bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autogestion, revolutionary spontaneity, and the trichotomy of body-mind-spirit
Authors: Díaz-Cruz Nataly A.
Published: May 2023

Conceiving Lefebvre's theorization of autogestion as ‘revolutionary spontaneity’ involves present it in relation to the reappropriation of space in opposition to the domination that neoliberalism has brought over nature and people's everyday lives around the world. In this commentary, I elaborate on the aesthetic condition that is also required for the flourishing of this ‘revolutionary spontaneity’ as a path to socio-ecological sustainability by adding to the material-dialectical approach of nature-society the necessity of further re-evaluating the trichotomy of body-mind-spirit. In doing so, I argue that we need to consider siblinghood as a way to relate with creation (nature and people) to foster the achievement of global autogestion.
Worlding the geographies of homelessness: Informality, precarity, and theory from the Global South
Authors: Speer Jessie
Published: May 2023

Millions of people across the world today live without access to safe, stable housing. Geography has contributed greatly to current understandings of homelessness and pushed the broader field of homelessness studies to challenge the unequal power relations embedded in our homes, institutions, and cities. This short reflection presents a brief overview of some key insights of geographical research on homelessness and argues that geography's contributions could be strengthened by taking a more global approach to the problem. Building on the concept of ‘worlding’, I argue that the discipline can move beyond its focus on European and North American dynamics, broaden its narrow conception of homelessness to include analysis of informality and housing precarity, and engage a more diverse repertoire of theoretical frameworks for understanding the problem.
mHealth in Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe: Context of current health, healthcare status, and demographic structure
Authors: Aboye Genet Tadese , Vande Walle Martijn , Simegn Gizeaddis Lamesgin , Aerts Jean-Marie
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The advent of digital systems and global mobile phone availability presents an opportunity for better healthcare access and equity. However, the disparity in the usage and availability of mHealth systems between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has not been explored in relation to current health, healthcare status, and demographics.

Objective

This study aimed to compare mHealth system availability and use in SSA and Europe in the above-mentioned context.

Methods

The study analyzed health, healthcare status, and demographics in both regions. It assessed mortality, disease burden, and universal health coverage. A systematic narrative review was conducted to thoroughly assess available data on mHealth availability and use, guiding future research in the field.

Results

SSA is on the verge of stages 2 and 3 in the demographic transition with a youthful population and high birth rate. Communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases contribute to high mortality and disease burden, including child mortality. Europe is on the verge of stages 4 and 5 in the demographic transition with low birth and death rates. Europe's population is old, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose major health challenges. The mHealth literature adequately covers cardiovascular disease/heart failure, and cancer. However, it lacks approaches for respiratory/enteric infections, malaria, and NCDs.

Conclusions

mHealth systems in SSA are underutilized than in Europe, despite alignment with the region's demographics and major health issues. Most initiatives in SSA lack implementation depth, with only pilot tests or small-scale implementations. Europe's reported cases highlight actual implementation and acceptability, indicating a strong implementation depth of mHealth systems.
Ethnic mobilization and national integration: Dissecting the contours of Saraiki province movement in Pakistan
Authors: Fatima Nayab , Mirza Muhammad Nadeem
Published: May 2023

The movement for a Saraiki province in the South Punjab region of Pakistan has gained momentum in recent years. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government promised during the election campaign to establish a South Punjab province along administrative lines. However, the Saraiki ethno-nationalists have demanded the establishment of the province along ethnic lines. The government fears this would challenge national integration by dividing the nation along ethnic lines. This study seeks to analyze the general sentiments of the people of South Punjab, where Saraikis form a majority, in order to explore whether the public sentiment resonates with the ethno-nationalist parties and factors behind the demand for a separate province. This study is conducted using quantitative methodology. Cross-sectional survey is used as a research tool for data collection, and SPSS is used for data analysis. Results show that mass sentiment does not support ethno-national federalism. Ethnic identity is not a significant factor in the demands for political autonomy.
The Representation of Social Classes in Iranian Cinema During the Reformist Era, 2001–2005
Authors: Aqababaee Ehsan , Rieck Katja
Published: May 2023

This article discusses how social class was depicted in Iranian cinema during the Reformist Era between 2001 and 2005 when the government of Mohammad Khatami advocated economic reforms and cultural liberalization. The agenda of the Khatami government was supported by the middle and upper classes who had modernist cultural attitudes and benefitted from these political and economic reforms. The articles also analyzes how reformist ideology operated through films by presenting a positive image of the modernist middle and upper classes while challenging the values of the traditional classes and portraying the lower class as victims of social problems. The findings indicate that the reformists, contrary to their slogans, sought to normalize the values of their supporter classes in Iranian cinema.
Economic Empowerment of Women Through a Mix of Traditional and Modern Channels: A Case for Women Led Informal Sector Venturing
Authors: Majeed Mehak , Rashid Saima
Published: May 2023

This note discusses economic empowerment of women through the use of digital technology in the informal sector. Although the informal sector has inherent problems, by developing purposeful policies and programs, women’s capacity can be developed to use opportunities created by the digital technology and help them empower themselves to create new business ventures and fight for their dignity and rights.
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome with Spontaneous Spinal Subdural Hemorrhage—a Perplexing Conundrum!!!
Authors: Pavuluri Harini , Krishna Mohan Mavuru S. M. , Sharma Dev Prakash , Sreedharan Sapna Erat , Sylaja Padmavathy N.
Published: May 2023

A middle aged lady presented with thunderclap headache and vomiting without any deficits on examination. Her cerebral imaging including MR and CT angiogram were normal but lumbar puncture (LP) revealed uniformly blood stained CSF suggestive of SAH. Subsequent spine imaging revealed spontaneous spinal subdural hemorrhages (SSDH) in the dorsal and lumbosacral cord. Coagulopathy and other essential work up was normal. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) done 3 weeks into ictus revealed extensive cerebral vasospasm with sausage like beaded appearance akin to reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) with normal spinal vasculature. She was treated with Nimodipine for 6 weeks. Her headache improved without any recurrence. Repeat DSA and spine imaging was normal with resolution of both vasospasm and SSDH. Establishing the inciting event in this patient with 2 obvious pathologies, SSDH and possible RCVS, is a perplexing task and forms the central idea of discussion. We made an attempt to resolve this chicken egg paradox, ie, SSDH leading to intracranial vasospasm vs RCVS leading SSDH, by providing rational arguments for both the clinical scenarios. We would also like to highlight the necessity of spinal imaging in patients with thunderclap headache.
Information Technology Project Management Research: A Review of Works by Influential Pioneers
Authors: Wu Xiaosong (Jason) , Tsai Jacob Chia-An , Lei Yang
Published: May 2023

Information technology project management practices effectively help organizations achieve IT value. We employed a semistructured review with the practice of jizhuanti by tracing the development of the research intersection of IT and projects through the works of seven influential authors. From the analysis of the review, we build representative models of the intersection and suggest open lines of research. The results unveil stakeholder integration, knowledge management, and risk controls as principal themes for the sampling subset. Future scholars can continue to delve into these areas over more complex systems, consider other categories, or open new directions revealed by practice.
Mineral chemistry and genesis of monazite-(Sm) and monazite-(Nd) from the Blue Beryl Dyke of the Julianna pegmatite system at Piława Górna, Lower Silesia, Poland
Authors: Twardak Diana , Pieczka Adam , Kotowski Jakub , Nejbert Krzysztof
Published: May 2023

Monazites are one of the most interesting groups of accessory mineral components of crystalline rocks due to the information on geochemical evolution of the crystallisation environment coded in their chemical compositions, in addition to comprising one of the most valuable objects for geochronology studies. This paper presents monazite-(Sm) and monazite-(Nd) from the Blue Beryl Dyke of the Julianna system of rare-element pegmatites at Piława Górna, Lower Silesia, Poland. These monazites are unique due to their unusually high Sm and Nd contents, reaching 33.22 wt.% Sm2O3 and 34.12 wt.% Nd2O3, respectively. We consider the most significant factors of the enrichment in Sm and Nd to be the occurrence of highly fractionated pegmatite-forming melts during the final stages of solidification and associated hydrothermal fluids that were strongly enriched in rare earth element REE–Cl and REE–F complexes. Local disequilibria allowed for the rapid growth of accessory phases under supercooling conditions associated with the scavenging of selected elements, leading to their local depletion, which was not balanced by diffusion processes. As a consequence, the depletion of light rare earth elements (LREE) led to the incorporation of available middle rare earth elements (MREE, Sm–Dy) in the case of Sm and Nd, which could occupy an acceptable structural position in minerals of the monazite group.
Genome-wide identification and comparative analysis of DNA methyltransferase and demethylase gene families in two ploidy Cyclocarya paliurus and their potential function in heterodichogamy
Authors: Wang Qian , Qu Yinquan , Yu Yanhao , Mao Xia , Fu Xiangxiang
Published: May 2023

Background

DNA methylation is one of the most abundant epigenetic modifications, which plays important roles in flower development, sex differentiation, and regulation of flowering time. Its pattern is affected by cytosine-5 DNA methyltransferase (C5-MTase) and DNA demethylase (dMTase). At present, there are no reports on C5-MTase and dMTase genes in heterodichogamous Cyclocarya paliurus.

Results

In this study, 6 CpC5-MTase and 3 CpdMTase genes were identified in diploid (2n = 2 ×  = 32) C. paliurus, while 20 CpC5-MTase and 13 CpdMTase genes were identified in autotetraploid (2n = 4 ×  = 64). 80% of identified genes maintained relatively fixed positions on chromosomes during polyploidization. In addition, we found that some DRM subfamily members didn’t contain the UBA domain. The transcript abundance of CpC5-MTase and CpdMTase in male and female flowers of two morphs (protandry and protogyny) from diploidy was analyzed. Results showed that all genes were significantly up-regulated at the stage of floral bud break (S2), but significantly down-regulated at the stage of flower maturation (S4). At S2, some CpC5-MTase genes showed higher expression levels in PG-M than in PG-F, whereas some CpdMTase genes showed higher expression levels in PA-M than in PA-F. In addition, these genes were significantly associated with gibberellin synthesis-related genes (e.g. DELLA and GID1), suggesting that DNA methylation may play a role in the asynchronous floral development process through gibberellin signal.

Conclusions

These results broaden our understanding of the CpC5-MTase and CpdMTase genes in diploid and autotetraploid C. paliurus, and provide a novel insight into regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation in heterodichogamy.
Increased ompW and ompA expression and higher virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii persister cells
Authors: Schmitt Brenda Landvoigt , Leal Bruna Ferreira , Leyser Mariana , de Barros Muriel Primon , Trentin Danielle Silva , Ferreira Carlos Alexandre Sanchez , de Oliveira Sílvia Dias
Published: May 2023

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the main causes of healthcare-associated infections that threaten public health, and carbapenems, such as meropenem, have been a therapeutic option for these infections. Therapeutic failure is mainly due to the antimicrobial resistance of A. baumannii, as well as the presence of persister cells. Persisters constitute a fraction of the bacterial population that present a transient phenotype capable of tolerating supra-lethal concentrations of antibiotics. Some proteins have been suggested to be involved in the onset and/or maintenance of this phenotype. Thus, we investigated the mRNA levels of the adeB (AdeABC efflux pump component), ompA, and ompW (outer membrane proteins) in A. baumannii cells before and after exposure to meropenem.

Results

We found a significant increase (p-value < 0.05) in the expression of ompA (> 5.5-fold) and ompW (> 10.5-fold) in persisters. However, adeB did not show significantly different expression levels when comparing treated and untreated cells. Therefore, we suggest that these outer membrane proteins, especially OmpW, could be part of the mechanism of A. baumannii persisters to deal with the presence of high doses of meropenem. We also observed in the Galleria mellonella larvae model that persister cells are more virulent than regular ones, as evidenced by their LD50 values.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data contribute to the understanding of the phenotypic features of A. baumannii persisters and their relation to virulence, as well as highlight OmpW and OmpA as potential targets for drug development against A. baumannii persisters.
Analysis of the utilization value of different tissues of Taxus×Media based on metabolomics and antioxidant activity
Authors: Li Meng , Geng WanRu , Wang Zhi , Wang Qian , Pang Lei , Wang Baoyi , Wang PeiQiang , Qu FengFeng , Zhang XinFu
Published: May 2023

Background

Taxaceae, is a class of dioecious and evergreen plant with substantial economic and ecology value. At present many phytochemical analyses have been performed in Taxus plants. And various biological constituents have been isolated from various Taxus species. However, the difference of compounds and antioxidant capacity of different tissues of T. media is not clear.

Results

In the present study, we investigated the metabolites and antioxidant activity of four tissues of T. media, including T. media bark (TB), T. media fresh leaves (TFL), T. media seeds (TS), T. media aril (TA). In total, 808 compounds, covering 11 subclasses, were identified by using UPLC-MS/MS. Paclitaxel, the most popular anticancer compound, was found to accumulate most in TS, followed by TB, TFL and TA in order. Further analysis found that 70 key differential metabolites with VIP > 1.0 and p < 0.05, covering 8 subclasses, were screened as the key differential metabolites in four tissues. The characteristic compounds of TFL mainly included flavonoids and tanninsis. Alkaloids and phenolic acids were major characteristic compounds of TS and TB respectively. Amino acids and derivatives, organic acids, saccharides and lipids were the major characteristic compounds of TA. Additionally, based on FRAP and ABTS method, TS and TFL exhibited higher antioxidant activity than TB and TA.

Conclusion

There was significant difference in metabolite content among different tissues of T. media. TFL and TS had higher metabolites and antioxidant capacity than other tissues, indicating that TFL and TS were more suitable for the development and utilization of T. media in foods and drinks.
Experiences of water immersion during childbirth: a qualitative thematic synthesis
Authors: Reviriego-Rodrigo E. , Ibargoyen-Roteta N. , Carreguí-Vilar S. , Mediavilla-Serrano L. , Uceira-Rey S. , Iglesias-Casás S. , Martín-Casado A. , Toledo-Chávarri A. , Ares-Mateos G. , Montero-Carcaboso S. , Castelló-Zamora B. , Burgos-Alonso N. , Moreno-Rodríguez A. , Hernández-Tejada N. , Koetsenruyter C.
Published: May 2023

Background

The increasing demand for childbirth care based on physiological principles has led official bodies to encourage health centers to provide evidence-based care aimed at promoting women’s participation in informed decision-making and avoiding excessive medical intervention during childbirth. One of the goals is to reduce pain and find alternative measures to epidural anesthesia to enhance women’s autonomy and well-being during childbirth. Currently, water immersion is used as a non-pharmacological method for pain relief.

This review aimed to identify and synthesize evidence on women’s and midwives’ experiences, values, and preferences regarding water immersion during childbirth.

Methods

A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence were conducted. Databases were searched and references were checked according to specific criteria. Studies that used qualitative data collection and analysis methods to examine the opinions of women or midwives in the hospital setting were included. Non-qualitative studies, mixed-methods studies that did not separately report qualitative results, and studies in languages other than English or Spanish were excluded. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program Qualitative Research Checklist was used to assess study quality, and results were synthesized using thematic synthesis.

Results

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The qualitative studies yielded three key themes: 1) reasons identified by women and midwives for choosing a water birth, 2) benefits experienced in water births, and 3) barriers and facilitators of water immersion during childbirth.

Conclusions

The evidence from qualitative studies indicates that women report benefits associated with water birth. From the perspective of midwives, ensuring safe water births requires adequate resources, midwives training, and rigorous standardized protocols to ensure that all pregnant women can safely opt for water immersion during childbirth with satisfactory results.
Measuring resilience and stress during pregnancy and its relation to vulnerability and pregnancy outcomes in a nulliparous cohort study
Authors: Alves Anic C. , Souza Renato T. , Mayrink Jussara , Galvao Rafael B. , Costa Maria L. , Feitosa Francisco E. , Rocha Filho Edilberto A. , Leite Débora F. , Tedesco Ricardo P. , Santana Danielly S. , Fernandes Karayna G. , Miele Maria J. , Souza Joao P. , Cecatti Jose G. ,   MAESI Study Group, Lucena Daisy , Cordeiro Denise Ellen F. , Anacleto Danilo , Nascimento Lívia C. , Rogerio Mariana B. , Junior Francisco Barbosa
Published: May 2023

Background

Resilience reflects coping with pregnancy-specific stress, including physiological adaptations of the maternal organism or factors arising from the socioeconomic context, such as low income, domestic violence, drug and alcohol use, lack of a support network and other vulnerability characteristics. Resilience is a dynamic characteristic that should be comparatively evaluated within a specific context; its association with perceived stress and social vulnerability during pregnancy is still not fully understood. This study aimed at exploring maternal resilience, perceived stress and social vulnerability during pregnancy and its associated factors and outcomes.

Methods

Prospective multicenter cohort study of nulliparous women in Brazil determining resilience (Resilience Scale; RS) and stress (Perceived Stress Scale; PSS) at 28 weeks of gestation (± 1 week). Resilience and stress scores were compared according to sociodemographic characteristics related to maternal/perinatal outcomes and social vulnerability, defined as having low level of education, being adolescent, without a partner or ethnicity other than white.

Results

We included 383 women who completed the RS and PSS instruments. Most women showed low resilience scores (median: 124.0; IQR 98–143). Women with a low resilience score (RS < 125) were more likely from the Northeast region, adolescents, other than whites, did not study or work, had a low level of education, low family income and received public antenatal care. Higher scores of perceived stress were shown in the Northeast, other than whites, at low levels of education, low annual family income and public antenatal care. Pregnant women with low resilience scores (n = 198) had higher perceived stress scores (median = 28) and at least one vulnerability criterion (n = 181; 91.4%).

Conclusion

Our results reinforce the role of resilience in protecting women from vulnerability and perceived stress. It may prevent complications and build a positive experience during pregnancy.
Survival differences between patients with de novo and relapsed/progressed advanced non-small cell lung cancer without epidermal growth factor receptor mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangements
Authors: Oh Byeong-Chan , Cho Ae-Ryeo , Nam Jin Hyun , Yang So-Young , Kim Min Ji , Kwon Sun-Hong , Lee Eui-Kyung
Published: May 2023

Background

We aimed to examine whether patients with de novo and relapsed/progressed stage IIIB–IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations have different prognoses.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed the Health Insurance Review and Assessment claims data in South Korea from 2013 to 2020. Patients with stage IIIB–IV NSCLC without EGFR or ALK mutations who received first-line palliative therapy between 2015 and 2019 were identified. Overall survival (OS), time to first subsequent therapy (TFST), and time to second subsequent therapy (TSST) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to reveal the impact of de novo versus relapsed/progressed disease on OS. Treatment patterns, including treatment sequence, top five most frequent regimens, and time to treatment discontinuation, were described in both groups.

Results

Of 14,505 patients, 12,811 (88.3%) were de novo, and 1,694 (11.7%) were relapsed/progressed. The median OS in the de novo group was 11.0 versus 11.5 months in the relapsed/progressed group (P = 0.002). The ongoing treatment probability was higher in relapsed/progressed patients than in de novo patients from 6.4 months since the initiation of first-line treatment (P < 0.001). Median TSST was shorter in the de novo group than in the relapsed/progressed group (9.5 vs. 9.9 months, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, de novo disease was associated with shorter OS (hazard ratio 1.07; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.14). The overall treatment patterns for de novo and relapsed/progressed patients were similar.

Conclusions

De novo patients had poorer OS and TSST after the initiation of palliative therapy than relapsed/progressed patients. These findings suggest that the stage of the disease at the time of initial diagnosis should be considered in observational studies and clinical trials as a prognostic factor.
Preterm birth does not increase the risk of developmental dysplasia of the Hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ghaseminejad-Raeini Amirhossein , Shahbazi Parmida , Roozbahani Ghazale , Sharafi Amirmohammad , Shafiei Seyyed Hossein , Fallah Yousof , Baghdadi Soroush
Published: May 2023

Background

The purpose of this systematic review was to appraise the literature on the association between preterm birth and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Methods

Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were queried for all studies pertaining to DDH and preterm birth. Data were imported and analyzed in Revman5 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) for pooled prevalence estimation.

Results

Fifteen studies were included in the final analysis. There were 759 newborns diagnosed with DDH in these studies. DDH was diagnosed in 2.0% [95%CI:1.1–3.5%] of the premature newborns. Pooled incidence rate of DDH was not statistically different between those groups (2.5%[0.9%-6.8%] vs. 0.7%[0.2%-2.5%] vs. 1.7%[0.6%-5.3%];Q = 2.363,p = 0.307).

Conclusions

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we did not find preterm birth to be a significant risk factor for DDH. Data suggests that female sex and breech presentation are associated with DDH in preterm infants, but the data is scarce in the literature.
Psychometric evaluation of the computerized battery for neuropsychological evaluation of children (BENCI) among school aged children in the context of HIV in an urban Kenyan setting
Authors: Rachel Maina , Jia He , Amina Abubakar , Perez-Garcia Miguel , Kumar Manasi , Wicherts Jelte M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Culturally validated neurocognitive measures for children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries are important in the timely and correct identification of neurocognitive impairments. Such measures can inform development of interventions for children exposed to additional vulnerabilities like HIV infection. The Battery for Neuropsychological Evaluation of Children (BENCI) is an openly available, computerized neuropsychological battery specifically developed to evaluate neurocognitive impairment. This study adapted the BENCI and evaluated its reliability and validity in Kenya.

Methodology

The BENCI was adapted using translation and back-translation from Spanish to English. The psychometric properties were evaluated in a case–control study of 328 children (aged 6 – 14 years) living with HIV and 260 children not living with HIV in Kenya. We assessed reliability, factor structure, and measurement invariance with respect to HIV. Additionally, we examined convergent validity of the BENCI using tests from the Kilifi Toolkit.

Results

Internal consistencies (0.49 < α < 0.97) and test–retest reliabilities (-.34 to .81) were sufficient-to-good for most of the subtests. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations between the BENCI’s Verbal memory and Kilifi’s Verbal List Learning (r = .41), the BENCI’s Visual memory and Kilifi’s Verbal List Learning (r = .32) and the BENCI’s Planning total time test and Kilifi’s Tower Test (r = -.21) and the BENCI’s Abstract Reasoning test and Kilifi’s Raven’s Progressive Matrix (r = .21). The BENCI subtests highlighted meaningful differences between children living with HIV and those not living with HIV. After some minor adaptions, a confirmatory four-factor model consisting of flexibility, fluency, reasoning and working memory fitted well (χ2 = 135.57, DF = 51, N = 604, p < .001, RMSEA = .052, CFI = .944, TLI = .914) and was partially scalar invariant between HIV positive and negative groups.

Conclusion

The English version of the BENCI formally translated for use in Kenya can be further adapted and integrated in clinical and research settings as a valid and reliable cognitive test battery.
Decomposing inequality in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services in Nepal
Authors: G.C. Shreezal , Adhikari Naveen
Published: May 2023

Background

About 75.5% of women in Nepal’s urban areas receive at least four ANC visits, compared to 61.7% of women in the country’s rural areas. Similarly, just 34% of women in the lowest wealth quintile give birth in a medical facility compared to 90% of women in the richest group. As a result of this inequality, the poor in emerging nations suffer since those who are better off can make greater use of the healthcare than those who are less fortunate. This study aims to examine and decompose the contributions of various socioeconomic factors towards MCH service inequality in Nepal in the years 2011 and 2016.

Methods

Inequality in MCH services was estimated using concentration curves and their corresponding indices using data from Nepal Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2011 and 2016. We examined the inequality across three MCH service outcomes: less than 4 ANC visits, no postnatal checkups within 2 months of delivery and no SBA delivery and decomposed them across observed characteristics of the mothers aged between 15 and 49. Furthermore, Oaxaca-blinder decomposition approach was used to measure and decompose the inequality differential between two time periods.

Results

Inequality in MCH services was prevalent for all 3 MCH outcomes in 2011 and 2016, respectively. However, the concentration indices for <4 ANC visits, no SBA delivery, and no postnatal checkups within 2 months of birth increased from -0.2184, -0.1643, and -0.1284 to -0.1871, -0.0504, and -0.0218 correspondingly, showing the decrease in MCH services inequality over two time periods. Wealth index, women’s literacy, place of living, mother’s employment status, and problem of distance to reach nearest health facility were the main contributors.

Conclusion

We find that MCH services are clearly biased towards the women with higher living standards. National policies should focus on empowering women through education and employment, along with the creation of health facilities and improved educational institutions, in order to address inequalities in living standards, women’s education levels, and the problem of distance. Leveraging these factors can reduce inequality in MCH services.
Regional disparities of prostate cancer mortality in Ecuador: an examination of trends and correlates from 2004 to 2019
Authors: Simbaña-Rivera Katherine , Torres-Roman J. Smith , Challapa-Mamani Mabel R. , Guerrero Jhon , De la Cruz-Ku Gabriel , Ybaseta-Medina Jorge , Martinez-Herrera José F.
Published: May 2023

Background

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Ecuadorian men. However, there is a lack of information regarding the evolution of prostate cancer mortality rates in Ecuador and its regions in the last few decades.

Objective

The aim of this study was to report prostate cancer mortality rates in Ecuador and its geographical areas and observe the evolution of these rates between 2004 and 2019.

Methods

An observational ecological study was conducted, analysing data for prostate cancer deaths from 2004 to 2019 in Ecuador. Age standardized mortality rates (ASMR) were calculated per 100,000 men using the world standard population with the direct method proposed by SEGI. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to examine mortality trends. We used a Cluster Map to explore relationships among regions between 2015 and 2019.

Results

Ecuador reported 13,419 deaths by prostate cancer between 2004 and 2019, with the Coastal region accounting for 49.8% of the total deaths. The mean age at death was 79 years (± 10 years), 91.7% were elderly (more than 65 years old) and had primary education (53%). Deaths by prostate cancer were more frequently reported among mestizos (81.4%). There were no significant variations in these percentages in Ecuador and its regions during the study period. Carchi province had the highest mortality rate in 2005 and 2019 (> 13 deaths per 100,000). Heterogeneity in the evolution of mortality rates was reported among the provinces of Ecuador. Azuay decreased in the first few years, and then increased from 2010 to 2019, whereas Guayas and Pichincha decreased throughout the whole period.

Conclusion

Although prostate cancer mortality rates in Ecuador have remained stable over the past few decades, there are significant disparities among the different regions. These findings suggest the need for the development of national and provincial registration measures, integrated healthcare actions, and targeted interventions to reduce the burden of prostate cancer in the Ecuadorian population.
Monoradiculopathy-induced abdominal pseudohernia caused by T11-12 soft disc herniation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Cho Wan-Jae , Kim Ki-Won , Kim Bo-Hyoung , Ryu Ji-Hyun
Published: May 2023

Background

An abdominal pseudohernia is a rare clinical entity that consists of an abnormal bulging of the abdominal wall that can resemble a true hernia but does not have an associated underlying fascial or muscle defect. Abdominal pseudohernia is believed to result from denervation of the abdominal muscles in cases of herpes zoster infection, diabetes mellitus, lower thoracic or upper lumbar disc herniation, surgical injuries, and rib fracture. To date, nine cases of abdominal pseudohernia caused by disc herniation at the lower thoracic or upper lumbar levels have been reported.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old man with no underlying disease or traumatic event presented with chief complaints of left flank pain and a protruding left lower abdominal mass that had formed one day earlier. There was no true abdominal hernia on abdominal computed tomography (CT), although CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a herniated soft (non-calcified) disc into the left neural foramen at the T11-12 level. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug was prescribed for the flank pain, and the patient was followed on a regular basis for six months. Follow-up MRI taken at the last visit showed complete resorption of the herniated disc. Abdominal pseudohernia and flank pain were also completely resolved.

Conclusion

We report a rare case of monoradiculopathy-induced abdominal pseudohernia caused by foraminal soft disc herniation at the T11-12 level. In patients who have an abdominal pseudohernia without herpes zoster infection, diabetes mellitus, or traumatic events, lower thoracic disc herniations should be included in differential diagnosis.
Factors related to T1 slope: spinopelvic balance and thoracic compensation
Authors: Liu Chengxin , Li Yongjin , Li Xiangyu , Shi Bin , Lu Shibao
Published: May 2023

Objective

To identify factors associated with T1 slope (T1S).

Methods

A total of 215 patients over 18 years old who underwent whole-spine X-rays to evaluate lower back pain were enrolled in this study. T1S, pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), cervical lordosis (CL), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured. Patients were divided into balance, compensatory balance, thoracic compensation, and thoracic decompensation groups.

Results

TK (p < 0.001), SVA (p < 0.001), and CL (p = 0.020) were significantly related to high T1S. The balance group had the smallest PT, largest SS and largest LL of the four groups (p < 0.001). The thoracic compensation group had the smallest TK of all groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in T1S between the balance and thoracic compensation groups (p = 0.099). The thoracic decompensation group had a larger T1S than the balance group (p = 0.023).

Conclusions

Caudal spine segments had a sequential effect on cranial spine segments. T1S reflected the compensation ability of the spine. The absence of balance tended to increase the T1S. Pelvic posterior rotation and thoracic compensation were two crucial factors protecting against increased T1S in patients with ASD.
The Association between Cardio-metabolic and hepatic indices and anthropometric measures with metabolically obesity phenotypes: a cross-sectional study from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study
Authors: Zakerkish Mehrnoosh , Hoseinian Azamsadat , Alipour Meysam , Payami Seyed Peyman
Published: May 2023

Background

This study aimed to compare the cardio-metabolic, anthropometric, and liver function indices among metabolic obesity phenotypes.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, which was carried out in Hoveyzeh, Khuzestan Province, Iran, a total of 7,464 individuals (male: 2859, female: 4605), were recruited and classified into four groups, based on Body Mass Index (obese, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2; non-obese, BMI = 18.5–29.9 kg/m2) and the National Cholesterol Education Program and Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP) III criteria (Healthy group, ≤ 1 of the criteria; Unhealthy group, ≥ 2 of the criteria), as follows: Metabolically Healthy Non-Obese (MHNO, 28.14%), Metabolically Unhealthy Non-Obese (MUNO, 33.06%), Metabolically Healthy Obese (MHO, 6.54%), and Metabolically Unhealthy Obese (MUO, 32.26%). Anthropometric indices (Waist/Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist/Height Ratio (WHtR), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), and Weight adjusted Waist Index (WWI)), cardio-metabolic indices (Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), Cardio-Metabolic Index (CMI), Lipoprotein Combine Index (LCI), Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG), TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk index), and hepatic indices (Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) and ALD/NAFLD index (ANI)) were calculated and compared between the groups.

Results

WHR,VAI, AIP, LAP, CMI, LCI, TyG, and TIMI risk index values were significantly higher in the MUNO phenotype compared to the MHO phenotype (WHR: 0.97 vs. 0.95; VAI: 3.16 vs. 1.33; AIP: 0.58 vs. 0.25; LAP: 78.87 vs. 55.79; CMI: 2.69 vs. 1.25; LCI: 27.91 vs. 12.11; TyG: 9.21 vs. 8.41; TIMI: 18.66 vs. 15.63; p < 0.001). The highest and lowest HSI and ANI values were detected in the MUO phenotype. After adjustment for age, sex, physical activity, and years of education, VAI showed the highest Odds Ratio for MUNO (OR: 5.65; 95% CI: 5.12, 6.24) and MUO (OR: 5.40; 95% CI: 5.89, 5.95) compared to the MHNO phenotypes (p < 0.001). The ANI indices was associated with a reduced risk of MUO (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.75–0.78), MUNO (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.87–0.90), and MHO (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.77–0.81) phenotypes (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

MUNO phenotype was exposed to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to the MHO phenotype. VAI was found to be the optimal index for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Root and canal anatomy of mandibular first molars using micro-computed tomography: a systematic review
Authors: AL-Rammahi Hasan M. , Chai Wen Lin , Nabhan Mohamed Shady , Ahmed Hany M. A.
Published: May 2023

Background

A thorough understanding of root and canal anatomy is crucial for successful root canal treatment outcomes. This systematic review aims to explore the published micro-CT studies investigated the anatomy of root and canal system in permanent mandibular first molars.

Method

An electronic search was performed on Web of science, PubMed, and Scopus. Micro-CT journal studies investigated the root and canal anatomy of permanent double-rooted mandibular first molars were included. Data on study characteristics, objectives of interest, specifications of the studies, and micro-CT specifications were extracted. Risk of bias assessment (ROB) of the included studies was performed using Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA) tool. The extracted data were presented in tables and figures to present and synthesise the results. A meta-analysis was performed for the studies related to the prevalence of Vertucci's canal configurations, middle mesial canal (MMC) configurations, and Fan's isthmus types.

Results

Amongst 1358 identified studies, thirty met the inclusion criteria. In terms of the objectives, the selected studies showed high anatomical variability in mandibular first molars. Twenty-two (73%), 25 (83%), and 12 (40%) of the studies reported the population/ethnicity, micro-CT specifications, and ethical approval, respectively. 28 (93%) studies did not disclose the method of sample size estimation. In only 6 (20%) of the studies, the authors had calibrated the assessment approaches. Mostly, a potential ROB was reported in domain 1 (objective(s) and subject characteristics) and domain 3 (methodology characterization). Whilst, low risk was reported in domains 2 (study design), 4 (descriptive anatomy), and 5 (reporting of results). The overall ROB was reported to be ''moderate'' in the vast majority of the studies (27/30). Meta-analysis results showed high levels of heterogeneity among the studies related to MMCs (I2 = 86%) and Fan's isthmus (I2 = 87%). As for the root canal configuration, pooled prevalence showed that Vertucci type IV and type I were the most prevalent in mesial and distal root canals, respectively.

Conclusion

Based on moderate risk of bias level of evidence, micro-CT studies have shown wide range of qualitative and quantitative data presentations of the roots and canals in mandibular first molars.

Protocol and registration.

The protocol of this systematic review was prospectively registered in the Open Science Framework database (https://osf.io) on 2022–06-20 with the registration number 10.17605/OSF.IO/EZP7K.
The correlation between caregiver burden with depression and quality of life among informal caregivers of hemodialysis and thalassemia patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Askaryzadeh Mahani Maryam , Ghasemi Masoomeh , Arab Mansour , Baniasadi Zahra , Omidi Ali , Irani Parichehr Sabaghzadeh
Published: May 2023

Background

Lifelong provision of care to chronically ill patients increase the risk of physical and mental diseases in informal caregivers and adversely affects their quality of life. The present study examined the correlation between caregiver burden, depression, and quality of life among the informal caregivers of thalassemia and hemodialysis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in southeastern Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional correlational study used convenience sampling to select 200 informal caregivers involved in providing direct care for patients undergoing hemodialysis (n = 70) and patients with thalassemia (130) for at least 6 months. A demographic questionnaire, Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), the Quality-Of-Life Questionnaire (SF-36), and the Zarit Burden Interview were used to collect data in 2021. The data were analyzed with SPSS software (version 19) using frequency, percentage, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Most of the informal caregivers of the thalassemia and hemodialysis patients (58% and 43%) reported moderate levels of caregiver burden. There were significant correlations between the caregiver burden and depression (P < 0.0001) and between the caregiver burden and the quality of life (P < 0.009). The level of depression in informal caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis was higher than that of the informal caregivers of patients with thalassemia, but the quality of life in the informal caregivers of the patient’s undergoing hemodialysis was higher than that of the informal caregivers of the patients with thalassemia.

Conclusion

Considering the significant correlations between caregiver burden, depression, and quality of life in this study, healthcare providers are recommended to develop educational and supportive interventions to meet informal caregivers’ needs, mitigate their emotional distress, fears, and concerns, and prevent caregiver burden in times of greater uncertainty.
Targeting copper death genotyping associated gene RARRES2 suppresses glioblastoma progression and macrophages infiltration
Authors: Yan Tao , Yang He , Meng Yun , Li Huadong , Jiang Qing , Liu Junsi , Xu Caixia , Xue Yanpeng , Xu Jiayi , Song Yan , Chu Xiaojie , Wang Lijuan , Chen Xin , Che Fengyuan
Published: May 2023

Background

Copper homeostasis is associated with malignant biological behavior in various tumors. The excessive accumulation of copper can induce tumor death, which is named cuproptosis, and it is also closely related to tumor progression and the formation of the immune microenvironment. However, the associations of cuproptosis with glioblastoma (GBM) prognosis and microenvironment construction are poorly understood.

Method

First, TCGA and GEO (GSE83300, GSE74187) merged datasets were used to analyze the association of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) with GBM. Then, we performed cluster analysis of CRGs in GBM from the GEO (GSE83300, GSE74187) and TCGA merged datasets. Subsequently, the prognostic risk model was constructed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) according to gene expression features in CRG clusters. Next, we performed a series of in-depth analyses, including tumor mutational burden (TMB) analysis, cluster analysis, and GBM IDH status prediction. Finally, RARRES2 was identified as a target gene for GBM treatment, especially IDH wild-type GBM. In addition, we further analyzed the correlation of CRG clusters and RARRES2 expression with the GBM immune microenvironment by ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT analyses. In vitro experiments were conducted to demonstrate that targeting RARRES2 inhibits glioblastoma progression and macrophage infiltration, particularly IDH wild-type GBM.

Results

In the present study, we demonstrated that the CRG cluster was closely related to GBM prognosis and immune cell infiltration. Moreover, the prognostic risk model constructed with the three genes (MMP19, G0S2, RARRES2) associated with the CRG clusters could well evaluate the prognosis and immune cell infiltration in GBM. Subsequently, after further analyzing the tumor mutational burden (TMB) in GBM, we confirmed that RARRES2 in the prognostic risk model could be used as a crucial gene signature to predict the prognosis, immune cell infiltration and IDH status of GBM patients.

Conclusion

This study fully revealed the potential clinical impact of CRGs on GBM prognosis and the microenvironment, and determined the effect of the crucial gene (RARRES2) on the prognosis and tumor microenvironment construction of GBM, meanwhile, our study also revealed over-expressed RARRES2 is related to the IDH satus of GBM, which provides a novel strategy for the treatment of GBM, particularly IDH wild-type GBM.