language, and executive dysfunction (Sirkis et al. in Mol Psychiatry 27:2674–88, 2022). Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been used to model and study penetrative, familial AD (FAD) mutations in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 (Valdes et al. in Research Square 1–30, 2022; Caldwell et al. in Sci Adv 6:1–16, 2020) but have been seldom used for sporadic forms of AD that display more heterogeneous disease mechanisms. In this study, we sought to characterize iPSC-derived neurons from EOAD patients via RNA sequencing. A modest difference in expression profiles between EOAD patients and non-demented control (NDC) subjects resulted in a limited number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Based on this analysis, we provide evidence that iPSC-derived neuron model systems, likely due to the loss of EOAD-associated epigenetic signatures arising from iPSC reprogramming, may not be ideal models for studying sporadic AD.
Fatigue risk assessment of a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service crew working a 24/7 shift pattern: results of a prospective service evaluation
Authors: Rose C. , ter Avest E. , Lyon R. M.
Published: November 2023

Background

The work of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) teams crosses the boundaries of several high-risk occupations including medicine, aviation, and transport. Working conditions can be challenging and operational demands requires a 24-h rota, resulting in disruption of the normal circadian rhythm. HEMS crews are therefore prone to both mental and physical fatigue. As fatigue in medical providers is linked to poor cognitive performance, degradation of psychomotor skills and error, this study aimed to explore the existence of predictable patterns of crew-fatigue in a HEMS service.

Methods

HEMS medical crew members working a 3-on 3-off forward rotating rota with a 5-week shift cycle were asked to do psychomotor vigilance tests (PVT) as an objective measure of fatigue. PVT testing was undertaken at the start, mid- and at the end of every shift during a full 5-week shift cycle. In addition, they were asked to score subjective tiredness with the Samn-Perelli Fatigue Scale (SPFS), and to keep a Transport Fatigue Assessment shift log, wherein they noted shift characteristics potentially related to fatigue. Primary outcome of interest was defined as the change in PVT and SPFS scores over time.

Results

Mean baseline resting PVT in milliseconds at the start of the study period was 427 [390–464]. There was an overall trend towards higher PVT-scores with shift progression mean [95% CI] PVT at the start of shifts 447 [433–460]; halfway through the shift 452 [440–463]; end of the shift 459 [444–475], p = 0.10), whereas SPFS scores remained constant. Within a 5 week forward-rotating cycle, an overall trend towards a gradual increase in both average PVT (from 436 [238–454] to 460 [371–527, p = 0.68] ms;) and SPFS (from 2.9 [2.6–3.2] to 3.6 [3.1–4.0], p = 0.38) was observed, although significant interindividual variation was present. Reported SPFS scores ≥ 4 (moderate fatigue) were mainly related to workload (number of jobs) and transport mode (car-based shifts).

Conclusion

An overall trend towards a decline in psychomotor vigilance and an increase in self-reported tiredness was found for HEMS crew over a 5-week shift cycle. Using a bespoke predictive fatigue tool on a day-to-day basis could increase fatigue awareness and provide a framework to which relevant mitigating options can be applied.
An accident waiting to happen? Exposing the potential of urogenital schistosomiasis transmission in the Lake Albert region, Uganda
Authors: Tumusiime Julius , Kagoro-Rugunda Grace , Tolo Casim Umba , Namirembe Daisy , Schols Ruben , Hammoud Cyril , Albrecht Christian , Huyse Tine
Published: November 2023

Background

Urogenital schistosomiasis caused by the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium is the most common form of that constitutes a majority of over 240 million schistosomiasis cases. The enigmatic absence of urogenital schistosomiasis in Uganda has, until now, been attributed to the absence of substantial populations of suitable snail intermediate hosts.

Methods

Malacological surveys were carried out in 73 sites southeast of Lake Albert, Uganda in October and November 2020. Collected snails were transported to the laboratory for identification. The snails were identified using partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit one and nuclear internal transcribed spacer barcoding. Schistosome infections in snails were also assessed using cercarial shedding and rapid diagnostic PCR techniques.

Results

We found Bulinus globosus and Bulinus nasutus productus, the main intermediate species in the transmission of S. haematobium in mainland East Africa. In this survey, B. globosus was more common than B. nasutus productus, with the former reported at four sites (total count = 188) and the latter reported at one site (total count = 79). Molecular testing revealed a high prevalence of Schistosoma bovis in B. nasutus productus (16%), but no S. haematobium infections were found.

Conclusions

Given the abundance of snail hosts and the risky human water contact behaviours observed, we highlight the potential for urogenital schistosomiasis transmission in the region.

Graphical Abstract