bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal relationship between obesity and anorectal abscess: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zeng XiaoYu , Wang HanYu , Deng Yang , Deng ZhiYu , Bi Wei , Fu Hao
Published: June 2024

Background

Observational studies have indicated that obesity is a risk factor for anorectal abscess (ARB). However, it remains unclear whether a causal genetic relationship exists between obesity and ARB.

Methods

Univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) were conducted using data from a large, published genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European ancestry to infer a causal relationship between obesity and ARB. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis served as the primary analysis method, with results reported as odds ratios (OR).

Results

MR analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) positively affects ARB (OR 1.974, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.548–2.519, p = 4.34 × 10−8). The weighted median method (OR = 1.879, 95% CI 1.248–2.829, p = 0.002) and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.477–2.392, p = 2.85 × 10−7) also demonstrated consistent results. Subsequently, the impact of several obesity-related characteristics on ARB was assessed. Body fat percentage (BF), whole body fat mass (FM), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were found to be causally associated with an increased risk of ARB. However, these associations vanished after adjusting for BMI effects.

Conclusion

The study confirms a positive causal effect of obesity on ARB, highlighting that reasonable weight control is an important strategy to reduce the incidence of ARB.
Research advances in huntingtin-associated protein 1 and its application prospects in diseases
Authors: Wu Yongjiang , Wang Yanfei , Lu Yunchi , Yan Junguo , Zhao Hongjun , Yang Riyun , Pan Jingying
Published: June 2024

Huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) was the first protein discovered to interact with huntingtin. Besides brain, HAP1 is also expressed in the spinal cord, dorsal root ganglion, endocrine, and digestive systems. HAP1 has diverse functions involving in vesicular transport, receptor recycling, gene transcription, and signal transduction. HAP1 is strongly linked to several neurological diseases, including Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, ischemic stroke, and depression. In addition, HAP1 has been proved to participate in cancers and diabetes mellitus. This article provides an overview of HAP1 regarding the tissue distribution, cell localization, functions, and offers fresh perspectives to investigate its role in diseases.
Ad libitum caffeine consumption, cognitive performance, and sleep in special forces soldiers during a 96-h combat exercise
Authors: Erez David , Lieberman Harris R. , Baum Ido , Ketko Itay , Moran Daniel S.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This observational study investigated the effects of sleep deprivation and ad libitum caffeine consumption on cognitive performance, risk behavior, and mood among 28 Israeli Special Forces (SF) soldiers (mean age: 20.57 ± 0.92 years) during a 96-hour combat exercise.

Methods

Actigraphy was used to monitor sleep and activity; cognitive function, risk-taking propensity, mood states, and self-reported sleepiness were assessed using the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), Evaluation of Risks Scale (EVAR), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS); and caffeine consumption by questionnaire at 0, 50, and 96 hours. For analyses, participants were divided into Low (<400 mg) and High (≥400 mg) caffeine consumption groups.

Results

The soldiers hiked 108.5 ± 0.52 km and slept for 12.7 ± 0.5 h, with a notable transition from multiple short sleep epochs in the initial 50 hours to a consolidated 5-hour sleep period subsequently. In the High caffeine group, PVT reaction time was faster (p = 0.024) compared to the Low caffeine group, with fewer premature response errors (p = 0.026). However, this group showed increased risk-taking (p = 0.037), particularly reduced Self-Control (p = 0.010). No significant impact of ad libitum caffeine intake on mood was observed. However, degradation over the course of the exercise in both groups in mood states, including anger, fatigue, tension, and vigor, was noted (p < 0.05). KSS scores increased significantly at 50 and 96 h (p < 0.001).

Discussion

These results suggest that while caffeine enhances cognitive function, its ad libitum consumption did not consistently improve these measures in this cohort of SF soldiers. The study highlights the complex relationship between sleep deprivation and caffeine intake and their combined effects on soldiers’ cognitive and behavioral functions, indicating a need for evidence-based caffeine use guidelines for using caffeine in military settings.
Resources for the practice of pediatric neuro-oncology in Mexico: a cross-sectional evaluation
Authors: Arce-Cabrera Daniela , Escamilla-Asiain Gabriela , Nájera-Castillo Melisa F. , Navarro-Martín del Campo Regina M. , Ortiz-Azpilcueta Mariana , Pantoja-Guillén Francisco J. , Arreguín González Farina E. , Zapata-Sosa Imelda , Lugo-Juárez Jocelyn Z. , Santillán Cortéz Daniel , Morales-La Madrid Andrés , Moreira Daniel C. , Benito-Reséndiz Alma E.
Published: June 2024

Background

The evaluation of existing resources and services is key to identify gaps and prioritize interventions to expand care capacity for children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. We sought to evaluate the resources for pediatric neuro-oncology (PNO) in Mexico.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey with 35 questions was designed to assess PNO resources and services, covering aspects including number of patients, infrastructure, human resources, and diagnostic and treatment time intervals. The survey was distributed to the members of the Mexican Association of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (AMOHP) who belong to the nation’s many different health systems.

Results

Responses were obtained from 33 institutions, distributed throughout the country and part of the many health systems that exist in Mexico. Twenty-one (64%) institutions had less than 10 new cases of pediatric CNS tumors per year. Although 30 (91%) institutions saw pediatric patients up to the age of 18 years, 2 (6%) had a cutoff of 15 years. Twenty-four (73%) institutions had between 1 and 3 pediatric oncologists providing care for children with CNS tumors. Six (18%) institutions did not have a neurosurgeon, while 19 (57%) institutions had a pediatric neurosurgeon. All centers had a pathology department, but 13 (39%) institutions only had access to basic histopathology. Eleven (33%) institutions reported histopathological diagnoses within one week, but 3 (9%) took more than 4 weeks. Radiotherapy for pediatric CNS tumors was referred to outside centers at 18 (55%) institutions. All centers had access to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, but only 6 (18%) had access to targeted therapy. Eighteen (55%) respondents estimated a survival rate of less than 60%. Fifteen (45%) centers attributed the main cause of mortality to non-tumor related factors, including infection and post-surgical complications.

Conclusions

This is the first national assessment of the resources available in Mexico for the treatment of CNS tumors. It shows disparities in resource capacity and a lack of the specific and efficient diagnoses that allow timely initiation of treatment. These data will enable the prioritization of collaborative interventions in the future.
Identification of radiologic and clinicopathologic variables associated with tumor regression pattern and distribution of cancer cells after short-course radiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Gheller Alexandre , Basílio Dunya Bachour , da Costa Marília Cristina Rosa , Tuma Sussen Araújo , Ferreira Oscar Miguel Túlio Andrade , Lyrio Fernando Gonçalves , Girardi Daniel da Motta , de Sousa João Batista
Published: June 2024

Background

Knowledge of the pattern of regression and distribution of residual tumor cells may assist in the selection of candidates for rectum-sparing strategies.

Objective

To investigate and identify factors associated with tumor regression pattern and distribution of residual tumor cells.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of patients with T3/T4 N0/N+ adenocarcinoma of the middle and lower third of the rectum (≤10 cm) treated with radiotherapy (5×5 Gy) followed by 6 cycles of CAPOX chemotherapy. The pattern of tumor regression was classified as fragmented or solid. Microscopic intramural spread was measured. We used a model of distribution of residual tumor cells not yet applied to rectal cancer, defined as follows: type I (luminal), type II (invasive front), type III (concentric), and type IV (random).

Results

Forty patients were included with a median age of 66 years; 23 (57.5%) were men. A fragmented pattern was identified in 18 patients (45.0%), and a solid pattern in 22 (55.0%). Microscopic intramural spread was identified in 25 patients (62.5%), extending from 1 to 18 mm (median, 4 mm). There were 14 cases (35.0%) of microscopic intramural spread ≥10 mm. All cases of fragmented regression pattern, except one, showed microscopic intramural spread. Within the fragmented pattern, microscopic intramural spread was 4–8 mm in 4 cases and ≥10 mm in the remaining cases. All cases of microscopic intramural spread ≥ 10 mm were within the fragmented pattern. Regarding the distribution pattern of residual tumor cells, 11 cases (31.5%) were classified as type I, 14 (40.0%) as type II, 10 (28.5%) as type III, and none as type IV. Carcinoembryonic antigen levels >5 ng/mL, downsizing <50%, residual mucosal abnormality >20 mm, and anatomopathologic lymph node involvement were significantly associated with the occurrence of fragmentation (P<0.05). Having received all 6 cycles of CAPOX chemotherapy and absence of microscopic intramural spread were significantly associated with the type I distribution pattern (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The occurrence of a fragmented regression pattern is common, as is the presence of microscopic intramural spread. We could identify radiologic and clinicopathologic factors associated with the pattern of tumor regression and a type I distribution pattern.
Exploring the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of cyclooxygenase inhibitor ampiroxicam: a phase I study on single and multiple oral doses
Authors: Zhao Pengfei , Qi Ying
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Ampiroxicam is a long-acting, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that selectively inhibits human cyclooxygenase, effectively mitigating fever, pain, and inflammation. This study evaluated the drug's tolerability and pharmacokinetics to support personalized dosing strategies.

Methods: The study involved healthy participants and focused on the pharmacokinetics of ampiroxicam. Plasma levels of piroxicam, a key metabolite of ampiroxicam, were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Piroxicam was chosen due to its integral role in ampiroxicam's metabolic pathway. The analytical method underwent rigorous validation to ensure precision and accuracy, addressing potential interference from endogenous plasma substances.

Results: Participants received ampiroxicam in single doses (low, medium, and high) and multiple doses. Pharmacokinetic parameters, including AUC0–216, AUC0–∞, and Cmax, exhibited a dose-dependent increase. No significant differences were noted across the dosage groups, and sex-specific differences were minimal, with the exception of mean residence time (MRT) in the multiple-dose group, which appeared influenced by body weight variations.

Discussion: The findings affirm the safety and efficacy of ampiroxicam across different dosing regimens, validating its clinical utility and potential for personalized medicine in the treatment of pain and inflammation.
Effects of bench press technique variations on musculoskeletal shoulder loads and potential injury risk
Authors: Noteboom L. , Belli I. , Hoozemans M. J. M. , Seth A. , Veeger H. E. J. , Van Der Helm F. C. T.
Published: June 2024

While shoulder injuries resulting from the bench press exercise are commonly reported, no biomechanical evidence for lowering injury risk is currently available. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare musculoskeletal shoulder loads and potential injury risk during several bench press variations. Ten experienced strength athletes performed 21 technical variations of the barbell bench press, including variations in grip width of 1,1.5 and 2 bi-acromial widths (BAW), shoulder abduction angles of 45°, 70° and 90°, and scapula poses including neutral, retracted, and released conditions. Motions and forces were recorded by an opto-electronic measurement system and an instrumented barbell. An OpenSim musculoskeletal shoulder model was employed to estimate joint reaction forces in the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints. Time-series of joint reaction forces were compared between techniques by statistical non-parametric mapping. Results showed that narrower grip widths of <1.5 BAW decreased acromioclavicular compression (p < 0.05), which may decrease the risk for distal clavicular osteolysis. Moreover, scapula retraction, as well as a grip width of <1.5 BAW (p < 0.05), decreased glenohumeral posterior shear force components and rotator cuff activity and may decrease the risk for glenohumeral instability and rotator cuff injuries. Furthermore, results showed that mediolaterally exerted barbell force components varied considerably between athletes and largely affected shoulder reaction forces. It can be concluded that the grip width, scapula pose and mediolateral exerted barbell forces during the bench press influence musculoskeletal shoulder loads and the potential injury risk. Results of this study can contribute to safer bench press training guidelines.
Effects of regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) overexpression in the paraventricular nucleus on blood pressure in rats with angiotensin II-induced hypertension
Authors: Boomer Shane H. , Liu Xuefei , Zheng Hong
Published: June 2024

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) regulates sympathetic activity and blood pressure. The regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) is a negative G protein regulator, which selectively regulates G⍺q signaling, a potential cause of hypertension. This study aimed to examine angiotensin II (ANG II)-G protein-RGS2 signaling on the central mechanisms of blood pressure control, sympathetic activation, and kidney function. The Sprague Dawley rats were infused with ANG II (200 ng/kg/min) via osmotic mini pump to induce hypertension. Adenovirus (AV) vectors encoding RGS2 was transfected into the PVN in vivo. By radio telemetry measurements, we found AV-RGS2 transfection to the PVN significantly attenuated the increase of mean arterial pressure in ANG II infusion rats from days 2–7 of the 2-week experiment (Day 7: ANG II + AV-RGS2 141.3 ± 10.0 mmHg vs. ANG II 166.9 ± 9.3 mmHg, p < 0.05). AV-RGS2 transfection significantly reduced the serum norepinephrine level and acute volume reflex and increased daily urine volume and sodium excretion in ANG II-infused hypertensive rats. AV-RGS2 transfection significantly reduced G⍺q and PKC protein expressions within the PVN in ANG II infusion rats. In cultured mouse hypothalamic cells, real-time PCR study showed ANG II treatment increased mRNA expression of G⍺q, G⍺s, and RGS2, and AV-RGS2 treatment decreased ANG II-induced mRNA expression of G⍺q and G⍺s. Using confocal imagery, we found that AV-RGS2 attenuated the increase of calcium influx in ANG II-treated cells. Our results suggest that central overexpression of RGS2 in the PVN attenuated the increase of blood pressure and sympathetic outflow, and improves kidney excretory function in hypertensive rats. This may be via the alteration of ANG II-G-protein-RGS2 signaling in the central nervous system.
Regulation of tillage on grain matter accumulation in maize
Authors: Wang Li-Qing , Yu Xiao-Fang , Gao Ju-Lin , Ma Da-Ling , Liu Hong-Yue , Hu Shu-Ping
Published: June 2024

Introduction

To address issues related to shallow soil tillage, low soil nutrient content, and single tillage method in maize production in the Western Inner Mongolia Region, this study implemented various tillage and straw return techniques, including strip cultivation, subsoiling, deep tillage, no-tillage, straw incorporation with strip cultivation, straw incorporation with subsoiling, straw incorporation with deep tillage, and straw incorporation with no tillage, while using conventional shallow spinning by farmers as the control.

Methods

We employed Xianyu 696 (XY696) and Ximeng 6 (XM6) as experimental materials to assess maize 100-grains weight, grain filling rate parameters, and grain nutrient quality. This investigation aimed to elucidate how tillage and straw return influence the accumulation of grain material in different maize varieties.

Results and discussion

The results indicated that proper implementation of tillage and straw return had a significant impact on the 100-grains weight of both varieties. In comparison to CK (farmer’s rotary rotation), the most notable rise in 100-grains weight was observed under the DPR treatment (straw incorporation with deep tillage), with a maximum increase of 4.84% for XY696 and 6.28% for XM6. The proper implementation of tillage and straw return in the field resulted in discernible differences in the stages of improving the grain filling rates of different maize varieties. Specifically, XY696 showed a predominant increase in the filling rate during the early stage (V1), while XM6 exhibited an increase in the filling rates during the middle and late stages (V2 and V3). In comparison to CK, V1 increased by 1.54% to 27.56% in XY696, and V2 and V3 increased by 0.41% to 10.42% in XM6 under various tillage and straw return practices. The proper implementation of tillage and straw return had a significant impact on the nutritional quality of the grains in each variety. In comparison to CK, the DPR treatment resulted in the most pronounced decrease in the soluble sugar content of grains by 25.43% and the greatest increase in the crude fat content of grains by 9.67%.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the proper implementation of soil tillage and straw return facilitated an increase in grain crude fat content and significantly boosted grain weight by improving the grouting rate parameters at all stages for various maize varieties. Additionally, the utilization of DPR treatment proved to be more effective. Overall, DPR is the most promising strategy to improve maize yield and the nutritional quality of grain in the long term in the Western Inner Mongolia Region.
Genome-wide association study reveals 18 QTL for major agronomic traits in a Nordic–Baltic spring wheat germplasm
Authors: Aleliūnas Andrius , Gorash Andrii , Armonienė Rita , Tamm Ilmar , Ingver Anne , Bleidere Māra , Fetere Valentīna , Kollist Hannes , Mroz Tomasz , Lillemo Morten , Brazauskas Gintaras
Published: June 2024

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) remains an important alternative to winter wheat cultivation at Northern latitudes due to high risk of overwintering or delayed sowing of winter wheat. We studied nine major agronomic traits in a set of 299 spring wheat genotypes in trials across 12-year-site combinations in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Norway for three consecutive years. The dataset analyzed here consisted of previously published phenotypic data collected in 2021 and 2022, supplemented with additional phenotypic data from the 2023 field season collected in this study. We combined these phenotypic datasets with previously published genotypic data generated using a 25K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array that yielded 18,467 markers with a minor allele frequency above 0.05. Analysis of these datasets via genome-wide association study revealed 18 consistent quantitative trait loci (QTL) replicated in two or more trials that explained more than 5% of phenotypic variance for plant height, grain protein content, thousand kernel weight, or heading date. The most consistent markers across the tested environments were detected for plant height, thousand kernel weight, and days to heading in eight, five, and six trials, respectively. No beneficial effect of the semi-dwarfing alleles Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b on grain yield performance was observed across the 12 tested trials. Moreover, the cultivars carrying these alleles were low yielding in general. Based on principal component analysis, wheat genotypes developed in the Northern European region clustered separately from those developed at the southern latitudes, and markers associated with the clustering were identified. Important phenotypic traits, such as grain yield, days to heading, grain protein content, and thousand kernel weight were associated with this clustering of the genotype sets. Interestingly, despite being adapted to the Nordic environment, genotypes in the Northern set demonstrated lower grain yield performance across all tested environments. The results indicate that spring wheat germplasm harbors valuable QTL/alleles, and the identified trait-marker associations might be useful in improving Nordic–Baltic spring wheat germplasm under global warming conditions.
Dynamic evolution of MADS-box genes in extant ferns via large-scale phylogenomic analysis
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Jiao , Xu Yue-Xia , Sun Jun-Mei , Dai Shao-Jun , Shen Hui , Yan Yue-Hong
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Several studies of MADS-box transcription factors in flowering plants have been conducted, and these studies have indicated that they have conserved functions in floral organ development; MIKC-type MADS-box genes has been proved to be expanded in ferns, however, few systematic studies of these transcription factors have been conducted in non-seed plants. Although ferns and seed plants are sister groups, they exhibit substantial morphological differences.

Methods

Here, we clarified the evolution of MADS-box genes across 71 extant fern species using available transcriptome, genome, and gene expression data.

Results

We obtained a total of 2,512 MADS-box sequences, ranging from 9 to 89 per species. The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of ferns contained approximately three type I genes and at least 5–6 type II MADS-box genes. The domains, motifs, expression of type I and type II proteins, and the structure of the both type genes were conserved in ferns as to other land plants. Within type II genes, MIKC*-type proteins are involved in gametophyte development in ferns; MIKCC-type proteins have broader expression patterns in ferns than in seed plants, and these protein sequences are likely conserved in extant seed plants and ferns because of their diverse roles in diploid sporophyte development. More than 90% of MADS-box genes are type II genes, and MIKCC genes, especially CRM1 and CRM6-like genes, have undergone a large expansion in leptosporangiate ferns; the diverse expression patterns of these genes might be related to the fuctional diversification and increased complexity of the plant body plan. Tandem duplication of CRM1 and CRM6-like genes has contributed to the expansion of MIKCC genes.

Conclusion or Discussion

This study provides new insights into the diversity, evolution, and functions of MADS-box genes in extant ferns.
Investigating the involvement of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) StPHR1 gene in the combined stress response to phosphorus deficiency and aluminum toxicity
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Wenlun , Yuan Anping , Li Qiong , Chu Moli , Jiang Sixia , An Yanlin
Published: June 2024

Phosphorus deficiency and aluminum toxicity in acidic soils are important factors that limit crop yield. To further explore this issue, we identified 18 members of the StPHR gene family in the potato genome in this study. Through bioinformatics analysis, we found that the StPHR1 gene, an important member of this family, exhibited high expression levels in potato roots, particularly under conditions of phosphorus deficiency and aluminum toxicity stress. This suggested that the StPHR1 gene may play a crucial regulatory role in potato’s resistance to phosphorus deficiency and aluminum toxicity. To validate this hypothesis, we conducted a series of experiments on the StPHR1 gene, including subcellular localization, GUS staining for tissue expression, heterologous overexpression, yeast two-hybrid hybridization, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). The results demonstrated that the StPHR1 gene is highly conserved in plants and is localized in the nucleus of potato cells. The heterologous overexpression of the gene in Arabidopsis plants resulted in a growth phenotype that exhibited resistance to both aluminum toxicity and phosphorus deficiency. Moreover, the heterologous overexpressing plants showed reduced aluminum content in the root system compared to the control group. Furthermore, we also identified an interaction between StPHR1 and StALMT6. These results highlight the potential application of regulating the expression of the StPHR1 gene in potato production to enhance its adaptation to the dual stress of phosphorus deficiency and high aluminum toxicity in acidic soils.
Changes in tryptophan breakdown associated with response to multimodal treatment in depression
Authors: Reininghaus Eva Z. , Lenger Melanie , Schönthaler Elena M. D. , Fellendorf Frederike T. , Stross Tatjana , Schwarz Markus , Moll Natalie , Reininghaus Bernd , Dalkner Nina
Published: June 2024

Background

Research on depression showed that dysregulations in tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), and its KYN pathway metabolites are key aspects in the development and maintenance of depressive symptoms. In our previous reports, we described sex-specific changes in TRP breakdown as well as changes in KYN and KYN/TRP in association with treatment response and inflammatory and metabolic parameters. However, results of treatment effects on KYN pathway metabolites as well as how pathway changes are related to treatment response remain sparse.

Objective

We investigated potential changes of KYN and KYN pathway metabolites in association with therapeutic response of individuals with depression during a six-week multimodal psychiatric rehabilitation program.

Methods

87 participants were divided into treatment responders and non-responders (48 responders, 39 non-responders; 38 male, 49 female; Mage = 51.09; SDage = 7.70) using scores of psychological questionnaires. KYN pathway metabolites serum concentrations as well as their ratios were collected using high performance liquid chromatography. Changes over time (time of admission (t1) vs. time of discharge (t2)) were calculated using repeated measure analyses of (co)variance.

Results

Non-responders exhibited higher levels of 3-Hydroxyanthralinic acid (3-HAA), nicotinic acid (NA), and 3-HAA/KYN, independently of measurement time. NA levels decreased, while 3-HAA levels increased over time in both groups, independently of treatment response. 3-HK/KYN levels decreased, while KYN levels increased in non-responders, but not in responders over time.

Discussion

The results indicate that some compounds of the KYN pathway metabolites can be altered through multimodal long-term interventions in association with treatment response. Especially the pathway degrading KYN further down to 3-HAA and 3-HK/KYN might be decisive for treatment response in depression.
Occupational accidents and the use of PPE: a global meta-analysis
Authors: Malta Ginevra , Matera Serena , Plescia Fulvio , Calascibetta Anna , Argo Antonina , Cannizzaro Emanuele
Published: June 2024

Occupational accidents, despite continuous safety updates, are still a scourge in the occupational and forensic spheres, constituting, among other things, the subject of a large share of litigation. Demographic data can help to understand the areas where the application of health surveillance is lacking. This meta-analysis sets out to analyse data from studies on accidents at work, focusing on the correlation between the areas in which accidents occur and whether or not personal safety equipment is used, in relation to the different regulations in force. For the selection of the data, a systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines, with the primary objective of identifying the trend of occupational accidents in specific geographical areas, which differ in terms of the attention paid to preventive aspects. The data we highlighted showed, regarding the type of accident, substantial differences between low-income countries and industrialised countries (stratified according to the Human Development Index) and, an overall indifference as to whether or not individual safety devices were used, revealing that, despite the continuous normative evolution in the field of safety at work, even today, the investigative data on the actual application of the regulations, during accidents at work, is underestimated and little researched.
The relationship between medical staff burnout and subjective wellbeing: the chain mediating role of psychological capital and perceived social support
Authors: Fan Jia , Chang Yuyang , Li Li , Jiang Nan , Qu Zhifei , Zhang Jiaxin , Li Meihua , Liang Bing , Qu Danhua
Published: June 2024

Background

Medical staff play a crucial role in delivering healthcare services, especially during epidemics of infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is a growing issue of burnout and low wellbeing among this group. While it is widely recognized that burnout has a negative impact on subjective wellbeing, the exact relationship between the two is not yet completely understood. The purpose of this study is to explore the chain mediating role of psychological capital and perceived social support between burnout and subjective wellbeing among medical staff.

Methods

Using the convenient sampling method, 604 medical staff were selected for a cross-sectional study. All participants completed a self-report questionnaire that collected demographic information, as well as data from the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, General Wellbeing Schedule, Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and Perceived Social Support Scale. SPSS 27.0 and SPSS PROCESS macro were used for data analysis.

Results

There was a significant correlation between burnout, psychological capital, perceived social support, and subjective wellbeing (p < 0.01). Burnout not only has a direct negative impact on the subjective wellbeing of medical staff (effect: −0.2045; Bootstrap 95%CI: −0.2506, −0.1583), but also exerts an indirect influence on subjective wellbeing through three pathways: the independent mediating effect of psychological capital (effect: −0.0481; Bootstrap 95%CI: −0.0876, −0.0109), the independent mediating effect of perceived social support (effect: −0.0092; Bootstrap 95%CI: −0.0203, −0.0003), and the chained mediating effect of psychological capital and perceived social support (effect: −0.0092; Bootstrap 95%CI: −0.0183, −0.0019).

Conclusion

High burnout in medical staff can impair the level of psychological capital, leading to diminished perceived social support and ultimately reduced subjective wellbeing. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the potential pathways between burnout and subjective wellbeing and provide preliminary data support for developing strategies to improve the mental health of medical staff.
The causality between leisure sedentary behaviors, physical activity and obstructive sleep apnea: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tian Haonan , Wang Aozhe , Wu Han , Zhou Cailiang , Zhang Zhenglong , Wang Jun
Published: June 2024

Background

Previous observational studies have shown a correlation between leisure sedentary behaviors (LSB) and physical activity (PA) with the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the causal associations remain unknown. Therefore, our study used bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to identify potential causal relationships between LSB/PA and OSA.

Methods

We sourced genetic variation data for LSB and PA from the UK Biobank, while data on OSA were collected from the FinnGen study. The primary analysis method employed was the inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach, complemented by the weighted median and MR-Egger methods. For sensitivity analyses, we conducted Cochran’s Q test, the MR-Egger intercept test, the MR-PRESSO global test, and the leave-one-out analysis.

Results

IVW analyses showed that genetically predicted leisure television watching (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09–1.75, p = 0.007) and computer use (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.15–1.92, p = 0.002) significantly increased the risk of OSA. Conversely, self-reported vigorous physical activity (VPA) (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.11–0.98, p = 0.046) may reduce the risk of OSA. No causal effects on OSA risk were observed for driving or self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Furthermore, the reverse MR analysis indicated no significant causal relationship between OSA and any LSB/PA phenotype. Sensitivity tests showed no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.

Conclusion

This study suggests that leisurely television watching and computer use are risk factors for OSA, while VPA may be a protective factor. Additionally, OSA does not affect PA or LSB levels. We recommend reducing sedentary activities, particularly television watching and computer use, and prioritizing VPA to reduce the risk of OSA. Further research in diverse populations and settings is needed to validate these findings.
Determination of a representative food mass-to-surface area ratio (mF/A) for estimating migration values of food contact substances in single use food contact articles marketed in the United States
Authors: Zhovmer Lauren M. , GonzalezBonet Andres M. , Garg Madhur , Bailey Allan B. , Arvidson Kirk B.
Published: June 2024

When reviewing the safety of food packaging, safety assessors must determine the migration levels of a food contact substance (FCS) from the packaging into the contained food products. Migration values can be expressed relative to levels in food using a single ‘food mass-to-surface area (mF/A) ratio’, representative of the general food supply. Because no published literature has examined mF/A ratios for the current U.S. food supply, this study aimed to use food databases to develop a standard mF/A ratio representative of packaged foods in the current U.S. food supply. First, we obtained information on the food-contact surface area (A) and food mass (mF) for a selection of packaged foods sold in U.S. retail stores. To adequately represent the variation of food products on the market, we identified a representative product per food category, using a 95-category list that was derived from the USDA WWEIA Food Categories. The values for A and mF per package were determined for each representative product using product size information from the Syndigo Nutrition Database. These data were used to calculate the A/mF ratio for each of the 95 representative products, and the average A/mF ratio was determined. The average A/mF ratio was weighted using consumption data from the WWEIA component of NHANES, so that more weight was given to foods that are consumed in greater quantities. The final step was to then take the reciprocal of the averaged A/mF ratio to obtain the final mF/A ratio. The resulting mF/A ratio was 4.8 g/in2, which rounds to 5 g/in2. In summary, we determined that 5 g/in2 is representative of the current U.S. food supply and could be used as a standard mF/A ratio when estimating migration levels of an FCS from packaging into food.
For whom the wheels roll: examining the mobility of care in Washington, DC, USA
Authors: Passman Dina , O’Hara Sabine , Levin-Keitel Meike
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Infrastructure regularly supports male pursuits more than women’s. Recent transportation scholarship focuses on this inequity by quantifying the daily travel of women and men for everyday care provision, often termed “the mobility of care.” Care trips include dropping off and picking up family members, accompanying young children and old adults to medical appointments, and acquiring household goods. This study analyzes gendered travel behavior in the National Capital Region of the United States, including Washington, D.C.

Methods

The basis of this study’s analysis is data from the 2017/2018 Regional Travel Survey conducted by the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board. The survey included records from approximately 16,000 households, 2,000 in Washington, D.C. Our study sample contained 19,274 unique people who made 49,215 trips. Many of these trips were made using the local bus and subway systems. Following an established methodology, the researchers recoded trip purpose data into five broad categories: care, work, shopping, leisure, school, and all other purposes. We then ran descriptive and statistical analyses of travelers aged 18 through 65 to measure the frequencies of household demographic characteristics and person-level trips for all purposes made by five travel modes: walk, bike, car, bus, and subway.

Results

Based on our analysis, trips for work represent the majority of trips (34.7%), followed by shopping (28.2%), care (22.3%), leisure (8.5%), other (4.1%), and school trips (2.3%). Our findings indicate that women make more care-related trips during the day than men (25.1% vs. 18.8%). They also make fewer work-related trips than men (30.3% vs. 40.2%). Regression analyses revealed correlations between care-related travel by all modes and public transportation by age, race, location of residence, and income.

Discussion

The mobility of care, done mostly by women, is one of the primary reasons that people travel in and around Washington, D.C., and its suburbs. However, D.C.’s bus and subway systems are primarily designed to support the mobility of work done mostly by men. As a result, our study identifies the need for improvements in gender-responsive infrastructure, including public transportation policies and programs that explicitly address the mobility of care, improve access to care, and reduce the environmental impact of cars.
NASA’s Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulator - Studying the Effects of Space Radiation on Earth
Authors: Simonsen Lisa , Slaba Tony
Published: June 2024

Earth’s atmosphere and natural magnetic field do a good job of protecting us from space radiation. Space radiation is different from radiation on Earth, which mostly comes from sources found in rocks and soil or from medical procedures like X-rays. Space radiation comes from particles ejected from the Sun, or from the explosions of dying stars (called supernovae) outside our solar system. These particles have been stripped of their electrons as they are accelerated in space to almost the speed of light. One of NASA’s biggest challenges is protecting astronauts from these high-energy particles, called galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), because they can cause cancer and other diseases. To understand the biological damage caused by GCRs and to develop ways to protect astronauts, NASA has built a galactic cosmic ray simulator on Earth.
Anatomical Variation of Abdominal Wall Musculature: An Objective Assessment Using Cross-Sectional Imaging
Authors: Parker Samuel George , Blake Helena , Halligan Steve , Ishak Athanasius , Mahrous Hossam , Abdelgelil Mohammed , Windsor Alastair Colin James , Shanmuganandan Arun , Jakkalasaibaba Ravishankar , Thomas Rhys
Published: June 2024

Purpose: To determine normal anatomical variation of abdominal wall musculature.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of CT scans was performed on adults (>18 years) with normal abdominal wall muscles. Two radiologists analysed the images independently. Distances from three fixed points in the midline were measured. The fixed points were; P1, mid-way between xiphoid and umbilicus, P2, at the umbilicus, and P3, mid-way between umbilicus and pubic symphysis. From these three fixed points the following measurements were recorded; midline to lateral innermost border of the abdominal wall musculature, midline to lateral edge of rectus abdominis muscle, and midline to medial edges of all three lateral abdominal wall muscles. To obtain aponeurotic width, rectus abdominis width was subtracted from the distance to medial edge of lateral abdominal wall muscle.

Results: Fifty normal CT scan were evaluated from between March 2023 to August 2023. Mean width of external oblique aponeurosis at P1 was 16.2 mm (IQR 9.2 mm to 20.7 mm), at P2 was 23.5 mm (IQR 14 mm to 33 mm), and at P3 no external oblique muscle was visible. Mean width of the internal oblique aponeurosis at P1 was 32.1 mm (IQR 17.5 mm to 45 mm), at P2 was 10.13 (IQR 1 mm to 17.5 mm), and at P3 was 9.2 mm (IQR 3.0 mm to 13.7 mm). Mean width of the transversus abdominis aponeurosis at P1 was −25.1 mm (IQR 37.8 mm to −15.0 mm), at P2 was 29.4 mm (IQR 20 mm to 39.8 mm), and at P3 was 20.3 mm (IQR 12 mm to 29 mm).

Conclusion: In this study we describe normal anatomical variation of the abdominal wall muscles. Assessing this variability on the pre-operative CT scans of ventral hernia patients allows for detailed operative planning and decision making.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Three-Dimensional Multi-Cluster Hydraulic Fracturing Considering Interlayer Effect
Authors: Zhou Xin , Liu Xiangjun , Liang Lixi
Published: June 2024

This study establishes a three-dimensional cohesive model of multi-cluster hydraulic fracturing using finite element method (FEM). It fully considers the interaction between the interlayer and the reservoir and analyzes the key factors influencing fracture propagation. The results show that during the initial stage of hydraulic fracturing, the width of the edge fracture is greater than that of the mid fracture, while the situation is reversed for the fracture length. A larger cluster spacing leads to less interaction between fractures, while a greater number of clusters increases the interaction between fractures. With an increase in displacement, the lost fracturing fluid entering the formation enhances the interaction between fractures. An increase in elastic modulus results in a decrease in the width and height of edge fractures but an increase in their length, with little impact on mid fractures. As Poisson’s ratio increases, there is little change in the fracture morphology of edge fractures, while the width and height of mid fractures increase significantly. With an increase in permeability, the influx of fracturing fluid into the interlayer decreases, leading to a reduction in the interaction between fractures. Finally, the study analyzes and discusses the impact of these parameters on the SRV (stimulated reservoir volume) in both the reservoir and the interlayer. These findings provide new insights for hydraulic fracturing and contribute to improving its productivity.
Dynamic Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Method for Risk-Based Ship Design
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Zhang Xueqian , Yuan Yuchao
Published: June 2024

Formal safety assessment (FSA) is regarded as an effective approach to support decision-making in shipbuilding to balance safety, technology, and cost. However, the selection of risk control options (RCOs) in the FSA process still needs to be studied before the FSA becomes a generic approach. This study proposed a multi-attribute-based assessing model to support the decision-making process regarding RCOs. The attributes of RCOs were divided into the performance and cost-effectiveness attribute sets. Moreover, a dynamic selection procedure of attributes was designed based on the ‘as low as reasonable and practicable’ (ALARP) principle. The application of the dynamic multi-attribute model can make it possible to rank RCOs by considering the changes in the decision-makers’ risk aversion to risk levels. In this model, a comprehensive weighting method based on game theory was used to balance the subjective and objective weights of the attributes. An improved grey rational analysis (GRA) was used to perform the multi-attribute assessment of RCOs. Therefore, this dynamic multi-attribute model is combined with the ALARP principle and evaluated using GRA. Finally, a case regarding crude tankers was studied using the proposed model to verify the feasibility and reliability of the dynamic multi-attribute model.
Interlayer Performance, Viscoelastic Performance, and Road Performance Based on High-Performance Asphalt Composite Structures
Authors: Liang Yan , Ma Shuaishuai , Zhang Yaqin
Published: June 2024

Weaknesses generated in asphalt pavement structures have a serious impact on the service life of pavements. In order to improve such situations and achieve the goal of enhancing the durability of the pavement structure, this study assesses the performance of heavy-duty asphalt and high-viscosity asphalt, using four high-performance asphalt mixtures: heavy-duty AC-20, high-viscosity AC-20, heavy-duty SMA-13, and heavy-duty SMA-10. Three composite pavement structures were designed: 3 cm SMA-10 + 3 cm SMA-10, 4 cm SMA-13 + 4 cm SMA-10, and 6 cm SMA-13 + 4 cm AC-20. Interlayer performance analysis was conducted on single-layer and composite structures through oblique shear tests; dynamic modulus, fatigue life, and antirutting performance tests on asphalt pavement structural layers were designed and conducted, and the durability performance of high-performance asphalt pavement structural layers was evaluated. The experimental results show that the shear strength of heavy-duty AC is higher than that of heavy-duty SMA, the 4 + 4 combination structure has the best shear strength, the 6 + 4 combination structure has the best structural performance and fatigue resistance, and the 3 + 3 combination structure has the best high-temperature antirutting performance. The comprehensive performance of the 4 + 4 structure is the best among the three combined structures, followed by that of the 6 + 4 structure, and the performance of the 3 + 3 structure is the worst. In addition, this study used bonding energy as an evaluation index and verified the applicability of the bonding energy evaluation index by studying four types of single-layer pavement structures and three types of composite pavement structures.
A Fast Evaluation Method for Spatial Point Measurement Accuracy in a Large-Scale Measurement System
Authors: Liu Yusong , Guo Wenbo , Pang Yuanyuan , Zheng Bo
Published: June 2024

In the application domain of large-scale high-precision measurement systems, accurately calibrating the precision of point position measurements is a pivotal issue. Traditional calibration methods rely on laser interferometers and high-precision displacement stages, which are not only costly but also challenging to implement in fixed measurement systems. Addressing this challenge, this study introduces an evaluation method for the spatial point measurement accuracy in large-scale fixed high-precision measurement systems. The models for the relationship between the limit deviation and the maximum deviation of finite measurements were established, as well as the limit deviation and point position measurement accuracy. The spatial point position accuracy of the measurement field was calculated by the measurement errors of a calibration rod. The algorithm was validated using a large-scale measurement platform based on photogrammetric technology. Experimental results demonstrate that the method achieved a point position measurement accuracy calibration better than 0.1 mm within a 20 m measurement range, effectively enhancing the measurement data’s accuracy and reliability. This research optimizes the calibration process for large-scale fixed measurement systems, improves calibration efficiency, and obviates the need for complex equipment to complete the calibration process, which is of considerable importance to the development of high-precision spatial point position measurement technology.