bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family resilience and its influencing factors among advanced cancer patients and their family caregivers: a multilevel modeling analysis
Authors: Cui Panpan , Shi Jiaoxia , Li Shifeng , Getu Mikiyas Amare , Wang Ruibo , Chen Changying
Published: July 2023

Background

Cancer is highly prevalent worldwide. Family resilience is a positive variable that helps families burdened by advanced cancer to cope effectively. This study aimed to describe the family resilience of advanced cancer patients and caregivers in dyads and identify its influencing factors at the individual and dyadic levels.

Methods

This multisite cross-sectional study was conducted in oncology units in five tertiary hospitals in China. A total of 270 advanced cancer patient-caregiver dyads were recruited between June 2020 and March 2021. Patients’ and caregivers’ family resilience was measured by the Family Resilience Assessment Scale. Data on potential influencing factors, including demographic and disease-related characteristics as well as family sense of coherence, psychological resilience, perceived social support, symptom burden, and caregiver burden, were collected. Multilevel modeling analysis was adopted to control for the interdependence of the dyads.

Results

A total of 241 dyads were included in the data analysis. The mean ages of patients and caregivers were 53.96 (SD 15.37) and 45.18 (SD 13.79) years, respectively. Most caregivers were spouses and adult children (45.6% and 39.0%, respectively). Patients reported a higher mean family resilience score than caregivers (152.56 vs. 149.87, respectively). Undergoing fewer than two types of treatment and a lower symptom burden of patients predicted higher patient (B = -9.702, -0.134, respectively) and caregiver (B = -5.462, -0.096, respectively) family resilience. Patients also reported higher family resilience under the following conditions: 1) were on a medical insurance plan other than the new rural cooperative medical system (B = 6.089), 2) had a better family sense of coherence (B = 0.415), 3) whose caregivers were unmarried (B = 8.618), perceived lower social support (B = -0.145) and higher psychological resilience (B = 0.313). Caregivers who were ≤ 44 years old (B = -3.221), had similar previous caregiving experience (B = 7.706), and had a stronger family sense of coherence (B = 0.391) reported higher family resilience.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of adopting a dyadic approach when caring for advanced cancer patients and their caregivers. Dyadic longitudinal research is suggested to discover more modifiable factors of family resilience and tailored interventions are needed to obtain optimal dyadic outcomes.
Familial and lifestyle factors related to physical activity in elementary school students: a cross-sectional study based on a nationally representative survey in Japan
Authors: Motoki Noriko , Morota Haruka , Shibazaki Takumi , Nakamura Chizuko , Nakazawa Yozo
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The decrease in physical activity (PA) among children has become a global concern. Since the analysis of sociodemographic factors as determinants of exercise habits has been inconclusive, this study investigated the factors related to participation in organized sports and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the Sports-Life Survey conducted in 2019 by the Sasagawa Sports Foundation were used. Data on the gender, age, grade, annual household income, family members, and lifestyle habits of elementary school children as well as information on participation in organized sports and MVPA were collected by written questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to calculate the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for the association of each variable with participation in organized sports and frequent MVPA (≥ 60 min/day for ≥ 5 days/week).

Results

A total of 1,197 participants were included in the analysis. Whereas 1,053 (88.2%) students expressed a like for PA, only 725 students (60.8%) actually took part in organized sports. Organized sports participation was significantly associated with gender, grade, population density, household income, daily breakfast, lower screen time, and frequent exercise with parents (all P < 0.05). We observed that 12.3% of participants met the frequent MVPA level, which was significantly related to lower screen time and exercise habits with parents (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Social and family factors may be strong determinants of engagement in PA among Japanese elementary school-aged children. Parental involvement appears particularly important for promoting PA among youths.
Validation of the Chinese version stage of recovery instrument-30 (STORI-30) for adults with severe mental illness
Authors: Lau Sharon Wing-Yung , Law Colin Kwok-Man , Ng Siu-Man
Published: July 2023

Background

Stage of Recovery Instrument-30 (STORI-30) is grounded in a five-stage model of psychological recovery, and serves as measuring recovery stage of people with mental illness.

Aims

To develop and validate the Chinese version STORI-30 on adults with severe mental illness.

Methods

STORI-30 was translated to traditional Chinese through forward-backward method. An expert panel and potential users evaluated face validity and content validity. The Chinese version STORI-30 plus other convergent and divergent scales were then administered to 113 participants for field test.

Results

Face and content validity were confirmed with acceptable Content Validity Index and high inter-rater agreement. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure. An ordinal sequence was presented among the five subscales, similar to the original version. Construct validity was supported by positive correlations with recovery and mental well-being scales, and negative correlation with self-stigma scale. Good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.78–0.86) and high level of test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96) were obtained.

Conclusions

Chinese STORI-30 presents satisfactory psychometric properties in internal consistency, construct convergent and divergent validity, and test-retest reliability. The three-factor structure revealed does not echo the original five-stage recovery model. Further studies exploring the underlying structure are warranted.
Cytoreductive surgery offers prognostic benefits in metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors with generalized progression following imatinib therapy: a single institute retrospective study
Authors: Liu Dao-Ning , Jia Wei-Wei , Wang Hai-Yue , Wu Jian-Hui , Li Cheng-Peng , Hao Chun-Yi
Published: July 2023

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Distant metastasis has been detected in approximately 50% of GIST patients at the first diagnosis. The surgical strategy for metastatic GIST with generalized progression (GP) after imatinib therapy remains unclear.

Methods

We recruited 15 patients with imatinib-resistant metastatic GIST. They received cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for tumor rupture, intestinal obstruction and gastrointestinal bleeding. We collected clinical, pathological and prognostic data for analyses.

Results

OS and PFS after R0/1 CRS were 56.88 ± 3.47 and 26.7 ± 4.12 months, respectively, when compared with 26 ± 5.35 and 5 ± 2.78 months after R2 CRS (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). The OS of patients from the initiation of imatinib in the R0/1 group was 133.90 ± 15.40 months when compared with 59.80 ± 10.98 months in the R2 CRS group. There were two significant grade III complications after 15 operations (13.3%). No patient underwent reoperation. In addition, no perioperative death occurred.

Conclusions

R0/1 CRS is highly probable to provide prognostic benefits for patients with metastatic GIST who experience GP following imatinib treatment. An aggressive surgical strategy for achieving R0/1 CRS can be deemed safe. If applicable, R0/1 CRS should be carefully considered in imatinib-treated patients with GP metastatic GIST.
Prevalence, correlates and treatment needs of dental caries in patients attending a diabetic clinic in rural southwestern Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Arubaku Wilfred , Tusubira Deusdedit , Ssedyabane Frank , Chamut Steffany , Seymour Brittany Anne , Siedner Mark J. , Niyonzima Vallence , Nabbanja Juliet , Kakongi Nathan , Kwizera Godfrey , Maling Samuel
Published: July 2023

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a complex heterogeneous metabolic disorder known to lead to several pathogenic disorders, and has a bidirectional relationship with oral health conditions. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence, treatment needs and correlates of dental caries among adult patients attending a diabetic clinic in Uganda.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that used questionnaires to collect data on socio-demographic factors, diabetes history, oral health status, dental health care, dietary factors, lifestyle factors, and dental examination guided by the modified World Health Organization oral health questionnaire for adults.

Results

We enrolled 239 participants, prevalence of dental caries was 71.6%, treatment need was nearly 100%, and mean DMFT was 3.82 (SD = 5.46). Dental caries experience was associated with being widowed.

Conclusion

We found a high prevalence of dental caries experience and large treatment need among our participants. We recommend integration of oral health care into routine diabetic services in rural sub Saharan Africa.
Prevalence and risk of developing sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis (MS): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yazdani Amid , Ebrahimi Narges , Mirmosayyeb Omid , Ghajarzadeh Mahsa
Published: July 2023

Objective

To estimate the pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and google scholar and also gray literature up to October 2021.

The search strategy includes:

(“Multiple Sclerosis” OR “MS” OR “Disseminated Sclerosis” OR (Disseminated AND Sclerosis) OR (Sclerosis AND Multiple)) AND (“Sexual Dysfunction” OR (Sexual AND Dysfunction) OR (Sexual AND Dysfunctions) OR (Sexual AND Disorders) OR (Sexual AND Disorder) OR “Sexual Dysfunctions” OR “Sexual Disorders” OR “Sexual Disorder” OR “Psychosexual Dysfunctions” OR (Dysfunction AND Psychosexual) OR (Dysfunctions AND Psychosexual) OR “Psychosexual Dysfunction” OR “Psychosexual Disorders” OR (Disorder AND Psychosexual) OR (Disorders AND Psychosexual) OR “Psychosexual Disorder” OR “Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder” OR “Sexual Aversion Disorder” OR (Aversion Disorders AND Sexual) OR (Disorders AND Sexual Aversion) OR “Sexual Aversion Disorders” OR “Orgasmic Disorder” OR (Disorders AND Orgasmic) OR “Orgasmic Disorders” OR “Sexual Arousal Disorder” OR (Arousal Disorders AND Sexual) OR (Disorders AND Sexual Arousal) OR “Sexual Arousal Disorders” OR “Frigidity”).

Results

We found 2150 articles by literature search, after deleting duplicates 1760 remained. Fifty-six articles remained for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of SD in MS patients estimated as 61% (95%CI:56–67%) (I2:95.7%,P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of Anorgasmia in MS patients estimated as 29% (95%CI:20–39%) (I2:85.3%,P < 0.001). The pooled odds of developing SD in MS women estimated as 3.05(95%CI: 1.74–5.35) (I2:78.3%,P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of decreased vaginal lubrication in MS patients estimated as 32%(95%CI:27–37%) (I2 = 94.2%,P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of reduced libido was 48%(95%CI:36–61%) (I2:92.6%,P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of arousal problems was 40%(95%CI: 26–54%) (I2:97.4%,P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of intercourse satisfaction was 27% (95%CI: 8–46%) (I2:99%,P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The result of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that the pooled prevalence of SD in women with MS is 61% and the odds of developing SD in comparison with controls is 3.05.
Mental health experiences of HIV/TB healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic – lessons for provider well-being and support from a qualitative study in seven South African provinces
Authors: Yang Blia , Egg Rafaela , Brahmbhatt Heena , Matjeng Mahlodi , Doro Thanduxolo , Mthembu Zandile , Muzah Batanayi , Foster Brendon , Theunissen Johanna , Frost Ashley , Peetz April , Reichert Katie , Hoddinott Graeme
Published: July 2023

Background

COVID-19 has substantially reshaped health service delivery. Healthcare workers have had to serve more clients, work longer shifts, and operate in conditions of uncertainty. They have experienced multiple stressors related to the additional ‘labour of care’, including managing the frustration of inadequate therapeutic or symptom relief options, witnessing clients dying, and having to give this news to clients’ family members. Ongoing psychological distress among healthcare workers can severely undermine performance, decision-making and well-being. We sought to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health experiences of healthcare workers delivering HIV and TB services in South Africa.

Methods

We used a pragmatic and exploratory design to understand HCWs’ mental health experiences with in-depth qualitative data. We implemented the study in ten high HIV/TB burden districts across seven of South Africa’s nine provinces among healthcare workers employed by USAID-funded implementing partners. We conducted in-depth interviews (virtual) with 92 healthcare workers across 10 cadres.

Results

Healthcare workers reported experiencing a range of extreme and rapidly fluctuating emotions because of COVID-19 that negatively impacted on their well-being. Among these, many healthcare workers report experienced a great deal of guilt at their inability to continue to provide quality care to their clients. In addition, a constant and pervasive fear of contracting COVID-19. Healthcare workers’ stress coping mechanisms were limited to begin with, and often further interrupted by COVID-19 and non-pharmaceutical response measures e.g., ‘lockdowns’. Healthcare workers reported a need for greater support for managing the everyday burden of work – not only when experiencing a mental well-being ‘episode’. Further, that whenever they were exposed to stressor events, e.g., supporting a child living with HIV who reports sexual abuse to the healthcare worker, that this this would trigger additional support interventions and not rely on the healthcare worker seeking this out. Further, that supervisors spend more effort demonstrating appreciation toward staff.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 epidemic has added significant mental health burden for healthcare workers in South Africa. Addressing this requires broad and cross-cutting strengthening of everyday support for healthcare workers and centring staff’s mental well-being as core to delivering quality health services.
Reduced intestinal lipid absorption improves glucose metabolism in aged G2-Terc knockout mice
Authors: Liu Xue , Khalil Ahmed Elagamy Mohamed Mahmoud , Muthukumarasamy Uthayakumar , Onogi Yasuhiro , Yan Xiaocheng , Singh Inderjeet , Lopez-Gonzales Elena , Israel Andreas , Serrano Alberto Cebrian , Strowig Till , Ussar Siegfried
Published: July 2023

Background

Biological aging is an important factor leading to the development of pathologies associated with metabolic dysregulation, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Telomere length, a central feature of aging, has additionally been identified as inversely associated with glucose tolerance and the development of type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of shortened telomeres on body weight and metabolism remain incompletely understood. Here, we studied the metabolic consequences of moderate telomere shortening using second generation loss of telomerase activity in mice.

Results

Aged male and female G2 Terc-/- mice and controls were characterized with respect to body weight and composition, glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and metabolic activity. This was complemented with molecular and histological analysis of adipose tissue, liver and the intestine as well as microbiota analysis. We show that moderate telomere shortening leads to improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in aged male and female G2 Terc-/- mice. This is accompanied by reduced fat and lean mass in both sexes. Mechanistically, the metabolic improvement results from reduced dietary lipid uptake in the intestine, characterized by reduced gene expression of fatty acid transporters in enterocytes of the small intestine. Furthermore, G2-Terc-/- mice showed significant alterations in the composition of gut microbiota, potentially contributing to the improved glucose metabolism.

Conclusions

Our study shows that moderate telomere shortening reduces intestinal lipid absorption, resulting in reduced adiposity and improved glucose metabolism in aged mice. These findings will guide future murine and human aging studies and provide important insights into the age associated development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Providing multimedia information to children and young people increases recruitment to trials: pre-planned meta-analysis of SWATs
Authors: Knapp Peter , Moe-Byrne Thirimon , Martin-Kerry Jacqueline , Sheridan Rebecca , Roche Jenny , Coleman Elizabeth , Bower Peter , Higgins Steven , Stones Catherine , Graffy Jonathan , Preston Jenny , Gamble Carrol , Young Bridget , Perry Daniel , Dahlmann-Noor Annegret , Abbas Mohamed , Khandelwal Payal , Ludden Siobhan , Azuara-Blanco Augusto , McConnell Emma , Mandall Nicky , Lawson Anna , Rogers Chris A. , Smartt Helena J. M. , Heys Rachael , Stones Simon R. , Taylor Danielle Horton , Ainsworth Sophie , Ainsworth Jenny
Published: July 2023

Background

Randomised controlled trials are often beset by problems with poor recruitment and retention. Information to support decisions on trial participation is usually provided as printed participant information sheets (PIS), which are often long, technical, and unappealing. Multimedia information (MMI), including animations and videos, may be a valuable alternative or complement to a PIS. The Trials Engagement in Children and Adolescents (TRECA) study compared MMI to PIS to investigate the effects on participant recruitment, retention, and quality of decision-making.

Methods

We undertook six SWATs (Study Within A Trial) within a series of host trials recruiting children and young people. Potential participants in the host trials were randomly allocated to receive MMI-only, PIS-only, or combined MMI + PIS. We recorded the rates of recruitment and retention (varying between 6 and 26 weeks post-randomisation) in each host trial. Potential participants approached about each host trial were asked to complete a nine-item Decision-Making Questionnaire (DMQ) to indicate their evaluation of the information and their reasons for participation/non-participation. Odds ratios were calculated and combined in a meta-analysis.

Results

Data from 3/6 SWATs for which it was possible were combined in a meta-analysis (n = 1758). Potential participants allocated to MMI-only were more likely to be recruited to the host trial than those allocated to PIS-only (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.05, 2.28;p = 0.03). Those allocated to combined MMI + PIS compared to PIS-only were no more likely to be recruited to the host trial (OR = 0.89; 95% CI 0.53, 1.50;p = 0.67). Providing MMI rather than PIS did not impact on DMQ scores. Once children and young people had been recruited to host trials, their trial retention rates did not differ according to intervention allocation.

Conclusions

Providing MMI-only increased the trial recruitment rate compared to PIS-only but did not affect DMQ scores. Combined MMI + PIS instead of PIS had no effect on recruitment or retention. MMIs are a useful tool for trial recruitment in children and young people, and they could reduce trial recruitment periods.
Is hybrid therapy more efficient in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Temido Maria José , Mbanze Dara , Almeida Nuno , Oliveiros Bárbara , Gravito-Soares Elisa , Figueiredo Pedro
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Hybrid therapy (HT) is a non-bismuth quadruple therapy created to surpass Helicobacter pylori’s (H. pylori) resistance rates to antibiotics. HT has excellent eradication rates, as well as a very good compliance and safety profile. We aim to compare HT with sequential therapy (ST) and concomitant therapy (CT) for the eradication of H. pylori.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted following the principles of the PRISMA guidelines. Literature was electronically searched on the CENTRAL library, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The primary outcome evaluated was eradication rate of H. pylori. The secondary outcomes evaluated were adverse events and compliance rates. Meta-analyses were performed with Cochrane Review Manager 5.4. The Mantel–Haenszel method was used to estimate the pooled relative risk and 95% confidence interval of the eradication rates between HT and other regimens, as well as the secondary outcomes.

Results

10 studies were included, comprising 2993 patients. The mean eradication rates achieved by HT with intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were, respectively, 86% (range: 79.2–90.8%) and 91.7% (range: 82.6–96.1%). No statistically significant difference was found in ITT eradication rate between HT and CT (relative risk: 1; 95% CI: 0.96- 1.03) and between HT and ST (relative risk: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.92–1.14). PP analysis revealed similar results. HT was associated with higher compliance rates than CT and slightly lower than ST. As far as adverse events are concerned, this meta-analysis demonstrated a higher occurrence of adverse events on the group of patients treated with CT when compared with HT. HT and ST showed similar results.

Conclusion

HT has similar eradication, compliance and adverse event rates when compared to ST, but a better safety profile than the CT.
Oral membrane-biomimetic nanoparticles for enhanced endocytosis and regulation of tumor-associated macrophage
Authors: Gu Xiaoyan , Zhang Rongguang , Sun Yingwei , Ai Xinyi , Wang Yu , Lyu Yaqi , Wang Xiaoyu , Wu Yihan , Wang Zhi , Feng Nianping , Liu Ying
Published: July 2023

Enterocyte uptake with high binding efficiency and minor endogenous interference remains a challenge in oral nanocarrier delivery. Enterocyte membrane-biomimetic lipids may universally cooperate with endogenous phosphatidyl choline via a biorthogonal group. In this study, we developed a sophorolipid-associated membrane-biomimetic choline phosphate-poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid hybrid nanoparticle (SDPN). Aided by physical stability in the gastrointestinal tract and rapid mucus diffusion provided by association with sophorolipid, these nanoparticles show improved endocytosis, driven by dipalmitoyl choline phosphate-phosphatidyl choline interaction as well as its optimized membrane fluidity and rigidity. Luteolin- and silibinin-co-loaded with SDPN alleviated breast cancer metastasis in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice by regulating the conversion of tumor-associated M2 macrophages into the M1 phenotype and reducing the proportion of the M2-phenotype through co-action on STAT3 and HIF-1α. In addition, SDPN reduces angiogenesis and regulates the matrix barrier in the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, this membrane-biomimetic strategy is promising for improving the enterocyte uptake of oral SDPN and shows potential to alleviate breast cancer metastasis.
Dieulafoy’s disease of the bronchus: rare but potentially fatal: a case report and a review of literature
Authors: Daboussi Salsabil , kacem Marwa , Boubaker Nouha , Chaabene Mariem , Aichaouia Chiraz , Mhamdi Samira , Moatemri Zied
Published: July 2023

Background

Dieulafoy’s disease of the bronchus can cause massive and even fatal hemoptysis. Even though it is rare, it should be considered by physicians all over the world. This paper reports a case of bronchial Dieulafoy’s disease and summarizes the data of similar cases reported in literature.

Methods

We report a case of bronchial Dieulafoy’s disease (BDD) in Tunisia. We also present a review of literature related to BDD from 1995 to 2022 using the PubMed, Google Scholar, web of science and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases. Clinical characteristics, chest imaging, bronchoscopic and angiographic findings were summarized. Treatment courses were identified as well as patients’ outcome.

Results

We report the case of a 41-year-old man, so far in good health, presenting with massive hemoptysis. Bronchoscopy showed blood clots and a protruding lesion covered by mucosa with a white pointed cap at the entrance of the right upper lobe. Biopsies were not attempted. Embolization of bronchial artery was first realized and was not successful, with post procedure complications. Surgical intervention stopped the bleeding and pathological examination of the resected specimen confirmed Dieulafoy’s disease of the bronchus. Ninety cases of BDD were reported from 1995 to 2022. The main symptom was hemoptysis. Chest imaging findings were not specific. The diagnosis of BDD was mainly based on the bronchoscopy, branchial angiography and pathological findings or surgical specimens. Bronchoscopy findings were mostly nodular or prominent lesions (52.4%). Twenty-eight patients underwent bronchoscopic biopsies, 20 had massive bleeding and 10 died. Bronchial angiography mainly showed tortuous and dilation of bronchial artery, and the lesions were mainly located in the right bronchus. Selective bronchial artery embolization (SBAE) was performed in 32 patients and 39 patients underwent surgery.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first case of bronchial Dieulafoy’s disease to be reported in Tunisia and North Africa. When the diagnosis is suspected, bronchoscopic biopsy should be avoided as it might lead to fatal hemorrhage. Selective bronchial artery embolization can stop the bleeding, but surgery can be required.
Biosynthesis pathways of expanding carbon chains for producing advanced biofuels
Authors: Su Haifeng , Lin JiaFu
Published: July 2023

Because the thermodynamic property is closer to gasoline, advanced biofuels (C ≥ 6) are appealing for replacing non-renewable fossil fuels using biosynthesis method that has presented a promising approach. Synthesizing advanced biofuels (C ≥ 6), in general, requires the expansion of carbon chains from three carbon atoms to more than six carbon atoms. Despite some specific biosynthesis pathways that have been developed in recent years, adequate summary is still lacking on how to obtain an effective metabolic pathway. Review of biosynthesis pathways for expanding carbon chains will be conducive to selecting, optimizing and discovering novel synthetic route to obtain new advanced biofuels. Herein, we first highlighted challenges on expanding carbon chains, followed by presentation of two biosynthesis strategies and review of three different types of biosynthesis pathways of carbon chain expansion for synthesizing advanced biofuels. Finally, we provided an outlook for the introduction of gene-editing technology in the development of new biosynthesis pathways of carbon chain expansion.
Implementation strategies to scale up self-administered depot medroxyprogesterone acetate subcutaneous injectable contraception: a scoping review
Authors: Aderoba Adeniyi Kolade , Steyn Petrus Schoken , Kiarie James Njogu
Published: July 2023

Background

Self-administered depot medroxyprogesterone acetate subcutaneous injectable contraception (DMPA-SC) is registered in many countries. It shows great potential for improving contraceptive access, continuation, and autonomy. However, there are challenges in rolling out this new efficacious intervention, and major implementation problems have been encountered during scale-up.

Objective

To describe the implementation strategies to scale up self-administered DMPA-SC and the barriers, facilitators, and outcomes of these programs.

Method

Recent guidelines, including the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews, were used to design and report this review. An article or report was eligible for inclusion if it reported interventions that could scale up self-administered DMPA-SC implementation or its facilitators, barriers, or outcomes. We searched six electronic databases and the grey literature for eligible articles and reports. Two reviewers independently screened the document titles, abstracts, and full texts to identify eligible documents. Data were extracted using structured forms. Using the Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) taxonomy of health systems framework for thematic analysis, data were presented in a narrative approach.

Results

Of the 755 retrieved documents, 34 were included in this review. Most of the documents included were multi-country reports (n = 14), and all documents were published within the last 5 years (2018–2021). This review identified documents that reported interventions in all EPOC domains. The most-reported interventions were: task-sharing amongst health workforce cadres, engaged leadership, encouraging policies, training and education, DMPA-SC demand generation, integration into existing programs, improved funding mechanisms, collaboration with development partners, and supply chain strengthening. The main barriers were suboptimal funding, inadequate human resources, and poor logistics supply of DMPA-SC. There was minimal evidence of scale-up outcomes.

Conclusion

This scoping review reported a wide range of interventions employed by countries and programs to scale up DMPA-SC self-administration but minimal evidence of the scale-up outcomes. Evidence from this review can help design better programs that improves access to quality family planning services to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets 3.7. However, efforts should focus on rigorous implementation research that assess scaled up self-administered DMPA-SC interventions and report their outcomes.

Registration

The protocol for this review was registered in the protocols.io repository (https://www.protocols.io/view/a-protocol-for-a-scoping-review-of-implementation-x54v9yemmg3e/v1).
Application of artificial intelligence for forecasting surface quality index of irrigation systems in the Red River Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Duc Phong , Ha Hai Duong , Trinh Ngoc Thang , Nguyen Minh Tu
Published: July 2023

Water sources for irrigation systems in the Red River Delta are crucial to the socioeconomic growth of the region's communities. Human activities (discharge) have polluted the water source in recent years, and the water source from upstream is limited. Currently, the surface water quality index (WQI), which is calculated from numerous surface water quality parameters (physical, chemical, microbiological, heavy metals, etc.) is frequently used to evaluate the surface water quality of irrigation systems. However, the calculation of the WQI from water quality monitoring parameters remains constrained due to the need for a large number of monitoring parameters and the relative complexity of the calculation. To better serve the assessment of surface water quality in the study area, it is crucial and essential to conduct research to identify an efficient and accurate method of calculating the WQI. This study used machine learning and deep learning algorithms to calculate the WQI with minimal input data (water quality parameters) to reduce the cost of monitoring surface water quality. The study used the Bayes method (BMA) to select important parameters (BOD5, NH4+, PO43−, turbidity, TSS, coliform, and DO). The results indicate that the machine learning model is more effective than the deep learning model, with the gradient boosting model having the most accurate prediction results because it has the highest coefficient of determination R2 (0.96). This is a solid scientific basis and an important result for the application of machine learning and deep learning algorithms to calculate WQI for the research area. The study also demonstrated the potential of artificial intelligence algorithms to improve water quality forecasting compared to traditional methods with minimal cost and time.
Characteristics of glucose and lipid metabolism and the interaction between gut microbiota and colonic mucosal immunity in pigs during cold exposure
Authors: Teng Teng , Sun Guodong , Ding Hongwei , Song Xin , Bai Guangdong , Shi Baoming , Shang Tingting
Published: July 2023

Background

Cold regions have long autumn and winter seasons and low ambient temperatures. When pigs are unable to adjust to the cold, oxidative damage and inflammation may develop. However, the differences between cold and non-cold adaptation regarding glucose and lipid metabolism, gut microbiota and colonic mucosal immunological features in pigs are unknown. This study revealed the glucose and lipid metabolic responses and the dual role of gut microbiota in pigs during cold and non-cold adaptation. Moreover, the regulatory effects of dietary glucose supplements on glucose and lipid metabolism and the colonic mucosal barrier were evaluated in cold-exposed pigs.

Results

Cold and non-cold-adapted models were established by Min and Yorkshire pigs. Our results exhibited that cold exposure induced glucose overconsumption in non-cold-adapted pig models (Yorkshire pigs), decreasing plasma glucose concentrations. In this case, cold exposure enhanced the ATGL and CPT-1α expression to promote liver lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. Meanwhile, the two probiotics (CollinsellaandBifidobacterium) depletion and the enrichment of two pathogens (SutterellaandEscherichia-Shigella) in colonic microbiota are not conducive to colonic mucosal immunity. However, glucagon-mediated hepatic glycogenolysis in cold-adapted pig models (Min pigs) maintained the stability of glucose homeostasis during cold exposure. It contributed to the gut microbiota (including the enrichment of theRikenellaceae RC9 gut group,[Eubacterium] coprostanoligenes groupandWCHB1-41) that favored cold-adapted metabolism.

Conclusions

The results of both models indicate that the gut microbiota during cold adaptation contributes to the protection of the colonic mucosa. During non-cold adaptation, cold-induced glucose overconsumption promotes thermogenesis through lipolysis, but interferes with the gut microbiome and colonic mucosal immunity. Furthermore, glucagon-mediated hepatic glycogenolysis contributes to glucose homeostasis during cold exposure.
Comparative study on epidemiological and etiological characteristics of patients with acute diarrhea with febrile or non-febrile symptoms in China
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Gang , Shan Chun-Xi , Sun Yan-Qun , Ren Xiang , Yu Lin-Jie , Wang Yi-Fei , Lin Sheng-Hong , Zhang Xiao-Ai , Li Hao , Zhang Cui-Hong , Geng Meng-Jie , Yang Wei-Zhong , Wang Li-Ping , Liu Wei , Fang Li-Qun
Published: July 2023

Background

Acute diarrhea with fever can potentially represent a more severe form of the disease compared to non-febrile diarrhea. This study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and enteric pathogen composition of febrile-diarrheal patients, and to explore factors including pathogens associated with fever by age group.

Methods

A nationwide surveillance study of acute diarrheal patients of all ages was conducted in 217 sentinel hospitals from 31 provinces (autonomous regions or municipalities) in China between 2011 and 2020. Seventeen diarrhea-related pathogens, including seven viruses and ten bacteria, were investigated and their association with occurrence of fever symptoms was assessed using multivariate logistic analysis.

Results

A total of 146,296 patients with acute diarrhea (18.6% with fever) were tested. Th diarrheal children below 5 years had the highest frequency of fever (24.2%), and related to significantly higher prevalence of viral enteropathogens (40.2%) as compared with other age groups (P < 0.001). Within each age group, the febrile-diarrheal patients were associated with a significantly higher prevalence of bacterial pathogens than afebrile-diarrheal patients (allP < 0.01). There was discrepancy when each pathogen was compared, i.e., nontyphoidalSalmonella(NTS) was overrepresented in febrile vs non-febrile patients of all age groups, while the febrile vs non-febrile difference for diarrheagenicEscherichia coli(DEC) was only significant for adult groups. The multivariate analysis revealed significant association between fever and infection with rotavirus A among children [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60], for DEC in adult groups (OR = 1.64), for NTS in both children (OR = 2.95) and adults (OR = 3.59).

Conclusions

There are significant discrepancy of the infected enteric pathogens in patients with acute diarrhea with fever between age groups, and it is valuable for priority detection of NTS and rotavirus A in patients with children < 5 years old and NTS and DEC in adult patients. The results may be useful in identifying dominant pathogen candidates for the application of diagnostic assays and prevention control.

Graphical Abstract
Stigmatizing imagery for substance use disorders: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Hulsey Jessica , Zawislak Kayla , Sawyer-Morris Ginnie , Earnshaw Valerie
Published: July 2023

Background

Stigma is a significant barrier to the treatment of individuals with substance use disorders. While prior efforts have been made to change stigmatizing language to refer to individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), little is known about the effects of stigmatizing imagery. There is a need for complementary qualitative research to identify both stigmatizing and non-stigmatizing imagery in the field of SUD.

Methods

This study used qualitative methods to identify stigmatizing and non-stigmatizing imagery for SUD and explore the reactions of people with lived experience with SUD to SUD-related imagery. We conducted focus groups and brief semi-structured qualitative interviews with 14 individuals in recovery from a range of SUD.

Results

Participants identified images of substance use and criminal justice contact that are negative or stigmatizing, along with alternative images that were endorsed for use. The unanticipated concept of imagery-induced triggering and cue reactivity emerged in the interviews, along with an emphasis on diversity in race/ethnicity, gender, and age for representations of both patients and clinicians in all imagery.

Conclusions

The findings can be helpful in informing imagery that can depict addiction, individuals with SUD, and individuals involved in the justice system for various fields from research to media, public health, and community-based programming. Based on qualitative feedback from patients on triggering effects and reactivity to visual cues, it is never appropriate to use drug use and drug paraphernalia imagery to depict substance use or misuse or pictures of people in cages.
Assessing the feasibility, fidelity and acceptability of a behaviour change intervention to improve tractor safety on farms: protocol for the BeSafe tractor safety feasibility study
Authors: Surendran Aswathi , McSharry Jenny , Meredith David , McNamara John , Bligh Francis , Meade Oonagh , O’Hora Denis
Published: July 2023

Background

In Ireland, the agriculture sector reports the highest number of fatalities even though farmers constitute only 6% of the working population. Tractor-related behaviours are implicated in 55% of all vehicle work-related fatalities and 25% of reported injuries, and many of these occur in farmyards. There is limited research on the feasibility and acceptability of behaviour change interventions to improve tractor safety. Target behaviours that promote safe operation in farmyards, determining and addressing blind spots of tractors, were identified, and an intervention was developed following the Behaviour Change Wheel Approach. The objective of the study is to examine the feasibility, fidelity and acceptability of a behaviour change intervention to enhance the safe operation of tractors in farmyards with a particular focus on tractor blind spots.

Method

A single group feasibility study will be undertaken. Approximately 16 farmers from four major farm types will be recruited for the study between August and September 2022. The intervention involves an in-person demo session, facilitated discussion and personalised safety training procedure with safety goals. The study will collect data from participants at three time points: baseline (3–10 days prior to the intervention), during the intervention and at the follow-up session (7–30 days post-intervention). Quantitative data will be collected through a pre-intervention interview and feedback surveys. A pre- and post-intervention qualitative interview will also be conducted with the participants and will be supplemented with qualitative data from recruitment logs, observational memos and logs and feedback from recruiters. Evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability and fidelity of the intervention will be guided by a pre-determined feasibility checklist, fidelity framework and theoretical framework of acceptability, respectively. Interviews will be analysed using the content analysis.

Discussion

The current study can determine the feasibility and fidelity of delivering a systematic, theoretically driven, tailored behaviour change intervention. It will also assess whether the intervention, its ingredients and delivery are acceptable to the farming population. This study will also inform the development of a future larger trial to test the effectiveness of the intervention.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Identifier: ISRCTN22219089. Date applied 29 July 2022
An efficient confidentiality protection solution for pub/sub system
Authors: Pei Jinglei , Shi Yuyang , Feng Qingling , Shi Ruisheng , Lan Lina , Yu Shui , Shi Jinqiao , Ma Zhaofeng
Published: July 2023

Publish/subscribe(pub/sub) systems are widely used in large-scale messaging systems due to their asynchronous and decoupled nature. With the population of pub/sub cloud services, the privacy protection problem of pub/sub systems has started to emerge, and events and subscriptions are exposed when executing event matching on untrustworthy cloud brokers. However, as the number of subscriptions increases, the effectiveness of the previous confidentiality protection approaches declines drastically. In this paper, we propose SBM (scalable blind matching), an effective confidentiality protection scheme for pub/sub systems. To the best of our knowledge, SBM is the first scheme that applies order-preserving encryption algorithm to protect the system’s confidentiality and ensure its scalability. In this scheme, SBM-I is highly effective in subscription matching but is unable to achieve ideal security IND-OCPA, whereas SBM-II is suggested to ensure system security and SGX is used to reduce interaction and boost ciphertext matching performance. The experiment demonstrates that this method has better matching performance compared to others: the average matching time of SBM-I is 3–4 orders of magnitude faster than the matching algorithm MP and SGX-based algorithm SCBR when the number of subscriptions is 500,000, and the average matching time of SBM-II is 40 times faster than MP and 24 times than SCBR.
Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis with massive vegetations in a patient with a ventricular septal defect and atopic dermatitis: a case report
Authors: Kitagata Yuta , Tsuneyoshi Hiroshi , Ito Kenta , Yamanaka Ken , Hirano Masahiro , Hirose Keiichi , Ikai Akio
Published: July 2023

Background

It is well known that congenital heart disease, especially a ventricular septal defect, is associated with a high risk of infective endocarditis. There are few reports of infective endocarditis with vegetations extending from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery, resulting in pulmonary artery embolism. It is also well known that atopic dermatitis can be associated with systemic infections such as infective carditis. Here, we report a patient with a ventricular septal defect and infective endocarditis caused by atopic dermatitis who presented with massively infected vegetations occluding the pulmonary artery and extending from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery and was treated surgically.

Case presentation

A 26-year-old woman with a ventricular septal defect and a history of atopic dermatitis was diagnosed with infective endocarditis with mobile vegetations in the right ventricle, pulmonary artery occlusion caused by massive vegetations, and pulmonary abscesses. Because the obstructing vegetations did not regress with antibiotics, they were removed surgically and the ventricular septal defect was closed. A new causative organism was identified in the vegetation, enabling optimization of the antibiotic regimen. Appropriate antibiotics were administered for 2 months after surgery, resulting in complete resolution of the lung abscesses.

Conclusion

Aggressive surgical intervention can be effective in patients with massive vegetations obstructing their pulmonary arteries.
Effect of update rule transition triggered by Q-learning algorithm in evolutionary prisoner's dilemma game involving extortion
Authors: Wang Jianxia , Hao Mengqi , Ma Jinlong , Pang Huawei , Cai Liangliang
Published: July 2023

Most studies have shown that the heterogeneity of update rules has an important impact on evolutionary game dynamics. In the meanwhile, Q-learning algorithm has gained attention and extensive study in evolutionary games. Therefore, a mixed stochastic evolutionary game dynamic model involving extortion strategy is constructed by combining imitation and aspiration-driven updating rules. During the evolution of the model, individuals will use the Q-learning algorithm which is a typical self-reinforcement learning algorithm to determine which update rule to adopt. Herein, through numerical simulation analyses, it is found that the mixed stochastic evolutionary game dynamic model affected by the Q-learning algorithm ensures the survival of cooperators in the grid network. Moreover, the cooperators cannot form a cooperation cluster in the grid network but will form a chessboard-like distribution with extortioners to protect cooperators from the invasion of defectors. In addition, a series of results show that, before the evolution turns into steady state, our model increases the number of nodes utilizing the average aspiration-driven update rule, thereby promoting the emergence of chessboard-like distribution. Overall, our study may provide some interesting insights into the development of cooperative behavior in the real world.