bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academically Inclined: Predictors of Early Career Trajectory and Avenues for Early Intervention Among Neurosurgery Trainees
Authors: Hulou M. Maher , Park Marian T. , Essibayi Muhammed Amir , McLouth Christopher J. , Benner Dimitri , Samaan Christopher Ala , Madriñán-Navia Humberto Jose , Howshar Jacob T. , Graffeo Christopher S. , Lawton Michael T.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

The relationship of academic activities before and during neurosurgery residency with fellowship or career outcomes has not been studied completely.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess possible predictors of fellowship and career outcomes among neurosurgery residents.

METHODS:

US neurosurgery graduates (2018-2020) were assessed retrospectively for peer-reviewed citations of preresidency vs intraresidency publications, author order, and article type. Additional parameters included medical school, residency program, degree (MD vs DO; PhD), postgraduate fellowship, and academic employment.

RESULTS:

Of 547 neurosurgeons, 334 (61.1%) entered fellowships. Fellowship training was significantly associated with medical school rank and first-author publications. Individuals from medical schools ranked 1 to 50 were 1.6 times more likely to become postgraduate fellows than individuals from medical schools ranked 51 to 92 (odds ratio [OR], 1.63 [95% CI 1.04-2.56];P= .03). Residents with ≥2 first-author publications were almost twice as likely to complete a fellowship as individuals with <2 first-author publications (OR, 1.91 [95% CI 1.21-3.03];P= .006). Among 522 graduates with employment data available, academic employment obtained by 257 (49.2%) was significantly associated with fellowship training and all publication-specific variables. Fellowship-trained graduates were twice as likely to pursue academic careers (OR, 1.99 [95% CI 1.34-2.96];P< .001) as were individuals with ≥3 first-author publications (P< .001), ≥2 laboratory publications (P= .04), or ≥9 clinical publications (P< .001).

CONCLUSION:

Research productivity, medical school rank, and fellowships are independently associated with academic career outcomes of neurosurgeons. Academically inclined residents may benefit from early access to mentorship, sponsorship, and publishing opportunities.
Asymptomatic Postoperative Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis After Posterior Fossa Tumor Surgery: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Therapeutic Options
Authors: Shabo Ehab , Wach Johannes , Hamed Motaz , Güresir Ági , Weinhold Leonie , Vatter Hartmut , Güresir Erdem
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a known complication of posterior fossa surgery near the sigmoid and transverse sinus. The incidence and treatment of postoperative asymptomatic CVST are controversial.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze incidence, risk factors, and management of asymptomatic postoperative CVST after posterior fossa tumor surgery.

METHODS:

In this retrospective, single-center study, we included all patients who underwent posterior fossa tumor surgery in the semisitting position between January 2013 and December 2020. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative imaging using MRI with/without additional computed tomography angiography. We analyzed the effect of demographic and surgical data on the incidence of postoperative CVST. Furthermore, therapeutic anticoagulation or conservative treatment for postoperative CVST and the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage were investigated.

RESULTS:

In total, 266 patients were included. Thirty-three of 266 (12.4%) patients developed postoperative CVST. All patients were asymptomatic. Thirteen of 33 patients received therapeutic anticoagulation, and 20 patients did not. Univariate analysis showed that age (P = .56), sex (P = .20), American Society of Anesthesiology status (P = .13), body mass index (P = .60), and length of surgery (P = .176) were not statistically correlated with postoperative CVST. Multivariate analysis revealed that meningioma (P < .001, odds ratio 11.3, CI 95% 4.1-31.2) and vestibular schwannoma (P = .013, odds ratio 4.4, CI 95% 1.3-16.3) are risk factors for the development of new postoperative CVST. The use of therapeutic anticoagulation to treat postoperative CVST was associated with a higher rate of intracranial hemorrhage (n = 4, P = .017).

CONCLUSION:

Tumor entity influences the incidence of postoperative CVST. In clinically asymptomatic patients, careful decision making is necessary whether to initiate therapeutic anticoagulation or not.
A hepatoprotective role of peritumoral non-parenchymal cells in early liver tumorigenesis
Authors: Tian Cheng , Li Liyuan , Fan Li , Brown Anthony , Norris Eric J. , Morrison Michelle , Glazer Evan S. , Zhu Liqin
Published: February 2023

Various 3D models of hepatocytes (HCs) have been established to assess liver functions in vitro. The contribution of the hepatic non-parenchymal cells (NPCs), however, is largely neglected in these models. Here, we report a comparative study of hepatic spheroids generated from freshly isolated mouse whole liver cells (WLCs) and HCs (referred to as SphWLC and SphHC, respectively). We found that HC differentiation was preserved better in SphWLC than in SphHC, and, when co-cultured with liver tumor spheroids (SphT), SphWLC showed more potent suppression of SphT growth compared to SphHC. Histological characterization revealed marked activation and accumulation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) at the SphWLC:SphT interface. We found that mixing HSCs in both 3D and 2D HC:tumor co-cultures provided potent protection to HCs against tumor-induced cell death. Activation of HSCs at the tumor border was similarly found in liver tumors from both mice and patients. Overall, our study suggests a hepatoprotective role of peritumoral HSCs in liver tumorigenesis and the potential application of SphWLC as a useful 3D model for dissecting the liver's response to tumorigenesis in vitro.
Swip-1 promotes exocytosis of glue granules in the exocrineDrosophilasalivary gland
Authors: Lehne Franziska , Bogdan Sven
Published: February 2023

Exocytosis is a fundamental cellular process by which cells secrete cargos from their apical membrane into the extracellular lumen. Cargo release proceeds in sequential steps that depend on coordinated assembly and organization of an actin cytoskeletal network. Here, we identified the conserved actin-crosslinking protein Swip-1 as a novel regulator controlling exocytosis of glue granules in the Drosophila salivary gland. Real-time imaging revealed that Swip-1 is simultaneously recruited with F-actin onto secreting granules in proximity to the apical membrane. We observed that Swip-1 is rapidly cleared at the point of secretory vesicle fusion and colocalizes with actomyosin network around the fused vesicles. Loss of Swip-1 function impairs secretory cargo expulsion, resulting in strongly delayed secretion. Thus, our results uncover a novel role of Swip-1 in secretory vesicle compression and expulsion of cargo during regulated exocytosis. Remarkably, this function neither requires Ca2+ binding nor dimerization of Swip-1. Our data rather suggest that Swip-1 regulates actomyosin activity upstream of Rho-GTPase signaling to drive proper vesicle membrane crumpling and expulsion of cargo.
Fast4DReg – fast registration of 4D microscopy datasets
Authors: Pylvänäinen Joanna W. , Laine Romain F. , Saraiva Bruno M. S. , Ghimire Sujan , Follain Gautier , Henriques Ricardo , Jacquemet Guillaume
Published: February 2023

Unwanted sample drift is a common issue that plagues microscopy experiments, preventing accurate temporal visualization and quantification of biological processes. Although multiple methods and tools exist to correct images post acquisition, performing drift correction of three-dimensional (3D) videos using open-source solutions remains challenging and time consuming. Here, we present a new tool developed for ImageJ or Fiji called Fast4DReg that can quickly correct axial and lateral drift in 3D video-microscopy datasets. Fast4DReg works by creating intensity projections along multiple axes and estimating the drift between frames using two-dimensional cross-correlations. Using synthetic and acquired datasets, we demonstrate that Fast4DReg can perform better than other state-of-the-art open-source drift-correction tools and significantly outperforms them in speed. We also demonstrate that Fast4DReg can be used to register misaligned channels in 3D using either calibration slides or misaligned images directly. Altogether, Fast4DReg provides a quick and easy-to-use method to correct 3D imaging data before further visualization and analysis.
An 11-Step Synthesis of (+)-Neopeltolide by the Macrocyclization/Transannular Pyran Cyclization Strategy
Authors: Nakazato Kazuki , Oda Mami , Fuwa Haruhiko
Published: February 2023

Total synthesis of (+)-neopeltolide, a potent antiproliferative marine macrolide natural product, was accomplished in 11 steps from a commercially available inexpensive material. The 14-membered macrolactone skeleton embedded with a 2,6-cis-substituted tetrahydropyran ring was synthesized in an expedient fashion by our newly developed macrocyclization/transannular pyran cyclization strategy. A concise synthetic entry to the oxazole-containing side chain was developed by exploiting palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Total synthesis of (+)-9-epi-neopeltolide was also achieved in 12 steps by late-stage stereochemical diversification at the C9 position.
Enhanced Respiratory Frequency Response to Lower Limb Mechanoreceptors Activation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: ARANDA LILIANE C. , RIBEIRO INDYANARA C. , FREITAS TIAGO O. , DEGANI-COSTA LUIZA H. , DIAS DANIELLE S. , DE ANGELIS KATIA , PAIXÃO AILMA O. , BRUM PATRICIA C. , OLIVEIRA ACARY S. B. , VIANNA LAURO C. , NERY LUIZ E. , SILVA BRUNO M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To investigate the mechanoreflex control of respiration and circulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Twenty-eight patients with moderate-to-severe COPD (mean ± SD: 67.0 ± 7.9 yr, 10 women) and 14 age- and sex-matched controls (67.9 ± 2.6 yr, 7 women) participated in the study. Their dominant knee was passively moved to stimulate mechanoreceptors, whereas vastus lateralis surface electrical activity checked active contractions. A differential pressure flowmeter, an electrocardiogram, and a servo-controlled finger photoplethysmograph acquired cardiorespiratory data. To gain insight into the mechanoreflex arc, we further analyzed reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio and mechanoreceptor-related gene expression in a vastus lateralis biopsy of additional nine patients (63.9 ± 8.1 yr, 33% women) and eight controls (62.9 ± 9.1 yr, 38% women).

Results

Patients with COPD had a greater peak respiratory frequency response (COPD: Δ = 3.2 ± 2.3 vs Controls: 1.8 ± 1.2 cycles per minute, P = 0.036) and a smaller peak tidal volume response to passive knee movement than controls. Ventilation, heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output peak responses, and total peripheral resistance nadir response, were unaltered by COPD. In addition, patients had a diminished glutathione ratio (COPD: 13.3 ± 3.8 vs controls: 20.0 ± 5.5 a.u., P = 0.015) and an augmented brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression (COPD: 2.0 ± 0.7 vs controls: 1.1 ± 0.4 a.u., P = 0.002) than controls. Prostaglandin E receptor 4, cyclooxygenase 2, and Piezo1 expression were similar between groups.

Conclusions

Respiratory frequency response to mechanoreceptors activation is increased in patients with COPD. This abnormality is possibly linked to glutathione redox imbalance and augmented brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression within locomotor muscles, which could increase mechanically sensitive afferents’ stimulation and sensitivity.
Inhibition of Motor Planning and Response Selection after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: SHERMAN DAVID A. , BAUMEISTER JOCHEN , STOCK MATT S. , MURRAY AMANDA M. , BAZETT-JONES DAVID M. , NORTE GRANT E.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare cortical motor planning activity during response selection and motor execution processes between individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and uninjured controls during a reaction time and response selection task.

Methods

Individuals with ACLR (n = 20) and controls (n = 20) performed a lateralized choice reaction time (e.g., Go/NoGo) task. Electrocortical activity and reaction time were recorded concurrently using electroencephalography and inertial measurement units. Separate stimulus locked and response-locked event-related potentials were computed for each limb. The lateralized readiness potential (LRP) was computed as the interhemispheric differences between waveforms and the mean LRP area and onset latency were recorded. Active motor threshold was determined using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Differences between groups (ACLR vs control) and limbs (involved vs uninvolved) and the associations between LRP characteristics and response performance (number of errors) were assessed.

Results

Participants with ACLR have had smaller LRP area during periods of response selection (P = 0.043, d = 0.4) and motor execution (P = 0.015, d = 0.5) and committed more errors in both Go (P < 0.001, d = 0.8) and NoGo (P = 0.032, d = 0.5) response conditions. There were no differences in latency of response selection or motor execution. Participants with ACLR had higher active motor thresholds (P < 0.001, d = 1.3) than controls, which was weakly associated with smaller LRP areas (r = 0.32–0.42, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The ACLR group demonstrated greater motor planning and response inhibition during a choice reaction time task. More errant performance also suggests poorer decision making in the presence of a “speed-accuracy” trade-off. Key features of the sample, including lower corticospinal excitability, lend support to an interpretation of widespread cortical inhibition contributing to impairments in response selection and motor execution.
Weaker Quadriceps Corticomuscular Coherence in Individuals Following ACL Reconstruction during Force Tracing
Authors: Sherman David A. , Baumeister Jochen , Stock Matt S. , Murray Amanda M. , Bazett-Jones David M. , Norte Grant E.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To compare quadriceps corticomuscular coherence (CMC) and force steadiness between individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and uninjured controls during a force tracing task.

Methods

Individuals with ACLR (n = 20) and controls (n = 20) performed a knee extension force-control task at 50% of maximal voluntary effort. Electrocortical activity, electromyographic activity, and torque output were recorded concurrently. Corticomuscular coherence in beta (13-30 Hz) and gamma (31-80 Hz) frequency bands was assessed using partial directed coherence between the contralateral motor cortex (e.g., C4-C2-Cz electrodes) and ipsilateral quadriceps muscles (e.g., left vastus medialis and lateralis). Force steadiness was quantified using root mean square error and coefficient of variation. Active motor threshold was determined using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Differences between groups (ACLR v. control) and limbs (involved v. uninvolved) were assessed using peak knee extension strength and active motor threshold as a priori co-variates.

Results

Participants with ACLR had lower gamma band connectivity bilaterally when compared to controls (vastus medialis: d = 0.8; vastus lateralis: d = 0.7). Further, the ACLR group demonstrated worse quadriceps force steadiness (root mean square error, d = 0.5), lower involved limb quadriceps strength (d = 1.1), and higher active motor threshold (d = 1.0) compared to controls.

Conclusions

Lower quadriceps gamma band CMC in the ACLR group suggests lower cortical drive (e.g., corticomotor decoupling) to the quadriceps compared to matched controls. Further, the ACLR group demonstrated worse quadriceps force steadiness suggesting impaired ability to modulate quadriceps neuromuscular control. Notably, CMC differences were present only in the gamma frequency band, suggesting impairments may be specific to multisensory integration and force modulation.
Persons with Patellar Tendinopathy Exhibit Greater Patellar Tendon Stress during a Single-Leg Landing Task
Authors: PARK KYUNGMI , KEYAK JOYCE H. , KULIG KORNELIA , POWERS CHRISTOPHER M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to compare peak maximum principal stress in the patellar tendon between persons with and without patellar tendinopathy during a simulated single-leg landing task. A secondary purpose was to determine the biomechanical predictor(s) of peak maximum principal stress in the patellar tendon.

Methods

Using finite element (FE) modeling, patellar tendon stress profiles of 28 individuals (14 with patellar tendinopathy and 14 pain-free controls) were created at the time of the peak knee extensor moment during single-leg landing. Input parameters to the FE model included subject-specific knee joint geometry and kinematics, and quadriceps muscle forces. Independent t-tests were used to compare the peak maximum principal stress in the patellar tendon and biomechanical variables used as input variables to the FE model (knee flexion, knee rotation in the frontal and transverse planes and the peak knee extensor moment) between groups. A stepwise regression model was used to determine the biomechanical predictor(s) of peak maximum principal stress in the patellar tendon for both groups combined.

Results

Compared with the control group, persons with patellar tendinopathy exhibited greater peak maximum principal stress in the patellar tendon (77.4 ± 25.0 vs 60.6 ± 13.6 MPa, P = 0.04) and greater tibiofemoral joint internal rotation (4.6° ± 4.6° vs 1.1° ± 4.2°, P = 0.04). Transverse plane rotation of the tibiofemoral joint was the best predictor of peak maximum principal stress in the patellar tendon (r = 0.51, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Persons with patellar tendinopathy exhibit greater peak patellar tendon stress compared with pain-free individuals during single-leg landing. The magnitude of peak patellar tendon stress seems to be influenced by the amount of tibiofemoral rotation in the transverse plane.
Neutrophil Depletion Attenuates Acute Liver Stress after Exhaustive Exercise in Mice
Authors: MIZOKAMI TSUBASA , SUZUKI KATSUHIKO
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Exhaustive exercise induces acute liver stress; however, the precise mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

We investigated the effects of neutrophil depletion in male C57BL/6J mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: sedentary with control antibody (n = 20), sedentary with antineutrophil antibody (n = 20), exhaustive exercise with control antibody (n = 20), and exhaustive exercise with antineutrophil antibody (n = 20). Antineutrophil antibodies (1A8) or control antibodies were administered intraperitoneally before running on a treadmill. Immediately and at 24 h after running to exhaustion on a treadmill at a 7% gradient and a speed of 24 m·min−1, blood neutrophil counts were measured by flow cytometry. Plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also measured. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was performed to calculate the liver stress score, and hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Exercise increased blood neutrophil and neutrophil infiltration into the liver. Plasma AST and ALT activities were significantly higher immediately after exhaustive exercise than after sedentary control (AST, sedentary with control antibody: 52.2 ± 0.4, exhaustive exercise with control antibody: 210.0 ± 19.8; ALT, sedentary with control antibody: 29.8 ± 2.2, exhaustive exercise with control antibody: 87.2 ± 15.8). However, AST and ALT activities were significantly decreased with the 1A8 antibody (AST, 102.2 ± 12.9; ALT, 39.2 ± 4.0). In addition, the liver stress score increased after exercise but was significantly reduced by prior 1A8 antibody administration. The 1A8 antibody treatment also decreased hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α levels after exhaustive exercise.

Conclusions

These results suggested that neutrophils play a critical role in increasing liver stress by regulating inflammation.
Motor Unit Discharge Characteristics and Conduction Velocity of the Vastii Muscles in Long-Term Resistance-Trained Men
Authors: ŠKARABOT JAKOB , FOLLAND JONATHAN P. , FORSYTH JULES , VAZOUKIS APOSTOLOS , HOLOBAR ALEŠ , DEL VECCHIO ALESSANDRO
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Adjustments in motor unit (MU) discharge properties have been shown after short-term resistance training; however, MU adaptations in long-term resistance-trained (RT) individuals are less clear. Here, we concurrently assessed MU discharge characteristics and MU conduction velocity in long-term RT and untrained (UT) men.

Methods

Motor unit discharge characteristics (discharge rate, recruitment, and derecruitment threshold) and MU conduction velocity were assessed after the decomposition of high-density electromyograms recorded from vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) of RT (>3 yr; n = 14) and UT (n = 13) during submaximal and maximal isometric knee extension.

Results

Resistance-trained men were on average 42% stronger (maximal voluntary force [MVF], 976.7 ± 85.4 N vs 685.5 ± 123.1 N; P < 0.0001), but exhibited similar relative MU recruitment (VL, 21.3% ± 4.3% vs 21.0% ± 2.3% MVF; VM, 24.5% ± 4.2% vs 22.7% ± 5.3% MVF) and derecruitment thresholds (VL, 20.3% ± 4.3% vs 19.8% ± 2.9% MVF; VM, 24.2% ± 4.8% vs 22.9% ± 3.7% MVF; P ≥ 0.4543). There were also no differences between groups in MU discharge rate at recruitment and derecruitment or at the plateau phase of submaximal contractions (VL, 10.6 ± 1.2 pps vs 10.3 ± 1.5 pps; VM, 10.7 ± 1.6 pps vs 10.8 ± 1.7 pps; P ≥ 0.3028). During maximal contractions of a subsample population (10 RT, 9 UT), MU discharge rate was also similar in RT compared with UT (VL, 21.1 ± 4.1 pps vs 14.0 ± 4.5 pps; VM, 19.5 ± 5.0 pps vs 17.0 ± 6.3 pps; P = 0.7173). Motor unit conduction velocity was greater in RT compared with UT individuals in both VL (4.9 ± 0.5 m·s−1 vs 4.5 ± 0.3 m·s−1; P < 0.0013) and VM (4.8 ± 0.5 m·s−1 vs 4.4 ± 0.3 m·s−1; P < 0.0073).

Conclusions

Resistance-trained and UT men display similar MU discharge characteristics in the knee extensor muscles during maximal and submaximal contractions. The between-group strength difference is likely explained by superior muscle morphology of RT as suggested by greater MU conduction velocity.
Transitioning to Barefoot Running Using a Minimalist Shoe Intermediary: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: MILLS KATHRYN , COLLINS NATALIE J. , VICENZINO BILL
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The objectives of this study are, first, to investigate the probability of runners successfully transitioning from running in a traditional shoe to barefoot. Second, to identify prognostic indicators of failure of transition to barefoot running.

Methods

Over 20 wk, 76 healthy runners (female, 40; age, 35.04 yr [SD, 8.9 yr]; body weight, 69.9 kg [SD 13.4 kg]) attempted to transition from running in traditional shoes to running barefoot. A minimalist shoe was used as an intermediary. Participants ran for 4 wk exclusively in provided traditional shoes followed by 4 wk of transitioning to minimalist shoes. This process was repeated to transition to barefoot running. Participants were followed up until they withdrew from the study or successfully transitioned to running barefoot. A survival analysis examined the weeks of successful transition. Along with sex and age, baseline measures of traditional shoe overall comfort, footstrike pattern, midfoot width mobility and plantar foot pressure pain threshold were examined as prognostic variables for failure to transition using Cox regression.

Results

The cumulative probability of successful transition to running barefoot was 70.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61%–83%). The primary footwear-related reason for withdrawal was pain, primarily in the foot (n = 7), two runners had confirmed injuries. Runners exhibiting a rearfoot strike pattern and higher midfoot width mobility were more likely to fail to transition (hazard ratios [HR], 4.02; 95% CI, 1.33–12.16 and HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05–1.42).

Conclusions

Most runners who wish to run barefoot will be able to transition. Our study indicates that there may be biomechanical and anatomical characteristics that are prognostic of failing to transition when using a 20-wk transition period and an intermediary minimalist shoe. Whether a different transition process increases the probability of a success remains to be seen.
Dose–Response Relationships between Objectively Measured Daily Steps and Mortality among Frail and Nonfrail Older Adults
Authors: WATANABE DAIKI , YOSHIDA TSUKASA , WATANABE YUYA , YAMADA YOSUKE , MIYACHI MOTOHIKO , KIMURA MISAKA
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Whether the association between objectively assessed physical activity and mortality differs between adults with versus those without frailty is unclear. We investigated this association in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

This prospective study used the data of 4165 older adults 65 yr or older from the Kyoto–Kameoka study in Japan who wore a triaxial accelerometer (EW-NK52). The number of steps was classified by quartiles using the average daily value of data obtained from the accelerometer across four or more days. Frailty was evaluated using the validated Kihon Checklist. We evaluated the association between mortality and daily steps using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis and restricted spline model.

Results

The average daily steps for the first, second, third, and fourth quartiles were 1786, 3030, 4452, and 7502, respectively. In total, 113 deaths were recorded during a median follow-up of 3.38 yr (14,061 person-years). After adjusting for confounders, the top quartile was associated with a lower hazard ratio (HR) for mortality than the bottom quartile (HR = 0.39, 95% confidence interval = 0.18–0.85). In a stratified model by frailty status, the daily step count dose–response curve at which the HR for mortality plateaued among nonfrail individuals was approximately 5000–7000 steps per day. By contrast, the daily step count showed an inverse relationship with mortality at approximately 5000 steps or more per day in frail individuals.

Conclusions

The relationship between daily steps and mortality is different between those with and those without frailty, and people with frailty may require more daily steps than those with nonfrailty to achieve the inverse relationship with mortality. These findings may be useful for informing future physical activity guidelines.
Ανάπτυξη και εφαρμογή μοντέλου πρόβλεψης επιτυχίας της επιθετικής μετάβασης στη σύγχρονη ποδοσφαίριση
Authors: Αρματάς Βασίλειος
Published: February 2023

Η φάση της μετάβασης στην ποδοσφαίριση, δηλαδή της εναλλαγής κατοχής μπάλας μεταξύ των ομάδων, περιέχει επιθετικές και αμυντικές συμπεριφορές, όπου η σημασία τους για την έκβαση του αγώνα είναι κρίσιμη και χρήζει ανάλυσης. Στόχος της έρευνας ήταν η ανάπτυξη και εφαρμογή ενός μοντέλου πρόβλεψης της επιθετικής μετάβασης σε αγώνες ποδοσφαίρισης υψηλού επιπέδου. Το δείγμα της έρευνας αποτέλεσαν συνολικά 154 αγώνες, από το Παγκόσμιο πρωτάθλημα ανδρών 2018, γυναικών 2019 και νέων ανδρών 2019, καθώς και από τις διασυλλογικές διοργανώσεις του Champions League 2018-19 και των Πρωταθλημάτων Ισπανίας, Αγγλίας, Γερμανίας, Ιταλίας και Ελλάδας 2018-19. Τα αποτελέσματα ανέδειξαν τις διαφορές στον τρόπο παιχνιδιού κατά τη διάρκεια της επιθετικής μετάβασης μεταξύ: ανδρών - γυναικών, ανδρών - νέων ανδρών και διασυλλογικών πρωταθλημάτων. Τα μοντέλα πρόβλεψης της επιτυχίας που δημιουργήθηκαν με τη διωνυμική λογιστική παλινδρόμηση, εντόπισαν κοινές μεταβλητές για όλες τις διοργανώσεις και συγκεκριμένα: το χώρο ανάκτησης κατοχής, τη ζώνη διείσδυσης, τον αριθμό των μεταβιβάσεων και διεισδυτικών μεταβιβάσεων και τέλος, τη διάρκεια της επιθετικής αλληλουχίας. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη την υψηλή αποτελεσματικότητα της επιθετικής μετάβασης και συγκεκριμένα της αντεπίθεσης, η παρούσα μελέτη αναδεικνύει τα κρίσιμα συστατικά της για την επιτυχία, τα οποία μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν ως προπονητικές κατευθυντήριες γραμμές, τόσο για το σχεδιασμό της προπόνησης, όσο και για την τακτική διαχείριση κατά τη διάρκεια του αγώνα.
Symptom burden of people with progressive ataxia, and its wider impact on their friends and relatives: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lowit Anja , Greenfield Julie , Cutting Emily , Wallis Ruby , Hadjivassiliou Marios
Published: February 2023

Background: Progressive ataxias are complex disorders that result in a wide variety of symptoms. Whilst we currently have a relatively good understanding of the spectrum of symptoms associated with the various types of ataxia, and their progression over time, their impact on the person with ataxia is less well understood. In addition, little is known about how carers, friends and relatives are affected by them. This paper aims to provide information on the presence and impact of medical symptoms and day-to-day challenges on people with ataxia and their friends and relatives.

Method: Data were extracted from a survey by Ataxia UK done for their members. The views of 366 people with ataxia and 52 friends and relatives are reported. Data were analysed for the entire group, as well as for the three most common ataxia types represented in the sample, Friedreich’s ataxia, inherited ataxia (excluding Friedreich’s ataxia), and cerebellar ataxia of unknown cause.

Results: The survey confirmed the symptom patterns described in previous research, but further showed that the impact of these symptoms can vary across ataxia populations. Similar findings were observed for day-to-day challenges. Friends and relatives experienced similar challenges to people with ataxia, indicating that support provided has to consider those supporting people with ataxia as well as the patient. Respondents also highlighted limitations in terms of accessing support services, and not all services were able to cater fully to their specific needs.

Conclusion: This study begins to provide information that can be used in further research to explore the needs of people with ataxia and their carers, friends, and relatives. Such research will support treatment trial design, ensuring patients’ needs are considered, help to tailor support services to their needs, and ensure health care professionals have the necessary skills to fully address them.
Blood RNA and protein biomarkers are associated with vaping and dual use, and prospective health outcomes
Authors: Gregory Andrew , Xu Zhonghui , Pratte Katherine , Berman Seth , Lu Robin , Suryadevara Rahul , Chase Robert , Yun Jeong H. , Saferali Aabida , Hersh Craig P. , Silverman Edwin K. , Bowler Russell P. , Crotty Alexander Laura E. , Boueiz Adel , Castaldi Peter J.
Published: February 2023

Background:Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are driving an epidemic of vaping. Identifying biomarkers of vaping and dual use (concurrent vaping and smoking) will facilitate studies of the health effects of vaping. To identify putative biomarkers of vaping and dual use, we performed association analysis in an observational cohort of 3,892 COPDGene study participants with blood transcriptomics and/or plasma proteomics data and self-reported current vaping and smoking behavior.

Methods:Biomarkers of vaping and dual use were identified through differential expression analysis and related to prospective health events over six years of follow-up. To assess the predictive accuracy of multi-biomarker panels, we constructed predictive models for vaping and smoking categories and prospective health outcomes.

Results:We identified three transcriptomic and three proteomic associations with vaping, and 90 transcriptomic and 100 proteomic associations to dual use. Many of these vaping or dual use biomarkers were significantly associated with prospective health outcomes, such as FEV1 decline (three transcripts and 62 proteins), overall mortality (18 transcripts and 73 proteins), respiratory mortality (two transcripts and 23 proteins), respiratory exacerbations (13 proteins) and incident cardiovascular disease (24 proteins). Multimarker models showed good performance discriminating between vaping and smoking behavior and produced informative, modestly powerful predictions of future FEV1 decline, mortality, and respiratory exacerbations.

Conclusions:In summary, vaping and dual use are associated with RNA and protein blood-based biomarkers that are also associated with adverse health outcomes.
Endourological versus open cystolithotomy for bladder stone management among children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fauzan Randy , Herman Hendra , Rachman Wendy , Sitompul Ardiansyah Periadi , Astram Ari
Published: February 2023

Background: The treatment of choice for bladder stones in children remains debatable. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of endourological and open cystolithotomy for the management of bladder stones in children.

Methods: The Medline, Embase, Cochrane controlled trial databases and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for relevant English-language publications from 1 to 30 August 2022. Stone-free rate (SFR), complication rate, length of stay, and procedure duration were compared. Children (male and female) <18 years of age of any ethnicity with bladder stones (single/multiple) were included. Patients with a history of bladder augmentation or diversion were excluded. The quality of studies included was assessed using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias Assessment. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan.

Results: Five articles (436 participants) that compared endourological versus open cystolithotomy were included in qualitative and quantitative analyses. Four were non-randomised, retrospective, and single centre studies. While the other one was a randomised controlled trial. Measure outcome characteristics included SFR, complications, procedure duration, and length of hospital stay. There was no significant difference in the SFR between transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL) and percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL) (p=0.22). There were also no significant differences in complications (TUCL versus PCCL, p=0.18; TUCL versus open cystolithotomy [CL] and PCCL versus CL, p=0.08). PCCL featured a longer procedure duration than TUCL (p<0.00001), while CL was shorter than TUCL and PCCL (both p<0.00001). Finally, in terms of length of stay, TUCL was superior to PCCL and CL, while PCCL was better than CL (all p<0.00001).

Conclusions: Endourological and open surgical management of bladder stones in children showed comparable SFR and fewer complications. Open surgery offers a shorter procedure duration than endourological management, but PCCL features a shorter procedure duration than TUCL. In terms of length of stay, TUCL and PCCL were superior to CL, while TUCL was better than PCCL.
‘Glocalizing’ land-use and forest governance in the tropics: examining research partnerships and international forest policies affecting Brazil, DRC and Indonesia
Authors: Kanashiro Uehara Thiago , Chazarin Florie , Nakagawa Louise , Favareto Ariane , Tobias Tamara , Favareto Arilson , Minani Rigobert , Nugroho Bramasto , Setiajiati Fitta , Iriyani Silfi , Buchori Damayanti , Chiavaroli Chiara
Published: February 2023

Background: International and market forces are key drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, with transnational and market-based solutions in land-use and forest governance often missing economic, distributive, and environmental targets.

Methods: This paper tackles both the framing and effectiveness of transnational initiatives affecting forest lands and peoples in the Global South, and the quality of relationships between institutions in the Global North and the Global South. Through more equitable research partnerships, this paper draws lessons from case studies in Indonesia (legality verification system in different forest property regimes), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (lifting of a moratorium on new logging concession), and Brazil (FSC in the Amazon region and the Amazon Fund).

Results: International partnerships have privileged market-based instruments and commodity exchange between Global South and Global North countries, and the benefits of such mechanisms are unevenly distributed. Complementary and alternative policy instruments are discussed for each geography.

Conclusions: Glocalizing land-use and forest governance implies in advancing equitable research partnerships between institutions in the Global South and Global North, and strengthening a community of practice for critical enquiry and engagement in partnerships for sustainable development. Land-use, climate and forest governance mechanisms must redress power dynamics, and partnership models, and commit to improving well-being and sustainable livelihood outcomes.
Prevalence and factors associated with anemia among children under five years of age in Rombo district, Kilimanjaro region, Northern Tanzania
Authors: Mboya Innocent B. , Mamseri Redempta , Leyaro Beatrice J. , George Johnston , Msuya Sia E. , Mgongo Melina
Published: February 2023

Background:  Anemia is a severe public health problem affecting more than half of children under five years of age in low-, middle- and high-income countries. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with anemia among children under five years of age in northern Tanzania.

Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Rombo district, Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania, in April 2016. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a total of 602 consenting mothers and their children aged 6-59 months and interviewed using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Stata version 15.1. We used generalized linear models (binomial family and logit link function) with a robust variance estimator to determine factors associated with anemia.

Results: Prevalence of anemia was 37.9%, and it was significantly higher among children aged 6-23 months (48.3%) compared to those aged 24-59 months (28.5%). There were no significant differences in anemia prevalence by sex of the child. Adjusted for other factors, children aged 6-23 months had over two times higher odds of being anemic (OR=2.47, 95% CI 1.73, 3.53, p<0.001) compared to those aged 24-59 months. No significant association was found between maternal and nutritional characteristics with anemia among children in this study.

Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia was lower than the national and regional estimates, and it still constitutes a significant public health problem, especially among children aged 6-23 months. The study recommends iron supplementation, food fortification, dietary diversification, and management of childhood illnesses interventions for mothers and children under two years.
Antioxidant effect of ethanolic extract of Pleurotus Ostreatus on 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and glutathione (GSH) level in lung rats exposed to cigarette smoke
Authors: Bhekti Rahimah Santun , Yuwono Soeroto Arto , Dhianawaty Djunaedi Diah , Bisri Tatang
Published: February 2023

Background: Cigarette smoke can trigger oxidative stress. An alternative to overcome the harmful effects of cigarette smoke is through antioxidants. White oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus Ostreatusostreatus or P. ostreatus) are a source of exogenous antioxidants because many contain active compounds for potential antioxidants such as phenol and flavonoid compounds. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of ethanolic extract of Pleurotus P.ostreatus on 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and glutathione (GSH), as well as to analyze their correlation in the lung of Wistar male rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

Methods: The study was a preclinical experiment conducted on 24 rats divided into four groups. The treatment was carried out for 42 days and antioxidant effects were assessed through levels of HNE and GSH in rat lungs. Groups were divided as follows: I- normal control, II- negative control, III and IV exposed to cigarette smoke for 60 minutes/day. Group III (treatment group) was treated with ethanolic extract of PleurotusP. ostreatus at 250 mg/kg BW rat/day, and group IV (comparison group) was treated with N-acetyl cysteine 600 mg /day. Data analysis used was one-way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis test, and Spearmen rank correlation coefficient test.

Results: The results showed that the group receiving ethanolic extract of PleurotusP. ostreatus had HNE levels of (44,18 ± 2,09 pg/mL) and GSH (0,04 ± 0,00 pg/mL) protein. This extract significantly increased GSH levels and inhibited the increase of HNE levels. Results of GSH (p≤0.01) showed significant results using one-way ANOVA.

Conclusions: The ethanolic extract of P. ostreatus can prevent lipid peroxidation and decrease endogenous antioxidant levels in lung cells exposed to cigarette smoke. Ethanolic extract of PleurotusP. ostreatus has good antioxidant potential.
Global research on syndemics: a meta-knowledge analysis (2001-2020)
Authors: Hossain Md Mahbub , Saha Nobonita , Rodela Tahmina Tasnim , Tasnim Samia , Nuzhath Tasmiah , Roy Tamal Joyti , Burdine James N. , Ahmed Helal Uddin , McKyer E. Lisako J. , Basu Banga Kamal , Ma Ping
Published: February 2023

Background: Syndemics or synergies of cooccurring epidemics are widely studied across health and social sciences in recent years.

Methods: We conducted a meta-knowledge analysis of articles published between 2001 to 2020 in this growing field of academic scholarship.

Results: We found a total of 830 articles authored by 3025 authors, mostly from high-income countries. Publications on syndemics are gradually increasing since 2003, with rapid development in 2013. Each article was cited more than 15 times on average, and most (n = 604) articles were original studies. Syndemics research focused on several areas, including HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, mental health, gender minority stressors, racism, violence, chronic physical and mental disorders, food insecurity, social determinants of health, and coronavirus disease 2019. Moreover, biopsychosocial interactions between multiple health problems were studied across medical, anthropological, public health, and other disciplines of science.

Conclusions: The limited yet rapidly evolving literature on syndemics informs transdisciplinary interests to understand complex coexisting health challenges in the context of systematic exclusion and structural violence in vulnerable populations. The findings also suggest applications of syndemic theory to evaluate clinical and public health problems, examine the socioecological dynamics of factors influencing health and wellbeing, and use the insights to alleviate health inequities in the intersections of synergistic epidemics and persistent contextual challenges for population health.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRESS HORMONES AND STUDENTS’ COPING STRATEGIES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DYNAMICALLY CHANGING SITUATION OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Klimatckaia Liudmila G. , Dyachuk Anna A. , Kuzina Daria V. , Bocharova Julia Ju. , Shpakou Andrei I. , Skobeiko Kseniya N.
Published: February 2023

Objective: to identify the relationship between stress hormones and coping strategies in students in the context of the dynamically changing situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods. The students of the pedagogical university aged 20–21 years (n=10), randomized sampling from the general population, took part in the study. The repertoire of coping strategies was studied using standardized questionnaire methods COPE and “Proactive Coping”. Catecholamines were determined in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography, Glucocorticoids – by chemiluminescence immunoassay on microparticles. Dynamics of indicators and their correlation were considered on the example of two periods of change of the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Results. Analysis of stress hormone indicators at two stages of the study suggests that students adapted to the dynamically changing situation of the second year of the pandemic. Restrictive measures lead to a decrease in dopamine (p<0,05), which correlates with the strategies of coping with stress chosen by students. Study of the relationship in different ways allowed to identify the correlation of stress hormones with emotion-oriented coping and avoidance of a stressful situation.
Conclusion. The results confirm the mediating role of stress hormones in students’ choice of coping strategies in the dynamically changing situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ON ASSESSING THE MORBIDITY OF THE POPULATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE ATMOSPHERIC AIR QUALITY ON THE EXAMPLE OF A RUSSIAN CONSTITUENT ENTITY
Authors: Nikiforova Nadezhda V. , Zaitseva Nina V. , Kleyn Svetlana V.
Published: February 2023

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 24% of the global burden of diseases and 23% of all deaths associate with environmental factors. The presence of chemical impurities in the air can have an adverse effect on the health of the population. A connection has been established between the increased content of chemical impurities in the air and the development of such pathologies as diseases of the respiratory system, circulatory system, the formation of malformations, etc. Many countries implement projects to improve air quality. For the purpose of targeted development of management decisions aimed at minimizing the adverse impact of atmospheric air on the health of the population, the study of the morbidity of the population associated with the impact of priority atmospheric air hazard factors is relevant. The research goal is to characterize the morbidity of the population associated with air quality (on the example of Krasnoyarsk Krai) to identify the priority factors of atmospheric air that form the greatest contribution to the associated morbidity. The qualitative characteristics of the atmosphere and the level of morbidity of the population in Krasnoyarsk Krai are estimated on the basis of official data of federal and industry statistics. The analysis of the primary morbidity of the population, designated by the WHO as an indication of the effect of environmental factors, has been carried out. The authors calculate the number of third-party cases of diseases associated with the quality of the atmosphere and determine the priority risk factors. High proportions of air samples that do not meet the standards for the content of heavy metals, benz(a)pyrene, xylenes (59% of samples) have been registered over the territory of Krasnoyarsk Krai. Since 2012, there has been an increase of 0.2%–6.4% in the indicators of primary morbidity, indicated by the WHO as an indicator of the effect of environmental factors and a significant increase in congenital anomalies (the growth rate is 93.2%). Up to 231 thousand third-party cases of diseases of the general population with diseases affecting the respiratory organs, circulatory system, hematopoietic organs, nervous system, eyes and their appendages determine the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen dioxide, hydroxybenzene (as well as its derivatives), benz(a)pyrene, nitrogen oxide, ammonia, dihydrosulfide and carbon disulfide, sulfur dioxide in the air in concentrations exceeding the standards. The most substantial number of diseases associated with air quality forms in the class of respiratory diseases (2020 – 587.4 cases per 100 thousand population, 64.5% of the total air-associated morbidity).