bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sarcopenia on Outcome of Exercise Therapy in Older Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Kasahara Ryuichi , Fujita Takaaki , Jinbo Ryohei , Kubota Junko , Takano Aya , Takahashi Shoko , Ohashi Yuka , Jinbo Kazumi , Yamamoto Yuichi , Kai Tatsuyuki , Shiga Yutaka , Kimura Hideo , Furukawa Miki , Owari Mai , Morishita Shinichiro
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise therapy on physical function and quality of life (QOL) in older patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma undergoing inpatient chemotherapy, including differences between patients with and without sarcopenia.

Methods:

Thirty-one inpatients aged 70 years or older participated in this study. Grip and knee extensor strength, 6-minute walking test, body composition, nutritional status, fatigue and health-related QOL at admission and discharge were compared. In addition, the patients were classified into sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic groups, and a comparison between admission and discharge and 2-way ANOVA were performed.

Results:

Overall, grip strength and skeletal muscle mass were significantly lower at discharge than at admission ( P < .05); however, QOL significantly improved ( P < .05). In the non-sarcopenia group, grip strength, right knee extension muscle strength, and skeletal muscle mass were all significantly lower at discharge than at admission ( P < .05); however, this was not the case in the sarcopenia group. In terms of QOL, improvements were observed in different items in the non-sarcopenia and sarcopenia groups. There was a significant interaction between admission to discharge time period and sarcopenia regarding left grip strength, right knee extensor strength, and QOL.

Conclusion:

Exercise therapy is effective in improving QOL in older non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients undergoing inpatient chemotherapy. However, the effect of exercise therapy and optimal exercise load may differ between non-sarcopenia and sarcopenia patients. Therefore, it is necessary to consider exercise therapy in the future, taking into account the presence or absence of sarcopenia.
Age Differences in the Associations Between Incarceration and Subsequent Substance Use, Sexual Risk-Taking, and Incident STI Among Black Sexual Minority Men and Black Transgender Women in the HIV Prevention Trials 061 Cohort
Authors: Feelemyer Jonathan , Abrams Jasmyn , Mazumdar Medha , Irvine Natalia M. , Scheidell Joy D. , Turpin Rodman E. , Dyer Typhanye V. , Brewer Russell A. , Hucks-Ortiz Christopher , Caniglia Ellen C. , Remch Molly , Scanlon Faith , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Sandh Simon , Cleland Charles M. , Mayer Kenneth H. , Khan Maria R.
Published: November 2023

Incarceration can lead to different risk behaviors often due to increased distress and disruption of social networks. It is not well known, however, how these associations may differ by age. In this study, we measure age differences in longitudinal associations between incarceration and substance use, sex risk, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) among Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women (BSMM/BTW). We recruited BSMM/BTW from 2009 to 2011 that were part of the HIV Prevention Trials Network 061 study. We compared those less than 30 years old ( n = 375) to those 30 years old or greater ( n = 794) examining substance use, sex risk, and STI infection stratified by age. Logistic regression with inverse probability weighting was used for the statistical analysis. Approximately 59% of the sample reported incarceration history. In adjusted analysis, incarceration was more strongly associated with alcohol use and stimulant use among older individuals as was sexual risk behaviors including buying and selling sex. Concurrent partnerships were associated with the younger age groups. STI incidence was associated with younger individuals while associations with HIV infection were similar for the two age groups. Understanding differences in substance use and STI risk among age cohorts is imperative to the design and implementation of re-entry programs. Younger BSMM/BTW participating in re-entry support programs may benefit in particular from HIV/STI prevention and care efforts, while post-release substance abuse treatment and harm reduction programs should target older individuals with continued substance abuse.
Design and analysis of a passive knee assisted exoskeleton
Authors: Zhou Yawen , Wang Xupeng , Tang Xinyao , Ji Xiaomin , Gao Zhu
Published: November 2023

In order to reduce the impact of knee injury and energy consumption during exercise, an unpowered exoskeleton was proposed based on the characteristics of ergonomics and human lower limb gait. The device is assisted by a double spring mechanism and worn parallel to the knee joint. The metabolic energy of the human body is reduced by compensating for the energy loss the lower limbs negative work. At the same time, the elastic energy storage element is simulated and analyzed in ANSYS software, and the corresponding relationship between the size of energy storage unit and strain energy is determined, so as to realize the parameter matching design and application of energy storage unit. Finally, the effectiveness of the exoskeleton is proved by analyzing EMG data and human knee torque data. The experimental results showing that the exoskeleton has a good assistant effect, and can achieve the purpose of daily walking assistance.
Knowledge of the health consequences of heavy alcohol consumption among individuals with different substance use statuses: A cross-sectional analysis of 2019 HINT Survey
Authors: Lin Wenxue
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess and compare knowledge of the health consequences of heavy alcohol consumption among individuals with different substance use statuses.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional study design to analyze the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 5, Cycle 3 (2019). Participants were classified into four categories based on their substance use status: (a) nonsmoker and nondrinkers; (b) nonsmokers but drinkers; (c) smokers but nondrinkers; and (d) smokers and drinkers. Weighted logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the association between knowledge of heavy alcohol consumption and health conditions by participants’ substance use status.

Results

More than 79% of participants were aware that drinking too much alcohol causes liver disease. However, less than 40% of them realized that heavy alcohol consumption also contributes to cancer. The odds of correctly identifying heavy alcohol consumption as a risk factor for diabetes were 3.00 times (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29,7.00) higher among smokers but nondrinkers than smokers and alcohol drinkers. Education level was significantly associated with participants’ awareness of risk factor (p < 0.01).

Discussion

There is an urgent need for targeted educational campaigns and interventions to increase understanding of the impact of heavy alcohol consumption on cancer risk.
Dehydrocorydaline alleviates sleep deprivation-induced persistent postoperative pain in adolescent mice through inhibiting microglial P2Y12 receptor expression in the spinal cord
Authors: Yang Haikou , Zhang Yufeng , Duan Qingling , Ni Kun , Jiao Yang , Zhu Jixiang , Sun Jian , Zhang Wei , Ma Zhengliang
Published: November 2023

During adolescence, a second period of central nervous system (CNS) plasticity that follows the fetal period, which involves sleep deprivation (SD), becomes apparent. SD during adolescence may result in abnormal development of neural circuits, causing imbalance in neuronal excitation and inhibition, which not only results in pain, but increases the chances of developing emotion disorders in adulthood, such as anxiety and depression. The quantity of surgeries during adolescence is also consistently on the rise, yet the impact and underlying mechanism of preoperative SD on postoperative pain remain unexplored. This study demonstrates that preoperative SD induces upregulation of the P2Y12 receptor, which is exclusively expressed on spinal microglia, and phosphorylation of its downstream signaling pathway p38Mitogen-activated protein/Nuclear transcription factor-κB (p38MAPK/NF-κB)in spinal microglia, thereby promoting microglia activation and microglial transformation into the proinflammatory M1 phenotype, resulting in increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines that exacerbate persisting postoperative incisional pain in adolescent mice. Both intrathecal minocycline (a microglia activation inhibitor) and MRS2395 (a P2Y12 receptor blocker) effectively suppressed microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression. Interestingly, supplementation with dehydrocorydaline (DHC), an extract of Rhizoma Corydalis, inhibited the P2Y12/p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, microglia activation, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the model mice. Taken together, the results indicate that the P2Y12 receptor and microglial activation are important factors in persistent postoperative pain caused by preoperative SD in adolescent mice and that DHC has analgesic effects by acting on these targets.
Voices of Black Faculty at Predominantly White Institutions: Coping Strategies and Institutional Interventions
Authors: Mickles-Burns Leona
Published: November 2023

Black faculty are underrepresented in the academy, and it is critical to clarify an understanding of how racism and privilege influence people of color working in academia. The aim of this paper is to examine the experiences of Black full-time faculty with racial microaggressions at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Seven Black faculty members were interviewed using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The results revealed the following themes of how microaggressions are experienced: ignored input; challenged credibility; cultural exclusion; encouraged to look away from discrimination; and stereotypes and intersection challenges. Furthermore, themes on coping strategies are found: overworking, outside support and self-care, and denial versus confrontation. It was found that faith, family, and extra university community support improved coping. Additionally, changing cultural mindsets and institutional support were noted as key to navigating the normal course of inquiry in higher education.
Regulating police use of facial recognition technology in the Netherlands: The complex interplay between criminal procedural law and data protection law
Authors: Galič Maša , Stevens Lonneke
Published: November 2023

In this contribution, we provide insight into the complex interplay between criminal procedure law and data protection law when it comes to regulating police use of facial recognition technology. By analysing the Dutch ‘Police Deployment Framework for Facial Recognition Technology’, we show that data protection law and criminal procedure do not interact with each other to a sufficient degree in relation to facial recognition technology. We identify several barriers standing in the way of their cooperation, resulting in notable gaps in the system of checks and balances: (1) a different underlying mindset (maximum versus minimum use of data); (2) a different assessment of the required legal basis (proportionality versus strict necessity); and (3) an ineffective web of supervision. We suggest several ideas for filling these gaps and bridging the disconnection: following the approach in existing Dutch law used for the processing of ANPR and DNA data, encoding the less ‘muddy’ rules of data protection law into digital technology itself, and further research on the feasibility of effective supervision by the Dutch Data Protection Authority. Our contribution shows that in order to properly regulate facial recognition technology, scholars need to look beyond the edges of their own fields of law.
Clinical characteristics and use of antibiotics in a group of patients with snake bites in Colombia
Authors: Valladales-Restrepo Luis Fernando , Rojas-Ramirez Ana Sofia , Santander-Pai Melba Jasbleidy , Lozada-Castaño Valeria , Bedoya-Duque Laura Valentina , Sabogal-Sanchez Dayana Yuliet , Gómez-Gómez Nicolas Stiven , Machado-Alba Jorge Enrique
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Millions of snake bites occur worldwide each year. Clinical practice guidelines generally do not recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics.

Objective:

To determine the sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacological variables and the use of antibiotics in a group of patients with snake bites in Colombia.

Methods:

A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients affiliated with a Colombian health insurer who presented with snake bites between 2015 and 2022 were included. The cases were identified from the National Public Health Surveillance System. Sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacological variables were identified. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed.

Results:

A total of 643 patients were analyzed, with a median age of 30.8 years, and 74.7% were men. The most frequently identified genus of snake was Bothrops (88.8%), and most incidents were classified as mild ophidian accidents (61.6%). A total of 59.7% of patients received snake antivenom. A total of 13.8% and 2.2% of the patients had cellulitis or abscesses, respectively. A total of 63.5% received antibiotics (50.6% for prophylaxis and 12.9% for treatment), especially cephalexin (25.9%), and most of the antibiotic management was considered inappropriate (91.7%).

Conclusion:

Most patients with snake bites received antibiotics, especially for prophylactic purposes, a clinical behavior that goes against current evidence. The use of antibiotics with an unsuitable spectrum for the microorganisms that are usually found in the wounds of these patients is frequent. The development of local clinical practice guidelines is required to help reduce the overprescription of antibiotics, as the excessive use of antimicrobials is the main determinant of antimicrobial resistance.
Digital Disruptions in the South Africa–Zimbabwe Remittance Corridor During COVID-19
Authors: Crush Jonathan , Tawodzera Godfrey
Published: November 2023

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrant remittances has generated a great deal of confusion and debate. This article aims to test three conflicting global and local narratives about the relationship between the pandemic and remittance flows in the South Africa–Zimbabwe remittance corridor. We refer to these as remittance pessimism, remittance resilience and remittance rerouting narratives. The article presents the pre-pandemic background context of migration from Zimbabwe to South Africa, the evidence for a shift from informal to formal remitting during the pandemic, and the implications of the remittance rerouting narrative for other corridors. We find that many Zimbabwean migrants in South Africa experienced severe economic impacts including unemployment, income loss and lack of access to COVID-19 relief measures. We conclude that there was a significant increase in formal, primarily digital, remittances during the pandemic and a decline in informal remittance conveyance. We highlight the need for more research in other remittance corridors to identify similarities and differences between them in terms of COVID-19 impacts and the shift from informal to formal remittances enabled by digital platforms.
Recurrent Idiopathic Neuroretinitis: Anti-MOG Positive?
Authors: Mizera Thomas , Prospero Ponce Claudia
Published: November 2023

Neuroretinitis, originally described by Leber at the turn of the 20th century, has long perplexed ophthalmologists due to its multiple recognized causes and often atypical presentation. Optic disk edema and macular star in the affected eye are well-agreed upon findings and are due to increased permeability of blood vessels near the optic disk and in the retina at large. It also is universally painless and presents with a relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) in the affected eye or eyes. However, depending on the infectious agent, an underlying autoimmune condition, or undefined idiopathic cause, there can be various degrees of vision loss, visual field loss, progression or recurrence, as well as involvement of the other eye. We present this case of presumed sequential idiopathic neuroretinitis with severe vision and visual field loss with a low-positive anti-MOG test in the border county of El Paso.
A Bibliometric Review of Ethical Leadership Research: Shifting Focuses and Theoretical Insights
Authors: Hsieh Chuan-Chung , Tai Shao-En , Li Hui-Chieh
Published: November 2023

This study used bibliographic data from Web of Science and employed various bibliometric analysis tools to present a systematic review of ethical leadership research from a board perspective. Theoretical evolutions underpinning how ethical leaders influence their followers are also detailed. Results identify the key documents, frequent keywords, and the most used theories in the field of ethical leadership. Results show that not only are there few newcomers to the field, the knowledge on ethical leadership, dominated by a minority few, has not diffused to a broader community. Results also show that although the focus of ethical leadership research in recent years shifted to employee creativity and knowledge sharing, the theories applied in the investigations remain the dominant social exchange theory and social learning theory. The results provide useful references for future studies, avoiding repetitive research while identifying possible knowledge gaps.
Book review: Francis Cody, The News Event: Popular Sovereignty in the Age of Deep Mediatization
Authors: Sabari Girisan M
Published: November 2023

Francis Cody, The News Event: Popular Sovereignty in the Age of Deep Mediatization> (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2023), 256 pp., ₹2,600.43, ISBN: 978-0-226-82472-7 (Paperback).
Becoming a Scheduled Tribe in India: The History, Process and Politics of Scheduling
Authors: Bodhi Sainkupar Ranee , Darokar Shaileshkumar S.
Published: November 2023

Scheduling a community as a Tribe in India is a complex process. Controversies generated by such processes have given rise to a number of ethnic-identity movements across the country. The latest is in the State of Manipur. What is the history of scheduling, who can be and cannot be a Scheduled Tribe in India, what are the legal procedures for applying for such a status, what are the critical cases that have come to the Supreme Court of India and what decisions have been made by the said court pertaining to claims and counterclaims. This article engages with these questions both from a historical and political perspective.
‘It’s a Matter of Land’: The Politics of Spatial Illegality and Cooperation in an Informal Settlement in Delhi
Authors: Malhotra Ragini Saira
Published: November 2023

This article offers a unique lens through which to theorise neoliberal governance from the perspective of the politics of space and everyday surveillance. Situated in the informal settlement of ‘Manohar Nivas’ in New Delhi, the article draws from over two years of ethnographic research and formal semi-structured interviews with children, their families, civil society and state representatives. Bringing theories of spatialised power into conversation with Faranak Miraftab’s framework on the mutually constitutive concepts of ‘invited’ and ‘invented’ spaces of participation, it argues that Manohar Nivas is an ‘invented’ spatial domain of regulatory power wherein discretionary surveillance operates to enforce precarity and entrench poverty. These dynamics, however, are mitigated to some degree through spatial cooperation and possibilities for citizen participation in opposition to state domination and violence.
Retinopathy Associated With Ritonavir Treatment for HIV Infection: A Case Series Reappraisal in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Nguyen Nam V. , Kim Lucas , Collins Lauren F. , Ofotokun Igho , Fernandes Alcides , Yeh Steven , Shantha Jessica
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To report 3 cases of retinopathy secondary to ritonavir use in the treatment of HIV. Methods: A retrospective review of patient records was performed for data including ophthalmic examination findings, demographic and HIV clinical characteristics, and progression of maculopathy disease. The review identified 3 patients with a history of HIV treated with antiretroviral therapy including ritonavir who had been evaluated for bilateral vision loss in both eyes. Results: A fundus examination of each patient revealed characteristic macular atrophy, and optical coherence tomography demonstrated corresponding central outer retinal atrophy. Uveitis workup results were unremarkable. Given the characteristics of macular atrophy, history of ritonavir use, and the absence of intraocular inflammation, all 3 patients were diagnosed with bilateral ritonavir-associated retinopathy. Each patients’ vision continued to deteriorate, even after the cessation of ritonavir. Conclusions: Ritonavir toxicity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of retinopathy among patients with an exposure history.
Reference equations using segmented regressions for impulse oscillometry in healthy subjects aged 2.7–90 years
Authors: Gochicoa-Rangel Laura , Martínez-Briseño David , Guerrero-Zúñiga Selene , Contreras-Morales Jessica , Arias-Jiménez Dulce , Del-Río-Hidalgo Rodrigo , Hernández-Rocha Federico Isaac , Ceballos-Zúñiga Cecilio O. , Silva-Cerón Mónica , Mora-Romero Uri De Jesús , Torre-Bouscoulet Luis , Fernández-Plata Rosario , Pérez-Nieto José E. , Vargas Mario H.
Published: November 2023

Background

Published reference equations for impulse oscillometry (IOS) usually encompass a specific age group but not the entire lifespan. This may lead to discordant predicted values when two or more non-coincident equations can be applied to the same person, or when a person moves from one equation to the next non-convergent equation as he or she gets older. Thus, our aim was to provide a single reference equation for each IOS variable that could be applied from infancy to old age.

Methods

This was an ambispective cross-sectional study in healthy nonsmokers, most of whom lived in Mexico City, who underwent IOS according to international standards. A multivariate piecewise linear regression, also known as segmented regression, was used to obtain reference equations for each IOS variable.

Results

In a population of 830 subjects (54.0% female) aged 2.7 to 90 years (54.8% children ≤12 years), segmented regression estimated two breakpoints for age in almost all IOS variables, except for R5−R20 in which only one breakpoint was detected. With this approach, multivariate regressions including sex, age, height and body mass index as independent variables were constructed, and coefficients for calculating predicted value, lower and upper limits of normal, percentage of predicted and z-score were obtained.

Conclusions

Our study provides IOS reference equations that include the major determinants of lung function,i.e.sex, age, height and body mass index, that can be easily implemented for subjects of almost any age.
Mepolizumab has clinical benefits including oral corticosteroid sparing irrespective of baseline EGPA characteristics
Authors: Jayne David R.W. , Terrier Benjamin , Hellmich Bernhard , Khoury Paneez , Baylis Lee , Bentley Jane H. , Steinfeld Jonathan , Yancey Steven W. , Kwon Namhee , Wechsler Michael E. , Akuthota Praveen
Published: November 2023

Background

The Mepolizumab in Relapsing or Refractory EGPA (MIRRA) trial (GSK ID: 115921/NCT02020889) demonstrated that mepolizumab increased remission time and reduced oral corticosteroid (OCS) use compared with placebo in patients with relapsing or refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). The present analysis investigated the impact of baseline characteristics on clinical outcomes and characterised the OCS-sparing effect of mepolizumab.

Methods

In a phase 3, randomised controlled trial for patients with EGPA (MIRRA), patients received standard of care plus mepolizumab 300 mg or placebo every 4 weeks for 52 weeks. The accrued duration of remission, the proportion of patients in remission at weeks 36 and 48, and the proportion of patients with clinical benefit (remission, OCS or relapse-related) were assessed according to baseline EGPA characteristic subgroups (post hoc). Mepolizumab-related OCS-sparing benefits were also quantified.

Results

Accrued duration of remission and the proportion of patients in remission at weeks 36 and 48 were greater with mepolizumab than placebo across the baseline subgroups of refractory disease, immunosuppressant use, EGPA duration, relapse number and OCS use ≤20 mg·day−1. The proportion of patients with clinical benefit was greater with mepolizumabversusplacebo (range 76–81%versus25–39%), irrespective of immunosuppressant use or EGPA duration. Patients treated with mepolizumabversusplacebo accrued significantly more weeks on OCS ≤4 mg·day−1(OR 5.06, 95% CI 2.47–10.38) and had a mean of 1423.1 mg less per-patient OCS exposure over 52 weeks.

Conclusions

Mepolizumab treatment provided benefits to patients with EGPA across varying baseline clinical characteristics and can be considered an OCS-sparing treatment in EGPA.
Loss of Krüppel-like factor-10 facilitates the development of chemical-induced liver cancer in mice
Authors: Yoo Sung Hwan , Nahm Ji Hae , Lee Woon Kyu , Lee Hyun Woong , Chang Hye Young , Lee Jung Il
Published: November 2023

Background

Krüppel-like factor 10 (KLF10) is involved in a positive feedback loop that regulates transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling, and TGFβ plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver disease. Here, we investigated whether KLF10 deletion affects the development of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We induced KLF10 deletion in C57BL/6 mice. Liver fibrosis was induced by feeding a diet high in fat and sucrose (high-fat diet [HFD]), whereas HCC was produced by intraperitoneal administration of N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN). An in vitro experiment was performed to evaluate the role of KLF10 in the cancer microenvironment using Hep3B and LX2 cells. An immunohistochemical study of KLF10 expression was performed using human HCC samples from 60 patients who had undergone liver resection.

Results

KLF10 deletion resulted in an increased DEN-induced HCC burden with significant upregulation of SMAD2, although loss of KLF10 did not alter HFD-induced liver fibrosis. DEN-treated mice with KLF10 deletion exhibited increased levels of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin and SNAI2) and tumor metastasis markers (matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9). KLF10 depletion in Hep3B and LX2 cells using siRNA was associated with increased invasiveness. Compared with co-culture of KLF10-preserved Hep3B cells and KLF10-intact LX2 cells, co-culture of KLF10-preserved Hep3B cells and KLF10-depleted LX2 cells resulted in significantly enhanced invasion. Low KLF10 expression in resected human HCC specimens was associated with poor survival.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that loss of KLF10 facilitates liver cancer development with alteration in TGFβ signaling.
Dynamical characteristics of AC-driven hybrid WSe2 monolayer/AlGaInP quantum wells light-emitting device
Authors: Konthoujam James Singh , Lin Yen-Shou , Chang Ya-Hui , Lin Hsiang-Ting , Chang Chiao-Yun , Zhang Yu-Wei , Lin Shih-Yen , Kuo Hao-Chung , Shih Min-Hsiung
Published: November 2023

The exploration of functional light-emitting devices and numerous optoelectronic applications can be accomplished on an elegant platform provided by rapidly developing transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). However, TMDCs-based light emitting devices encounter certain serious difficulties, such as high resistance losses from ohmic contacts or the need for complex heterostructures, which restricts the device applications. Despite the fact that AC-driven light emitting devices have developed ways to overcome these challenges, there is still a significant demand for multiple wavelength emission from a single device, which is necessary for full color light emitting devices. Here, we developed a dual-color AC-driven light-emitting device by integrating the WSe2 monolayer and AlGaInP–GaInP multiple quantum well (MQW) structures in the form of capacitor structure using AlOx insulating layer between the two emitters. In order to comprehend the characteristics of the hybrid device under various driving circumstances, we investigate the frequency-dependent EL intensity of the hybrid device using an equivalent RC circuit model. The time-resolved electroluminescence (TREL) characteristics of the hybrid device were analyzed in details to elucidate the underlying physical mechanisms governing its performance under varying applied frequencies. This dual-color hybrid light-emitting device enables the use of 2-D TMDC-based light emitters in a wider range of applications, including broad-band LEDs, quantum display systems, and chip-scale optoelectronic integrated systems.

Graphical Abstract
Comparative Study of Single-stranded Oligonucleotides Secondary Structure Prediction Tools
Authors: Binet Thomas , Padiolleau-Lefèvre Séverine , Octave Stéphane , Avalle Bérangère , Maffucci Irene
Published: November 2023

Background

Single-stranded nucleic acids (ssNAs) have important biological roles and a high biotechnological potential linked to their ability to bind to numerous molecular targets. This depends on the different spatial conformations they can assume. The first level of ssNAs spatial organisation corresponds to their base pairs pattern, i.e. their secondary structure. Many computational tools have been developed to predict the ssNAs secondary structures, making the choice of the appropriate tool difficult, and an up-to-date guide on the limits and applicability of current secondary structure prediction tools is missing. Therefore, we performed a comparative study of the performances of 9 freely available tools (mfold, RNAfold, CentroidFold, CONTRAfold, MC-Fold, LinearFold, UFold, SPOT-RNA, and MXfold2) on a dataset of 538 ssNAs with known experimental secondary structure.

Results

The minimum free energy-based tools, namely mfold and RNAfold, and some tools based on artificial intelligence, namely CONTRAfold and MXfold2, provided the best results, with $$\sim 50\%$$

∼
50
%

of exact predictions, whilst MC-fold seemed to be the worst performing tool, with only $$\sim 11\%$$

∼
11
%

of exact predictions. In addition, UFold and SPOT-RNA are the only options for pseudoknots prediction. Including in the analysis of mfold and RNAfold results 5–10 suboptimal solutions further improved the performances of these tools. Nevertheless, we could observe issues in predicting particular motifs, such as multiple-ways junctions and mini-dumbbells, or the ssNAs whose structure has been determined in complex with a protein. In addition, our benchmark shows that some effort has to be paid for ssDNA secondary structure predictions.

Conclusions

In general, Mfold, RNAfold, and MXfold2 seem to currently be the best choice for the ssNAs secondary structure prediction, although they still show some limits linked to specific structural motifs. Nevertheless, actual trends suggest that artificial intelligence has a high potential to overcome these remaining issues, for example the recently developed UFold and SPOT-RNA have a high success rate in predicting pseudoknots.
Global warming impairs the olfactory floral signaling in strawberry
Authors: Cordeiro Guaraci Duran , Dötterl Stefan
Published: November 2023

Background

Global warming is expected to impact the chemical communication between flowering plants and their pollinators. Surprisingly, it is unknown whether and how temperature-induced changes in scent emission affect pollinator behavior. Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) is a plant primarily pollinated by bees and hoverflies, with the former group being particularly attracted to the floral scent they emit.

Results

Using chemical analytical, electrophysiological, and behavioral approaches we tested whether temperature-induced shifts in floral scent of strawberry affect chemical communication with its main bee pollinators (Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris, Osmia bicornis). While strawberry flowers in the optimum scenario released 10.4 ng/flower/hour, mainly p-anisaldehyde (81%) and seven other scent compounds, in the warmer scenario, the flowers did not emit any detectable scent. In the behavioral experiments, the pollinators were attracted by the scents of the optimum scenario.

Conclusions

We predict that the absence of detectable scent emissions from strawberry plants grown under heat stress will reduce the attractiveness of the flowers to the bee pollinators. Our study raises important ecological and agricultural questions, as decreased attractiveness of flowers to pollinators might potentially lead to insufficient bee pollination, with potential negative consequences for ecosystem functioning and crop yields, particularly in regions reliant on bees as primary pollinators. Given that our study centered on bee pollinators, it is needed to conduct further research to evaluate the impact on hoverflies.
Mean platelet volume and the association with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality among incident peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Wang Jianghai , Ma Xiaochen , Si Xuepeng , Wu Mingyang , Han Wang
Published: November 2023

Background

While mean platelet volume (MPV) is linked to severity and all-cause mortality in patients with sepsis, its association with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains unknown.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to estimate the relationship between MPV and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality among patients treated with PD.

Method

We retrospectively collected 1322 patients treated with PD from November 1, 2005 to August 31, 2019. All-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality was identified as the primary outcome. MPV was classified into three categories by means of X-tile software. The correlation between MPV and all-cause mortality was assessed by Cox model. Survival curves were performed by Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

The median follow-up period was 50 months (30–80 months), and a total of 360 deaths were recorded. With respect to all-cause mortality, patients in MVP ≥ 10.2 fL had considerably higher risk of all-cause mortality among three models (HR 0.68, 95%CI 0.56–0.84; HR 0.70, 95%CI 0.56–0.87; HR 0.73, 95%CI 0.59–0.91; respectively). Moreover, patients treated with PD, whose MVP ≥ 10.2 fL, also suffered from significantly higher risk of cardiovascular mortality in model 1, 2, and 3 (HR 0.63, 95%CI 0.46–0.85; HR 0.66, 95%CI 0.48–0.91; HR 0.69, 95%CI 0.50–0.95; respectively).

Conclusions

This study indicates that MPV is independently correlated with both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in PD.
Adapting and implementing breast cancer follow-up in primary care: protocol for a mixed methods hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation cluster randomized study
Authors: Fadem Sarah J. , Crabtree Benjamin F. , O’Malley Denalee M. , Mikesell Lisa , Ferrante Jeanne M. , Toppmeyer Deborah L. , Ohman-Strickland Pamela A. , Hemler Jennifer R. , Howard Jenna , Bator Alicja , April-Sanders Ayana , Kurtzman Rachel , Hudson Shawna V.
Published: November 2023

Background

Advances in detection and treatment for breast cancer have led to an increase in the number of individuals managing significant late and long-term treatment effects. Primary care has a role in caring for patients with a history of cancer, yet there is little guidance on how to effectively implement survivorship care evidence into primary care delivery.

Methods

This protocol describes a multi-phase, mixed methods, stakeholder-driven research process that prioritizes actionable, evidence-based primary care improvements to enhance breast cancer survivorship care by integrating implementation and primary care transformation frameworks: the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework and the Practice Change Model (PCM). Informed by depth interviews and a four round Delphi panel with diverse stakeholders from primary care and oncology, we will implement and evaluate an iterative clinical intervention in a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation cluster randomized design in twenty-six primary care practices. Multi-component implementation strategies will include facilitation, audit and feedback, and learning collaboratives. Ongoing data collection and analysis will be performed to optimize adoption of the intervention. The primary clinical outcome to test effectiveness is comprehensive breast cancer follow-up care. Implementation will be assessed using mixed methods to explore how organizational and contextual variables affect adoption, implementation, and early sustainability for provision of follow-up care, symptom, and risk management activities at six- and 12-months post implementation.

Discussion

Study findings are poised to inform development of scalable, high impact intervention processes to enhance long-term follow-up care for patients with a history of breast cancer in primary care. If successful, next steps would include working with a national primary care practice-based research network to implement a national dissemination study. Actionable activities and processes identified could also be applied to development of organizational and care delivery interventions for follow-up care for other cancer sites.

Trial registration

Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on June 2, 2022: NCT05400941.
Social-ecological factors influencing loneliness and social isolation in older people: a scoping review
Authors: Meehan Drew Eleanor , Grunseit Anne , Condie Jenna , HaGani Neta , Merom Dafna
Published: November 2023

There are growing calls from researchers and policy makers to redefine loneliness and social isolation (SI) as public health issues, and to move towards a transdisciplinary, systems-based approach, due to their association with significant health risks, particularly in older people. Research about loneliness and SI in older people has typically adopted a narrow focus, evaluating effects of individual and inter-personal factors on these experiences. Less is known about the community and societal influences that may be used to inform public health interventions. We conducted a scoping review applying Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the social-ecological model framework in order to: i) identify the available evidence for the influence of the community and societal factors on loneliness and SI as experienced by older people; ii) examine how quantitative research about community- and societal-level factors of loneliness and SI in the older population is conducted; and iii) identify current knowledge gaps in relation to the use of the social-ecological model in this area. A total of 52 articles from 30 countries met the inclusion criteria, including 33 observational studies, primarily cross-sectional (88%), and 19 interventions, mostly (89%) pre-post evaluations. The majority of included articles measured loneliness only (n = 34, 65%), while 11 measured both loneliness and SI (21%). To measure these outcomes validated scales were frequently used. Eighteen community/societal factors were investigated in relation to loneliness and/or SI, most commonly neighbourhood safety, access to public third-places and cultural practices. Three societal-level interventions were found: two campaigns to reduce ageism and one which explored the impact of free public transport. Community-based interventions were either educational or enlisted volunteers to foster connections. There is a need for longitudinal studies to better understand the mechanisms through which community- and societal- level factors affect loneliness and SI, which in turn will guide interventions that utilise the social-ecological framework for these issues.
Predictors and outcomes of recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma: new insights into its recurrence patterns
Authors: Deng Huan , Gao Jingwang , Xu Xingming , Liu Guibin , Song Liqiang , Pan Yisheng , Wei Bo
Published: November 2023

Background

The clinical profiles of recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RLS) need to be explored. The recurrence patterns of RLS are controversial and ambiguous.

Methods

A total of 138 patients with recurrent RLS were finally recruited in the study. The analysis of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was performed by Kaplan‒Meier analysis. To identify independent prognostic factors, all significant variables on univariate Cox regression analysis (P ≤ 0.05) were subjected to multivariate Cox regression analysis. The corresponding nomogram model was further built to predict the survival status of patients.

Results

Among patients, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 70.7%, 35.9% and 30.9%, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year RFS rates of the 55 patients who underwent R0 resection were 76.1%, 50.8% and 34.4%, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that resection method, tumor size, status of pathological differentiation, pathological subtypes and recurrence pattern were independent risk factors for OS or RFS. Patients with distant recurrence (DR) pattern usually had multifocal tumors (90.5% vs. 74.7%, P < 0.05); they were prone to experience changes of pathological differentiation (69.9% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.05) and had a better prognosis than those with local recurrence (LR) pattern. R0 resection and combined organ resection favored the survival of patients with DR pattern in some cases.

Conclusions

Patients with DR pattern had better prognosis, and they may benefit more from aggressive combined resection than those with LR pattern. Classifying the recurrence patterns of RLS provides guidance for individualized clinical management of recurrent RLS.
What do we not know (yet) about recovery colleges? A study protocol on their (cost-)effectiveness, mechanisms of action, fidelity and positioning
Authors: van Wezel Marloes M. C. , Muusse Christien , van de Mheen Dike , Wijnen Ben , den Hollander Wouter , Kroon Hans
Published: November 2023

Background

Recovery Colleges (RCs) have spread across the globe as a new way of supporting people with mental vulnerabilities in their recovery journey. RCs focus on ‘learning’ rather than ‘curing’ and in that line facilitate a transition from being a passive, dependent patient/client to an active, empowered student learning to live life, despite vulnerabilities. Peer support and co-creation are central in RCs, as peers learn from each other by sharing personal experiences with mental vulnerabilities in an accessible, inspiring and stimulating atmosphere. The implementation of RCs is highly encouraged internationally, and as a result RCs and related self-help initiatives increasingly emerge. However, high-quality research on RCs is scarce and there is a call for thorough investigation of (cost-)effectiveness, mechanisms of action, cross-border fidelity and positioning of RCs. In response, this research project aims to fill these gaps.

Methods

This research project entails (1) a prospective quasi-experimental effectiveness study and economic evaluation, (2) a multifaceted qualitative study to elaborate on the mechanisms of action of RCs for those involved (3) a study to develop a (Dutch) Fidelity Measure of Recovery Colleges, and (4) an organisational case study to describe the positioning of RCs in relation to other mental health care services and community-based initiatives. Following the ideals of co-creation and empowerment in RCs we conduct this research project in co-creation with RC students from Enik Recovery College in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Discussion

This research project will lead to one of the first longitudinal controlled quantitative evaluations of both cost-effectiveness and effectiveness of RC attendance in a broad sense (beyond attending courses alone). Moreover, we will gather data on a micro level (i.e., impact on RC students), meso level (i.e., organisational fidelity) and macro level (i.e., positioning in the care and support domain), capturing all important perspectives when scrutinizing the impact of complex systems. Finally, we will demonstrate the validity and value of embracing experiential knowledge in science as a complementary source of information, leading to a more profound understanding of what is researched.

Trial registration

The prospective quasi-experimental study has been pre-registered at clinicaltrails.gov (#NCT05620212).
Push and pull factors influencing the choice of a health resort by Polish treatment-seekers
Authors: Godlewska Agnieszka , Mazurek-Kusiak Anna , Soroka Andrzej
Published: November 2023

Background

The objective of the study was to indicate social and psychological (inner) motives associated with the desire and needs of travelling to health resorts (push) as well as external motives resulting from destination’s attributes, and explaining the choice of the health tourism establishment (pull) by Polish treatment-seekers divided into two social groups: persons in employment and retired persons. The research hypothesis assumed the two groups of people differ very much in terms of preferences motivating them to participate in health resort tourism, destination choices and services offered by health resort establishments.

Methods

Of the 258 health resorts, 154 establishments were selected for research purposes taking into account a proportional distribution of health resorts throughout Poland. An authorial questionnaire was developed and it included three questions with multiple answers, each answer being assessed on a 5-point Likert scale. The research adds new insights by analysing motives associated with health resort tourism in terms of benefits sought by visitors. The main and strongest motive for choosing health resort tourism is concern for health. In addition to old age pensioners, it was legitimate to analyse the group of employed respondents as their stays at a health resort are undertaken to regain not only physical fitness but also work motivation.

Results

The present study has demonstrated that motives and age groups have a significant effect on destination choice. Based on the results, it can be concluded that these groups often have diverse needs, expectations and, as a result, motives for choosing this form of tourism and a given health resort. What follows is a possibility of dividing the visitors to health resorts in terms of push and pull motives.

Conclusions

The research hypothesis assuming the two groups varied considerably in terms of preferences motivating them to participate in health resort tourism, destination selection and choice of services offered by the health resort establishment has been confirmed. The ramifications of the study’s findings may also be relevant for health resort/spa tourism outside of Poland because healthy lifestyle promotion is a worldwide trend.