bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics: promising insights from lipid metabolism and microglia-focused interventions
Authors: Tobeh Nour S. , Bruce Kimberley D.
Published: October 2023

More than 55 million people suffer from dementia, with this number projected to double every 20 years. In the United States, 1 in 3 aged individuals dies from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or another type of dementia and AD kills more individuals than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. AD is a complex and multifactorial disease involving amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, glial cell dysfunction, and lipid droplet accumulation (among other pathologies), ultimately leading to neurodegeneration and neuronal death. Unfortunately, the current FDA-approved therapeutics do not reverse nor halt AD. While recently approved amyloid-targeting antibodies can slow AD progression to improve outcomes for some patients, they are associated with adverse side effects, may have a narrow therapeutic window, and are expensive. In this review, we evaluate current and emerging AD therapeutics in preclinical and clinical development and provide insight into emerging strategies that target brain lipid metabolism and microglial function – an approach that may synergistically target multiple mechanisms that drive AD neuropathogenesis. Overall, we evaluate whether these disease-modifying emerging therapeutics hold promise as interventions that may be able to reverse or halt AD progression.
Predictive analytics identifies key factors driving hyperalgesic priming of muscle sensory neurons
Authors: Nagaraja Sridevi , Tewari Shivendra G. , Reifman Jaques
Published: October 2023

Hyperalgesic priming, a form of neuroplasticity induced by inflammatory mediators, in peripheral nociceptors enhances the magnitude and duration of action potential (AP) firing to future inflammatory events and can potentially lead to pain chronification. The mechanisms underlying the development of hyperalgesic priming are not well understood, limiting the identification of novel therapeutic strategies to combat chronic pain. In this study, we used a computational model to identify key proteins whose modifications caused priming of muscle nociceptors and made them hyperexcitable to a subsequent inflammatory event. First, we extended a previously validated model of mouse muscle nociceptor sensitization to incorporate Epac-mediated interaction between two G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways commonly activated by inflammatory mediators. Next, we calibrated and validated the model simulations of the nociceptor’s AP response to both innocuous and noxious levels of mechanical force after two subsequent inflammatory events using literature data. Then, by performing global sensitivity analyses that simulated thousands of nociceptor-priming scenarios, we identified five ion channels and two molecular processes (from the 18 modeled transmembrane proteins and 29 intracellular signaling components) as potential regulators of the increase in AP firing in response to mechanical forces. Finally, when we simulated specific neuroplastic modifications in Kv1.1 and Nav1.7 alone as well as with simultaneous modifications in Nav1.7, Nav1.8, TRPA1, and Kv7.2, we observed a considerable increase in the fold change in the number of triggered APs in primed nociceptors. These results suggest that altering the expression of Kv1.1 and Nav1.7 might regulate the neuronal hyperexcitability in primed mechanosensitive muscle nociceptors.
Original research: initial development of a pragmatic tool to estimate cognitive decline risk focusing on potentially modifiable factors in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Carlisle Tara C. , Medina Luis D. , Holden Samantha K.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Cognitive decline is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Calculating personalized risk of cognitive decline in PD would allow for appropriate counseling, early intervention with available treatments, and inclusion in disease-modifying trials.

Methods

Data were from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative de novo cohort. Baseline scores were calculated for Lifestyle for Brain Health (LIBRA) and the Montreal Parkinson Risk of Dementia Scale (MoPaRDS) per prior literature and preliminary Parkinson’s disease Risk Estimator for Decline In Cognition Tool (pPREDICT) by attributing a point for fourteen posited risk factors. Baseline and 5-year follow-up composite cognitive scores (CCSs) were calculated from a neuropsychological battery and used to define cognitive decliners (PD-decline) versus maintainers (PD-maintain).

Results

The PD-decline group (n = 44) had higher LIBRA (6.76 ± 0.57, p < 0.05), MoPaRDS (2.45 ± 1.41, p < 0.05) and pPREDICT (4.52 ± 1.66, p < 0.05) scores compared to the PD-maintain group (n = 263; LIBRA 4.98 ± 0.20, MoPaRDS 1.68 ± 1.16, pPREDICT 3.38 ± 1.69). Area-under-the-curve (AUC) for LIBRA was 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55–0.73), MoPaRDS was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.58–0.75) and for pPREDICT was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.61–0.76). In linear regression analyses, LIBRA (p < 0.05), MoPaRDS (p < 0.05) and pPREDICT (p < 0.05) predicted change in CCS. Only age stratified by sex (p < 0.05) contributed significantly to the model for LIBRA. Age and presence of hallucinations (p < 0.05) contributed significantly to the model for MoPaRDS. Male sex, older age, excessive daytime sleepiness, and moderate–severe motor symptoms (all p < 0.05) contributed significantly to the model for pPREDICT.

Conclusion

Although MoPaRDS is a PD-specific tool for predicting cognitive decline relying on only clinical features, it does not focus on potentially modifiable risk factors. LIBRA does focus on potentially modifiable risk factors and is associated with prediction of all-cause dementia in some populations, but pPREDICT potentially demonstrates improved performance in cognitive decline risk calculation in individuals with PD and may identify actionable risk factors. As pPREDICT incorporates multiple potentially modifiable risk factors that can be obtained easily in the clinical setting, it is a first step in developing an easily assessable tool for a personalized approach to reduce dementia risk in people with PD.
Exploring the cell-free total RNA transcriptome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma patients as biomarker source in blood plasma liquid biopsies
Authors: Decruyenaere Philippe , Giuili Edoardo , Verniers Kimberly , Anckaert Jasper , De Grove Katrien , Van der Linden Malaïka , Deeren Dries , Van Dorpe Jo , Offner Fritz , Vandesompele Jo
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) are aggressive histological subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Improved understanding of the underlying molecular pathogenesis has led to new classification and risk stratification tools, including the development of cell-free biomarkers through liquid biopsies. The goal of this study was to investigate cell-free RNA (cfRNA) biomarkers in DLBCL and PMBCL patients.

Materials and methods

Blood plasma samples (n=168) and matched diagnostic formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples (n=69) of DLBCL patients, PMBCL patients and healthy controls were collected between 2016-2021. Plasma samples were collected at diagnosis, at interim evaluation, after treatment, and in case of refractory or relapsed disease. RNA was extracted from 200 µl plasma using the miRNeasy serum/plasma kit and from FFPE tissue using the miRNeasy FFPE kit. RNA was subsequently sequenced on a NovaSeq 6000 instrument using the SMARTer Stranded Total RNA-seq pico v3 library preparation kit.

Results

Higher cfRNA concentrations were demonstrated in lymphoma patients compared to healthy controls. A large number of differentially abundant genes were identified between the cell-free transcriptomes of DLBCL patients, PMBCL patients, and healthy controls. Overlap analyses with matched FFPE samples showed that blood plasma has a unique transcriptomic profile that significantly differs from that of the tumor tissue. As a good concordance between tissue-derived gene expression and the immunohistochemistry Hans algorithm for cell-of-origin (COO) classification was demonstrated in the FFPE samples, but not in the plasma samples, a 64-gene cfRNA classifier was developed that can accurately determine COO in plasma. High plasma levels of a 9-gene signature (BECN1, PRKCB, COPA, TSC22D3, MAP2K3, UQCRHL, PTMAP4, EHD1, NAP1L1 pseudogene) and a 5-gene signature (FTH1P7, PTMAP4, ATF4, FTH1P8, ARMC7) were significantly associated with inferior progression-free and overall survival in DLBCL patients, respectively, independent of the NCCN-IPI score.

Conclusion

Total RNA sequencing of blood plasma samples allows the analysis of the cell-free transcriptome in DLBCL and PMBCL patients and demonstrates its unexplored potential in identifying diagnostic, cell-of-origin, and prognostic cfRNA biomarkers.
Identification of prognosis-related lncRNAs and cell validation in lung squamous cell carcinoma based on TCGA data
Authors: Cui Yishuang , Wu Yanan , Zhang Mengshi , Zhu Yingze , Su Xin , Kong Wenyue , Zheng Xuan , Sun Guogui
Published: October 2023

Objective

To discern long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with prognostic relevance in the context of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), we intend to predict target genes by leveraging The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) repository. Subsequently, we aim to investigate the proliferative potential of critical lncRNAs within the LUSC milieu.

Methods

DESeq2 was employed to identify differentially expressed genes within the TCGA database. Following this, we utilized both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify lncRNAs with prognostic relevance. Noteworthy lncRNAs were selected for validation in cell lines. The intracellular localization of these lncRNAs was ascertained through nucleocytoplasmic isolation experiments. Additionally, the impact of these lncRNAs on cellular proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities was investigated using an Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) knockdown system.

Results

Multivariate Cox regression identified a total of 12 candidate genes, consisting of seven downregulated lncRNAs (BRE-AS1, CCL15-CCL14, DNMBP-AS1, LINC00482, LOC100129034, MIR22HG, PRR26) and five upregulated lncRNAs (FAM83A-AS1, LINC00628, LINC00923, LINC01341, LOC100130691). The target genes associated with these lncRNAs exhibit significant enrichment within diverse biological pathways, including metabolic processes, cancer pathways, MAPK signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling, protein binding, cellular components, cellular transformation, and other functional categories. Furthermore, nucleocytoplasmic fractionation experiments demonstrated that LINC00923 and LINC01341 are predominantly localized within the cellular nucleus. Subsequent investigations utilizing CCK-8 assays and colony formation assays revealed that the knockdown of LINC00923 and LINC01341 effectively suppressed the proliferation of H226 and H1703 cells. Additionally, transwell assays showed that knockdown of LINC00923 and LINC01341 significantly attenuated the invasive and migratory capacities of H226 and H1703 cells.

Conclusion

This study has identified 12 candidate lncRNA associated with prognostic implications, among which LINC00923 and LINC01341 exhibit potential as markers for the prediction of LUSC outcomes.
Dietary fatty acids improve perceived sleep quality, stress, and health in migraine: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Faurot Keturah R. , Park Jinyoung , Miller Vanessa , Honvoh Gilson , Domeniciello Anthony , Mann J. Douglas , Gaylord Susan A. , Lynch Chanee E. , Palsson Olafur , Ramsden Christopher E. , MacIntosh Beth A. , Horowitz Mark , Zamora Daisy
Published: October 2023

Background

Migraine is a prevalent disabling condition often associated with comorbid physical and psychological symptoms that contribute to impaired quality of life and disability. Studies suggest that increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acid is associated with headache reduction, but less is known about the effects on quality of life in migraine.

Methods

After a 4-week run-in, 182 adults with 5–20 migraine days per month were randomized to one of the 3 arms for sixteen weeks. Dietary arms included: H3L6 (a high omega-3, low omega-6 diet), H3 (a high omega-3, an average omega-6 diet), or a control diet (average intakes of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids). Prespecified secondary endpoints included daily diary measures (stress perception, sleep quality, and perceived health), Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Version 1.0 ([PROMIS©) measures and the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS). Analyses used linear mixed effects models to control for repeated measures.

Results

The H3L6 diet was associated with significant improvements in stress perception [adjusted mean difference (aMD): −1.5 (95% confidence interval: −1.7 to −1.2)], sleep quality [aMD: 0.2 (95% CI:0.1–0.2)], and perceived health [aMD: 0.2 (0.2–0.3)] compared to the control. Similarly, the H3 diet was associated with significant improvements in stress perception [aMD: −0.8 (−1.1 to −0.5)], sleep quality [aMD: 0.2 (0.1, 0.3)], and perceived health [aMD: 0.3 (0.2, 0.3)] compared to the control. MIDAS scores improved substantially in the intervention groups compared with the control (H3L6 aMD: −11.8 [−25.1, 1.5] and H3 aMD: −10.7 [−24.0, 2.7]). Among the PROMIS-29 assessments, the biggest impact was on pain interference [H3L6 MD: −1.8 (−4.4, 0.7) and H3 aMD: −3.2 (−5.9, −0.5)] and pain intensity [H3L6 MD: −0.6 (−1.3, 0.1) and H3 aMD: −0.6 (−1.4, 0.1)].

Discussion

The diary measures, with their increased power, supported our hypothesis that symptoms associated with migraine attacks could be responsive to specific dietary fatty acid manipulations. Changes in the PROMIS© measures reflected improvements in non-headache pain as well as physical and psychological function, largely in the expected directions. These findings suggest that increasing omega-3 with or without decreasing omega-6 in the diet may represent a reasonable adjunctive approach to reducing symptoms associated with migraine attacks.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02012790.
Family characteristics in adolescents with overweight or obesity: a network analysis
Authors: Huang Lidong , Zhao Kang , Zhu Hanfei , Li Xiaonan , Yang Yiqing , Hou Caiyun , Zhu Shuqin , Xu Qin
Published: October 2023

Background

Rates of overweight and obesity continue to grow in adolescents. Overweight and obesity in adolescence are associated with numerous immediate and long-term adverse health conditions. Throughout adolescence, parents and the family have an important and central influence on adolescents' health and lifestyle. The home environment may be a major factor in shaping children's weight. However, our current understanding of the interplay between family-related variables in adolescents with overweight or obesity is limited and fragmented. This study aimed to assess the relationship between family-related variables in adolescents who are overweight or obese using network analysis and inform future health promotion for family-based intervention.

Methods

Participants (n = 488) were recruited from middle schools in Nanjing from October 2022 to March 2023. Participants, together with their parents, completed a questionnaire at school about the family food environment, family size, family APGAR index, family physical activity facilities, parental mental health, rearing behavior, parental weight status, drinking history, marital satisfaction, and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

The network split into three distinct communities of items. Network analysis showed that parental mental health and paternal rearing styles-rejection were the most central nodes in the network. In contrast, maternal weight status was the most peripheral and least connected nodes.

Conclusion

Family-related variables constituted a connected network in adolescents with overweight or obesity. The pattern of network node connections supports that interventions could prioritize targeting changing parental mental health and paternal rearing styles in adolescents with overweight or obesity.
Comparison of biologics and small-molecule drugs in axial spondyloarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Erye , Wu Jian , Zeng Keqin , Wang Mingjun , Yin Yufeng
Published: October 2023

Background: Biologics and small-molecule drugs have become increasingly accepted worldwide in the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). However, a quantitative multiple comparison of their efficacy and safety is lacking. This study aims to provide an integrated assessment of the relative benefits and safety profiles of these drugs in axSpA treatment.

Methods: We included randomized clinical trials that compared biologics and small-molecule drugs in the treatment of axSpA patients. The primary outcomes assessed were efficacy, including the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) improvement of 20% (ASAS20) and 40% (ASAS40). Safety outcomes included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). We used the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve value and ranking plot to evaluate and rank clinical outcomes and safety profiles of different treatments. The two-dimensional graphs were illustrated to visually assess both the efficacy (horizontal axis) and safety (vertical axis) of each intervention.

Results: Our analysis included 57 randomized clinical trials involving a total of 11,787 axSpA patients. We found that seven drugs (TNFRFc, TNFmAb, IL17Ai, IL17A/Fi, IL17RAi, JAK1/3i, and JAK1i) were significantly more effective in achieving ASAS20 response compared to the placebo (PLA). Except for IL17RAi, these drugs were also associated with higher ASAS40 responses. TNFmAb demonstrated the highest clinical response efficacy among all the drugs. Subgroup analyses for AS and nr-axSpA patients yielded similar results. IL17A/Fi emerged as a promising choice, effectively balancing efficacy and safety, as indicated by its position in the upper right corner of the two-dimensional graphs.

Conclusion: Our findings highlight TNFmAb as the most effective biologic across all evaluated efficacy outcomes in this network meta-analysis. Meanwhile, IL17A/Fi stands out for its lower risk and superior performance in achieving a balance between efficacy and safety in the treatment of axSpA patients.
Constrained model assumptions using recent data of α-particle reactions on 144Sm
Authors: Avrigeanu Vlad , Avrigeanu Marilena
Published: October 2023

Analysis of the latest high–precision cross sections of (α,γ) and (α,n) reactions on 144Sm below the Coulomb barrier is carried out using a consistent parameter set of the statistical model. This prevents the need to use empirical rescaling factors of either γ or neutron widths. Particular attention is paid to uncertainties of the calculated cross sections which are related to the accuracy of the primary data that were used to set up the consistent input parameters. The calculated cross sections are found in good agreement with the new experimental data for the 144Sm(α,n)147Gd reaction; however, the same is not true for the excitation function of 144Sm(α,γ)148Gd which decreases faster at incident energies below ∼12 MeV. An increase of the α-particle direct collective inelastic scattering at lower energies is found responsible for this decrease of the (α,γ) reaction cross sections. The consequent lower nuclear effects may correspond to the Coulomb excitation effect assumed, although in a different manner, within the so-called “α-potential mystery” for the same optical–potential account of α-particle absorption and emission as well.
A new short version of the Facial expressions of emotion: Stimuli and tests (FEEST) including prototype and morphed emotional stimuli
Authors: Kuhlmann Benedikt , Margraf Jürgen
Published: October 2023

The ability to recognize emotions from facial expressions plays an important role in social interaction. This study aimed to develop a short version of the FEEST as a brief instrument to measure emotion recognition ability by applying prototype and morphed emotional stimuli. Morphed emotional stimuli include mixed emotions. Overall, 68 prototypes and 32 morphed emotional expressions were presented to 138 participants for 1 s. A retest with 76 participants was conducted after 6 months. The results showed sufficient variance for the measurement of individual differences in emotion recognition ability. Accuracy varied between emotions and was highest for anger and happiness. Cronbach's α was, on average, 0.70 for prototypes and 0.67 for morphed stimuli. Test-retest reliability was 0.60 for prototypes and 0.62 for morphed stimuli. The new short version of the FEEST is a reliable test to measure emotion recognition.
“A place without walls, only opportunities”: personal accounts of attending Recovery Colleges in Norway
Authors: Selbekk Anne Schanche , Kvelland Linda Teie , Nordås Rebecca , Kvia Aasa , Robertson Inger Eide
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Recovery colleges (RCs) are learning environments, first established in the UK, based on principles that support positive life changes and reduce stigma related to challenges with mental health and substance use problems. RCs offer courses based on co-production processes and are designed and delivered jointly by individuals with lived experience and professional experts. The courses are open to anyone, attracting people with a variety of life experiences. RCs are non-clinical environments that provide individuals with the identities of students and/or trainers as autonomous and independent agents. In this paper, we investigate experiences of being a part of a RC in Norway, either as a student and/or as a course trainer with lived experiences of mental health or substance use challenges. We ask the following research question: What kinds of personal and social processes are enabled by being part of a recovery college from the perspective of persons with experience-based competence?

Materials and methods

The study is qualitative and explorative based on 11 individual (N= 11) and two focus group interviews (N= 8). Participants were recruited from two of the first RCs in Norway between August 2021 and January 2022.

Results

Study participants describe how their involvement in a RC provided them with opportunities to assume new positions in their recovery process, both related to former institutional identities given in the course of treatment and related to the way they see themselves as people struggling with mental health and substances use challenges. Attending a RC represented significant transitions (1) from an institutional position as “sick” or as “what’s on the paper” into a position as “a whole person”; (2) from being in in a position as a recipient of care to the position as actively responsible for life changes; (3) from seeing themselves as worthless to seeing themselves as persons with resources; (4) from being alone to being part of a fellowship. Participants describe being part of a RC as an invaluable addition to other kind of support or help.

Discussion

It is important to provide alternative arenas like RC for facilitating work with life changes, as an invaluable addition to regular services.
Clinical value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index on prediction of occurrence and development of diabetic foot-induced sepsis
Authors: Sun Bing , Chen Yimin , Man Yulin , Fu Yu , Lin Jianchang , Chen Zhaohong
Published: October 2023

Background

Diabetic foot-induced sepsis is a serious complication associated with increased disability and mortality in hospitalized patients. Early prediction of admission and detection effectively improve treatment options and prevent further deterioration. This study aims to evaluate the clinical value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) to predict the risk of sepsis in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed on 216 patients who were admitted to the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between January 2015 and December 2022. Patients with DFU were divided into the non-sepsis (n = 166) and the DFU-induced sepsis (n = 50) groups. The independent factors of DFU-induced sepsis were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to compare the area under the curves (AUC) of PNI and NLR.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the PNI, NLR, international normalized ratio (INR), thrombin time (PT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were independent prognostic factors for DFU-induced sepsis. After adjusting for potential confounders, the adjusted odds ratios of NLR for DFU-induced sepsis were 1.121 (1.072–1.172), 1.132 (1.077–1.189), and 1.080 (1.022–1.142), while those of PNI were 0.912 (0.873–0.953), 0.902 (0.856–0.950), and 1.004 (1.001–1.006). Moreover, the AUC of NLR was significantly greater than that of CRP (0.790, 95% CI: 0.689–0.891, p < 0.001 vs. 0.780, 95% CI: 0.686–0.873, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

NLR and PNI have been regarded as readily and independently predictive markers in patients with DFU-induced sepsis. NLR is critical for the early detection and effective treatment of DFU-induced sepsis and is superior to CRP.
Exploring the spiritual foundations of public health leadership
Authors: Koh Howard K. , Tso Cathy C. , Dougherty Cyra Perry , Lazowy Emily E. , Heberlein Chelsea P. , Phelps Fawn A.
Published: October 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare the challenges of public health leadership. Faced with criticism, threats, and even violence, many public health leaders have left the field. A healthier future for the nation may well rest on training aspiring public health leaders to build deeper capacity for perseverance, healing, and resilience. Reflecting the growing experience of a team of public health educators at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Harvard Chan), this article offers recommendations for public health schools to recognize, and incorporate into leadership education, themes of spirituality—ie, the way people seek ultimate meaning and purpose and deep connectedness to something larger than themselves. Doing so can serve as a foundation for the lifelong journey of leadership. Over the past decade, Harvard Chan has incorporated meaning, purpose, and connectedness themes to complement more traditional coursework addressing research and translation. While many established leadership frameworks address the “what” and “how” of career development, the spirituality framework can support aspiring leaders to more fully understand their “why” and its alignment with challenging work. Such a deeply personal topic, traditionally kept private, has been shared and nurtured in Harvard Chan classrooms through a range of pedagogical strategies including personal reflection, one-on- one coaching, experiential learning, case discussions, and candid conversations with public health leaders. By encouraging a values-based foundation for decision-making in crises and difficult leadership moments, such grounding can help aspiring leaders navigate the challenges of public health leadership that inevitably lie ahead.
Age group differences in psychological distress and leisure-time exercise/socioeconomic status during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis during 2020 to 2021 of a cohort study in Japan
Authors: Saito Yoshinobu , Nakamura Sho , Watanabe Kaname , Ikegami Hiromi , Shinmura Naoko , Sato Shinya , Miyagi Yohei , Narimatsu Hiroto
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aimed to determine the association between psychological distress and leisure-time exercise/socioeconomic status by age group, using data from a cohort study in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among participants in the ME-BYO cohort, aged 20–85 years, living or working in Kanagawa, Japan. A questionnaire was disseminated to 1,573 participants (51.7% men) between December 2020 and March 2021. The questionnaire items included psychological distress (using the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K6]), leisure-time exercise, and socioeconomic status. Multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression analysis for each age group.

Results

We found that 47.4% of 20–39-year-olds, 40.6% of 40–64-year-olds, and 28.3% of 65–85-year-olds experienced psychological distress (K6: ≥5 points). For those aged 20–39 years, leisure-time exercise (odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval) = 0.45 (0.28–0.73)) and higher annual household income [0.53 (0.32–0.90)] were associated with less psychological distress. For those aged 40–64 years, older age was associated with less psychological distress, while full-time work [1.98 (1.05–9.71)] was associated with more psychological distress. In the 65–85-year age group, higher education and higher annual income tended to be associated with less psychological distress. For those over 40 years of age, living with other(s) was associated with reduced psychological distress.

Conclusion

In the general population of Japan, not engaging in leisure-time exercise and low income affect psychological distress among young adults. Further detailed studies are needed to consider overall physical activity, job type, and work style.
Safety, health, and environmental risk assessment of the aromatic outlet of Imam Khomeini Petrochemical Company using LOPA and fuzzy-LOPA and pollutants and control actions using the Bow-tie method
Authors: Sarafraz Pariya , Varshosaz Katayoon , Orak Neda , Jaafarzadeh Nematollah , Aghajari Ebrahim
Published: October 2023

Background

Today, with the development of the industry, the occurrence of accidents caused by the release and explosion of chemical and toxic substances in industrial units has increased, and these accidents sometimes cause irreparable damage to human life and the environment. According to a study by the American Petroleum Institute, of the recent major accidents in the last 30 years, 44% are related to machinery failure and 12% are caused by unknown factors and lack of information. Therefore, equipment risk control is aimed at preventing large and dangerous accident. The present study, the performance of LOPA and fuzzy-LOPA methods was compared toward the risk assessment of Imam Khomeini Petrochemical Company under certainty and uncertainty of data. This comparison was done in order to a conceptual method with high certainty to assess high-level hazards leading to health and safety risks and environmental pollution.

Methods

First, the health, safety hazards and environmental aspects were identified via the HAZOP method. Then, a risk assessment was performed using the LOPA method. The fuzzification, severity, and likelihood of each risk were considered as an input variable and risk probability as an output variable. Finally, was the methods used in our analysis were compared and the Bow-tie software was used to draw a Bow-tie diagram to control and reduce the risks.

Results

As a result, a total of 50 safety and health hazards and 37 environmental aspects were identified in the aromatic outlet of the studied company using the HAZOP method. The most critical risks identified were operational activities in feed and product tanks; flammable materials pumping; blocking the flare path; and releasing H2S gas. The results showed that the production of air pollutants in the power supply unit, disposal of waste from reactor tanks, disposal of waste from condensate tanks, and fire and explosion of the reactor are high-level environmental risks.

Conclusion

In the conditions of uncertainty or the absence of information related to the probability and severity of the risk scenario, among the mentioned methods. The result showed that errors in the risk assessment were reduced to an acceptable extent by using Fuzzy LOPA method.
Development of a community-informed communication toolkit to prevent spread of viral illness in schools, including SARS-COV-2
Authors: Summers August , Calderon Gabriela V. , Klein Lauren M. , Wang June , Dinh Janny , Suliman Tina , Hager Erin R. , Edwards Lorece , Collins Megan E. , Johnson Sara B.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Schools were uniquely impacted during the COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2) pandemic. We sought to elucidate how parents/guardians of elementary and middle school students in Maryland navigated the return to in-person school following remote instruction. We also sought to understand how they perceived communication about school-based COVID-19 mitigation strategies and their preferences for the content and format of public health communication about COVID-19 mitigation in schools.

Methods

We engaged a community advisory board comprised of key partners and implemented a survey and focus groups.

Results

Results indicated that parents/guardians wanted clearer communication about COVID-19 mitigation policies in schools and were experiencing fatigue and confusion. These insights informed the development of a tailorable communication toolkit. The toolkit was designed to (1) inform parents/guardians about the importance and effectiveness of mitigation strategies for preventing viral spread to keep children in school, (2) promote a sense of community and support, and (3) help school communication teams effectively communicate information about mitigation strategies being implemented.

Discussion

We describe a process for leveraging schools as a trusted messenger, engaging school communities in the development of communication messages, and utilizing a tailorable communication toolkit in the context of shifting public health guidance and local needs. The toolkit development and dissemination process offers a model for targeting public health messaging to parents/guardians in school settings.
Social system design methodology for transitioning to a new social structure – a holistic urban living lab approach to the well-being city
Authors: Kimura Atsunobu , Haraguchi Hisashi , Yamauchi Yutaka , Matsuura Katsuta
Published: October 2023

In recent years, along with the rise of new technologies such as AI, IoT, and Bigdata, there has been much discussion replacing entire cities with smart cities. These discussions have given rise to questions about what kind of society should be realized, and keywords such as well-being and sustainability are attracting attention. In this context, how concretely can we transform our current cities into new social structures? Social system design methodology is, in this paper, intend to achieve a comprehensive transition to a new social system, rather than overcoming individual social problems. In Japan, approaches to transforming society, such as elections and social activism, are not fully functional. Transitioning to a new social structure requires critiques from inside together with the presentation of concrete activities. We propose a systematized social system design methodology that aims at a principled transition; it is based on analyses of a series of practices developed in Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan. The methodology proposes a new way of perceiving social systems, practitioner attitude, and a practical design process. It also suggests that existing social system concepts create fundamental problems that lead to discomfort for practitioners, that clarifying existing concepts through policy background analysis can lead to a new view of social system concepts, and that bottom-up practices that realize these new concepts can begin to transform social systems. In order to confirm the versatility of this methodology, two case studies involving care prevention and the work of persons with disabilities are analyzed.
Time for change: compliance with RCS green theatre checklist—facilitators and barriers on the journey to net zero
Authors: Westwood Elizabeth , Walshaw Josephine , Boag Katie , Chua WeiYing , Dimashki Safaa , Khalid Hammaad , Lathan Ross , Wellington Jack , Lockwood Sonia , Yiasemidou Marina
Published: October 2023

Background

Climate change is an era-defining health concern, with healthcare related emissions paradoxically compounding negative impacts. The NHS produces 5% of the UK's carbon footprint, with operating theatres a recognised carbon hotspot. NHS England aims to become Net Zero by 2045. Consequently, UK Royal Colleges of Surgery have published guidance to foster an evidence-based sustainable transformation in surgical practice.

Methods

A single-centre quality improvement project was undertaken, aiming to provide an overview of sustainable practice locally. The Intercollegiate “Green Theatre Checklist” was taken as an audit standard, focusing on “preparing for surgery” and “intraoperative equipment” subsections. Any general surgical procedure was eligible for inclusion. Usage of reusable textiles, non-sterile gloves, catheters, antibiotics, alcohol vs. water-based scrub techniques, skin sterilisation choices, and skin closure materials were recorded. Baseline data collection occurred over a 3 week period, followed by dissemination of results locally via clinical governance meetings and poster displays. A re-audit of practice was conducted using the same methodology and duration.

Results

Datasets 1 (n = 23) and 2 (n = 23) included open (n = 22), laparoscopic (n = 24), elective (n = 22) and non-elective (n = 24) cases. Good practice was demonstrated in reusable textiles (trolley covers 96%, 78%, drapes 100%, 92%) however procurement issues reduced otherwise good reusable gown use in Dataset 2 in (90%, 46%). No unnecessary catheter use was identified, and loose skin preparations were used unanimously. Uptake of alcohol-based scrubbing techniques was low (15%, 17%) and unnecessary non-sterile glove use was observed in >30% of procedures. All laparoscopic ports and scissors were single use. Carbon footprints were 128.27 kgCO2e and 117.71 kgCO2e in datasets 1 and 2 respectively.

Conclusion

This project evidences good practice alongside future local focus areas for improved sustainability. Adoption of hybrid laparoscopic instruments, avoiding unnecessary equipment opening, and standardising reusable materials could reduce carbon and environmental impact considerably. Successful implementation requires considered procurement practices, improved awareness and education, clear leadership, and a sustained cultural shift within the healthcare community. Collaboration among professional institutions and access to supporting evidence is crucial in driving engagement and empowering clinicians to make locally relevant changes a reality.
Efficacy and safety of thoracoscopic-guided multiple paravertebral block for video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy surgery: a randomized blinded controlled study
Authors: Li Zhixiong , Lin Qingshui , Lin Liangqing , Wu Qinghua , Ke Pinhui , Chen Huan , Lin Chunlan , Yu Yaohua
Published: October 2023

Background

Paravertebral block (PVB) has been increasingly popular for postoperative analgesia. However, few studies estimated the efficacy and safety of multiple PVB using thoracoscope-assisted technique for intraoperative analgesia and postoperative pain management for video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATS LOBECTOMY).

Methods

A total of 120 patients scheduled to undergo VATS LOBECTOMY were randomly assigned into two groups: a placebo group and a PVB group in a ratio of 1:2. Thoracoscopic-guided multi-point PVB was carried out with 0.5% ropivacaine (PVB group) or 0.9% NaCl (placebo group) at the beginning and the end of surgery. The primary endpoint was consumption of intraoperative opioid.

Results

Consumption rate of intraoperative opioids was significantly lower in the PVB group (878.14 ± 98.37 vs. 1,432.20 ± 383.53 for remifentanil; 123.83 ± 17.98 vs. 266.42 ± 41.97 for fentanyl). Postoperatively, significantly longer duration of using patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for the first time, reduced times of analgesic pump pressing, and less rescue analgetic consumption were observed in the PVB group. Visual analog scale scores at rest and during exercising were significantly lower in the PVB group at all time points within the first 48 h after surgery. The PVB group was also associated with significantly higher total QoR-40 scores and lower incidence of analgesia-related adverse events.

Conclusions

Thoracoscopic-guided multiple PVB was a simple and effective technique in controlling pain both intra- and postoperatively for VATS LOBECTOMY. It was also associated with the absence of detrimental effects attributed to opioid overuse and benefits of the early resumption of activity and physical function recovery. Therefore, this regional anesthesia technique should be advocated as part of a multimodal analgesia protocol for VATS LOBECTOMY.
Reciprocal Influence between Digital Emotional Intelligence and Agile Mindset in an Agile Environment
Authors: Leeuw Refilwe Theopheline , Joseph Nazeer
Published: October 2023

In today’s digital era, where communication is primarily conducted using computers and other technological devices, an agile mindset is not enough to be sustainable. Given the significant influence of human behaviour in agile environments, it is common for emotions to come into play among team members, particularly when they seek to assert their opinions or perspectives. Having digital emotional intelligence (DEQ) is crucial for agile team members in the current digital age, as it allows them to comprehend the emotions of their fellow team members using digital tools and technologies. This study focused on determining the reciprocal influence for team members between DEQ and an agile mindset in an agile environment. Qualitative research was implemented using semi-structured interviews. The identified participants were industry agnostic and were the team members working in agile projects, transitioning to agile and working in hybrid projects. The findings revealed that the intersection of agile mindset and DEQ is self-awareness. Self-awareness includes psychological empowerment, communication and collaboration, and respect. Possessing an agile mindset and DEQ in an agile environment has advantages, including improved virtual collaboration, faster adaptation to new technologies, better management of digital distractions, enhanced customer focus in digital channels, and improved data literacy.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Use of the Menor Preço Brasil Application
Authors: Tonetto Jorge Luis , Fochezatto Adelar , Pique Josep Miquel
Published: October 2023

The Menor Preço Brasil application, based on a version developed in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, was launched in 2019 with the aim of expanding digital services to citizens. This application provides information on the nearest establishments and their product prices based on issued invoices. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, this application adapted its service to facilitate access to prevention products. We are not aware of any other similar government application that uses individual invoice data to support citizens in finding products closer to them at better prices. This study aims to verify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of the Menor Preço Brasil app service. To this end, it investigates both the correlation between confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Brazil and the changes in the application’s functionalities with the variation in citizens’ queries to the application. It is a quantitative approach. For this purpose, Bai and Perron’s method of identifying multiple structural breaks and regression models are employed. The results indicate five structural breaks in the number of queries to the application, and that a 1% increase in COVID-19 cases led to a 0.2% increase in queries. These results confirm that user behavior related to the Menor Preço Brasil application was influenced not only by changes in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases but also by those in the app’s features and inflation rates. The literature also tends to consider the relevance of the relative effects of risk aversion on behavior, especially in the relationship with the tax authorities. This study reinforces the position of the initial relevance of risk aversion and when trust gradually strengthening the aversion to losses diminishes. The public sector has progressively increased the availability of digital services over time, and the results of this study underscore their significance in coping with extreme situations, such as pandemics, natural disasters, and other challenges to accessing goods and services.
Synergy between Zeolites and Leguminous Cover Crops Improved Olive Tree Performance and Soil Properties in a Rainfed Olive Orchard
Authors: Martins Sandra , Brito Cátia , Silva Ermelinda , Gonçalves Alexandre , Arrobas Margarida , Pereira Ermelinda , Rodrigues Manuel Ângelo , Nunes Fernando M. , Correia Carlos M.
Published: October 2023

Soil degradation and climate change are threatening the sustainability of Mediterranean olive orchards, typically grown under rainfed conditions and conventional soil tillage. Thus, implementing sustainable soil management practices is crucial to preserve soil health and mitigate the negative effects on plant performance. In this study, we assessed the effects of conventional tillage (T), an early maturing and self-reseeding annual legume cover crop (LC) and its combination with natural zeolites (ZL) on plant physiological performance, tree nutritional status, crop yield, and soil physicochemical and microbiological properties. Although both LC and ZL enhanced the photosynthetic activity, tree nutritional status, soil moisture and olive yield relative to T, ZL was clearly more efficient at improving some soil health indicators, namely at the 0–10 cm soil layer, once soil acidity decreased and Kjeldahl N, extractable P and B, cation exchange capacity and microbiological activity increased, as evidenced by the higher concentrations of easily extractable and total glomalin-related soil protein, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass quotient, and actinomycetes. Therefore, using natural zeolite with leguminous cover crops appears to be a promising strategy of sustainable soil management in rainfed olive orchards, as it is able to provide numerous ecosystem services.
Maximizing Grains While Minimizing Yield-Scaled Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Wheat Production in China
Authors: Miao Qi , Sun Yixiang , Ma Wenqi , Wang Guiliang , Wu Liang , Chen Xinping , Tian Xingshuai , Yin Yulong , Zhang Qingsong , Cui Zhenling
Published: October 2023

Researchers have previously described the response of crop productivity and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to fertilizer nitrogen (N) additions, but they have not determined how to maximize yields while minimizing GHG emissions. We conducted an experiment at 2293 sites with four N levels to simulate both grain yield and yield-scaled GHG emissions in response to the N addition. The yield-scaled GHG emissions decreased by 16% as the N rate increased from treatments without the N addition to the minimum yield-scaled GHG emissions, which was comparable to the values associated with the maximum grain yields. The sites with both high soil productivity and high crop productivity had the highest yield and lowest yield-scaled GHG emissions, with 43% higher yield and 38% lower yield-scaled GHG emissions than sites with low soil and low crop productivity. These findings are expected to enhance evaluations of wheat production and GHG emissions in China, and thereby contribute to addressing disparities in the global food and GHG budget.