bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delivery of dental pulp stem cells by an injectable ROS-responsive hydrogel promotes temporomandibular joint cartilage repair via enhancing anti-apoptosis and regulating microenvironment
Authors: Ma Jinjin , Li Juan , Wei Shibo , Ge Qinwen , Wu Jie , Xue Leilei , Qi Yezi , Xu Siyi , Jin Hongting , Gao Changyou , Lin Jun
Published: June 2024

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage repair poses a considerable clinical challenge, and tissue engineering has emerged as a promising solution. In this study, we developed an injectable reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive multifunctional hydrogel (RDGel) to encapsulate dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs/RDGel in short) for the targeted repair of condylar cartilage defect. The DPSCs/RDGel composite exhibited a synergistic effect in the elimination of TMJ OA (osteoarthritis) inflammation via the interaction between the hydrogel component and the DPSCs. We first demonstrated the applicability and biocompatibility of RDGel. RDGel encapsulation could enhance the anti-apoptotic ability of DPSCs by inhibiting P38/P53 mitochondrial apoptotic signal in vitro. We also proved that the utilization of DPSCs/RDGel composite effectively enhanced the expression of TMJOA cartilage matrix and promoted subchondral bone structure in vivo. Subsequently, we observed the synergistic improvement of DPSCs/RDGel composite on the oxidative stress microenvironment of TMJOA and its regulation and promotion of M2 polarization, thereby confirmed that M2 macrophages further promoted the condylar cartilage repair of DPSCs. This is the first time application of DPSCs/RDGel composite for the targeted repair of TMJOA condylar cartilage defects, presenting a novel and promising avenue for cell-based therapy.
Prevalence, practice, determinants and adverse effects of self-medication among young people living in a suburban community of Ekiti, Nigeria: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tosin Anthony Agbesanwa , Olukayode Aina Felixelix , Olusoji Abidemi Solomon , Azeez Oyemomi Ibrahim , Adefunke Babatola Olarinre , Ayodeji Owoyemi John , Babatope Ebenezer Awelewa , Adekoya Joshua Inubile , Joseph Olusesan Fadare
Published: June 2024

Objectives:

Health hazards such as adverse drug reactions and prolonged morbidity are fallouts of self-medication among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, practice, determinants, and adverse effects of self-medication among young people living in a suburban community of Ekiti, Nigeria.

Methods:

This survey was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of 602 young people aged 16–24 years., who were randomly selected in the community. A predesigned self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The study was conducted from 1st March to 31st May 2023. The independent variables measured include the sociodemographic characteristics, while the dependent variables are the practice of self-medication and factors that predisposes to self-medication. The general characteristics of the participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The categorical variables were reported as frequency distribution and proportions with 95% confidence intervals and were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Over 30% (31.7%) of the participants engage in self-medication. A larger proportion of the people who practiced self-medication lived a trekking distance of less than 1 km from the nearest health facility with a doctor ( p = 0.044). The practice of self-medication was statistically related with being a student when compared with gainfully employed and unemployed people ( p = 0.006). Fever (39.8%), abdominal pain (17.3%) and headaches (16.2%) were the topmost three ailments that necessitated self-medication. Antimalarials (44.0%), antibiotics (25.1%), and antipyretics (16.8%) were high on the list of drugs used for self-medication. Headache (34.0%) was the most common adverse reaction from self-medication among the participants studied.

Conclusion:

Adverse reactions and drug addiction were negative fallouts of self-medication, which can affect the health of young people as they grow into adulthood. Therefore, monitoring of drug outlets must be taken seriously by government agencies to prevent the worsening of the negative effects of self-medication.
Effect of ambulatory mobility aid devices on cardiovascular parameters, walking speed, perceived exertion, and balance of older adult men in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Ezugwu Uchechukwu A , Eze Barbra M , Ojide Rita N , Alegu Deborah N , Ngwakwe Patricia C , Elom Nwamaka A , Ogah Christian I , Nwimo Ignatius O
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Ambulatory mobility aids are several devices the elderly may use in order to improve their walking pattern, balance, or safety while mobilizing independently.

Objectives:

To assess the effect of ambulatory mobility aid devices on cardiovascular parameters, walking speed, perceived exertion, and balance of older adult men.

Methods:

A sample of 156 old men was studied. Data were obtained through measurement of the participants’ walking speed (distance covered/second), cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure), perceived exertion (difficulty or ease in breathing), and balance (ease in standing) after walking with and without the selected walking aid devices. Analysis was done to compare the effect of the walking aid devices on the selected dependent variables.

Results:

Results showed ambulation with mobility aid devices resulted in increase in the heart rate and blood pressure with the greatest increase observed when walking with Zimmer frame. Ambulation with mobility aid devices resulted in decrease of the walking speed of the participants when compared to ambulation without devices. Perceived exertion of participants after using Zimmer frame and walking cane was within 4.06 ± 1.35 and 3.98 ± 1.26, respectively, as opposed to 3.08 ± 0.73 after ambulation without aid. Use of Zimmer frame provided enough balance for participants.

Conclusion:

Ambulatory mobility devices caused difference in cardiovascular parameters when compared to ambulation at rest and without aid. It was recommended that selection of ambulatory mobility aid devices should depend on objective mobility assessments and periodical re-evaluation to ensure that it suits a person’s functional requirements and physical capabilities.
Surgical repositioning with omentalisation of an exposed subcutaneous ureteral bypass shunting port in a cat
Authors: Lee Shi Min , Tuan Jayson
Published: June 2024

Case summary

A 9-year-old, spayed, female domestic shorthair cat presented with an open wound approximately 1 cm in size with exposure of the left subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) shunting port that was placed approximately 11 months before presentation. Primary closures were attempted twice before local wound management with omentalisation and repositioning of the port. The exposed port was lavaged topically with a polyhexanide and propylbetaine wound irrigation solution before omentalisation and repositioning, resulting in successful retention of the implant. Five months after revision and omentalisation, there was complete coverage and healing of the wound.

Relevance and novel information

Adequate topical treatment, repositioning and omentalisation could be a successful treatment option for the uncommon complication of SUB shunting port extrusion secondary to resistant local infection originating from the urinary tract.
Assessing the Disruption Impact on Healthcare Delivery
Authors: Fatani Maymunah , Shamayleh Abdulrahim , Alshraideh Hussam
Published: June 2024

Health emergency outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic make it challenging for healthcare systems to ration medical resources and patient care. Such disastrous events have been increasing over the past years and are becoming inevitable, necessitating the need for healthcare to be well-prepared and resilient to unpredictable rises in demand. Quantitative and qualitative based decision support systems increase the effectiveness of planning, alleviating uncertainties associated with the crisis. This study aims to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the performance of healthcare systems in different areas and to address the associated disruption. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates among healthcare workers who worked during the pandemic. The pandemic-related disruption and its psychometric properties were assessed using Structural Equations Modeling (SEM) with 5 latent factors: Staff Mental Health, Communication Level, Planning and Readiness, Healthcare Supply Chain, and Telehealth. Responses from highly qualified participants with many years of experience in hospital settings were collected and analyzed. Results show that the model satisfactorily fits the data with a CLI of 0.91 and TLI of 0.88. The model indicates that enhancing supply chain management, planning, telehealth usage, and communication level across the healthcare system can mitigate the disruption. However, the lack of mental health management for healthcare workers can significantly disrupt the quality of delivered care. Staff mental health and healthcare supply chain, respectively, are the highest contributors to varying degrees of disruption in healthcare delivery. This study provides a direction for more research focusing on determinants of healthcare efficiency. It also provides decision-makers insights into the main factors leading to disruptions in healthcare systems, allowing them to shape their outbreak response and better prepare for future health emergencies.
Indonesia’s Women: Corruption Is a Normal Thing (Survey of Women’s Perception of Corruption in Indonesia)
Authors: Wulandari Astri , Fitriawan Rana A. , Nugroho Catur , Nurdiarti Rosalia P. , Nastain M. , Nasionalita Kharisma
Published: June 2024

This research is quantitative research with a survey method that aims to obtain and determine the level of perception, namely on situational factors, perception factors, and object factors with research subjects namely women in 34 provinces in Indonesia. The sample in this study was women with an age range of 16 to 45 years with a total sample of 1,171 respondents and the distribution of research questionnaires was carried out online. The research finds that the situation factor which became the first indicator in this study, there were six questions given with an average of 78.62 or in the very good category range. The second indicator is the perception factor with eight questions that get an average of 60.34 so that it is included in the good category. The third indicator is the object factor with six questions that have a higher average value of 88.82 with an excellent category. This shows that the index of women’s perceptions of corruption cases in Indonesia has a very good index on the object factor, a good index on the situation factor, and a good index on the perception factor. However, women in Indonesia also perceive corruption as a normal thing and it has even become a culture in people’s lives. Therefore, it can be interpreted that corruption cases become objects or targets of events that are very influential in the minds or perceptions of women in Indonesia.
How Foreign Institutional Investors’ Ownership Affects Stock Liquidity? Evidence from China
Authors: Lai Fujun , Wu Qiong , Xiong Deping , Zhu Sha
Published: June 2024

Our paper investigates how qualified foreign institutional investors (QFII) impact stock liquidity in the Chinese A-share market using data for 2005 to 2019. Contrary to previous findings, we find that QFII enhance stock liquidity. Specifically, QFII’s participation is negatively associated with the individual stock illiquidity and positively related to stock trading volume. Moreover, using a step-by-step procedure, we provide evidence that QFII raises stock liquidity by ameliorating information asymmetry. QFII will attract more market attention and improve firm disclosure quality. We address possible endogeneity with fixed effects and instrumental variables, and our findings are robust to self-selection bias, stock market shocks, and alternative explanatory variables.
The Price of Success: Balancing the Effects of Entrepreneurial Commitment, Work-Family Conflict on Entrepreneurial Performance
Authors: Wang Jiao , Wang Xiaomei
Published: June 2024

This study aims to broaden the current knowledge on the effect of entrepreneurial commitment on entrepreneurial performance. Specifically, this study investigates how entrepreneurial commitment affects entrepreneurial performance through the mediation effect of family-work conflict, and the moderation effect of organization-family support. Using survey data collected from 246 China’s entrepreneurs, this study finds that entrepreneurial commitment affects entrepreneurial performance through family-work conflict/enhancement. In addition, organization-family support has a negatively moderating effect on the relationship of family-work conflict and entrepreneurial performance, and a positively moderating effect on the relationship of family-work enhancement and entrepreneurial performance. This study contributes theoretically to the literature on the relationship of entrepreneurial commitment and entrepreneurial performance through family-work conflict/enhancement, which can help entrepreneurs balance the entrepreneur and family identities.
Effect of atomization on the composition and structure of recombinant humanized collagen type III
Authors: Cheng Ningwen , Zhang Xinyue , Wang Jian , Li Danfeng , Li Ling , Hu Huan , Qu Tingli
Published: June 2024

Atomization is a treatment method to make inhaled liquids into aerosols and transport them to target organs in the form of fog or smoke. It has the advantages of improving the bioavailability of drugs, being painless, and non-invasive, and is now widely used in the treatment of lung and oral lesions. Aerosol inhalation as the route of administration of therapeutic proteins holds significant promise due to its ability to achieve high bioavailability in non-invasive pathways. Currently, a great number of therapeutic proteins such as alpha-1 antitrypsin and Dornase alfa are effective. Recombinant humanized collagen type III (rhCol III) as a therapeutic protein is widely used in the biomedical field, but atomization is not a common route of administration for rhCol III, presenting great potential for development. However, the structural stability of recombinant humanized collagen after atomization needs further investigation. This study demonstrated that the rhCol III subjected to atomization through compressed air had retained its original molecular weights, triple helical structures, and the ability to promote cell adhesion. In other words, the rhCol III can maintain its stability after undergoing atomization. Although more research is required to determine the efficacy and safety of the rhCol III after atomization, this study can lay the groundwork for future research.
An Updated Data Portrait of Heterosexual, Gay/Lesbian, Bisexual, and Other Sexual Minorities in the United States
Authors: Stacey Lawrence
Published: June 2024

Sexual minorities are a rapidly growing population, with recent estimates showing a two-fold increase in the percentage of sexual minorities over the past decade. Working with relatively few measures to identify sexual minorities, social scientists have amassed an impressive amount of evidence on inequality by sexuality. Despite this remarkable work, I argue that it is important to take a step back analytically and re-assess sexual minorities from a descriptive standpoint. Using population-level data from the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, I provide unadjusted estimates of sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and family characteristics by sexual identity. Results reveal that sexual minorities are younger, are more racially diverse, and concentrate in different parts of the country than heterosexuals. Similarly, sexual minorities have remarkably different socioeconomic lives than heterosexuals, who enjoy higher annual household incomes, achieve higher educational attainment, and are more likely to be homeowners. Sexual minorities are also less likely to be married than heterosexuals. I conclude by highlighting that descriptive research can illuminate compositional differences between sexual minorities and heterosexuals; provide rationales for adjusting for certain characteristics that might confound relationships between sexual identity and numerous outcomes; and highlight potential explanatory mechanisms to make better sense of well-established findings regarding sexual minority disadvantage.
Fathers Nutrition Knowledge and Child Feeding Practices Associated with Childhood Overweight and Obesity: A Scoping Review of Literature From 2000 to 2023
Authors: Bawa Siddique Gbanha , Haldeman Lauren
Published: June 2024

Objective. Childhood overweight/obesity is a serious global public health issue, demanding parental involvement to reverse trends. Despite fathers’ crucial parenting roles, research on fathers and childhood overweight/obesity is limited. This scoping review examines the literature on fathers’ nutrition knowledge and feeding practices with childhood overweight/obesity. Methods. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework, multiple databases were searched. Eligible father-child related studies focused on fathers’ nutrition knowledge, feeding practices, and childhood overweight/obesity. Results. Of 26 eligible articles, 52% originated from the United States, and 44% focused on father-child dyads. Most studies were cross-sectional (64%) and survey-based (68%). Further, 11.5% assessed fathers’ nutrition knowledge, and child feeding practices (53.4%). Conclusion. Literature on fathers’ nutrition knowledge and feeding practices concerning childhood overweight/obesity is limited. Scaling-up fathers’ inclusion in childhood nutrition research is encouraged for the design of holistic interventions.
Visualising the academic mobility of Nobel laureates
Authors: Gao Quan , Wei Nan , Zhang Qian , Zhou Siyu , Xie Jing
Published: June 2024

The academic mobility of Nobel laureates (NLs) epitomises not only the inter-urban knowledge flows and networks but also the spatial evolution of the world’s scientific hubs. Yet the understanding of the mobility and patterns of Nobel laureates’ scholarly migration remains limited. To address this gap, we elucidate the trajectories of academic mobility for 734 Nobel laureates and how their migratory patterns change in different geopolitical eras by establishing a life-course database encompassing NLs in science and economics from 1901 to 2023. First, the migratory patterns of NLs have evolved from multi-cored diversification in Phase A (–1945) to polarisation in Phase B (1946–1991) and to re-diversification in Phase C (1992–2023). Second, the academic mobility of NLs, and especially their international mobility, has significantly declined over the past century, which contrasts with other observations that scientists tend to be more mobile as globalisation advances.
Xenocentric responsiveness: Challenges and future directions. Response to the commentaries
Authors: Streib Heinz
Published: June 2024

This article presents responses to the 13 commentaries of colleagues to my text “Wisdom and the Other” that is published as target article in this special issue. My response deals with three questions that have been addressed throughout several commentaries: 1. What is the contribution of xenocentric responsiveness to wisdom research, does xenocentric responsiveness aspire to constitute a new model of wisdom? 2. What happens with xenocentric responsiveness in the face of extreme challenges, when alterity is abhorrently violating human rights and posing a threat? 3. Is there a research agenda? How can pathos and responsiveness, how can the development of xenocentric responsiveness be empirically investigated?
Environmental peacebuilding in protracted refugee situations: The camp, refugee–host conflict and pathways to peaceful co-existence
Authors: Cavanagh Tom
Published: June 2024

The number of people in displacement settings has grown steadily over the past decades. As refugees spend extended periods outside their home countries, new pressures have emerged in and around refugee camps, bringing refugees and host communities into conflict. Camp-based refugees have been blamed for increased environmental degradation rates, resource scarcity, reduced livelihood opportunities and other social and environmental problems. Many theorists have resorted to presenting these conflicts as an inevitable result of increased the pressure on the surrounding environment and its resources. This article challenges these notions and argues for an understanding of the spatial effects of the refugee camp. It will be argued that environmental resources can be a viable pathway towards a peaceful, sustainable and durable solution to protracted refugee situations rather than a conflict driver. Using the example of Ghana’s experience as a refugee–hosting country, it examines the impact of protracted refugee situations on refugees and host communities, demonstrating how compounding pressures have led to conflicts between the two groups over time. Potential environmental peacebuilding interventions are examined to understand the wide-ranging benefits that cooperation over environmental resources can bring to communities in conflict.
Commentary With Study Protocol: Implementation and Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) as an Adjunct to Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (IMPOWR-MORE)
Authors: Cooperman Nina A. , Shen Jincheng , Gordon Adam J. , Garland Eric L.
Published: June 2024

Traditional methadone treatment (MT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) fails to systematically address the physical pain, emotion dysregulation, and reward processing deficits that co-occur with OUD, and novel interventions that address these issues are needed to improve MT outcomes. Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) remediates the hedonic dysregulation in brain reward systems that is associated with OUD. Our pilot and phase 2 randomized controlled trials of MORE were the first to demonstrate MORE’s feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy as delivered in MT clinics; MORE significantly reduced drug use (eg, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cocaine, marijuana, opioids, and other drugs), craving, depression, anxiety, and pain among people with OUD. However, uptake of novel, efficacious interventions like MORE may be slow in MT because time and resources are often limited. Therefore, to best address potential implementation issues and to optimize future MORE implementation and dissemination, in this study, we will utilize a Type 2, Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness study design. We will not only evaluate MORE’s effectiveness but also assess barriers and facilitators to integrating MORE into MT. MT clinicians will receive training in (1) a higher intensity MORE implementation strategy consisting of training in the full MORE treatment manual or (2) a minimal intensity implementation strategy consisting of a simple, scripted mindfulness practice (SMP) extracted from the MORE treatment manual with minimal training. We aim to: (1) using a Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, examine barriers and facilitators to implementation of MORE and SMP in MT, and evaluate strategies for optimizing training, fidelity, and engagement, (2) optimize existing MORE and SMP training and implementation toolkits, including adaptable resources that can accelerate the translation of evidence into practice, and (3) compared to usual MT, evaluate the relative effectiveness of MORE plus MT or SMP plus MT (N = 450).
Damped rigid substructure system for seismic protection of structures
Authors: Towfighi Saeed
Published: June 2024

Building codes commonly accept inelastic deformations that inevitably occur due to seismic excursions in structures. To control the damage, limits on the inelastic deformations have been established. Standard passive energy dissipation systems have been used to reduce the damage, generally with some effectiveness. The damped rigid substructure (DRS) passive damping system, proposed in this article, geometrically amplifies the damper displacements and exerts a re-centering force, leading to effective discharge of the seismic energy to the extent that structural damage can be prevented. This is achieved using common damped and undamped diagonals arranged per implementation and design principles introduced in this article. The DRS system can considerably reduce material consumption and construction costs, leading to more sustainable structures when seismic forces govern the design. It can also benefit from the usage of high-strength materials to enhance its re-centering mechanism. The system is adaptable to the architectural needs and can be used for all categories of importance and height variation, made of steel or concrete.
Zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles as a potential solution for controlling Phytophthora infestans, the late blight disease of potatoes
Authors: AlHarethi Amira A. , Abdullah Qais Y. , AlJobory Hala J. , Anam AbdulRahman M. , Arafa Ramadan A. , Farroh Khaled Y.
Published: June 2024

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is a major potato disease globally, leading to significant economic losses of $6.7 billion. To address this issue, we evaluated the antifungal activity of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles (NPs) against P. infestans for the first time in laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Nanoparticles were synthesized via a chemical precipitation method and characterized using various techniques. The XRD results revealed that the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles had a pure hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure, whereas the CuO NPs had a monoclinic crystalline structure. TEM images confirmed the synthesis of quasi-spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 11.5 nm for ZnO NPs and 24.5 nm for CuO NPs. The UV–Vis Spectral Report showed peaks corresponding to ZnO NPs at 364 nm and 252 nm for CuO NPs.In an in vitro study, both ZnO and CuO NPs significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the radial growth of P. infestans at all tested concentrations compared to the untreated control. The highest inhibitory effect of 100% was observed with ZnO and CuO NPs at 30 mg/L. A lower inhibition of 60.4% was observed with 10 mg/L CuO NPs. Under greenhouse conditions, 100 mg/L ZnO NPs was the most effective treatment for controlling potato late blight, with an efficacy of 71%. CuO NPs at 100 mg/L followed closely, with an efficacy of 69%. Based on these results, ZnO and CuO NPs are recommended as promising eco-friendly fungicides for the management and control of potato late blight after further research.

Graphical abstract
Building trees by juggling information and following rules: an expert interview study on tree-building and phylogenetic inference
Authors: Tyrrell Steven , Schmiemann Philipp
Published: June 2024

Tree-thinking is a fundamental skill set for understanding evolutionary theory and, thus, part of biological and scientific literacy. Research on this topic is mostly directed towards tree-reading—the umbrella-term for all skills enabling a person to gather and infer information from a given tree. Tree-building or phylogenetic inference as the second complementary sub-skill-set, encompassing all skills which enable a person to build a phylogenetic tree from given data, is not understood as well. To understand this topic we conducted think-aloud-tasks with tree-building experts and conducted supplementary guided interviews with them. We used school-like character tables, as they are common in high schools for the experts to build trees and audio-recorded their speech while building the trees. Analyzing the transcripts of the tasks we could find a basic methodology for building trees and define a set of backbone-skills of tree-building. Those are based on an iterative cycle going through phases of organizing information, searching and setting taxa/characters, organizing and checking oneself. All experts used simple guidelines, either deploying maximum parsimony to arrive at a solution or relying heavily on their previous knowledge. From that, we were able to utilize our result to formulate a guideline and helpful suggestions especially for beginners and novices in the field of tree-building to develop a better understanding of this topic.
In vitro effect-based monitoring of water, sediment and soil from a floodplain restoration site in Central Europe
Authors: Kuschik-Maczollek Nina , Glock Malte , Schmitz Markus , Hollert Henner , Krauss Martin , Piotrowska Aleksandra , Brack Werner , Oehlmann Jörg
Published: June 2024

Background

Floodplains are biodiversity hotspots and provide numerous ecosystem services. In recent decades, however, 70–90% of Europe’s floodplains have been structurally degraded. Accordingly, many (inter-)national programs aim to restore and protect floodplain ecosystems. The success of such measures also depends on the chemical contamination, especially of floodplain soils and sediments, which serve as sinks and sources for a variety of pollutants. In this study, we assess the current ecotoxicological status of a floodplain restoration site along the Main River (Frankfurt am Main, Germany) and estimate its development potential with respect to the influence of a local industrial plant and potential legacy contaminations. We therefore use in vitro effect-based methods (EBMs) testing for baseline toxicity, mutagenicity, dioxin-like and estrogenic activities, coupled with chemical analysis.

Results

Of all water bodies analyzed, the overall toxicity was highest in two flood depressions. In the respective water phase, estrogenic activities exceeded the environmental quality standard and sediment samples were positive for all tested endpoints. Chemical analysis of these sediments revealed high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Soil samples from frequently flooded areas showed the highest mutagenic potential for both frameshift and point mutations with and without metabolic activation. The industrial effluent showed baseline toxic, mutagenic, and dioxin-like activities, that were highly diluted in the Main River. In turn, most of the sediment samples downstream of the industrial discharge showed significantly elevated baseline toxic, estrogenic and dioxin-like activities as well as increased chemical contamination.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, we rate the overall ecotoxicological status of a recently established tributary and groundwater-fed ponds as good, and identified two flood depressions near the Main River as hot spots of contamination. We assume that the observed mutagenicity in the floodplain soils is related to legacy contaminations from former aniline and azo dye production. In terms of the development potential of the floodplain restoration site, we emphasize considering the remobilization of pollutants from these soils and suppose that, in the long term, pollution of the Main River and the local industrial plant may negatively impact sediment quality in its tributaries. With this study, we confirmed the utility of in vitro EBMs for identifying chemically and ecotoxicologically relevant sites.
The de novo, chromosome-level genome assembly of the sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Cv. Marrone Di Chiusa Pesio
Authors: Bianco Luca , Fontana Paolo , Marchesini Alexis , Torre Sara , Moser Mirko , Piazza Stefano , Alessandri Sara , Pavese Vera , Pollegioni Paola , Vernesi Cristiano , Malnoy Mickael , Torello Marinoni Daniela , Murolo Sergio , Dondini Luca , Mattioni Claudia , Botta Roberto , Sebastiani Federico , Micheletti Diego , Palmieri Luisa
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The sweet chestnut Castanea sativa Mill. is the only native Castanea species in Europe, and it is a tree of high economic value that provides appreciated fruits and valuable wood. In this study, we assembled a high-quality nuclear genome of the ancient Italian chestnut variety ‘Marrone di Chiusa Pesio’ using a combination of Oxford Nanopore Technologies long reads, whole-genome and Omni-C Illumina short reads.

Data description

The genome was assembled into 238 scaffolds with an N50 size of 21.8 Mb and an N80 size of 7.1 Mb for a total assembled sequence of 750 Mb. The BUSCO assessment revealed that 98.6% of the genome matched the embryophyte dataset, highlighting good completeness of the genetic space. After chromosome-level scaffolding, 12 chromosomes with a total length of 715.8 and 713.0 Mb were constructed for haplotype 1 and haplotype 2, respectively. The repetitive elements represented 37.3% and 37.4% of the total assembled genome in haplotype 1 and haplotype 2, respectively. A total of 57,653 and 58,146 genes were predicted in the two haplotypes, and approximately 73% of the genes were functionally annotated using the EggNOG-mapper. The assembled genome will be a valuable resource and reference for future chestnut breeding and genetic improvement.
Comparison of the effect of two recruitment manoeuvres to conventional ventilation on lung atelectasis in paediatric laparoscopic surgery- a prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jain Aditi , Bhardwaj Neerja , Yaddanapudi Sandhya , Sen Indu Mohini , Mathew Preethy
Published: June 2024

Background

There is a high incidence of pulmonary atelectasis during paediatric laparoscopic surgeries. The authors hypothesised that utilising a recruitment manoeuvre or using continuous positive airway pressure may prevent atelectasis compared to conventional ventilation.

Objective

The primary objective was to compare the degree of lung atelectasis diagnosed by lung ultrasound (LUS) using three different ventilation techniques in children undergoing laparoscopic surgeries.

Design

Randomised, prospective three-arm trial.

Setting

Single institute, tertiary care, teaching hospital.

Patients

Children of ASA PS 1 and 2 up to the age of 10 years undergoing laparoscopic surgery with pneumoperitoneum lasting for more than 30 min.

Intervention

Random allocation to one of the three study groups:

CG group: Inspiratory pressure adjusted to achieve a TV of 5–8 ml/kg, PEEP of 5 cm H2O, respiratory rate adjusted to maintain end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) between 30-40 mm Hg with manual ventilation and no PEEP at induction.

RM group: A recruitment manoeuvre of providing a constant pressure of 30 cm H2O for ten seconds following intubation was applied. A PEEP of 10 cm H2O was maintained intraoperatively.

CPAP group: Intraoperative maintenance with PEEP 10 cm H2O with CPAP of 10 cm H2O at induction using mechanical ventilation was done.

Outcome measures

Lung atelectasis score at closure assessed by LUS.

Results

Post induction, LUS was comparable in all three groups. At the time of closure, the LUS for the RM group (8.6 ± 4.9) and the CPAP group (8.8 ± 6.8) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the CG group (13.3 ± 3.8). In CG and CPAP groups, the score at closure was significantly higher than post-induction. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the RM group (437.1 ± 44.9) and CPAP group (421.6 ± 57.5) than the CG group (361.3 ± 59.4) at the time of pneumoperitoneum.

Conclusion

Application of a recruitment manoeuvre post-intubation or CPAP during induction and maintenance with a high PEEP leads to less atelectasis than conventional ventilation during laparoscopic surgery in paediatric patients.

Trial registry.

CTRI/2019/08/02058.
BETTER LIFE- guidelines for chronic disease preventive care for people aged 18–39 years: a literature review
Authors: Moqueet Nasheed , Cornacchi Sylvie D. , Antony Jesmin , Khalil Ielaf , Manca Donna , Fernandes Carolina , Paszat Lawrence , Aubrey-Bassler Kris , Grunfeld Eva , Sopcak Nicolette , Pinto Andrew , Konkin Jill , Nykiforuk Candace , Rabeneck Linda , Selby Peter , Wall Becky , O’Brien Mary Ann , Lofters Aisha
Published: June 2024

Background

The original ‘BETTER’ (Building on Existing Tools To Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care) approach consisted of a prevention-focused visit between participants aged 40–65 years and a “Prevention Practitioner” (PP), who empowered the participant to set achievable prevention and screening goals for cancers and chronic diseases. BETTER was successfully adapted for economically deprived communities (BETTER HEALTH) in Canada. Our objective was to conduct a review of guidelines in preparation for adapting the ‘BETTER HEALTH’ approach for younger adults aged 18–39 years living with lower income, a group known to have earlier mortality due to a higher prevalence of preventable chronic diseases than their peers with higher income.

Methods

We searched multiple electronic databases and grey literature for clinical practice guidelines on prevention/screening and included those that met the following criteria: published in English from 2008–2020 in Canada or any of the following countries (Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States and England); and addressed prevention or screening. We assessed quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool and extracted data (publication details, recommendations, and Quality/Level of evidence as reported by authors) from sources with overall scores of 5 or higher. Final recommendations were compiled after harmonization with input from diverse stakeholders (co-investigators, PPs, and the Community Advisory Committee).

Results

We included a total of 85 guidelines, and developed a final list of 42 recommendations for 18–39 year-olds across 21 topics. Specific recommendations fell under the following topics: cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, lifestyle (alcohol; healthy nutrition/physical activity); healthy relationships and healthy sexuality, immunization, oral health, social determinants of health, and substance use.

Conclusion

We identified evidence-based guidelines on individual-level prevention/screening actions for adults 18–39 years old and relevant for those living with lower income which will directly inform development and implementation of the BETTER LIFE intervention.
Reducing disparities in behavioral health treatment in pediatric primary care: a randomized controlled trial comparing Partnering to Achieve School Success (PASS) to usual ADHD care for children ages 5 to 11 – study protocol
Authors: Mautone Jennifer A. , Holdaway Alex , Chan Wendy , Michel Jeremy J. , Guevara James P. , Davis Amala , Desrochers Colette , Evans Erica , Gajary Zia , Leavy Siobhan , Rios Danah , Tremont Katie L. , Cacia Jaclyn , Schwartz Billie S. , Jawad Abbas F. , Power Thomas J.
Published: June 2024

Background

Integrating behavioral health services into pediatric primary care can improve access to care, especially for children marginalized by poverty and racial/ethnic minority status. In primary care, a common presenting concern is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Services in primary care for marginalized children with ADHD typically include medication alone; therapy to improve skills and build relationships is less available. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention offered through primary care for marginalized families coping with ADHD (Partnering to Achieve School Success, PASS) compared to treatment as usual (TAU).

Method

Three hundred participants will be randomly assigned to PASS or TAU. Participants include children ages 5 to 11 who have ADHD and are from economically marginalized families. PASS is a personalized, enhanced behavioral intervention that includes evidence-based behavior therapy strategies and enhancements to promote family engagement, increase caregiver distress tolerance, and provide team-based care to improve academic and behavioral functioning. TAU includes services offered by primary care providers and referral for integrated behavioral health or community mental health services. Outcomes will be assessed at mid-treatment (8 weeks after baseline), post-treatment (16 weeks), and follow-up (32 weeks) using parent- and teacher-report measures of service use, child academic, behavioral, and social functioning, parenting practices, family empowerment, and team-based care. Mixed effects models will examine between-group differences at post-treatment and follow-up. Analyses will examine the mediating role of parenting practices, family empowerment, and team-based care. Subgroup analyses will examine differential effects of intervention by child clinical characteristics and socioeconomic factors.

Discussion

This study is unique in targeting a population of children with ADHD marginalized by low socioeconomic resources and examining an intervention designed to address the challenges of families coping with chronic stress related to poverty.

Trial registration

This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04082234) on September 5, 2019, prior to enrollment of the first participant. The current version of the protocol and IRB approval date is October 4, 2023. Results will be submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov no later than 30 days prior to the due date for the submission of the draft of the final research report to the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
One-year mortality risk in older individuals with femoral intertrochanteric fracture: a tertiary center in China
Authors: Hao Youliang , Wang Ruideng , Chen Zhengyang , Zhou Fang , Ji Hongquan , Tian Yun , Zhang Zhishan , Guo Yan , Lv Yang , Yang Zhongwei , Hou Guojin
Published: June 2024

Background

The accelerated growth of older individuals worldwide has increased the number of patients presenting with fragility hip fractures. Having a hip fracture can cause excess mortality, and patients with hip fracture have a higher risk of death than those without hip fracture. Most studies have treated hip fracture as a single, homogeneous condition, but hip fracture includes two major anatomic types: intertrochanteric fracture and femoral neck fracture. Few studies have specifically evaluated 1-year mortality risk in older individuals with femoral intertrochanteric fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate 1-year mortality and factors associated with mortality in older individuals with femoral intertrochanteric fracture.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of 563 patients ≥ 65 years old who underwent surgery for femoral intertrochanteric fractures at our institution between January 2010 and August 2018. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and treatment were collected by retrospective chart review. Age, sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), Arbeitsgemeinschaft Für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) fracture classification, haemoglobin value at admission, time to surgery, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss were risk factors to be tested. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between variables and death.

Results

Among the 563 patients, 49 died within 1 year after surgery, and the 1-year mortality rate was 8.7%. Multivariate analysis identified age > 80 years (OR = 4.038, P = 0.011), haemoglobin < 100 g/l (OR = 2.732, P = 0.002), ASA score ≥ 3 (OR = 2.551, P = 0.005), CCI ≥ 3 (OR = 18.412, P = 0.018) and time to surgery > 14 d (OR = 3.907, P = 0.030) as independent risk factors for 1-year mortality. Comorbidities such as myocardial infarction and chronic pulmonary disease were associated with 1-year mortality after adjusting for age > 80 years and time to surgery > 14 days.

Conclusions

Patients over 80 years old with haemoglobin < 100 g/l, ASA score ≥ 3, CCI ≥ 3, and multiple comorbidities, especially myocardial infarction and chronic pulmonary disease before surgery, are at a higher risk of 1-year mortality. Doctors should pay more attention to these vulnerable patients, and a surgical delay greater than 14 days should be avoided.
Combined clinical significance of MRI and serum mannose-binding lectin in the prediction of spinal tuberculosis
Authors: Qi Fei , Luo Lei , Qu Chuangye , Bao Weibing , Wang Wenqi , Zhu Xiaozhong , Wu Dengjiang
Published: June 2024

Background

Spinal tuberculosis (STB) is a local manifestation of systemic infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, accounting for a significant proportion of joint tuberculosis cases. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of MRI combined with mannose-binding lectin (MBL) for STB.

Methods

124 patients suspected of having STB were collected and divided into STB and non-STB groups according to their pathological diagnosis. Serum MBL levels were measured using ELISA and a Pearson analysis was constructed to determine the correlation between MBL and STB. ROC was plotted to analyze their diagnostic value for STB. All the subjects included in the study underwent an MRI.

Results

The sensitivity of MRI for the diagnosis of STB was 84.38% and specificity was 86.67%. The serum MBL levels of the patients in the STB group were significantly lower than the levels in the non-STB group. ROC analysis results indicated that serum MBL’s area under the curve (AUC) for diagnosis of STB was 0.836, with a sensitivity of 82.3% and a specificity was 77.4%. The sensitivity of MRI combined with MBL diagnosis was 96.61%, and the specificity was 92.31%, indicating that combining the two diagnostic methods was more effective than using either one alone.

Conclusions

Both MRI and MBL had certain diagnostic values for STB, but their combined use resulted in a diagnostic accuracy than either one alone.
Hepatitis B virus infection as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Danjing , Yu Rong , Yin Shuo , Qiu Wenxin , Fang Jiangwang , Peng Xian-e
Published: June 2024

Background

Currently, several studies have observed that chronic hepatitis B virus infection is associated with the pathogenesis of kidney disease. However, the extent of the correlation between hepatitis B virus infection and the chronic kidney disease risk remains controversial.

Methods

In the present study, we searched all eligible literature in seven databases in English and Chinese. The random effects model was used to conduct a meta-analysis. Quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Scale.

Results

In this analysis, a total of 31 studies reporting the association between hepatitis B virus infection and chronic kidney disease risk were included. The results showed a significant positive association between hepatitis B virus infection and the risk of chronic kidney disease (pooled OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.12–1.29), which means that hepatitis B virus increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion

This study found that hepatitis B virus infection was associated with a significantly increased risk of chronic kidney disease. However, the current study still cannot directly determine this causal relationship. Thus, more comprehensive prospective longitudinal studies are needed in the future to provide further exploration and explanation of the association between hepatitis B virus and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.