bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium, potassium intake, and all-cause mortality: confusion and new findings
Authors: Liu Donghao , Tian Yuqing , Wang Rui , Zhang Tianyue , Shen Shuhui , Zeng Ping , Zou Tong
Published: January 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established recommended daily intakes for sodium and potassium. However, there is currently some controversy regarding the association between sodium intake, potassium intake, the sodium-to-potassium ratio, and overall mortality. To assess the correlations between sodium intake, potassium intake, the sodium-to-potassium ratio, and overall mortality, as well as the potential differences in sodium and potassium intake thresholds among different population groups, we analyzed data from NHANES 2003–2018.

Methods

NHANES is an observational cohort study that estimates sodium and potassium intake through one or two 24-h dietary recalls. Hazard ratios (HR) for overall mortality were calculated using multivariable adjusted Cox models accounting for sampling design. A total of 13855 out of 26288 participants were included in the final analysis. Restricted cubic spline analyses were used to examine the relationship between sodium intake, potassium intake, and overall mortality. If non-linearity was detected, we employed a recursive algorithm to calculate inflection points.

Results

Based on one or two 24-h dietary recalls, the sample consisted of 13,855 participants, representing a non-institutionalized population aged 40–80 years, totaling 11,348,771 person-months of mean follow-up 99.395 months. Daily sodium intake and daily potassium intake were inversely associated with all-cause mortality. Restrictive cubic spline analysis showed non-linear relationships between daily sodium intake, potassium intake, sodium–potassium ratio, and total mortality. The inflection point for daily sodium intake was 3133 mg/d, and the inflection point for daily potassium intake was 3501 mg/d, and the inflection point for daily sodium–potassium ratio intake was 1.203 mg/mg/d. In subgroup analyses, a significant interaction was found between age and high sodium intake, which was further confirmed by the smooth curves that showed a U-shaped relationship between sodium intake and all-cause mortality in the elderly population, with a inflection point of 3634 mg/d.

Conclusion

Nonlinear associations of daily sodium intake, daily potassium intake and daily sodium–potassium ratio intake with all-cause mortality were observed in American individuals. The inflection point for daily sodium intake was 3133 mg/d. And the inflection point for daily sodium intake was 3634 mg/d in elderly population. The inflection point for daily potassium intake was 3501 mg/d. The inflection point for daily sodium–potassium ratio intake was 1.203 mg/mg/d, respectively, A healthy diet should be based on reasonable sodium intake and include an appropriate sodium-to-potassium ratio.
Association of long-term exposure to various ambient air pollutants, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition with incident cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Ge Rongguang , Wang Yue , Zhang Zengli , Sun Hongpeng , Chang Jie
Published: January 2024

Background

Long-term exposure to air pollution has been found to contribute to the development of cognitive decline. Our study aimed to assess the association between various air pollutants and cognitive impairment and dementia. Additionally, explore the modification effects of lifestyle and genetic predisposition.

Methods

The exposure levels to various air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM) with diameters ≤ 2.5 (PM2.5), ≤ 10 (PM10), and between 2.5 and 10 μm (PM2.5−10) and nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) were identified. An air pollution score (APS) was calculated to evaluate the combined exposure to these five air pollutants. A genetic risk estimate and healthy lifestyle score (HLS) were also generated. The Cox regression model adjusted by potential confounders was adopted to access the association between pollution exposure and cognitive decline, and several sensitivity analyses were additionally conducted to test the robustness.

Results

The combined exposure to air pollutants was associated with an increased risk of incident cognitive decline. Compared with the low exposure group, the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s dementia, vascular dementia, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in those exposed to the highest levels of air pollutants were respectively 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.09), 1.08 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.12), 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.13), and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.12 to 1.27). However, the modification effects from genetic predisposition were not widely observed, while on the contrary for the healthy lifestyle. Our findings were proven to be reliable and robust based on the results of sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Exposure to air pollution was found to be a significant contributing factor to cognitive impairment and dementia, and this association was not easily modified by an individual’s genetic predisposition. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle may help to manage the risk of cognitive decline related to air pollution.
Regional disparities, age-related changes and sex-related differences in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Di Jingkai , Bai Jiang , Zhang Junrui , Chen Jiaoyang , Hao Yuxuan , Bai Jiaqi , Xiang Chuan
Published: January 2024

Background

The objective of the study is to analyse the regions, age and sex differences in the incidence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

Data were extracted from the global burden of diseases (GBD) 2019 study, including incidence, years lived with disability (YLD), disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and risk factors. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to quantify the temporal trends in age standardized rate (ASR) of KOA. Paired t-test, paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test and spearman correlation were performed to analyze the association of sex disparity in KOA and socio-demographic index (SDI).

Results

There were significant regional differences in the incidence of knee osteoarthritis. In 2019, South Korea had the highest incidence of knee osteoarthritis (474.85,95%UI:413.34–539.64) and Thailand had the highest increase in incidence of knee osteoarthritis (EAPC = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.54–0.58). Notably, higher incidence, YLD and DALYs of knee osteoarthritis were associated with areas with a high socio-demographic index (r = 0.336, p < 0.001; r = 0.324, p < 0.001; r = 0.324, p < 0.001). In terms of age differences, the greatest increase in the incidence of knee osteoarthritis was between the 35–39 and 40–44 age groups. (EAPC = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.40–0.63; 0.47, 95%CI = 0.36–0.58). In addition, there were significant sex differences in the disease burden of knee osteoarthritis (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The incidence of knee osteoarthritis is significantly different with regions, age and sex.
Does the birth plan match what is relevant to women? Preferences of Spanish women when giving birth
Authors: Artieta-Pinedo Isabel , Paz-Pascual Carmen , Garcia-Alvarez Arturo , Bully Paola ,   Ema-Q Group, Artieta-Pinedo Isabel , Paz-Pascual Carmen , Alvarez Sonia , Amorrortu Pilar , Blas Mónica , Cabeza Inés , Estalella Itziar , Fernández Ana Cristina , de Terán-Moreno Gloria Gutiérrez , Legarra Kata , Lozano Gorane , Maquibar Amaia , Moreno-López David , Mulas Ma. Jesús , Pérez Covadonga , Rodríguez Angela , de Santamaría Mercedes Sáenz , Sánchez Jesús , Villanueva Gema , Espinosa Maite
Published: January 2024

Background

To support women in making shared decisions, it is important to know what is relevant to them. The aim is to explore which of the options included in birth plans (BP) are of most interest to women, and which are more controversial. In addition, the possible association of this variability with personal characteristics.

Methods

The data are part of a cross-sectional descriptive study, carried out in xxx, on the clinimetric characteristics of two instruments to measure women’s needs in labour and postpartum. Women were recruited consecutively by their midwives during pregnancy check-ups, receive a link to a digital questionnaire and were allowed to provide links to the questionnaires to other pregnant women. Women were asked to determine their level of agreement with statements about the birth environment, accompaniment, pain relief, medical intervention and neonatal care. The relationship between agreement with each statement, socio-demographic variables and fear of childbirth (W-DEQ-A) was analysed using a combination of descriptive statistics to analyse frequencies, and regression models to test the effect of socio-demographic variables and fear of childbirth on those items with the greatest variability.

Results

Two hundred forty-seven women responded. More than 90% preferred a hospital delivery, with information about and control over medical intervention, accompanied by their partner and continuous skin-to-skin contact with the newborn. There are other questions to which women attach less importance or which show greater variability, related to more clinical aspects, like foetal monitoring, placenta delivery, or cord clamping… Various factors are related to this variability; parity, nationality, educational level, risk factor or fear of childbirth are the most important.

Conclusions

Some items referring to the need for information and participation are practically unanimous among women, while other items on technical interventions generate greater variability. That should make us think about which ones require a decision after information and which ones should be included directly. The choice of more interventional deliveries is strongly associated with fear of childbirth.
Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among women attending primary healthcare centers in northern of West Bank/ Palestine: a cross-sectional study, 2022
Authors: Wildali Dina , Nazzal Saja , Hamshari Suha , Belkebir Souad
Published: January 2024

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) has a huge negative impact on the health of the mother and the family, both physically and mentally. Few postpartum depression studies have been done in Palestine. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and the most probable risk factor of PDD among Palestinian women in the northern West Bank.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of 380 mothers, ages 18 and 44 years, visiting vaccination clinics with their infants after 7-12 weeks of delivery between 1 May 2022 and 30 June 2022. Postpartum women seeking care at the seven largest primary health care centers of the Ministry of Health in four cities in the Northern West Bank in Palestine were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and demographic and birth details. A score of 13 or higher was used to indicate PPD risk. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. The level of significance was set at 5%.

Results

The median age of the participants was 27 years with a range of 26 years. A total of 129 women had an EPDS score of 13 or more, giving a prevalence rate of post-partum depression of 33.9%. The predictors of postpartum depression were stressful life events during pregnancy (p-value 0.003, OR: 2.1, 95% CI [1.27-3.4]), vacuum use during delivery p-values 0.002, OR: 4, 95% CI: [1.64-9.91]), low social support (p-value less than 0.001, OR: 2.5, 95%CI: [1.7-4.2]) and husband’s low level of education (p-value less than 0.001, OR: 5.2, 95%CI: [2.7-10]).

Conclusion

The study showed a high prevalence of PPD among Palestinian mothers in the northern West Bank. Our study found that PPD risk factors include lack of social support, the husband’s low education, and stressful events during pregnancy. This will emphasize the importance of PPD screening and early intervention, especially among vulnerable women.
Heart failure classification using deep learning to extract spatiotemporal features from ECG
Authors: Zhang Chang-Jiang , Yuan-Lu  , Tang Fu-Qin , Cai Hai-Peng , Qian Yin-Fen , Chao-Wang
Published: January 2024

Background

Heart failure is a syndrome with complex clinical manifestations. Due to increasing population aging, heart failure has become a major medical problem worldwide. In this study, we used the MIMIC-III public database to extract the temporal and spatial characteristics of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals from patients with heart failure.

Methods

We developed a NYHA functional classification model for heart failure based on a deep learning method. We introduced an integrating attention mechanism based on the CNN-LSTM-SE model, segmenting the ECG signal into 2 to 20 s long segments. Ablation experiments showed that the 12 s ECG signal segments could be used with the proposed deep learning model for superior classification of heart failure.

Results

The accuracy, positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of the NYHA functional classification method were 99.09, 98.9855, 99.033, and 99.649%, respectively.

Conclusions

The comprehensive performance of this model exceeds similar methods and can be used to assist in clinical medical diagnoses.
The intention to leave among academics in Iran: an examination of their work-life quality and satisfaction
Authors: Ghahramanian Akram , Bagheriyeh Farzaneh , Aghajari Parvaneh , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad , Abolfathpour Pedram , Rahmani Azad , Nabighadim Amirreza , Hajieskandar Alireza
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite the importance of faculty retention, there is little understanding of how demographic variables, professional and institutional work-life issues, and satisfaction interact to explain faculty intentions to leave. This study aimed to investigate the intention to leave among academics and their Work-Life Quality and Satisfaction.

Methods

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by 8 faculties affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences located in Urmia, West Azarbaijan province, Iran. The participants in the study were 120 faculty members from Nursing and Midwifery, Medicine, Allied health professions, and Health management and medical information faculties. The Work-Life Quality and Satisfaction scale, and the intension to leave scale were used for data collection. Uni- and multivariable linear regression analyses were employed to determine predictors of the intention to leave (P-values < 0.05).

Results

The mean scores of all dimensions of Work-Life Quality and Satisfaction scale, and intention to leave were in an average level. There is a negative correlation between Work-Life Quality and Satisfaction subscales, along with demographic factors, and the intention to leave (P < 0.05), while multivariate analysis showed that work experience and Discipline were significant independent predictors of intention to leave (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In order to improve education in universities, it is necessary to pay attention to the conditions of creating job satisfaction in academics. Considering the high intention to leave among Nursing lecturers, without sufficient support of nursing schools in terms of human resources, it may suffer by the lack of academic staff; eventually the quality of education will reduce in undergraduate nursing in the long term.
How to improve the system of care for adolescents with emotional and behavioural problems from the perspective of care providers: a concept mapping approach
Authors: Bosakova Lucia , Dankulincova Veselska Zuzana , Filakovska Bobakova Daniela
Published: January 2024

Background

Emotional and behavioural problems (EBP) are the most common mental health issues during adolescence, and their incidence has increased in recent years. The system of care for adolescents with EBP is known to have several problems, making the provision of care less than optimal, and attention needs to be given to potential improvements. We, therefore, aimed to examine what needs to be done to improve the system of care for adolescents with EBP and to assess the urgency and feasibility of the proposed measures from the perspective of care providers.

Methods

We used Concept mapping, a participatory mixed-method research, based on qualitative data collection and quantitative data analysis. A total of 33 stakeholders from 17 institutions participated in our study, including psychologists, pedagogues for children with special needs, teachers, educational counsellors, social workers and child psychiatrists.

Results

Respondents identified 43 ideas for improving of the system of care for adolescents with EBP grouped into 5 clusters related to increasing the competencies of care providers, changes at schools and school systems, support for existing services, transparency of the care system in institutions and public administration, and the adjustment of legislative conditions. The most urgent and feasible proposals were related to the support of awareness-raising activities on the topic of EBP, the creation of effective screening tools for the identification of EBP in adolescents, strengthening the role of parents in the process of care, comprehensive work with the family, creation of multidisciplinary support teams and intersectoral cooperation.

Conclusions

Measures which are more accessible and responsive to the pitfalls of the care system, together with those strengthening the role of families and schools, have greater potential for improvements which are in favour of adolescents with EBP. Care providers should be invited more often and much more involved in the discussion and the co-creation of measures to improve the system of care for adolescents with EBP.
Unsung heroes in Ghana’s healthcare system: the case of community health volunteers and community health management committee
Authors: Ankomah Samuel Egyakwa , Fusheini Adam , Derrett Sarah
Published: January 2024

Background

In Ghana, the community-based health planning and services (CHPS) policy highlights the significance of both community health management committees (CHMCs) and community health volunteers (CHVs) in the Ghanaian health system. However, research into their specific effects on health system improvement is scarce. Some research has focussed on the roles of the CHMCs/CHVs in implementing specific targeted health interventions but not on improving the overall health system. Therefore, this research aims to examine the role of the CHMCs and CHVs in improving the Ghanaian health system.

Methods

The study was conducted in three districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A total of 35 participants, mainly health service users and health professionals, participated in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured individual in-depth interviews. Participants were selected according to their patient–public engagement or community health activity roles. Data were transcribed and analysed descriptively using NVIVO 12 Plus.

Results

We found that the effectiveness of CHMCs and CHVs in health systems improvement depends largely on how members are selected. Additionally, working through CHMC and CHVs improves resource availability for community health services, and using them in frontline community health activities improves health outcomes.

Conclusions

Overall, we recommend that, for countries with limited healthcare resources such as Ghana, leveraging the significant role of the CHMCs and CHVs is key in complementing government’s efforts to improve resource availability for healthcare services. Community health management committees and CHVs are key in providing basic support to communities with limited healthcare personnel. Thus, there is a need to strengthen their capacities to improve the overall health system.
Barriers and delays in access to abortion care: a cross-sectional study of people traveling to obtain care in England and the Netherlands from European countries where abortion is legal on broad grounds
Authors: Wollum Alexandra , De Zordo Silvia , Zanini Giulia , Mishtal Joanna , Garnsey Camille , Gerdts Caitlin
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This study characterized the extent to which (1) financial barriers and (2) abortion care-seeking within a person’s country of residence were associated with delays in abortion access among those travelling to England and the Netherlands for abortion care from European countries where abortion is legal on broad grounds in the first trimester but where access past the first trimester is limited to specific circumstances.

Methodology

We drew on cross-sectional survey data collected at five abortion clinics in England and the Netherlands from 2017 to 2019 (n = 164). We assessed the relationship between difficulty paying for the abortion/travel, acute financial insecurity, and in-country care seeking on delays to abortion using multivariable discrete-time hazards models.

Results

Participants who reported facing both difficulty paying for the abortion procedure and/or travel and difficulty covering basic living costs in the last month reported longer delays in accessing care than those who had no financial difficulty (adjusted hazard odds ratio: 0.39 95% CI 0.21–0.74). This group delayed paying other expenses (39%) or sold something of value (13%) to fund their abortion, resulting in ~ 60% of those with financial difficulty reporting it took them over a week to raise the funds needed for their abortion. Having contacted or visited an abortion provider in the country of residence was associated with delays in presenting abroad for an abortion.

Discussion

These findings point to inequities in access to timely abortion care based on socioeconomic status. Legal time limits on abortion may intersect with individuals’ interactions with the health care system to delay care.
Resveratrol-βcd inhibited premature ovarian insufficiency progression by regulating granulosa cell autophagy
Authors: Hu Bingbing , Zheng Xiushuang , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2024

Background

The ovarian environment of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) patients exhibits immune dysregulation, which leads to excessive secretion of numerous proinflammatory cytokines that affect ovarian function. An abnormal level of macrophage polarization directly or indirectly inhibits the differentiation of ovarian granulosa cells and steroid hormone production, ultimately leading to POI. Resveratrol, as a health supplement, has been widely recognized for its safety. There is a substantial amount of evidence indicating that resveratrol and its analogs possess significant immune-regulatory functions. It has also been reported that resveratrol can effectively inhibit the progression of POI. However, the underlying immunological and molecular mechanisms through which resveratrol inhibits the progression of POI are still unclear.

Results

Our preliminary reports have shown that resveratrol-βcd, the beta-cyclodextrin complex of resveratrol, significantly enhances the stability of resveratrol. Resveratrol-βcd could regulate the dysfunctional immune status of macrophages and T cells in the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we treated busulfan and cyclophosphamide (B/C)-treated mice, which were used as a POI model, with resveratrol-βcd. After resveratrol-βcd treatment, the levels of IL-6 in the ovaries were significantly increased, and the progression of POI was suppressed. IL-6 activated granulosa cells (GCs) through soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R), promoting autophagy in GCs. Resveratrol-βcd and IL-6 had a synergistic effect on enhancing autophagy in GCs and promoting E2 secretion.

Conclusions

We partially elucidated the immune mechanism by which resveratrol inhibits the progression of POI and the autophagy-regulating function of GCs. This provides a theoretical basis for using resveratrol to prevent POI in future studies and clinical guidance.
scSNV-seq: high-throughput phenotyping of single nucleotide variants by coupled single-cell genotyping and transcriptomics
Authors: Cooper Sarah E. , Coelho Matthew A. , Strauss Magdalena E. , Gontarczyk Aleksander M. , Wu Qianxin , Garnett Mathew J. , Marioni John C. , Bassett Andrew R.
Published: January 2024

CRISPR screens with single-cell transcriptomic readouts are a valuable tool to understand the effect of genetic perturbations including single nucleotide variants (SNVs) associated with diseases. Interpretation of these data is currently limited as genotypes cannot be accurately inferred from guide RNA identity alone. scSNV-seq overcomes this limitation by coupling single-cell genotyping and transcriptomics of the same cells enabling accurate and high-throughput screening of SNVs. Analysis of variants across the JAK1 gene with scSNV-seq demonstrates the importance of determining the precise genetic perturbation and accurately classifies clinically observed missense variants into three functional categories: benign, loss of function, and separation of function.
Early tirofiban versus heparin for bridging dual antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing coronary endarterectomy combined with coronary artery bypass grafting: a multicenter randomized controlled trial protocol (the THACE-CABG trial)
Authors: Chen Liang , Gao Ming-Xin , Du Xin , Wang Chi , Yu Wen-Yuan , Liu Hong-Li , Ding Xiao-Hang , Wang Bo-Lin , Zhang Kui , Xu Dong , Han Zhen , Xie Bao-Dong , Dong Ran , Yu Yang
Published: January 2024

Background

For complete revascularization, patients with diffuse coronary artery disease should have a coronary endarterectomy and a coronary artery bypass graft (CE-CABG). Sadly, CE can lead to a lack of endothelium, which raises the risk of thrombotic events. Even though daily dual antiplatelet therapies (DAPT) have been shown to reduce thrombotic events, the risk of perioperative thrombotic events is high during the high-risk period after CE-CABG, and there is no consistent protocol to bridge DAPT. This trial aims to compare safety and efficacy between tirofiban and heparin as DAPT bridging strategies after CE-CABG.

Methods

In phase I, 266 patients undergoing CE-CABG will be randomly assigned to tirofiban and heparin treatment groups to compare the two treatments in terms of the primary safety endpoint, chest tube drainage in the first 24 h. If the phase I trial shows tirofiban non-inferiority, phase II will commence, in which an additional 464 patients will be randomly assigned. All 730 patients will be studied to compare major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) between the groups in the first 30 days after surgery.

Discussion

Given the possible benefits of tirofiban administration after CE-CABG, this trial has the potential to advance the field of adult coronary heart surgery.

Trial registration

chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2200055697. Registered 6 January 2022. https://www.chictr.org.cn/com/25/showproj.aspx?proj=149451. Current version: 20,220,620.
The Transdiagnostic Intervention for Sleep and Circadian Dysfunction (TranS-C) for serious mental illness in community mental health part 3: study protocol to evaluate sustainment in a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Sarfan Laurel D. , Agnew Emma R. , Diaz Marlen , Cogan Ashby , Spencer Julia M. , Esteva Hache Rafael , Wiltsey Stirman Shannon , Lewis Cara C. , Kilbourne Amy M. , Harvey Allison G.
Published: January 2024

Background

Although research on the implementation of evidence-based psychological treatments (EBPTs) has advanced rapidly, research on the sustainment of implemented EBPTs remains limited. This is concerning, given that EBPT activities and benefits regularly decline post-implementation. To advance research on sustainment, the present protocol focuses on the third and final phase—the Sustainment Phase—of a hybrid type 2 cluster-randomized controlled trial investigating the implementation and sustainment of the Transdiagnostic Intervention for Sleep and Circadian Dysfunction (TranS-C) for patients with serious mental illness and sleep and circadian problems in community mental health centers (CMHCs). Prior to the first two phases of the trial—the Implementation Phase and Train-the-Trainer Phase—TranS-C was adapted to fit the CMHC context. Then, 10 CMHCs were cluster-randomized to implement Standard or Adapted TranS-C via facilitation and train-the-trainer. The primary goal of the Sustainment Phase is to investigate whether adapting TranS-C to fit the CMHC context predicts improved sustainment outcomes.

Methods

Data collection for the Sustainment Phase will commence at least three months after implementation efforts in partnering CMHCs have ended and may continue for up to one year. CMHC providers will be recruited to complete surveys (N = 154) and a semi-structured interview (N = 40) on sustainment outcomes and mechanisms. Aim 1 is to report the sustainment outcomes of TranS-C. Aim 2 is to evaluate whether manipulating EBPT fit to context (i.e., Standard versus Adapted TranS-C) predicts sustainment outcomes. Aim 3 is to test whether provider perceptions of fit mediate the relation between treatment condition (i.e., Standard versus Adapted TranS-C) and sustainment outcomes. Mixed methods will be used to analyze the data.

Discussion

The present study seeks to advance our understanding of sustainment predictors, mechanisms, and outcomes by investigating (a) whether the implementation strategy of adapting an EBPT (i.e., TranS-C) to the CMHC context predicts improved sustainment outcomes and (b) whether this relation is mediated by improved provider perceptions of treatment fit. Together, the findings may help inform more precise implementation efforts that contribute to lasting change.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05956678. Registered on July 21, 2023.
Flubendazole carbonyl reduction in drug-susceptible and drug-resistant strains of the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus: changes during the life cycle and possible inhibition
Authors: Rychlá Nikola , Navrátilová Martina , Kohoutová Eliška , Raisová Stuchlíková Lucie , Štěrbová Karolína , Krátký Josef , Matoušková Petra , Szotáková Barbora , Skálová Lenka
Published: January 2024

Carbonyl-reducing enzymes (CREs) catalyse the reduction of carbonyl groups in many eobiotic and xenobiotic compounds in all organisms, including helminths. Previous studies have shown the important roles of CREs in the deactivation of several anthelmintic drugs (e.g., flubendazole and mebendazole) in adults infected with the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus, in which the activity of a CRE is increased in drug-resistant strains. The aim of the present study was to compare the abilities of nematodes of both a drug-susceptible strain (ISE) and a drug-resistant strain (IRE) to reduce the carbonyl group of flubendazole (FLU) in different developmental stages (eggs, L1/2 larvae, L3 larvae, and adults). In addition, the effects of selected CRE inhibitors (e.g., glycyrrhetinic acid, naringenin, silybin, luteolin, glyceraldehyde, and menadione) on the reduction of FLU were evaluated in vitro and ex vivo in H. contortus adults. The results showed that FLU was reduced by H. contortus in all developmental stages, with adult IRE females being the most metabolically active. Larvae (L1/2 and L3) and adult females of the IRE strain reduced FLU more effectively than those of the ISE strain. Data from the in vitro inhibition study (performed with cytosolic-like fractions of H. contortus adult homogenate) revealed that glycyrrhetinic acid, naringenin, mebendazole and menadione are effective inhibitors of FLU reduction. Ex vivo study data showed that menadione inhibited FLU reduction and also decreased the viability of H. contortus adults to a similar extent. Naringenin and mebendazole were not toxic at the concentrations tested, but they did not inhibit the reduction of FLU in adult worms ex vivo.
An improved ACO based service composition algorithm in multi-cloud networks
Authors: Bei Liu , Wenlin Li , Xin Su , Xibin Xu
Published: January 2024

In recent years, with the rapid development of mobile communication networks, some new services such as cloud virtual reality, holographic communication, and etc. continue to emerge. Service composition has been researched in cloud computing. however, as the fast development of edge clouds, the service components can be deployed on the edge clouds to reduce the composition latency, so the more flexible and intelligent service composition algorithms are urgently need to study. Based on this, we propose a service composition strategy under the multi-cloud environment, and we propose an ant colony optimization algorithm (ACO) based on the multi-pheromone mechanism to optimize the quality of service (QoS). To avoid the occurrence of local optima, we further introduce the mutation operation of the genetic algorithm. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve better QoS parameters such as latency and response time while ensuring the stability of services.
Metabolic modulation of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): an insight into growth, metabolomics and antioxidant activity under varying temperature and light conditions
Authors: Ryu Da Hye , Cho Jwa Yeong , Hamayun Muhammad , Lee Dong Gyu , Kim Ho-Youn
Published: January 2024

Background

Temperature and light are two critical environmental stimuli that greatly impact our agricultural industry. We explored the effects of varying temperature and light conditions on the metabolomics of basil, a plant widely used in cuisine and for medicinal purposes worldwide. Basil plants were subjected to elevated temperatures of 30 °C, 35 °C, and 40 °C, along with two light intensities (D11 and D23).

Results

Our results showed that the maximum shoot length (42.98 cm) was achieved at T30 and D23, the maximum leaf area (6.92 cm) at T30/D11, and the highest number of leaves (472) at T40/D11. However, at the higher temperature of T40, the number of leaves increased, but shoot length and leaf size significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Maxim shoot biomass (81 gm) and root biomass (91.2 gm) was recorded at T35/D23 treatments. Metabolomic studies of basil revealed that rosmarinic acid (RA), and linalool and eugenol were the major phenolic and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under different growth conditions. RA levels were higher at 30 °C, correlated with elevated shikimate levels, indicating a carbon supply through the TCA cycle. In contrast, the growth conditions of 35 °C/D11 (μmol/m2/d) up-regulated the glyoxylate cycle (fumaric acid and malic acid) as part of stomatal closure, preventing ROS accumulation and resulting in increased VOC emission. Exposure to the higher temperature of 40 °C induced higher amino acid accumulation, improving temperature stresstolerance.

Conclusions

This study suggests that elevated temperature and light intensity affected the overall health of basil plants by modulating underlying growth mechanisms. Furthermore, elevated temperature plays a vital role in plant defense mechanisms by mediating the production of secondary metabolites associated with plant defense responses.

Graphical Abstract
PIONEERS: a 6DoF motion sensor to measure rotation and tides in the Solar System
Authors: Filice Valerio , Le Maistre Sébastien , Dehant Véronique , Van Hoolst Tim , Bernauer Felix , Garcia Raphaël F.
Published: January 2024

Observation of rotation variations and tides provides constraints on the interior properties of celestial bodies. Both can be precisely measured with a 6DoF (Degrees of Freedom) motion sensor placed on their surface. This type of instrument measures rotation rates and linear accelerations in a large frequency band, which includes the frequencies involved in the tides and rotation variations. A novel sensor under development aims to measure rates and accelerations with an amplitude spectral density of $${2}\,\upmu \textrm{rad}\, \textrm{s}^{-1} \textrm{H}\textrm{z}^{-1/2}$$

2

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and $${20}\,\upmu \textrm{m}\,\textrm{s}^{-2} \textrm{H}\textrm{z}^{-1/2}$$

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/
2

respectively in its compact version and three orders of magnitude better ($${5}\,\textrm{nrad}\, \textrm{s}^{-1} \textrm{H}\textrm{z}^{-1/2}$$

5

nrad

s

-
1

H

z

-
1
/
2

and $${10}\,\textrm{pm}\,\textrm{s}^{-2} \textrm{H}\textrm{z}^{-1/2}$$

10

pm

s

-
2

H

z

-
1
/
2

, respectively) with its high-performance version. Here, we compare these instrument performances with the precision required to measure rotation and tides in order to improve our knowledge of the interior of nine celestial bodies identified as targets for future space missions: Dimorphos, Phobos, Europa, Io, Titan, Enceladus, Triton, the Moon and Mars. Results indicate that Phobos, the Moon, and Mars cannot be investigated with the compact model, but that the interior of the other bodies can be constrained through measurements of rotation rate, and/or centrifugal acceleration, and/or tidal acceleration. We also find that the high-performance prototype instrument is suitable for acceleration measurements for all nine bodies, but not adequate for inferring interior constraints from rotation rate measurements for Triton, the Moon, and Mars. The signatures of the interior in the rotation rate and centrifugal and tidal accelerations also provide scientific requirements for future developments of 6DoF motion sensors for these nine bodies.

Graphical Abstract
An interest-driven creator English course for developing Chinese private college students’ listening and speaking proficiency under a blended setting
Authors: Wang Yongkang , Chen Pengfei
Published: January 2024

The primary objective of this study is to enhance the English language proficiency of undergraduate students pursuing bachelor's degree programs. This is achieved through the development of a mandatory English course based on Interest-driven creator (IDC) principles within a blended learning environment. The IDC course was implemented over a 16-week period, consisting of 16 lessons, at a private college in China. To evaluate the impact of this course, a quasi-experimental design was employed to analyse the language learning outcomes. The performance of two groups, the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG), was assessed using the Exam English (standardized according to CEFR) as both a pretest and posttest measure. Additionally, a semi-structured interview was conducted to gather valuable insights into the students' learning experiences. The findings of this study indicate that the blended learning approach effectively improved the students' English proficiency in listening and speaking.
Students' digital technology attitude, literacy and self-efficacy and their effect on online learning engagement
Authors: Getenet Seyum , Cantle Robert , Redmond Petrea , Albion Peter
Published: January 2024

This study utilised students' online engagement, digital technology attitude, digital literacy, and self-efficacy theories to develop and test a model connecting these factors within a regional university in Australia. A field survey collected data from 110 first-year students. AMOS 28 was employed for measurement and structural model path analysis. The study initially examined the impact of students' attitudes and digital literacy on their self-efficacy. Subsequently, the effects of self-efficacy on five dimensions of online engagement were assessed: social, collaborative, cognitive, behavioural, and emotional. The findings indicated that positive student attitudes and digital literacy significantly contributed to self-efficacy, which, in turn, positively affected the engagement dimensions. This suggests that when designing and facilitating online, blended, or technology-enhanced courses in higher education, educators should pay attention to various elements of engagement. The study highlights the importance of considering students' attitudes and digital literacy in fostering self-efficacy and enhancing online learning engagements. Further research and implications for future studies are also recommended.
Application of unilateral biportal endoscopy technique to resect a thoracic spinal intradural extramedullary meningioma: technical report and review of the literature
Authors: Shao Rongxue , Cheng Wei , Zhang Wei , Liang Jiaming , Ruan Liqi , Zhu Chengyue , Pan Hao
Published: January 2024

Background

Meningiomas are common intradural extramedullary spinal tumors, which arise from arachnoid cap cells in the leptomeninges surrounding the brain or spinal cord. Sensory and motor dysfunction as well as pain were the most common presenting symptoms. Surgical resection remains the primary treatment for spinal intradural extramedullary meningiomas. Traditionally, spinal meningiomas excision requires longer skin incision, bilateral subperiosteal muscle stripping, and total laminectomy. We report a new technique for the treatment of thoracic spinal intradural extramedullary meningioma, which involves the use of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) technique to resect the tumor, and reviewed and analyzed relevant literature.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old female patient presented with back pain accompanied by slowly progressive lower limb paresis, and severe pain in the right lower limb. Magnetic resonance imaging suggests a thoracic spinal intradural extramedullary meningioma. She underwent meningioma resection using UBE technique with complete recovery at the follow-up examination 3 months after surgery.

Conclusion

This case confirmed the UBE technique can be a good choice for resection of spinal intradural extramedullary meningioma.
Pseudoaneurysms embolization with glue via percutaneous direct puncture: a multicenter experience on 54 patients
Authors: Giurazza Francesco , Ierardi Annamaria , Marra Paolo , Lucatelli Pierleone , Corvino Fabio , Pane Francesco , Sironi Sandro , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Loffroy Romaric , Niola Raffaella
Published: January 2024

Background

This retrospective multicentric study aims to report on technical safety and effectiveness of pseudoaneurysms embolization with glue (N-butyl cyanoacrylate) adopting a percutaneous direct puncture approach.

Results

Fifty-four patients data were collected from five centers.

All patients at the time of treatment presented with unruptured PAs and were hemodynamically stable.

True aneurysms and lesions treated with embolics other than glue were excluded.

Pseudoaneurysms diagnosis was based on CT and anamnestic data; initial investigation with digital-subtracted arteriography was acquired in all cases; then, percutaneous embolizations were performed in the angio-suite (ultrasound, fluoroscopy, ConeBeam CT guidance) or in CT.

Technical success was considered as complete pseudoaneurysm embolization at final imaging with sole percutaneous strategy, without need for additional endovascular embolization.

Clinical success was intended as pseudoaneurysm resolution within one week follow-up with stabilization or restored clinical conditions.

Pseudoaneurysms origins were traumatic (57.4%), inflammatory (24.1%) or spontaneous (18.5%); 39 patients (72.2%) were symptomatic, presenting with pain and/or pulsatile mass.

Mean lesions diameter was 19.3 mm (range: 7–30); pseudoaneurysms were located in abdomen (48.1%), limbs (42.6%) and thorax (9.3%).

Coagulation function was impaired in 16.6% and 48.1% was under antiplatelets/anticoagulation therapy.

In 16.6% the percutaneous approach followed previous treatments failure.

The image-guidance modality for percutaneous puncture was most often ultrasound combined with fluoroscopy (38%).

Clinical success was obtained in all patients while technical success occurred in 94.4% because 3 patients required an additional endovascular embolization.

Complications were registered in 14.8%, all of low grade without clinical sequelae neither prolonged recovery (7 non target embolizations, 1 post-embolization syndrome).

Conclusions

In this study, pseudoaneurysms embolization with glue via percutaneous direct puncture was safe and effective with a low rate of minor complications.
Chemometric method development for the determination of naringin and verapamil
Authors: Sharma Sadhana , Shrestha Bhupendra , Bhuyan Nihar Ranjan , Majumdar Subhabrota , Chowdhury Sailee , Mazumder Rana
Published: January 2024

Background

By resolving complicated spectra from drug combinations, chemometric techniques are valuable for multi-component investigation. The capacity to properly estimate combinations of components without separating drugs from their mixture is one of the benefits of chemometric analysis approaches over traditional analytical methods. These approaches are easy to use and sensitive even to the lowest concentrations. They are also practical, affordable, and cost-effective. In the current study, the chemometric aided spectrophotometric approach was used to evaluate the two drugs naringin and verapamil. The approach is multidimensional and based on chemometrics, which includes an orthogonal partial least square method that is a new refinement of the partial least squares regression analysis method. With this technique, no conversions are made to the spectrum that overlaps the two drugs. The tools UV-PROBE, SIMCA version 17, and excel were used to process the chemometric data.

Results

According to results from an orthogonal partial least square model, the mean percent recovery and relative standard deviation for the combination of verapamil with naringin were 100.80/1.19 and 100.836/1.35, respectively.The calibration model was used to predict known synthetic mixtures.This method shows good consistency in recovery ranging between 98.92 and 103.59% for VER and from 96.21 to 101.84% NAR. As saying the synthetic mixture revealed that it had a high percentage of purity.

Conclusions

The proposed chemometric method can estimate the quantitative amount of pharmaceuticals based on their dosage forms. This approach meets the requirements for the international conference on harmonization's (ICH) analytical criteria, such as precision and accuracy.

Graphical Abstract
A rare enterouterine fistula between uterine leiomyoma and sigmoid colon in a nulliparous woman: a case report
Authors: Shruthi M. Maivizhi , Sahoo Biswajit , Jena Saubhagya Kumar , Sethi Pruthwiraj , Mitra Subarna , Nayak Manoj Kumar , Jha Shilpy , Bag Nerbadyswari Deep , Sarvazna Laveti Sai
Published: January 2024

Background

The commonest benign neoplasm encountered in women of reproductive age group is uterine leiomyoma which usually presents with abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, urinary disturbances, urinary retention, constipation, and dyspareunia. Uterine leiomyoma presenting with bowel fistulization is a rare presentation. To our knowledge and based on a thorough literature search, no previous reports of uterine leiomyoma showing spontaneous fistulous communication with the sigmoid colon have been reported.

Case presentation

A nulliparous woman in her early 30s presented with complaints of lower abdominal pain, abdominal fullness, pus discharge from the vagina, and difficulty in respiration. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), a large heterogeneously enhancing mass was seen in the rectouterine space showing air-fluid levels, with a fistulous communication with the adjacent sigmoid colon. Histopathological examination proved the lesion to be a uterine leiomyoma.

Conclusion

The chance of fistulization with the bowel should be considered whenever a uterine mass with an air-fluid level is encountered.