bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descriptive parameter optimization method for energy-saving gait planning of biped robots
Authors: Meng Yun , Lu Zhiqiang , Wang Peipei
Published: August 2024

Low energy efficiency is an important factor restricting the application and development of biped robots. In this article, an energy-saving walking control method using descriptive parameter optimization to obtain the gait type with minimum energy consumption is proposed. The algorithm evaluates the energy consumed during walking considering the load torque and angular velocity of all joint actuators of the five-mass simplified model of the robot. A gait database with the step length, gait type and stability margin as the input and gait parameters and energy consumption as the output is constructed, and the gait adapted to the zero-moment point region is dynamically adjusted during walking to realize a compromise between the robot walking stability and energy consumption. In the gait parameter optimization part of the algorithm, a mapping relationship between the descriptive parameters and body trajectory is established. Through parameter sampling and inverse kinematics calculations, seeds are selected from the sample set according to the stability margin, and the gradient descent method of directional acceleration is used to approximate the minimum energy consumption under the descriptive parameters in the neighborhood of the seeds. In the gait synthesis part of the algorithm, according to the given walking task and the energy consumption-related items in the gait database, the walking trajectory with minimum energy consumption is planned. In real-time walking, the database is queried according to the planned step sequence, the gait parameters are obtained, the robot joint movement is controlled, the feedback zero-moment point is calculated from the robot foot pressure, and the database input query is adjusted according to the trajectory deviation to simultaneously achieve walking stability and reduce energy consumption. To determine the effectiveness of the algorithm, dynamic simulation experiments and real robot walking experiments are carried out. The experimental results show that our algorithm has a significant energy-saving effect. The experimental videos are available at https://github.com/xkluzq/biped-robot .
Consistent condom use among Botswana’s female population and associated factors
Authors: Mlandu Chenai , Machisa Mercilene , Christofides Nicola
Published: August 2024

Background:

Botswana is one of the countries severely impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Despite an extensive HIV prevention campaign, the incidence of HIV, particularly among women, remains high. Condoms play a significant role in preventing new HIV infections, although men and women do not consistently use them.

Objective:

The study assessed the individual, relationship and community factors associated with consistent condom use among women in Botswana.

Design:

A cross-sectional study using secondary data drawn from a national survey on Gender-Based Violence Indicators in 2012.

Methods:

The primary survey sampled 639 women, aged 18 years and older, using a multistage procedure. The final sample size for the secondary analysis included a total of 480 women who were sexually experienced and had reported using condoms with their male partners. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between consistent condom use and the explanatory variables. The multivariate logistic regression adjusted for cluster/community random effects.

Results:

About 43% of the women used condoms consistently in the past year. Consistent condom use was more likely among women who were employed in the past year (adjusted odds ratio = 1.77; 95% confidence interval = 1.25-2.50). While, women who lived with their partners (adjusted odds ratio = 0.46; 95% confidence interval = 0.28–0.74), had non-Christian beliefs (adjusted odds ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval = 0.29–0.92), perceived that their partners would be angry if they ask to use a condom (adjusted odds ratio = 0.19; 95% confidence interval = 0.06–0.58) and perceived that their community says women need their husband’s permission to do paid work (adjusted odds ratio = 0.56; 95% confidence interval = 0.38–0.83) were less likely to use condoms consistently.

Conclusion:

Consistent condom use among Botswana’s female population is suboptimal. Consistent condom use was higher among women with employment, and lower among women who lived with their partners, had non-Christian beliefs, feared their partners’ reaction upon asking for condom use and held inequitable community gender beliefs. To enhance women’s consistent use of condoms, friendly condom use information, female economic empowerment strategies and programmes that involve religious leaders and promote progressive and healthy masculine practices in Sexual Reproductive Health/HIV interventions should be considered.
The Artification of the Nude: A Symbolic Revolution in the Art Field of Republican China (1912–1937)
Authors: Wang Xiaoqing
Published: August 2024

The nude is a long-established category in western art, but in pre-modern China, images of the naked body were not art and carried the stigma of obscenity. This article uses the paradigm of artification to examine the transplantation of the nude into the Chinese art field during the Republican period (1912–1937). By analysing the discourses of key players and historical materials of Republican art institutions, the article discusses the production, dissemination, intellectualisation and legitimation of the nude, as well as its criticism and appropriation, in the institutionalising and modernising art field. The intense challenges faced by proponents of the nude suggest that conflict and struggle are crucial components of the artification process of a foreign cultural form. The artistic transformation of the nude was intertwined with the process of modernisation in China, and its effects extended beyond art and its field. This article argues that the artification of the nude was not only the establishment of a new category of art, but also prompted a revolution in artistic conventions, a reordering of aesthetic hierarchies, a restructuring of the art field and a modernisation of ways of seeing the body.
Examination of the COVID-19 fear levels of nurses and their compliance to isolation
Authors: Acar Rabia , Sarikaya Aklime , Yildirim Dilek
Published: August 2024

Background

It is very important for healthcare professionals to know the isolation precautions and apply the isolation rules correctly in COVID-19 process.

Aim

This study was conducted to determine the COVID-19 fear levels and isolation compliance levels of nurses.

Method

This descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted between December 2020-February 2021 with 217 nurses working in a public hospital in Istanbul/Turkey. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic-Form, the COVID-19 Fear Scale, and the Compliance with Isolation Measures Scale.

Results

Statistically significant difference was found between the level of compliance with the isolation measures and the education level of the nurses ( p = .011), as well as their professional position ( p = .026) ( p < .05). A positive, low-level significant relationship was determined between the COVID-19 fear of nurses and their compliance with isolation measures (r = 0.168; p = .015).

Conclusions

It was determined that nurses’ compliance with Isolation Precautions and their level of fear were high during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was observed that nurses’ fear levels and isolation adaptation levels were related.
Malvidin From Malva sylvestris L. Ameliorates Allergic Responses in Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis Mouse Model via the STAT6/GATA3 Pathway
Authors: Yirui Luo , Tao Li , Ruowu Liu , Jiao Zhou , Jing Zhou , Xiaodong Xu , Yan Yan , Bachert Claus , Jintao Du , Luo Ba
Published: August 2024

Background

Malva sylvestris L. (commonly known as mallow) has been widely used in traditional Tibetan formulations to treat allergic rhinitis (AR), and malvidin is a key anti-inflammation constituent of this plant.

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect and mechanism of malvidin in an AR mouse model.

Methods

Malvidin's efficacy was evaluated in an AR mouse model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. The factors, such as nasal symptoms, serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, histological changes in the nasal mucosa, and expressions of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Tregs and their cytokines, were assessed. Western blotting was used to analyze the effect of malvidin on signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and GATA3 expression levels.

Results

Malvidin reduced the allergic symptoms and serum levels of OVA-specific IgE in the AR model. Histological analysis indicated that malvidin alleviates nasal mucosal edema, eosinophil infiltration, and goblet cell proliferation. In addition, it altered the expression of Th1/Th2/Th17-related cytokines, enhanced the Treg population, and reduced Th2-mediated immunity by suppressing the phosphorylation of STAT6 and expression of the GATA3 protein.

Conclusions

Malvidin significantly improved allergic symptoms in an OVA-induced AR mouse model by modulating Th1/Th2 immune responses and suppressing the STAT6/GATA3 pathway, indicating its potential as a naturally sourced agent for AR management.
The mechanism for the specificity of gaze direction: Inhibiting background location
Authors: Chen Airui , Han Weixia , Wang Wei , Dong Bo
Published: August 2024

The experiment combined the spatial Stroop paradigm to examine the effect of background location on the perception of arrow or gaze direction in the vertical dimension by manipulating the congruence between the target direction and background location, and to validate a possible cognitive mechanism for gaze direction specificity – inhibiting background location. The results showed that when subjects were required to identify the target direction in a Stroop task (Experiment 1), the gaze cue failed to induce the Stroop effect. However, when subjects were required to judge the congruence between the target direction and the background location (Experiment 2), the gaze cue and the arrow cue both induced the Stroop effect. This suggests that “ inhibiting background location” is responsible for the elimination of the spatial Stroop effect by gaze direction, which may one of the mechanisms for gaze direction specificity.
Open Capsular Repair with Dermal allograft and tarsal tunnel release in the treatment of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome in a Young Collegiate Athlete: A Case Report
Authors: Ubanwa Bryan N , Emukah Chimobi C , Heath David M , Chapentier Marie T , Cone Robert O , Kenneth-Nwosa Kenneth , Bartush Katherine C
Published: August 2024

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve beneath the flexor retinaculum that can be precipitated by either intrinsic or extrinsic factors. We report a unique case of a posterior medial ankle joint capsular defect with localized fluid extravasation between the flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus leading to symptoms consistent with tarsal tunnel syndrome in a collegiate tennis player. This patient is a 19-year-old female with no past medical history who presented with symptoms consistent with tarsal tunnel syndrome. After confirmation with magnetic resonance imaging, the patient underwent capsular reconstruction with dermal allograft in combination with a tarsal tunnel release. The patient had improvement in pain and recovery of paresthesia 3 months postoperatively. At the latest follow-up of 1 year postoperatively, the patient has not had a recurrence of symptoms and has returned to the same level of competitive play. Many different causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome are described in the literature, but to our knowledge, there is no current literature that describes a defect in the tibiotalar joint capsule as a cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Unveiling the enigma: A challenging case of protein C deficiency concealed by fever and epistaxis
Authors: Jauhar Iman , Mubashir Muhammad , Wahla Muhammad Shehryar , Kumar Chand , Arbani Naeemullah , Sinaan Ali Syed Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Protein C deficiency is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the protein C, inactivator of coagulation factors Va and VIIA gene, affecting approximately 1 in 200–500 individuals. It leads to a hypercoagulable state, increasing the risk of blood clots. Symptoms vary with age, ranging from life-threatening purpura fulminans in neonates to venous thromboembolism, particularly deep vein thrombosis, in adults. A recent case involved a 21-year-old South Asian male presenting with persistent fever, weight loss, epistaxis, abdominal tenderness, and acute pain in the right thigh and leg, raising suspicion of deep vein thrombosis. Tests confirmed deep vein thrombosis in multiple leg veins and a pulmonary embolism. The patient was diagnosed with protein C deficiency and received anticoagulant therapy, thrombolysis, and an inferior vena cava filter. Complications of protein C deficiency include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and ischemic colitis. Diagnosis involves immunoassays and genetic analysis. Treatment includes heparin followed by anticoagulation therapy with warfarin. In severe cases, an inferior vena cava filter may be implanted. The described case required extensive treatment due to multiple deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism, with lifelong anticoagulant therapy. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial in young patients with a history of venous thromboembolism to prevent and manage complications associated with protein C deficiency.
Online fraud detection: ‘In the moment’ digital accountability in a data-sensitive setting
Authors: Yekta Semire , Neyland Daniel
Published: August 2024

Recent years have seen significant increases in online fraud. The fact that online fraud represents a major challenge to law enforcement due to its complexities and global impact has led to the emergence of other organisations – such as Customer Service Centres – taking a key role in ‘policing’ fraudulent activities. However, the responses made by these specialist organisations remain opaque and outside the scope of regimes that regulate law enforcement agencies. In this article we address this opacity through our study of a Customer Service Centre that makes decisions on what constitutes online fraud in cases of card-not-present payments. We carefully work through these decision-making processes to explore the immediate pressures made manifest in decisions on fraud around, for example, cost and timeliness. These pressures become apparent in the particular arrangements of accountability and responsibility in decisions on online fraud and cut what might otherwise be lengthy procedures following these decisions. As a result we suggest that accountability in these fraud cases is managed and held ‘in the moment’ within the Centre. The article contributes to our understanding of online fraud and to the growing debate on digital accountability. The article provides avenues for further exploration of the challenges of moving from internal to external accountability in relation to largely opaque and data-sensitive settings where accountability relations are held ‘in the moment.’
Evidence for and against banning mobile phones in schools: A scoping review
Authors: Campbell Marilyn , Edwards Elizabeth J , Pennell Donna , Poed Shiralee , Lister Victoria , Gillett-Swan Jenna , Kelly Adrian , Zec Dajana , Nguyen Thuy-Anh
Published: August 2024

Public opinions are divided on the relative benefits versus harms of allowing mobile phones in schools. When debating the consequences of mobile phones in schools, politicians often argue that students’ use of mobile phones distract from their learning, increase cyberbullying and lead to poor mental health outcomes. We conducted a scoping review of the global literature, followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and pre-registered our protocol with the Open Science Framework (OSF). Our search and screening process identified 22 studies that met our inclusion criteria and shed light on our research questions: whether mobile phone use in schools impacts academic outcomes, mental health and wellbeing and cyberbullying. We found an absence of randomized controlled trials with evidence resting on a small number of studies with different designs, samples, operational definitions of mobile phone bans (i.e. partial, or complete bans) and outcome measures, making reconciliation of findings challenging. Nonetheless, we provide a synthesis of the latest evidence for decision-makers tasked with deciding for or against mobile phone bans in schools. Directions for future research are provided and practical implications for schools are discussed.
Experimental and numerical investigation of heat evolution inside the autoclave for composite manufacturing
Authors: Rangapuram M , Dasari SK , Abutunis A , Chandrashekhara K , Lua J , Li R
Published: August 2024

Temperature uniformity inside the autoclave and in the manufactured thermoset composite part is the key to enhancing curing performance. The present study incorporated experimental setup, multiphysics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to provide insight into the gas flow pattern and temperature distribution inside the autoclave besides temperature and curing evolution in composite parts during the manufacturing process. The ultimate goal is to help improve the uniformity of the degree of curing and produce robust composite parts. The used numerical models were validated by experiment and the predicted results were in agreement with experimental efforts with a difference of 5%. A maximum temperature difference of 3 K was observed for panel 1, 1 K for panel 2, and 4 K for panel 3 during the curing stages. The variation was more pronounced during the post-curing stage, especially at the center. Correspondingly, less degree of curing (DOC) occurred at the center. The DOC variation between the center and the sides at the base of the panel is 2.5%. Variation in DOC across the thickness of the composite panels was also observed due to thermal spikes and uneven heat transfer. The DOC variation between upper surface and midplane is about 11%. Regions of high turbulence intensity lead to better heat transfer while regions of low speed such as confined regions under the tooling table had the poorest heat transfer. The study provided some practical implications to reduce the non-uniformity in temperature distribution and improve part curing.
Managing Finances in Scaled Agile Transformations: Insights from A Case Study of a German Automotive Manufacturer
Authors: Mayer Thomas , Recker Jan
Published: August 2024

We explore how project financing processes should be adapted to accommodate changes to organizational structures, operational processes, and cultural values in scaled agile transformations. We studied the transformation project of a large German automotive manufacturer to identify the issues that emanate from the incompatibility of incumbent project financing and the mitigation strategy that allowed the company to evolve rather than revolutionize the way they manage project finances. Our findings enrich the empirical knowledge on scaled agile transformations and draw attention to the much-overlooked aspect of financing large-scale change initiatives in incumbent firms.
Raison d'Etre of Organization Design Arrangements in Project-Based Organizations
Authors: Miterev Maxim
Published: August 2024

Why are certain organization design arrangements enacted in a project-based organization? Building on extant literature, this article addresses this fundamental question by explicating three distinct explanations of the raison d'etre of salient organization design arrangements: Functional, Legitimacy, and Agency. Conceiving these explanations as coexisting, interacting logics of organizing, the article argues to draw upon the powerful concept of logic multiplicity to pave the way for integrating diverse theoretical perspectives. Thus, the article contributes to the organization design stream of research in project studies by developing a typology of organization design logics and proposing a way forward for pursuing pluralistic theorizing.
Progesterone (P4) ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Xie Bin , Chen Qiong , Dai Ziyu , Jiang Chen , Chen Xi
Published: August 2024

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Oxidative injury and mitochondrial dysfunction in the airway epithelium are major events in COPD progression.

Methods and results

The therapeutic effects of Progesterone (P4) were investigated in vivo and in vitro in this study. In vivo, in a cigarette smoke (CS) exposure-induced COPD mouse model, P4 treatment significantly ameliorated CS exposure-induced physiological and pathological characteristics, including inflammatory cell infiltration and oxidative injury, in a dose-dependent manner. The c-MYC/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway is involved in the protective function of P4 against CS-induced COPD. In vitro, P4 co-treatment significantly ameliorated H2O2-induced oxidative injury and mitochondrial dysfunctions by promoting cell proliferation, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential, decreasing ROS levels and apoptosis, and increasing ATP content. Moreover, P4 co-treatment partially attenuated H2O2-caused inhibition in Nrf1, Tfam, Mfn1, PGR-B, c-MYC, SIRT1, and PGC-1α levels. In BEAS-2B and ASM cells, the c-MYC/SIRT1 axis regulated P4’s protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative injury and mitochondrial dysfunctions.

Conclusion

P4 activates the c-MYC/SIRT1 axis, ameliorating CS-induced COPD and protecting both airway epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage. PGC-1α and downstream mitochondrial signaling pathways might be involved.
Greener healing: sustainable nanotechnology for advanced wound care
Authors: Sharda Deepinder , Attri Komal , Choudhury Diptiman
Published: August 2024

Wound healing involves a carefully regulated sequence of events, encompassing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory stages, tissue regeneration, and remodeling. However, in individuals with diabetes, this process gets disrupted due to dysregulation caused by elevated glucose levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream. Consequently, the pro-inflammatory stage is prolonged, while the anti-inflammatory phase is delayed, leading to impaired tissue regeneration and remodeling with extended healing time. Furthermore, the increased glucose levels in open wounds create an environment conducive to microbial growth and tissue sepsis, which can escalate to the point of limb amputation. Managing diabetic wounds requires meticulous care and monitoring due to the lack of widely available preventative and therapeutic measures. Existing clinical interventions have limitations, such as slow recovery rates, high costs, and inefficient drug delivery methods. Therefore, exploring alternative avenues to develop effective wound-healing treatments is essential. Nature offers a vast array of resources in the form of secondary metabolites, notably polyphenols, known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, glucose-regulating, and cell growth-promoting properties. Additionally, nanoparticles synthesized through environmentally friendly methods hold promise for wound healing applications in diabetic and non-diabetic conditions. This review provides a comprehensive discussion and summary of the potential wound-healing abilities of specific natural polyphenols and their nanoparticles. It explores the mechanisms of action underlying their efficacy and presents effective formulations for promoting wound-healing activity.

Graphical abstract
Mussels with luggage: the influence of artificially attached “backpack” devices on mussel movement behavior
Authors: Drainas Konstantina , Beggel Sebastian , Geist Juergen
Published: August 2024

Background

Freshwater mussels are important keystone and indicator species of aquatic ecosystems. Recent advances in sensor technology facilitate applications to individually track mussels and to record and monitor their behavior and physiology. These approaches require the attachment of sensor devices as “backpacks” to the outer shell surface. The interpretation of such data makes it necessary to understand the influence of these attachments on the horizontal and vertical movement behaviors of freshwater mussels. Over a series of mesocosm experiments, this study systematically investigated the effects of three size- and wiring-specific variants of artificially attached backpacks on the horizontal and vertical movement behavior of Anodonta anatina.

Results

Across all experiments, equipping mussels with backpacks did not result in a significant influence on horizontal movement for any of the backpack variants. In contrast to this finding, the big backpacks with a high ratio between backpack volume and mussel length resulted in a significantly negative effect on vertical movement, indicating a potential for adverse effects of such devices on mussels, especially in natural settings.

Conclusions

The findings of this study show that assessing the effects of attached devices on mussels requires a species-specific evaluation of potential impacts on the endpoints of interest. Especially for vertical movement patterns, selection of the smallest available devices appears mandatory.
Effect of intra-operative Magnesium sulphate on the occurrence of post-operative delirium and insomnia in patients undergoing lumbar fixation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fathy Wael , Hussein Mona , Elanwar Rehab , Elmoutaz Hatem , Abdelsadek Donya A , Kassim Dina Y
Published: August 2024

Background

Over the last two decades, a large body of literature has focused on studying the prevalence and outcome of the postoperative delirium and sleep disturbance. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative administration of Magnesium sulphate on the occurrence of post-operative delirium and insomnia in patients undergoing lumbar fixation.

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled trial was carried out on 80 patients indicated for lumbar fixation; 40 of them received conventional general anesthesia with extra administration of intraoperative magnesium sulphate (Mg sulphate group), and the other 40 received conventional general anesthesia only (control group). Both groups were submitted to pre-operative assessment of depression using Beck Depression inventory (BDI) scale, pre-operative assessment of fatigue using a fatigue questionnaire, pre- and post-operative assessment of insomnia using Insomnia severity index (ISI), post-operative assessment of delirium using Memorial delirium assessment scale (MDAS), post-operative assessment of pain using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and pre- and post-operative Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG).

Results

Mg sulphate administration, age, pre-operative BDI, pre-operative ISI, and post-operative VAS were independent predictors of post-operative ISI (P-value < 0.001, 0.047, 0.021, < 0.001, and < 0.001 respectively). Age and post-operative VAS were independent predictors of post-operative MDAS (P-value = 0.008, 0.013 respectively). Mg sulphate administration and pre-operative ISI were independent predictors of post-operative VAS (P-value = 0.010, 0.006 respectively).

Conclusion

There was a significant relationship between intraoperative Mg sulphate administration and both post-operative insomnia and pain in unadjusted and adjusted analysis.
Panel miRNAs are potential diagnostic markers for chronic kidney diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Garmaa Gantsetseg , Nagy Rita , Kói Tamás , To Uyen Nguyen Do , Gergő Dorottya , Kleiner Dénes , Csupor Dezső , Hegyi Péter , Kökény Gábor
Published: August 2024

Background

Accurate detection of kidney damage is key to preventing renal failure, and identifying biomarkers is essential for this purpose. We aimed to assess the accuracy of miRNAs as diagnostic tools for chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

We thoroughly searched five databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and CENTRAL) and performed a meta-analysis using R software. We assessed the overall diagnostic potential using the pooled area under the curve (pAUC), sensitivity (SEN), and specificity (SPE) values and the risk of bias by using the QUADAS-2 tool. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021282785).

Results

We analyzed data from 8351 CKD patients, 2989 healthy individuals, and 4331 people with chronic diseases. Among the single miRNAs, the pooled SEN was 0.82, and the SPE was 0.81 for diabetic nephropathy (DN) vs. diabetes mellitus (DM). The SEN and SPE were 0.91 and 0.89 for DN and healthy controls, respectively. miR-192 was the most frequently reported miRNA in DN patients, with a pAUC of 0.91 and SEN and SPE of 0.89 and 0.89, respectively, compared to those in healthy controls. The panel of miRNAs outperformed the single miRNAs (pAUC of 0.86 vs. 0.79, p < 0.05). The SEN and SPE of the panel miRNAs were 0.89 and 0.73, respectively, for DN vs. DM. In the lupus nephritis (LN) vs. systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohorts, the SEN and SPE were 0.84 and 0.81, respectively. Urinary miRNAs tended to be more effective than blood miRNAs (p = 0.06).

Conclusion

MiRNAs show promise as effective diagnostic markers for CKD. The detection of miRNAs in urine and the use of a panel of miRNAs allows more accurate diagnosis.
Understanding the socio-demographic and programmatic factors associated with adolescent motherhood and its association with child undernutrition in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Alamgir , Das Novel Chandra , Tariqujjaman Md. , Siddique Abu Bakkar , Chandrima Rubaiya Matin , Uddin Md. Fakhar , Islam S. M Hasibul , Sayeed Abu , Ahmed Anisuddin , Arifeen Shams El , Mahmood Hassan Rushekh , Rahman Ahmed Ehsanur , Hossain Aniqa Tasnim
Published: August 2024

Background

Worldwide, a significant number of girls become mothers during adolescence. In Bangladesh, adolescent childbirth is highly prevalent and has adverse effects on children’s health and undernutrition. We aimed to identify the relationship between the undernutrition of children and adolescent motherhood, the factors associated with adolescent mothers’ age at first birth, and to examine the programmatic factors and gaps influencing children’s undernutrition in Bangladesh.

Methods

We analysed the ‘Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey’ BDHS-17-18 data and desk review. To examine the factors associated with adolescent motherhood and its impact on child undernutrition, data from 7,643 mother-child pairs were selected. Child stunting, wasting, and underweight were measured according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) median growth guidelines based on z-scores − 2. Univariate, bivariate, simple, and multiple logistic regressions were used for analyse. We followed the systematic procedures for the literature review.

Results

Approximately, 89% of adolescents aged ≤ 19 years were married and 71% of them gave their first childbirth. Children of adolescent mothers (≤ 19 years) were significantly 1.68 times more wasted (aOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.64), 1.37 times more underweight (aOR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.86) and either form 1.32 times more stunting, wasting or underweight (aOR:1.32; 95% Cl: 1.05 to 1.66) compared to the children of adult mothers (> 19 years) after adjusting potential confounders. The factors associated with mothers’ first childbirth during adolescence were the age gap between husband and wife 5–10 years (aOR: 1.81; 95% Cl: 1.57–2.10) and age gap > 10 years (aOR: 2.41; 95% Cl: 1.96–2.97) compared with the age group < 5 years, and husbands’ education (aOR: 1.29; 95% Cl: 1.04–1.61) compared with the uneducated husbands. In the literature review, we found potential gaps in focusing on the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) program in Bangladesh, from thirty-two programmes only half of them focused on adolescents aged 10–19 years, and eleven programmes focused only on girls.

Conclusion

Children of adolescent mothers are at risk of wasting, underweight, and any form of undernutrition. For effective policies and interventions in Bangladesh, it is important to emphasise delaying adolescent pregnancy and prioritising child undernutrition.
Socioeconomic disparities in alcohol-related depression: a national cohort study of low-income medical aid beneficiaries and national health insurance beneficiaries in Korea
Authors: Lee Su Kyoung , Kwon Yong Jin
Published: August 2024

Objective

To examine the association between patterns of alcohol consumption in the past and the risk of depression among medical aid beneficiaries and National Health Insurance beneficiaries in Korea.

Methods

We used data from the National Health Information Database (NHID) of 1,292,618 participants who underwent health checkups in 2015–16 and 2017–18. We categorized alcohol consumption into four groups: continuous high, increased, decreased, and non-consumers. We followed the participants from 2019 to 2021 and identified new episodes of depression. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for depression by alcohol consumption groups and socioeconomic status.

Results

Medical aid beneficiaries had higher risks of depression than National Health Insurance beneficiaries across all alcohol consumption groups. The highest risk was observed among continuous high consumers (aOR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.36–3.93), followed by increased (aOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.17–1.94), decreased (aOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18–1.84), and non-consumers (aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.22–1.54).

Conclusions

Socioeconomic status and patterns of alcohol consumption in the past are associated with the risk of depression. Public health interventions should consider both factors to reduce alcohol-related depression and health inequalities.
Association between social capital, mental health, and digital health literacy among the university students in China: a multigroup analysis based on major difference
Authors: Zhao Jiajia , Nie Limei , Pan Lutong , Pang Mingli , Wang Jieru , Zhou Yue , Chen Rui , Liu Hui , Xu Xixing , Zhou Chengchao , Li Shixue , Kong Fanlei
Published: August 2024

Background

This study aimed to clarify medical-nonmedical difference on the relationship between social capital, mental health and digital health literacy of university students in China, and furtherly provide evidence-based suggestions on the improvement of the digital health literacy for the university students.

Methods

The snowball sampling method was used to collect data from the university students (including medical students and nonmedical students) through online questionnaires, and finally 1472 university students were included for the data analysis, of whom, 665 (45.18%) were medical students, 807 (54.82%) were nonmedical students; 462 (31.39%) were male, 1010 (68.61%) were female. Mean value of the age was 21.34 ± 2.33 for medical students vs. 20.96 ± 2.16 for nonmedical students. Descriptive analysis, chi-square test analysis, one-way Analysis of Variance (conducted by SPSS) and structural equation modeling (conducted by AMOS) were employed to explore the difference on the relationship between social capital, mental health and digital health literacy between the medical students and nonmedical students.

Results

The mean value of the digital health literacy was 36.27 (37.33 for medical students vs. 35.39 for nonmedical students). The SEM analysis showed that there was a statistically positive correlation between social capital and digital health literacy (stronger among the nonmedical students (0.317) than medical students (0.184)). Mental health had a statistically positive impact on the digital health literacy among medical students (0.242), but statistically significant correlation was not observed in nonmedical students (0.017). Social capital was negatively correlated with the mental health for both medical students and NMS (stronger among the nonmedical students (0.366) than medical students (0.255)). And the fitness indices of SEM were same between medical students and nonmedical students (GFI = 0.911, AGFI = 0.859, CFI = 0.922, RMSEA = 0.074).

Conclusion

The digital health literacy of the university student was relatively high. Both social capital and mental health could exert a positive effect on digital health literacy, while social capital was found to be positively associated with mental health. Statistical difference was found between medical students and nonmedical students on the above correlations. Implications were given on the improvement of the digital health literacy among university students in China.
Challenges in the evaluation of suicide prevention measures and quality of suicide data in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: findings from qualitative expert interviews
Authors: Werdin Sophia , Wyss Kaspar
Published: August 2024

Background

Suicide prevention requires diverse, integrated, and evidence-based measures. Comprehensive evaluation of interventions and reliable suicide data are crucial for guiding policy-making and advancing suicide prevention efforts. This study aimed to analyze current issues and gaps in the evaluation of suicide prevention measures and the quality of suicide data in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to derive specific recommendations for improvement.

Methods

Online, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 experts in suicide prevention from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, covering insights from policy, science, and practice. The interviews took place between September 2022 and February 2023, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the Framework method.

Results

While solid evidence supports the effectiveness of some suicide prevention interventions, experts indicated that the evaluation of many other measures is weak. Conducting effectiveness studies in suicide prevention presents a range of methodological and practical challenges, including recruitment difficulties, choosing adequate outcome criteria, ethical considerations, and trade-offs in allocating resources to evaluation efforts. Many interviewees rated the quality of national suicide statistics in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as comparatively high. However, they noted limitations in the scope, timeliness, and reliability of these data, prompting some regions to implement their own suicide monitoring systems. None of the three countries has national routine data on suicide attempts.

Conclusion

While some challenges in evaluating suicide prevention measures are inevitable, others can potentially be mitigated. Evaluations could be enhanced by combining traditional and innovative research designs, including intermediate outcomes and factors concerning the implementation process, and employing participatory and transdisciplinary research to engage different stakeholders. Reliable suicide data are essential for identifying trends, supporting research, and designing targeted prevention measures. To improve the quality of suicide data, a standardized monitoring approach, including uniform definitions, trained professionals, and cross-sector agreement on leadership and financing, should be pursued. This study provides actionable recommendations and highlights existing good practice approaches, thereby supporting decision-makers and providing guidance for advancing suicide prevention on a broader scale.
Immunologic features of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease based on spatially resolved whole transcriptomics
Authors: Koh Jaemoon , Kim Sehui , Kim Joong-Yub , Yim Jae-Joon , Kwak Nakwon
Published: August 2024

Background

The immunologic features of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) are largely unclear. This study investigated the immunologic features of NTM-PD using digital spatial profiling techniques.

Methods

Lung tissues obtained from six patients with NTM-PD between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2020, at Seoul National University Hospital were subjected to RNA sequencing. Cores from the peribronchial areas were stained with CD3, CD68, and DNASyto13, and gene expression at the whole-transcriptome level was quantified using PCR amplification and Illumina sequencing. Lung tissues from six patients with bronchiectasis collected during the same period were used as controls. The RNA sequencing results were validated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in another cohort (30 patients with NTM-PD and 15 patients with bronchiectasis).

Results

NTM-PD exhibited distinct gene expression patterns in T cells and macrophages. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that pathways related to antigen presentation and processing were upregulated in NTM-PD, particularly in macrophages. Macrophages were more prevalent and the expression of genes associated with the M1 phenotype (CD40 and CD80) was significantly elevated. Although macrophages were activated in the NTM-PD group T cell activity was unaltered. Notably, expression of the costimulatory molecule CD28 was decreased in NTM-PD. IHC analysis showed that T cells expressing Foxp3 or TIM-3, which facilitate the regulatory functions of T cells, were increased.

Conclusions

NTM-PD exhibits distinct immunologic signatures characterized by the activation of macrophages without T cell activation.
Moral distress, coping mechanisms, and turnover intent among healthcare providers in British Columbia: a race and gender-based analysis
Authors: Delgado-Ron Jorge Andrés , Tiwana Muhammad Haaris , Murage Alice , Morgan Rosemary , Purewal Simran , Smith Julia
Published: August 2024

Background

This study explores intersectionality in moral distress and turnover intention among healthcare workers (HCWs) in British Columbia, focusing on race and gender dynamics. It addresses gaps in research on how these factors affect healthcare workforce composition and experiences.

Methods

Our cross-sectional observational study utilized a structured online survey. Participants included doctors, nurses, and in-home/community care providers. The survey measured moral distress using established scales, assessed coping mechanisms, and evaluated turnover intentions. Statistical analysis examined the relationships between race, gender, moral distress, and turnover intention, focusing on identifying disparities across different healthcare roles. Complex interactions were examined through Classification and Regression Trees.

Results

Racialized and gender minority groups faced higher levels of moral distress. Profession played a significant role in these experiences. White women reported a higher intention to leave due to moral distress compared to other groups, especially white men. Nurses and care providers experienced higher moral distress and turnover intentions than physicians. Furthermore, coping strategies varied across different racial and gender identities.

Conclusion

Targeted interventions are required to mitigate moral distress and reduce turnover, especially among healthcare workers facing intersectional inequities.
Gene therapy for ultrarare diseases: a geneticist’s perspective
Authors: Hwu Wuh-Liang
Published: August 2024

Gene therapy has made considerable strides in recent years. More than 4000 protein-coding genes have been implicated in more than 6000 genetic diseases; next-generation sequencing has dramatically revolutionized the diagnosis of genetic diseases. Most genetic diseases are considered very rare or ultrarare, defined here as having fewer than 1:100,000 cases, but only one of the 12 approved gene therapies (excluding RNA therapies) targets an ultrarare disease. This article explores three gene supplementation therapy approaches suitable for various rare genetic diseases: lentiviral vector-modified autologous CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, systemic delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to the liver, and local AAV delivery to the cerebrospinal fluid and brain. Together with RNA therapies, we propose a potential business model for these gene therapies.
Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and their association with oxidative stress among pregnant women in Los Angeles
Authors: Meng Qi , Mitra Sanjali , Del Rosario Irish , Jerrett Michael , Janzen Carla , Devaskar Sherin U. , Ritz Beate
Published: August 2024

Background

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been linked to adverse birth outcomes that have been reported to be induced by oxidative stress, but few epidemiological studies to date have evaluated associations between urinary PAH metabolites and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnancy and identified critical periods for these outcomes and PAH exposures in pregnancy.

Methods

A cohort of pregnant women was recruited early in pregnancy from antenatal clinics at the University of California Los Angeles during 2016–2019. We collected urine samples up to three times during pregnancy in a total of 159 women enrolled in the cohort. A total of 7 PAH metabolites and 2 oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)] were measured in all available urine samples. Using multiple linear regression models, we estimated the percentage change (%) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in 8-OHdG and MDA measured at each sample collection time per doubling of PAH metabolite concentrations. Furthermore, we used linear mixed models with a random intercept for participant to estimate the associations between PAH metabolite and oxidative stress biomarker concentrations across multiple time points in pregnancy.

Results

Most PAH metabolites were positively associated with both urinary oxidative stress biomarkers, MDA and 8-OHdG, with stronger associations in early and late pregnancy. A doubling of each urinary PAH metabolite concentration increased MDA concentrations by 5.8-41.1% and 8-OHdG concentrations by 13.8-49.7%. Linear mixed model results were consistent with those from linear regression models for each gestational sampling period.

Conclusion

Urinary PAH metabolites are associated with increases in oxidative stress biomarkers during pregnancy, especially in early and late pregnancy.