bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Dynamic Process of Older Adult Learners Recognizing Young University Students as Teachers in Reverse Education: A Case Study in China
Authors: Cheng Hao , Lyu Keyi
Published: September 2024

Reverse education, where younger individuals teach older adults, has gained prominence but lacks comprehensive understanding regarding its dynamics and impacts. This study addresses this gap by exploring the cognitive processes of older adult learners who view young university students as their teachers. Through semi-structured interviews with 12 older adults learning to use smartphones, we identify and analyse 3 critical stages of their cognitive journey: pre-teaching, teaching interaction, and learning reflection. In the pre-teaching stage, older adults accept young students as teachers primarily due to the perceived authority of the educational institution. During the teaching interaction stage, they recognize the value of the younger generation’s teaching abilities and emotional support. In the learning reflection stage, older adults emphasize the quality of their learning experience and personal growth when evaluating young students as teachers. Our findings provide a nuanced understanding of why older adult learners embrace reverse education, highlighting the importance of teaching competencies and emotional engagement. These insights have significant implications for enhancing reverse education practices and the professional development of educators in senior university settings.
Living in the Big Pond: Adding the Neighborhood as a Frame of Reference for Academic Self-Concept Formation
Authors: Becker Dominik , Fleischmann Moritz , Wessling Katarina , Nagengast Benjamin , Trautwein Ulrich
Published: September 2024

Research on the big-fish-little-pond effect demonstrates that class-average achievement negatively affects students’ academic self-concept via social comparison processes. The neighborhood-effects literature reports positive effects of advantageous socioeconomic neighborhood conditions on students’ academic development via collective socialization mechanisms. To investigate how socioeconomic neighborhood conditions affect academic self-concept, we separately and simultaneously analyzed classroom- and neighborhood-level composition effects on students’ academic self-concept, using two samples drawn from two grade levels ([Formula: see text] = 3,906, [Formula: see text] = 3,277). Analyses of the neighborhood level only indicate that socioeconomic neighborhood conditions negatively predict general, math, and German self-concept in Grade 5. In Grade 9, this holds only for math self-concept. In simultaneous analyses including classrooms and neighborhoods, socioeconomically advantageous neighborhood conditions negatively predicted general and math self-concept in Grade 5.
Determinants of STI Risk Behaviors as a Function of Alcohol use and Incarceration History Among Male Adolescent Offenders
Authors: Stephens Torrance
Published: September 2024

Aims:

The purpose of this analysis was to identify bivariate correlates of history of prior incarceration, and self-reported risky sexual practices among a sample of adolescent male detainees.

Methods:

The current analyses included 139 male adolescent offenders enrolled in an AOD/HIV prevention intervention conducted in a juvenile detention facility in a major Southeastern city in the USA. Significance tests were conducted using univariate logistic regressions to examine the independent associations of prior arrest history, and self-reported risky behaviors prior to this recent incarceration.

Results:

Adolescents who identified as having a prior arrest history were more likely to report they had willingly had sex with a prostitute (OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.29–5.95), used alcohol or other drugs to get a desired effect (OR = 3.39, 95% CI = 1.18–9.68), had tattoos (OR = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.78–9.78) and were addicted to AODs (OR = 2.51, 95% CI = 0.77–8.16).

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that risk practices that increase risk for STIs among adolescent male offenders, maybe a function of incarceration history.
Open Pectoralis Major Repair: Endobutton Fixation
Authors: Tadepalli Vaibhav R. , Schwartz Joshua M. , Tagliero Adam J. , Goodloe J. Brett , Gwathmey F. Winston , Brockmeier Stephen F. , Werner Brian C.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Rupture of the pectoralis major is most commonly seen with eccentric contraction mechanisms, and surgical options in the setting of acute tear include direct repair, endocortical buttons, suture anchors, and transosseous tunnel fixation. This technique video will detail repair using a unicortical endobutton fixation construct.

Indications:

Surgical repair is indicated for acute, complete pectoralis major tears; incomplete tears involving rupture of the sternal head with intact clavicular head; and tears in the young, active, high-demand demographic. Delay in diagnosis increases the risk of tendon retraction and fatty atrophy. Recent literature has shown that acute repair is superior to chronic repair in functional outcome, pain relief, and overall cosmesis.

Technique Description:

A beach-chair position and a deltopectoral approach are used to identify and mobilize the torn and retracted sternal head of the pectoralis major. A No. 2 SutureTape is then passed through the disrupted sternal head in a Krackow fashion to allow for a 6-strand repair. Two of the suture strands are then shuttled through the endocortical button. A drill is used to create a corticectomy for endobutton placement, which is secured into place by sequentially tightening each limb. Two additional endobuttons are placed in a similar fashion to complete the construct.

Results:

Outcomes studies regarding patients with pectoralis major tendon ruptures who underwent endocortical button fixation reveal that 83% of patients had good or excellent outcomes in a recent systematic review. Another study showed no significant difference in functional outcomes, return to activity, or complication rate with endocortical button fixation compared with other mechanisms of fixation.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Unicortical endobutton fixation can provide another fixation strategy for acute pectoralis major tears in young, active high-demand individuals.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
EASIX and m-EASIX predict CRS and ICANS in pediatric and AYA patients after CD19-CAR T-cell therapy
Authors: Zandaki Dua’a , Selukar Subodh , Bi Yu , Li Ying , Zinsky Megan , Bonifant Challice L. , Epperly Rebecca , Keerthi Dinesh , Triplett Brandon M. , Gottschalk Stephen , Naik Swati , Talleur Aimee C.
Published: September 2024

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) are complications of CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CD19-CAR) T-cell therapy. The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) and modified EASIX (m-EASIX) scores have been retrospectively proven to be predictive of CRS and ICANS in adult CAR T-cell recipients. However, these scores have not been evaluated in pediatric cohorts. We retrospectively report on 76 pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with CD19-CAR T cells at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Johns Hopkins Hospital. Data included patient, disease, and treatment characteristics. EASIX and m-EASIX scores were calculated at days –5 before, 0, and +3 after CAR T-cell infusion. CRS and ICANS occurred in 47 and 17 patients, respectively. At all evaluated time points, the median EASIX scores were higher for patients who developed severe CRS and any grade ICANS, and the median m-EASIX scores were higher in patients who developed severe CRS and severe ICANS than those with no/mild CRS/ICANS. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that both scores were strong predictors of CRS, especially severe CRS, at all time points. Any grade and severe ICANS were best predicted by both scores at day +3. m-EASIX uniformly outperformed EASIX, except for predicting any grade ICANS. Our results validate the potential utility of EASIX and m-EASIX scores for predicting CAR T-cell–related complications for pediatric and AYA patients.
Parthenolide ameliorates 3-nitropropionic acid-induced Huntington’s disease-like aberrations via modulating NLRP3 inflammasome, reducing microglial activation and inducing astrocyte shifting
Authors: Noureldeen Mona E. , Shahin Nancy N. , Amin Hebat Allah A. , El-Sawalhi Maha M. , Ghaiad Heba R.
Published: September 2024

Background

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes motor, cognitive, and psychiatric abnormalities, with no satisfying disease-modifying therapy so far. 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP) induces behavioural deficits, together with biochemical and histological alterations in animals’ striata that mimic HD. The role of nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich–containing family, pyrin domain–containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in HD pathogenesis remains largely uncharacterized. Parthenolide (PTL), a naturally occurring nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor, is also known to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome. Whether PTL is beneficial in HD has not been established yet.

Aim

This study evaluated the possible neuroprotective effects of PTL against 3NP-induced behavioural abnormalities, striatal biochemical derangements, and histological aberrations.

Methods

Male Wistar rats received PTL (0.5 mg/kg/day, i.p) for 3 weeks and 3NP (10 mg/kg/day, i.p) was administered alongside for the latter 2 weeks to induce HD. Finally, animals were subjected to open-field, Morris water maze and rotarod tests. Rat striata were examined histologically, striatal protein expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were evaluated immunohistochemically, while those of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba1) and glutamate were determined by ELISA. Striatal nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein (Keap1), NF-κB, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, S100 calcium-binding protein A10 (S100A10) and complement-3 (C3) were assessed by gene expression analysis.

Results

PTL improved motor, locomotor, cognitive and anxiety-like behaviours, restored neuronal integrity, upregulated Nrf2, and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome, NF-κB and microglial activation. Additionally, PTL induced astrocyte shifting towards the neuroprotective A2 phenotype.

Conclusion

PTL exhibits neuroprotection against 3NP-induced HD, that might be ascribed, at least in part, to its modulatory effects on Keap1/Nrf2 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling.
Behind the scenes: a qualitative study on threats and violence in emergency medical services
Authors: Stjerna Doohan Isabelle , Davidsson Måns , Danielsson Martin , Aléx Jonas
Published: September 2024

The increasing prevalence of threats and violence against ambulance clinicians is a critical issue that has not been adequately studied. These incidents pose significant challenges to the provision of prehospital emergency care, affecting both the safety and well-being of the clinicians involved. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Swedish ambulance clinicians when encountering threats and violence during their work. A qualitative approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews with 11 ambulance clinicians from various regions of Sweden. The participants were selected to ensure diversity in gender, age, and educational background. The data were collected over three weeks in 2021 and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis revealed three key categories related to the challenges faced by ambulance clinicians: Police cooperation challenges, Strategies for a safe care environment, and Impact during and relief after stressful events. These categories highlight the complexities of managing threats and violence in the field. This study sheds light on the multifaceted challenges that ambulance clinicians face due to threats and violence. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive training, effective communication, and clear role allocation in complex situations. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of organized support systems to help clinicians cope with the aftermath of stressful events.
Parasite clearance and protection from Plasmodium falciparum infection (PCPI): a three-arm, parallel, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised trial of presumptive sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine versus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine versus artesunate monotherapy among asymptomatic children 3–5 years of age in Cameroon
Authors: Martinez-Vega Rosario , Mbacham Wilfred Fon , Ali Innocent , Nji Akindeh , Mousa Andria , Beshir Khalid B. , Chopo-Pizarro Ana , Kaur Harparkash , Okell Lucy , Hansson Helle , Hocke Emma Filtenborg , Alifrangis Michael , Gosling Roland , Roper Cally , Sutherland Colin , Chico R. Matthew
Published: September 2024

Background

The World Health Organization 2022 malaria chemoprevention guidelines recommend providing a full course of antimalarial treatment at pre-defined intervals, regardless of malaria status to prevent illness among children resident in moderate to high perennial malaria transmission settings as perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP). The dhps I431V mutation circulating in West Africa has unknown effect on SP protective efficacy.

Methods

This protocol is for a three-arm, parallel, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised trial in Cameroon among children randomly assigned to one of three directly-observed treatment groups: (i) Group 1 (n = 450) receives daily artesunate (AS) placebo on days − 7 to -1, then active SP plus placebo amodiaquine (AQ) on day 0, and placebo AQ on days 1 and 2; (ii) Group 2 (n = 250) receives placebo AS on days − 7 to -1, then active SP and AQ on day 0, and active AQ on days 1 and 2; and (iii) Group 3 (n = 200) receives active AS on days − 7 to -1, then placebo SP on day 0 and placebo AQ on days 0 to 2. On days 0, 2, 5, 7, and thereafter weekly until day 28, children provide blood for thick smear slides. Dried blood spots are collected on the same days and weekly from day 28 to day 63 for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and genotype analyses.

Discussion

Our aim is to quantify the chemopreventive efficacy of SP, and SP plus AQ, and measure the effect of the parasite genotypes associated with SP resistance on parasite clearance and protection from infection when exposed to SP chemoprevention. We will report unblinded results including: (i) time-to-parasite clearance among SP and SP plus AQ recipients who were positive on day 0 by qPCR and followed to day 63; (ii) mean duration of SP and SP plus AQ protection against infection, and (iii) mean duration of symptom-free status among SP and SP plus AQ recipients who were parasite free on day 0 by qPCR. Our study is designed to compare the 28-day follow-up of the new WHO malaria chemoprevention efficacy study protocol with extended follow-up to day 63.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06173206; 15/12/2023.
Surface topography changes and wear resistance of different non-metallic telescopic crown attachment materials in implant retained overdenture (prospective comparative in vitro study)
Authors: Abdel Hamid Sherif M. , Selima Rim A. , Basiony Mohamed Z.
Published: September 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of using different types of metallic and non-metallic telescopic crown attachment materials on wear resistance and surface tomography changes in implant-retained mandibular overdentures.

Materials and methods

Completely edentulous mandibular epoxy models were fabricated, in which two implants were placed in the canine region and retained to the implants with three different material combinations used for the construction of telescopic attachments. Thirty-three identical mandibular overdentures were fabricated using the conventional standardized technique. The study groups were divided into three categories according to the material used for the construction of the secondary copings. The primary copings in all the study groups were constructed of PEEK, while the secondary coping in group I was PEEK, group II was ZrO2 and CoCr for group III. Primary copings were cemented on a ready-made abutment. Secondary copings were placed over the primary copings in the desired path of insertion, then picked up into the intaglio surface of the overdentures. A cyclic loading machine was used to apply repeated insertion-removal cycles simulating nearly 10 years of clinical use. Stereomicroscope with a built-in camera was used to monitor the reduction in width of the primary copings to evaluate the wear resistance of each material combination.

Results

There was highly statistically significant difference between the study groups after the application of 1.000, 5.000 and 10.000 cycles. The highest level of wear resistance was recorded for the PEEK/PEEK combination, whereas PEEK/ZrO2 and PEEK/CoCr showed no significant differences.

Conclusions

Implant retained overdenture with PEEK-PEEK telescopic crown attachment is associated with the highest wear resistance among all the study groups. PEEK-PEEK combination may be the treatment of choice for fabrication of telescopic attachment in implant retained overdenture as it provides better resistance to wear. It offers the advantages for geriatric patients as it decreases the possibility for repeated repair and replacement of attachment, increase long-term patient satisfaction and shelf life of prosthesis.
Effect of aging on dimensional accuracy and color stability of CAD-CAM milled and 3D-printed denture base resins: a comparative in-vitro study
Authors: Gad Marwa A. , Abdelhamid Ahmed M. , ElSamahy Mahmoud , Abolgheit Salma , Hanno Kenda I.
Published: September 2024

Background

There is a lack of studies comparing the dimensional accuracy and color stability of denture base resins made using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milling, 3-dimensional (3D) printing, and conventional denture processing techniques. This makes it challenging to determine the best method to fabricate complete dentures. The objective of this in vitro investigation was to assess and contrast the color stability and dimensional accuracy of denture base resins that were 3D printed and CAD-CAM milled, both before and after aging by thermocycling using digital surface matching technology and a benchtop laser scanner without using a spray, to optimize adaptation of the denture base and cast to minimize any imperfections and to evaluate the impact of the denture cleansing solution on the stability of color.

Methods

Evaluation of the dimensional accuracy (n = 27) was completed on a sectional maxillary stone cast using a digital 3D-surface matching software before and after 5000 thermocycles. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the color change (△E00) of all disc specimens (N = 54) before and after 500 thermocycles and immersion in denture cleansing solution for 30 cycles (3 min each) daily for 6 days. The Kruskal Wallis test, Dunn’s post hoc test, Tukey’s test with Bonferroni adjustment, one sample t test and independent t test were used to statistically analyze the data (α < 0.05).

Results

Thermocycling decreased the dimensional accuracy of the heat polymerized group at all 5 locations and the 3D-printed group at locations 1, 3 and 5 (P > .05), while it had no significant difference on the CAD-CAM milled group at all locations (P < .05). The color change (△E00) was lowest in the CAD-CAM milled group, moderate in the heat-polymerized group and highest in the 3D-printed group. After immersion in denture cleanser, the color change (△E00) was significantly higher in the 3 groups compared with after thermocycling (P > .001).

Conclusions

CAD-CAM milled resins had the highest dimensional accuracy and the best color stability, conventional heat polymerized acrylic resins showed moderate change in dimensional accuracy and color stability, while the 3D- printed resin had the lowest dimensional accuracy and color stability after aging by thermocycling.
Influence of applying VARK learning styles on enhancing teaching skills: application of learning theories
Authors: El-Saftawy Enas , Latif Ahmed A. Abdel , ShamsEldeen Asmaa M. , Alghamdi Mansour A. , Mahfoz Amal M. , Aboulhoda Basma Emad
Published: September 2024

Background

Social media in our networks have been exploited as dynamic learning tools and free platforms.

Aims

The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of VARK learning styles (visual (V), aural (A), read/write (R), and kinesthetic (K)) in enhancing parasitological laboratory skills using social media and various learning theories.

Methods

A research sample of 100 chemists working in Mega Alfa labs underwent online learning of laboratory parasitology skills via Facebook posts and WhatsApp dictated messages for an average of 7 weeks. All posts served various VARK learning styles and were designed based on Zeigarnik’s effect (conducting information with tactical breaks), memory storage and retrieval strength theories (repetition of information). Trainees were classified according to their VARK learning style preferences and were evaluated through pre/post-tests. Data on VARK learning styles were summarized using frequency (count) and relative frequency (percentage). Data of pre-test and post-test scores were summarized using mean and standard deviation. T-test was used to compare pre-test and post-test scores. The difference between the pre-test results, the post-test results and the preferred learning style was analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc testing. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

In a total of 100 trainees, tri-modal and multimodal learning styles were preferred by 40% and 30% of the trainees respectively; on the contrary, the unimodal and bimodal learning styles were the least preferred. In the trimodal and multimodal groups, the post-test results showed significant increase when compared with the pre-test results. Also, using the ANOVA test and a Tukey’s post-hoc comparison, the assemblage of multiple learning styles (tri-modal and multimodal) appeared to significantly improve the learning performance in the post-test results when compared with the unimodal and bimodal groups.

Conclusion

The tri-modal and multimodal learning styles were found to influence the acquirement of the laboratory parasitology skills much better than the unimodal and bimodal learning styles. Kinesthetic learning should have a special emphasis in training.
Predictors of climate change literacy in the era of global boiling: a cross-sectional survey of Egyptian nursing students
Authors: Atta Mohamed Hussein Ramadan , Zoromba Mohamed A. , Asal Maha Gamal Ramadan , AbdELhay Eman Sameh , Hendy Abdelaziz , Sayed Mervat Amin , Elmonem Huwida Hamdy Abd , El-ayari Omnya Sobhy Mohamad , Sehsah Ibrahim , AbdELhay Islam Sameh , Rahman Alzahraa Abdel Aziz Omar Abdel , Balha Selwan Mahmoud Ibrahim , Taha Heba Mostafa Ali , Shehata Hanady. Sh. , Othman Ahmed Abdellah , Mohamed Ahmed Zaher , Abdelrahman Mahitab Mohamed , Ibrahim Noha Mohammed Ibrahim , Hassan Eman Hassan Mahmoud , El-fatah Hend Ali Mohamed Abd , Ali Amal AbdElaal Mohamed , Elsmalosy Mohamed Farag Awad , Machaly Eslam Reda , Ghoneam Mohamed Adel , Ali Amal Fawzy Zaki , Elfar Mira Naguib Abdelrazek , El-Sayed Ahmed Abdelwahab Ibrahim , Mahmoud Marwa Fouad Hanafy , Hassan Eman Arafa
Published: September 2024

Background

Climate changes have led to health and environmental risks, so it has become essential to measure climate change literacy among the entire population, especially nursing students. The significant role of nursing students in raising public awareness and future healthcare roles emphasizes assessing the predictors of climate change literacy among nursing students.

Aims

This study seeks to identify the predictors of climate change literacy among nursing students in A Multi-Site Survey.

Design

A multi-site descriptive cross-sectional study adheres to the guidelines outlined in A Consensus-Based Checklist for Reporting Survey Studies collected for five months, from the 1st of July 2023 to November 2023. The study participants comprise 10,084 nursing students from all 27 governments in Egypt. The researcher used the Predictors of Nursing Students’ Climate Change Literacy scale in this study. Data was collected, with 25 min average time to complete. Backward multiple linear regression was used to identify these predictors.

Results

In the current study, nursing students demonstrated a moderate understanding of climate science (mean score 14.38), communication and advocacy skills (mean score 14.41), and knowledge of adaptation and mitigation strategies (mean score 13.33). Climate health impacts (mean score 17.72) emerged as the domain with the highest level of knowledge. No significant differences in climate literacy were observed across diverse student backgrounds (all p-values were > 0.05). Perceived faculty knowledge of climate change positively correlated with all four domains of climate literacy and emerged as a significant predictor in multiple linear regression analyses (all p-values were < 0.001).

Implication.

While our findings highlight significant predictors of climate literacy, it is essential to recognize that these results identify associations rather than causal relationships. Based on these associations, it is recommended that nursing professionals be equipped with comprehensive knowledge of climate adaptation strategies to better advocate for and implement effective public health measures.
Comparing caloric restriction regimens for effective weight management in adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Jinming , Li Yi , Chen Maohua , Cai Zhaolun , Cai Zhen , Jiang Zhiyuan
Published: September 2024

Background

Randomized controlled trials have confirmed the effectiveness of four prevalent caloric restriction regimens in reducing obesity-related health risks. However, there is no consensus on the optimal regimen for weight management in adults.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL up to January 15, 2024, for randomized controlled trials (RCT) involving adults, evaluating the weight-loss effects of alternate day fasting (ADF), short-term fasting (STF), time-restricted eating (TRE), and continuous energy restriction (CER). The primary outcome was body weight, with secondary outcomes including BMI, fat mass, lean mass, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, and adverse events. Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted, ranking regimens using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve and the probability of being the best. Study quality was assessed using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis tool.

Results

Data from 47 RCTs (representing 3363 participants) were included. ADF showed the most significant body weight loss (Mean difference (MD): -3.42; 95% Confidence interval (CI): -4.28 to -2.55), followed by TRE (MD: -2.25; 95% CI: -2.92 to -1.59). STF (MD: -1.87; 95% CI: -3.32 to -0.56) and CER (MD: -1.59; 95% CI: -2.42 to -0.79) rank third and fourth, respectively. STF lead to decline in lean mass (MD: -1.26; 95% CI: -2.16, -0.47). TRE showed benefits on fasting glucose (MD: -2.98; 95% CI: -4.7, -1.26). Subgroup analysis revealed all four caloric restriction regimens likely lead to modest weight loss after 1–3 months, with ADF ranked highest, but by 4–6 months, varying degrees of weight regain occur, particularly with CER, while interventions lasting 7–12 months may result in effective weight loss, with TRE potentially ranking first during both the 4–6 months and 7–12 months periods. ADF showing fewer and shorter-lasting physical symptoms.

Conclusion

All four included regiments were effective in reducing body weight, with ADF likely having the most significant impact. Each regimen likely leads to modest weight loss after 1–3 months, followed by weight regain by 4–6 months. However, interventions lasting 7–12 months achieve greater weight loss overall.

Trial registration

PROSPERO: CRD42022382478.
Comprehensive analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid and serum metabolome in neurological diseases
Authors: Otto Carolin , Kalantzis Rea , Kübler-Weller Dorothee , Kühn Andrea A. , Böld Tina , Regler Armin , Strathmeyer Selina , Wittmann Johannes , Ruprecht Klemens , Heelemann Steffen
Published: September 2024

Background

Comprehensive characterization of the metabolome in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy may identify biomarkers and contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of neurological diseases.

Methods

Metabolites were determined by NMR spectroscopy in stored CSF/serum samples of 20 patients with Parkinson’s disease, 25 patients with other neuro-degenerative diseases, 22 patients with cerebral ischemia, 48 patients with multiple sclerosis, and 58 control patients with normal CSF findings. The data set was analysed using descriptive and multivariate statistics, as well as machine learning models.

Results

CSF glucose and lactic acid measured by NMR spectroscopy and routine clinical chemistry showed a strong correlation between both methods (glucose, R2 = 0.87, n = 173; lactic acid, R2 = 0.74, n = 173). NMR spectroscopy detected a total of 99 metabolites; 51 in both, CSF and serum, 16 in CSF only, and 32 in serum only. CSF concentrations of some metabolites increased with age and/or decreasing blood–brain-barrier function. Metabolite detection rates were overall similar among the different disease groups. However, in two-group comparisons, absolute metabolite levels in CSF and serum discriminated between multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.96), multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease (AUC = 0.89), and Parkinson’s disease and control patients (AUC = 0.91), as demonstrated by random forest statistical models. Orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis using absolute metabolite levels in CSF and serum furthermore permitted separation of Parkinson’s disease and neurodegenerative diseases. CSF propionic acid levels were about fourfold lower in Parkinson’s disease as compared to neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusions

These findings outline the landscape of the CSF and serum metabolome in different categories of neurological diseases and identify age and blood–brain-barrier function as relevant co-factors for CSF levels of certain metabolites. Metabolome profiles as determined by NMR spectroscopy may potentially aid in differentiating groups of patients with different neurological diseases, including clinically meaningful differentiations, such as Parkinson’s disease from other neurodegenerative diseases.
Metabolomics integrated with network pharmacology of blood-entry constituents reveals the bioactive component of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction and its angiogenic effects in treating traumatic brain injury
Authors: Li Teng , Zhang Lianglin , Cheng Menghan , Hu En , Yan Qiuju , Wu Yao , Luo Weikang , Su Hong , Yu Zhe , Guo Xin , Chen Quan , Zheng Fei , Li Haigang , Zhang Wei , Tang Tao , Luo Jiekun , Wang Yang
Published: September 2024

Background

Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XFZYD) has been extensively utilized to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the bioactive compounds and the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the bioactive constituents of XFYZD that are absorbed in the blood and the mechanisms in treating TBI.

Methods

The study presents an integrated strategy in three steps to investigate the material basis and pharmacological mechanisms of XFZYD. The first step involves: (1) performing metabolomics analysis of XFZYD to obtain the main functions and targets; (2) screening the blood-entry ingredients and targets of XFZYD from databases; (3) obtaining the potential components targeting the key functions by integrated analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology. The second step involves screening pharmacological effects with active ingredients in vitro. In the third step, the effects of the top active compound were validated in vivo, and the mechanisms were explored by protein antagonist experiments.

Results

Metabolomics analysis revealed that XFZYD treated TBI mice mainly through affecting the functions of blood vessels. We screened 62 blood-entry ingredients of XFZYD by network pharmacology. Then, we focused on 39 blood-entry ingredients related to vascular genes enriched by XFZYD-responsive metabolites. Performing the natural products library, we verified that hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), vanillin, ligustilide, paeoniflorin, and other substances promoted endothelial cell proliferation significantly compared to the control group. Among them, the efficacy of HSYA was superior. Further animal studies demonstrated that HSYA treatment alleviated neurological dysfunction in TBI mice by mNSS and foot fault test, and decreased neuronal damage by HE, nissl, and TUNEL staining. HSYA increased the density of cerebral microvessels, raised the expression of angiogenesis marker proteins VEGFA and CD34, and activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway significantly. The angiogenic effects disappeared after the intervention of PI3K antagonist LY294002.

Conclusion

By applying a novel strategy of integrating network pharmacology of constituents absorbed in blood with metabolomics, the research screened HSYA as one of the top bioactive constituents of XFZYD, which stimulates angiogenesis by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway after TBI.
Thalattosauria in time and space: a review of thalattosaur spatiotemporal occurrences, presumed evolutionary relationships and current ecological hypotheses
Authors: Bastiaans Dylan
Published: September 2024

In the wake of the greatest mass extinction in Earth’s history, the End-Permian Mass Extinction, the Triassic was a time of recovery and innovation. Aided by warm climatic conditions and favorable ecological circumstances, many reptilian clades originated and rapidly diversified during this time. This set the stage for numerous independent invasions of the marine realm by several reptilian clades, such as Ichthyosauriformes and Sauropterygia, shaping the oceanic ecosystems for the entire Mesozoic. Although comparatively less speciose, and temporally and latitudinally more restricted, another marine reptile clade, the Thalattosauriformes, stands out because of their unusual and highly disparate cranial, dental and skeletal morphology. Research on Thalattosauriformes has been hampered by a historic dearth of material, with the exception of rare material from Lagerstätten and highly fossiliferous localities, such as that from the UNESCO world heritage site of Monte San Giorgio. Consequently, their evolutionary origins and paleobiology remain poorly understood. The recent influx of new material from southwestern China and North America has renewed interest in this enigmatic group prompting the need for a detailed review of historic work and current views. The earliest representatives of the group may have been present from the late Early Triassic onwards in British Columbia. By the Ladinian the group had achieved a wide distribution across the northern hemisphere, spanning the eastern Panthalassic as well as the eastern and western Tethyan provinces. Distinct morphological and likely ecological differences exist between the two major clades of Thalattosauriformes, the Askeptosauroidea and the Thalattosauroidea, with the latter showing a higher degree of cranial and skeletal morphological disparity. In-group relationships remain poorly resolved beyond this bipartition. Overall, thalattosaurs may be closely related to other marine reptile groups such as ichthyopterygians and sauropterygians. However, their exact position within Diapsida remains elusive. Future focal points should utilize modern digital paleontological approaches to explore the many fragmentary specimens of otherwise poorly sampled localities.
Improving contraceptive care for minors in Israel: practice, policy, and training gaps among OBGYNs
Authors: Peled-Raz Maya , Goldstick Orly
Published: September 2024

Background

Sexually active adolescents sometimes seek contraceptives without parental consent, posing challenges due to minors' confidentiality and consent regulations. This is especially the case under the un-nuanced Israeli legal scheme regarding adolescents' care.

Methods

Israeli OBGYNs were contacted through mailing lists and social media groups and asked to fill an online questionnaire regarding their experience and protocols concerning prescription of contraceptives to minors. They were also asked about their comprehension of the relevant legal obligations, the importance they ascribe to different ethical interests and considerations, as well as their training.

Results

Of the 177 responding gynecologists, 132 (74.58%) consulted minors about contraceptives during the past year, regardless of a vast lack of training on providing care to minors. More than a third of respondents believed that there is no legal requirement to involve parents in the process, and only 8% assumed a legal obligation for parental involvement in all minors under the age of 18. Three quarters would "almost always" prescribe contraceptives without parental knowledge, if requested, while 20% never would. No correlation was found between respondents' practices and their perception of the relevant legal obligations. Participants agreed that the risk to the health of the minor as a result of having sex without contraceptives is of utmost importance. Yet, those willing to prescribe gave greater weight to this consideration, while those who do not prescribe were more concerned with the legal ramifications of such an act. The majority identified the age of 15 as the threshold for consistently prescribing contraceptives to minors without parental involvement.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant gaps in both the legal framework and the training of Israeli OBGYNs, and further supports confidential prescription of contraceptives to minors 15 years and older, via Article 6 of the Israeli Legal Competence and Guardianship Law. Legislative reform, professional guidelines and education and training programs are all needed to ensure consistent and legally sound practices, that safeguard the health and rights of minors. It is imperative to guide healthcare providers, including OBGYNs prescribing contraceptives to minors, on managing the care of minors refusing parental involvement, clarifying the legal framework and ethical considerations involved.
Current status of the sterile insect technique for the suppression of mosquito populations on a global scale
Authors: Bouyer Jérémy
Published: September 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the urgent need for alternative strategies to chemical insecticides for controlling mosquito populations, particularly the invasiveAedesspecies, which are known vectors of arboviruses. Among these alternative approaches, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is experiencing rapid development, with numerous pilot trials being conducted worldwide.

Main text

This review aims to elucidate the principles of SIT and highlight the significant recent advancements that have facilitated its scalability. I also employ a phased conditional approach to categorize the progression of 39 projects, drawing on peer reviewed studies, press releases and direct communication with project managers. This review indicates that a substantial number of projects illustrate the efficacy of SIT in suppressingAedespopulations, with one project even demonstrating a reduction in dengue incidence. I offer several recommendations to mitigate potential failures and address the challenges of compensation and overcompensation when implementing SIT field trials. Furthermore, I examine the potential implications of male mating harassment on the effectiveness of SIT in reducing disease transmission.

Conclusions

This comprehensive assessment underscores the promise of SIT as a viable strategy for mosquito control. The insights gained from these trials not only contribute to the understanding of SIT’s effectiveness but also highlight the importance of careful project management and ecological considerations in the pursuit of public health objectives.

Graphical Abstract
Association of Maternal Short Sleep Duration With Neurodevelopmental Delay in Offspring: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Hai-xia , Li Wen-xiang , Zhu Yuan-yuan , Ma Rui-rui , Wang Yu-hong , Zhang Yu , Zhu Dao-min , Zhu Peng
Published: September 2024

Context

To investigate how short sleep duration (SSD) during pregnancy is related to neurodevelopmental delays in offspring, we aimed to inform pregnancy sleep guidelines and promote maternal health and child development.

Objective

To identify the associations between SSD during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopmental delay and to determine whether fetal glucose metabolism plays a role in SSD and neurodevelopmental delays.

Methods

This cohort study followed 7059 mother–child pairs from the Maternal & Infants Health in Hefei cohort, and collected sleep data during pregnancy via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at weeks 24 to 28 and 32 to 36. Neurodevelopmental outcomes from 6 to 36 months postpartum were assessed via the Denver Developmental Screening Test-II and the Gesell Development Diagnosis Scale. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze the link between maternal SSD and neurodevelopmental delay risk. Mediation analysis was used to evaluate the role of cord blood serum C-peptide levels. Three hospitals and children's health centers in Hefei were involved.

Results

The stratified analysis revealed a significant association between mothers with SSD during midpregnancy and neurodevelopmental delay in boys (adjusted HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.29, 3.25). Cord blood marker analysis revealed a positive relationship between cord blood serum C-peptide levels and neurodevelopmental delay in offspring (RR 0.04, 95% CI 0.00, 0.08). The proportion of the association between SSD and neurodevelopmental delay mediated by cord blood C-peptide was 11.05%.

Conclusion

Maternal SSD during pregnancy was continuously associated with an increased incidence of neurodevelopmental delay with sex differences among offspring. This association may be mediated in part by increased higher levels of cord C-peptide.
Family Planning and Children's Human Capital: Experimental Evidence From Urban Malawi
Authors: Maggio Daniel , Karra Mahesh , Canning David
Published: September 2024

We conduct a randomized controlled trial that provides pregnant and immediate postpartum women with improved access to family planning through counseling, free transportation to a clinic, and financial reimbursement for family planning services over two years. We study the effects of our intervention on child growth and development outcomes among 1,034 children born to participating women directly before the intervention rollout. We find that children born to mothers assigned to the family planning intervention arm were 0.28–0.34 standard deviations taller for their age and 10.7–12.0 percentage points less likely to be stunted within a year of exposure to the intervention. Children born to mothers assigned to the intervention arm also scored 0.17–0.20 standard deviations higher on a caregiver-reported measure of cognitive development after two years of intervention exposure. Although the nonmeasurement of children is a challenge in our study, our estimates are robust to multiple methods of correcting for potential attrition bias. Our results are consistent with models of fertility that link couples’ fertility decisions to child health and human capital. Our results also suggest that improved access to family planning might have positive downstream effects on child health beyond contraceptive use and fertility outcomes.
The Effect of Transpedicular Injection of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2/Beta‐Tricalcium Phosphate Carrier on the Prevention of Proximal Junctional Kyphosis in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Park Jin-Ho , Choi Jun-Young , Kwon Ohsang , Yeom Jin S. , Park Sang-Min , Song Wonho , Kim Ho-Joong
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Several studies have explored strategies to prevent proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) which is the unresolved issue in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. This study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) with beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) carrier injection on PJK.

METHODS:

This study was conducted through a retrospective analysis of data collected both prospectively and retrospectively. In the rhBMP-2 group, consisting of 25 patients with ASD, rhBMP-2 along with β-TCP carrier was administered to the UIV through the pedicle. To minimize time-related bias, control-1 included 66 patients who had undergone ASD surgery by the same surgeon in the year preceding the commencement of the study. Control-2 consisted of 63 patients who had undergone ASD surgery by the same surgeon during the year after the end of the study. The primary outcome is the occurrence of PJK within one year postsurgery, and the secondary outcome is the change in Hounsfield unit of the UIV one year after the surgery.

RESULTS:

When comparing baseline characteristics with control groups, a significant difference was observed only in body mass index, with control-1 (P = .006) and control-total (control-1 + control-2, P = .026) having a higher body mass index than the study group. In the rhBMP-2 group, there were 3 cases (PJK rate, 12.0%) of PJK, whereas control-1 and control-2 had 26 cases (PJK rate, 39.4%, P = .012) and 20 cases (PJK rate, 31.7%, P = .057), respectively. In the control-total, there were 46 cases (PJK rate, 35.7%, P = .020) of PJK. The UIV that received rhBMP-2 showed a statistically significant increase in Hounsfield unit measurements compared to preoperative values 1 year after surgery (P = .001).

CONCLUSION:

The transpedicular injection of rhBMP-2/β-TCP carrier at the UIV significantly contributed to the prevention of PJK and effectively increased trabecular bone density at the UIV.
The Paradox of Innovation Nondisclosure: Evidence from Licensing Contracts
Authors: Kankanhalli Gaurav , Kwan Alan , Merkley Kenneth
Published: September 2024

Innovative firms must trade off disclosing to investors and maintaining secrecy from competitors. We study this trade-off in a sample of IP licenses mandatorily disclosed by US public firms, whose contents can be temporarily redacted. Hand classifying the redacted information, we find that firms with valuable IP in competitive markets redact IP information more often. Markets react positively to the redaction of IP information, consistent with theoretical predictions rationalizing a separating equilibrium in which nondisclosure signals more valuable IP. Our results suggest that credible nondisclosure partially resolves information frictions for innovative public firms when facilitated by sophisticated investors. (JEL D22, D82, G38, L24, O32, O34)