bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing the Game: The Role of Women in Experiential Learning
Authors: Falk Thomas , Bartels Lara , Steimanis Ivo , Duche Vishwambhar , Vollan Björn
Published: June 2023

Using economic games as a learning intervention in 56 Indian communities showed that involving more women led to greater success in sustainable water management two years after the intervention. Participation of female leaders indirectly influence management improvements, as their presence increased women’s participation in the games. These findings underscore the significance of involving women in game-based learning for sustainable resource management.
A Cone-shape Mass in the Ascending Aorta: Primary Aortic Mural Thrombus
Authors: Sun Yangxue , Fang Fang , Guo Hongwei
Published: June 2023

Background Ascending aortic mural thrombus is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease. It can cause a variety of symptoms such as limb ischemia, visceral ischemia and stroke.
Case presentation we present a 53-year-old male patient who accidentally be found a hypodense lesion with the wall of the ascending aorta of ascending aortic space-occupying lesion on by computed tomographic (CT) scan. After excluding tumor metastasis and determining anticoagulation therapy invalid, ascending aortic replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)were performed.
Conclusions Ascending aortic replacement is an effective treatment for patients with ascending aortic mural thrombosis.
Effects of postpartum urinary incontinence: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Sidi , Chen Huating , Luo Taizhen
Published: June 2023

Background
Postpartum urinary incontinence seriously affects the physical and mental health of women. The factors influencing postpartum urinary incontinence are still controversial in clinical research. By understanding the factors influencing postpartum urinary incontinence, we can better intervene with women in labor. Therefore, this review aimed to examine the effects of maternal postpartum urinary incontinence, so as to provide scientific references for the clinical development of prevention strategies.
Method
The research searched articles using bibliographical Databases: Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CBM, VIP, CNKI, and Wan Fang Data. All study designs were considered while investigating the effects of postpartum urinary incontinence. All articles prior to February 2023 were searched. Studies include laboring mothers with normal labor and delivery. A total of 28,303 women were included in the reviewed studies.
Results
We identified 5,915 potential citations, of which 32 articles assessed the effects of postpartum urinary incontinence. Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of Postpartum urinary incontinence was 26%[95%CI:(21%~30%)]. There are 12 influencing factors that affect postpartum urinary incontinence: caesarean delivery, normal delivery, age ≥ 35 years, number of deliveries ≥ 2, weight > 4 kg, perineal scoliosis, history of the urinary incontinence-related disease, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, perineal tear, instrumental delivery, history of pelvic surgery, and prolonged second stage of labor.
Discussion
Based on the above influencing factors, we can reduce postpartum urinary incontinence by early intervention and timely prevention in patients with these risks. The following two main problems exist in this study: First, the study excluded literature with less than 2 studies on the same influencing factor and literature whose data could not be utilized or combined, which may have some selection bias. Second, this study was limited by the sample size, and some of the influencing factors were included in a small number of literatures, which did not allow for the detection of publication bias.
Prospero registration number: [CRD42023412096]
Unlocking the potential of probiotic administration in caries management: a systematic review
Authors: Lopes Pedro C. , Gomes Ana T. P. C. , Mendes Karina , Blanco Letícia , Correia Maria J.
Published: June 2023

Background
The use of prebiotics and/or probiotic bacteria with the potential to modulate the oral ecosystem may play an important role in the prevention and management of dental caries. To assess the evidence of the potential of pre/probiotics both in the prevention and treatment of dental caries, and therefore as adjuvant approaches in caries management, we focused on the PICO question “In individuals with caries, after probiotic administration, is there an improvement in outcomes directly related to caries risk and development?".
Methods
An extensive systematic search was conducted in electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane, to identify articles with relevant data. This systematic review included trials complying the following inclusion criteria: studies performed in Humans; published in English; including the observation of patients with caries, with clear indication of the probiotic used and measurement of outcomes directly involved with the cariogenic process, including quantification of bacteria with cariogenic potential. To evaluate methodological quality of the studies, the critical assessment tool Joanna Briggs Institute was used.
Results
Eight hundred and fifty articles, potentially relevant, were identified. Following PRISMA guidelines 14 articles were included in this systematic review. Outcomes related to improvement of caries risk and development parameters were salivary counts of S. mutans and Lactobacillus, salivary pH and buffer capacity, new caries and caries activity, reduction of the cariogenic organisms content, assessed through sequencing approaches and salivary concentration of antimicrobial peptides. The probiotic most often referred with beneficial results in dental caries outcomes is Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus being the most recommended to be included in clinical studies related to oral health. Regarding the most used administration vehicle, in studies with positive effects on the caries management, probiotic supplemented milk is considered the best administration vehicle.
Conclusions
Evidence suggests a beneficial effect of probiotic supplemented milk (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus) as an adjuvant for caries prevention and management. However, comparable evidence is scarce and better designed and comparable studies are needed.
Association Between ICU admission (Neutrophil + Monocyte)/Lymphocyte Ratio And 30-Day Mortality in Patients with Sepsis: A Retrospective Study from MIMIC-IV
Authors: Guo Manliang , He Wanmei , Mao Xueyan , Luo Yuling , Zeng Mian
Published: June 2023

Background: Sepsis is an important public health issue, and it is urgent to develop valuable indicators to predict the prognosis of sepsis. Our study aims to assess the predictive value of ICU admission (Neutrophil + Monocyte)/lymphocyte ratio (NMLR) on the 30-day mortality of sepsis patients.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in septic patients, and the data were collected from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relation between ICU admission NMLR and 30-day mortality. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was performed to determine the optimum cut-off value of ICU admission NMLR. Survival outcomes of the two groups with different ICU admission NMLR levels were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.
Results: Finally, 7292 patients were recruited in the study, of which 1601 died within 30 days of discharge. The non-survival group had higher ICU admission NMLR values than patients in the survival group (12.24 [6.44–23.67] vs. 8.71 [4.81–16.26], P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that ICU admission NMLR was an independent prognostic predictor on 30-day mortality (Univariate: P < 0.001; multivariate: P=0.011). The RCS model demonstrated the upturn and non-linear relationship between ICU admission NMLR and 30-day mortality (Nonlinearity: P=0.0124). According to the KM curve analysis,30-day survival was worse in the higher ICU admission NMLR group than that in the lower ICU admission NMLR group (Log rank test, P<0.0001).
Conclusion: The elevated ICU admission NMLR level is an independent risk factor for high 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis.
Genome-wide association study for reproduction traits in Colombian Creole Blanco Orejinegro cattle
Authors: Ríos Ana Cristina Herrera , Nasner Sindy Liliana Caivio , Londoño-Gil Marisol , Gonzalez-Herrera Luis Gabriel , Lopez-Herrera Albeiro , RINCON JUAN CARLOS
Published: June 2023

Reproductive traits are fundamental for beef-cattle production system profitability. However, traits such as age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), and gestation length (GL) have use disadvantages in traditional breeding programs since they are measured in only one sex and may have low heritability. Another important aspect is the conservation of the genetic resources of animals adapted to the Colombian regions, which implies the preservation and rational use of the creole breeds present in the country market. Therefore, this study aimed to identify genomic regions in the creole cattle breed Blanco Orejinero (BON) that influences the reproductive traits in females and to understand their genetic architecture. The dataset used comprised 439 animals and 118,116 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers. The GS3 program was used to identify the SNP effects employing the BAYES Cπ methodology. The number of SNPs with effect for AFC was 25, 1,527 for CI, and 23 for GL. Some of the genes found (ECE1, EPH, EPHB2, SMARCAL1, IGFBP5, IGFBP2, FCGRT, EGFR, MUL1, PINK1, STPG1, CNGB1, TGFB1, OXTR, IL22RA1, MYOM3, OXTR, CNR2, HIVEP3, CTPS1, CXCL8, FCGRT, MREG, TMEM169, PECR, and MC1R) were previously associated with reproduction and growth traits, as well as with immune response and environmental adaptation in BON cattle. Our results evidenced a high contribution of the genetic architecture of the Colombian creole cattle breed Blanco Orejinegro that should be included in the implementation of genetic improvement and conservation programs.
Generalizable principles underly the evolution and shaping of population level SARS-CoV-2 immune markers
Authors: Nilles Eric , Roberts Kathryn , Aubin Michael de St. , Mayfield Helen , Restrepo Angela Cadavid , Dumas Devan , Garnier Salome , Etienne Marie , Duke William , Jarolim Petr , Oasan Timothy , Peña Farah , Abdalla Gabriela , Lopez Beatriz , Cruz Lucia de la , Sanchez Isaac , Murray Kristy , Baldwin Margaret , Skewes-Ramm Ronald , Paulino Cecilia Then , Lau Colleen , Kucharski Adam
Published: June 2023

While individual level immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 are well characterized, population immunity and the factors that drive population immune markers are largely undescribed. In this study, we examined spike antibody responses that track with infection risk amongst a household cohort in the northwest and southeast of the Dominican Republic. Our sampling period was from Aug 2021 to Nov 2022, capturing sequential waves of Delta, BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/5 transmission. We show that population antibody levels normalized from a highly irregular to a Gaussian distribution, driven by accrued infections and antibody boosting among individuals with lower baseline immunity and waning among those with higher immunity, irrespective of interval vaccination. Using a limited number of predictor variables and out-of-sample validation methods we were able to predict S-antibody changes at the Nov 2022 timepoint with a high degree of accuracy (Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.95 for predicted vs observed change). S-antibody level at the baseline sampling timepoint was by far the most influential predictor, demonstrated by a strong association when used as the only predictor variable (Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.92). Findings were stable across geographically distinct study regions, suggesting drivers of immune dynamics apply equally across the Dominican Republic, and likely other countries with comparable transmission profiles. Our results suggest that given sufficient transmission, generalizable and discernable principles underly population immune dynamics. We propose that these findings can be used to delineate immune dynamics in other settings, inform transmission modeling, and guide public health priorities for SARS-CoV-2, and potentially other non-immune sterilizing emerging pathogens.
Circulation dampened heat extremes intensification over the Midwest US and amplified over Western Europe
Authors: Singh Jitendra , Sippel Sebastian , Fischer Erich
Published: June 2023

Heat extremes have intensified globally in recent decades, but the Midwest United States (MUS) experiences a weak cooling trend while Western Europe (WEU) shows remarkable warming trends. We show that atmospheric circulation greatly amplify warming in WEU and weaken it in the MUS. Circulation-induced trends lead to ~1°C cooling in MUS since 1979, reversing the weak thermodynamic warming effects. While in WEU, they cause ~1°C warming, contributing to one third of observed trends. The observed circulation- and thermodynamic-induced trends are outside the multi-model ensemble range for the MUS and at the edge of the range for WEU. This explains why the total observed trends in these regions are at the very low and high end of the model range. To what extent the circulation-induced trends are forced or unforced remains a key open question to constrain future projections. If circulation-induced trends are forced, WEU may experience further intensified heat extremes, while if they result from unforced internal variability, WEU warming would slow and MUS may experience rapidly intensifying heat extremes in the coming decades.
Electrochemical synthesis of poly(methylene blue) on PLA-CB conductive 3D printer filament and its electrochemical activity towards the sensitivity of uric acid
Authors: fazdoune M. El , Bahend K. , Oubella M. , Jadi S. Ben , Guerraf A. El , Bazzaoui E. A. , Garcia-Garcia F. J. , Inácio. M. José , Bazzaoui M.
Published: June 2023

The following study describes the electropolymerization of phenothiazine methylene blue (MB) monomer on conductive 3D printer filaments made of polylactic acid doped carbon black (PLA-CB). Poly(methylene blue) (PMB) thin layers were successfully synthesized on PLA-CB electrodes using various electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry (CP), and chronoamperometry (CA). The threshold values required to initiate the polymerization process were found to be 470 mV and 10 µA.cm˗2 for the potentiostatic and galvanostatic modes respectively. Afterward, microscopic and spectroscopic characterization by SEM, Raman, as well as, XPS confirmed the successful modification of the PLA-CB surface with a thin layer of saccharin counter ions-doped PMB. The modified electrode PMB/PLA-CB was then tested for its ability as an electrochemical sensor for uric acid. The analysis conducted by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) demonstrated a faster rate for electron transfer, consequently, uric acid can be electrochemically oxidized at a high number of active sites. The modified conductive 3D printer filament tested in the present study can be considered a promising sensor, not only for uric acid but also for other analytes contained in pharmaceuticals and biological samples.
Effect of Single Intravenous Injection of Esketamine on Postpartum Depression after Labor Analgesia and Potential Mechanisms: A Randomized, Double-blinded Controlled Trial
Authors: Ling Bin , Zhu Yun , Yan Zelin , Chen Hao , Xu Hua , Wang Qi , Yu Wanyou , Wang Wei
Published: June 2023

Background：The study was designed to investigate effects of single intravenous injection of esketamine on the incidence of postpartum depression (PPD) after labor analgesia and explore the potential mechanisms.
Methods：A total of 120 women who underwent labor analgesia by epidural analgesia pump were enrolled and divided into two groups randomly. Esketamine at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg was intravenously injected after fetal disengagement in the test group and placebo was administered in the control group. The occurrence of PPD and side effects after delivery were recorded. Some indicators related to stress and inflammation were measured before labor analgesia and at 24 hours, 1 week, and 6 weeks after delivery in this study. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance and Chi-square test in SPSS software (version 25.0). It was considered statistically significant since a p value less than 0.05.
Results：The incidence of PPD was significantly decreased both for one week and six weeks after delivery by using of esketamine (3.4% vs 15.3%, p = 0.004 and 5.2% vs 18.6%, p = 0.006, respectively) . There were also significant differences between the stress and inflammation-related indicators in different time points in this study, while the side effects for 48 hours after delivery were similar between the two groups.
Conclusions：Single intravenous injection of esketamine after delivery in participants underwent labor analgesia can decrease the occurrence of postpartum depression for one week and six weeks after delivery, while the side effects were not increased. The antidepressant effects of esketamine may be related to the reduction of stress response and inflammation.
KLF7 promotes neuroblastoma differentiation through regulation neuroblast differentiation-associated protein AHNAKs and is a marker of clinical outcome
Authors: Qiao Shupei , Jia Ying , Xie Li , Jing Wenwen , Xia Yang , Song Yue , Zhang Jiahui , Cao Tianhua , Song Huilin , Meng Lingdi , Shi Lei , Zhang Xue
Published: June 2023

Background Recent studies have revealed that neuroblastomas share a close transcriptional similarity with developing adrenal neuroblasts which were often overlooked in previous studies andconfirmed that the neuroblast identity of the neuroblastoma cells. Accumulated data suggest that a differentiation arrest in sympathoadrenal neuroblasts contributes to the formation of neuroblastoma. It has been proposed that KLF7 is a neuroblastoma super-enhancer-associated transcription factor gene. Moreover, KLF7 strongly active in postmitotic neuroblasts of the developing nervous system during embryogenesis. However, the role of KLF7 in the differentiation of neuroblast or neuroblastoma is unknown.
Methods Human neuroblastoma cells were used to assess the effects of KLF7 on the proliferation and differentiation biological behaviors of neuroblastoma. CHIP-seq and RNA-seq were used to detect the target gene of KLF7 in neuroblastoma. Luciferase assay, GTPase activity assayand Immunoblotting were utilized to determine the protein–promoter interactions and related molecular mechanisms.
Results Firstly, we find a strong association between high KLF7 expression and favorable clinical outcomes in neuroblastoma. Moreover, we find that KLF7 not only inhibits proliferation but also induces differentiation of neuroblastoma cells, surpassing the effects of previously reported neuroblastoma differentiation genes. Furthermore, we are the first one to report that KLF7 binds directly to the promoters of neuroblast differentiation-associated protein (AHNAK and AHNAK2) and regulates their expression to influence the MAPK pathway and GTPase activity and then induces differentiation of neuroblastoma which also indicates that KLF7 plays a crucial role in neuroblast differentiation through regulating neuroblast differentiation-associated protein AHNAKs expression. As reported that KLF7 was a neuroblastoma super-enhancer-associated transcription factor gene, we also observe that depletion of KLF7 in neuroblastoma cells promotes the adrenergic-to-mesenchymal transition, accompanies by changes in enhancer-mediated gene expression.
Conclusion we are the first one to report that KLF7 binds directly to the promoters of neuroblast differentiation-associated protein (AHNAK and AHNAK2) and regulates their expression to influence the GTPase activity and then induces differentiation of neuroblastoma which also indicates that KLF7 plays a crucial role in neuroblast differentiation. Our results reveal KLF7 as an inducer of neuroblast or neuroblastoma differentiation with prognostic significance and potential therapeutic value.
Plasma driven ammonia synthesis over silica: The role of the catalyst morphology and porous structure
Authors: Nguyen Hoang M. , Gorky Fnu , Jasinski Jacek B. , Carreon Maria L.
Published: June 2023

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) has opened novel routes for ammonia production, providing a powerful and high-performance rivalling the conventional Haber-Bosch process. Yet, the enhancement of ammonia yield over NTP driven catalytic processes is still challenging. In this work, ammonia synthesis performance is tailored by the morphology and textural properties including surface area and pore size volume of various silica catalysts. Experimental results indicated the effects of different catalyst surface areas, pore sizes, and morphology on the surface discharge. Spherical macroporous silica displays the highest ammonia production rate of 0.14 mmol min-1 m-2 at a power of 15W. The spherical macroporous silica offers a more uniform discharge, enhancing the reaction of unreacted N2 and H2 and allowing their diffusion and absorption inside the pores to form ammonia. The findings from this work provide insights for tailoring catalyst porous structure and morphology for ammonia production powered by non-thermal plasma.
Viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 included in spray-dried microdiets for fish larvae
Authors: Martínez-Ángeles Eduardo , Ríos-Durán María Gisela , Navarrete-Ramírez Pamela , Raggi Luciana , Martínez-Chávez C. Cristian , Martínez-Palacios Carlos A.
Published: June 2023

Despite that, probiotics in fish feeds have shown positive growth and survival results in several freshwater and marine fish species; maintaining probiotic viability in dry feed has been a challenge, especially regarding spray-dried microdiets, although it is assumed that the nature of the process has the potential to encapsulate and protect probiotics with minimal chemical modification. Nevertheless, scarce information exists about the influence of the process and microdiet handling conditions. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of the spray-drying process, storage time, and marine water exposure on the viability of L. acidophilus encapsulated in microdiets. The results suggest that spray-dried microdiets, including L. acidophilus La-14, can be stored for up to 6 months at 4 ºC maintaining an adequate CFU count (> 109) and can be used as a probiotic supplement in microdiets for marine and freshwater fish larvae. This raises the possibility of implementing new feeding strategies, such as using enriched microdiets with probiotic strains capable of resisting salinity and long-term storage, which can have an essential application for the aquafeed industry.
Safety of JAK and IL-6 inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis: a multicentor cohort study
Authors: Yoshida Shuhei , Miyata Masayuki , Suzuki Eiji , Kanno Takashi , Sumichika Yuya , Saito Kenji , Matsumoto Haruki , Temmoku Jumpei , Fujita Yuya , Matsuoka Naoki , Asano Tomoyuki , Sato Shuzo , Migita Kiyoshi
Published: June 2023

Objective
The ORAL surveillance showed a potentially higher incidence of malignancy and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) with tofacitinib compared to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (TNFi), but little is known about safety comparisons in non-TNFi or other Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi). This study aimed to compare the incidence (IR) of malignancies and major adverse cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with interleukin-6 inhibitor (IL-6i) or JAKi.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 427 RA patients treated with IL-6i (n = 273), or a JAKi (n = 154). We determined the IRs of malignancy and MACEs, and the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of malignancies and investigated the factors related to malignancy and MACEs. After adjusting the clinical characteristic imbalance by propensity score matching (PSM), we compared the incidence of adverse events between the JAKi and IL-6i groups.
Results
Observational period after propensity score matching (PSM): 605.27 patient-years (PY); median observational period: 2.28 years. We identified 12 cases of malignancy (IR: 3.70 per 100 PY) in JAKi-treated group and 10 cases (IR: 1.06 per 100 PY) in IL-6i-treated group after PSM. The IR of MACEs were 3.08 and 0.43 (per 100 PY) in JAKi and IL-6i-treated group. The IRRs of JAKi-treated patients versus IL-6i-treated patients were 2.13 (95%CI: 0.67–7.42) for malignancy and 3.03 (95%CI: 0.77–15.21) for MACE. There were no significant differences in IRR for malignancy and MACE between JAKi treatment and IL-6i treatment after PSM. Univariate or Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed independent risk factors: older age, JAKi use in malignancy and older age, hypertension, JAKi use in MACEs. The overall malignancy SIR was significantly higher in the JAKi treatment group compared to the general population (2.10/100PY, 95%CI: 1.23–2.97).
Conclusions
The malignancy and MACEs IR in RA after PSM was comparable between IL-6i and JAKi. However, the SIR of malignancy in JAKi treatment was significantly higher than in the general population, therefore, further safety studies comparing JAKi to non-TNFi bDMARDs are needed.
Global invasion reconstructed and spatio-temporal distribution pattern dynamics of Sorghum halepense under climate and land-use change
Authors: Yang Ming , Zhao Haoxiang , Xian Xiaoqing , Qi Yuhan , Li Qiao , Guo Jianying , Chen Li , Liu Wanxue
Published: June 2023

Context
Sorghum halepense competes with crops and grass species in cropland, grassland, and urban, increasing invasion risk. However, invasive historical dynamics and distribution patterns of S. halepense associated with current and future climate change and land-use change (LUC) remain unknown.
Objectives
We first analyzed invasive historical dynamics of S. halepense to explore its invasion status and expansion trends. We then used species distribution model to examine whether future climate change and LUC will facilitate the invasion of S. halepense.
Methods
We reconstructed invasive historical countries of S. halepense based on databases with detailed recorded countries and occurrences. We run biomod2 based on climate data and land-use data at 5’ resolution, assessing the significance of environmental variables and LUC.
Results
Sorghum halepense was widely distributed worldwide through grain trade and forage introduction, except in Africa. Future global cropland and urban areas were expected to increase, yet grassland areas decreased. Europe and North America provided more the PGSH of S. halepense in cropland, grassland, and urban, covering 48.69%, 20.79%, and 84.82%, respectively. The future PGSH of S. halepense increased continuously in Northern Hemisphere, transferring to higher latitudes. Environmental variables were more significant than LUC in predicting the PGSH of S. halepense.
Conclusions
We constructed species distribution models associated with the near current and future environmental variables and LUC. Future PGSH of S. halepense was expected to increase, increasing invasion risk on agricultural LUC. These results are basic for the early warning and prevention of S. halepense worldwide.
Association between dust exposure and dyslipidemia among coal miners: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Hui , Tao HuiHui , Fu Jifeng , Hou Weilong , Hu Chunxiao , Liu Yafeng , Ding Xuansheng , Hu Dong
Published: June 2023

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dust exposure and dyslipidemia among coal miners, and to identify related risk factors.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 5433 coal miners who underwent occupational health examinations at the Huainan Yangguang Xinkang Hospital. Participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of dyslipidemia, and their baseline information and dust exposure status were recorded. Univariate analysis was used to screen for risk factors associated with dyslipidemia, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounding factors. Stratified analyses and smooth curve fitting were used to explore the effect of dust exposure on dyslipidemia in different subgroups. A silica-exposed mouse model was established to confirm the causal relationship between dust exposure and dyslipidemia.
Results
Of the 5433 coal miners included in the study, 3162 (58.2%) had dyslipidemia. Univariate analysis indicated that dust exposure, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and abnormal blood pressure were significant risk factors for dyslipidemia (P-value < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors showed that dust exposure was still significantly associated with dyslipidemia. Stratified analyses and smooth curve fitting further confirmed the effect of dust exposure on dyslipidemia in different subgroups. The silica-exposed mouse model confirmed the causal relationship between dust exposure and dyslipidemia.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the potential impact of dust exposure on cardiovascular health in coal miners, and emphasize the need for prevention and control measures. Dust exposure was identified as an important risk factor for dyslipidemia among coal miners, which should be taken seriously and addressed effectively.
Validation of a Latin American Spanish version of the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA-LA) in Colombian and Nicaraguan adults
Authors: Andres Fabienne E. , Thornborrow Tracey , Bowie Wienis N. , Coneo Ana Maria Chamorro , Rosa Gisell de la , Evans Elizabeth H. , Acuña Laura S. Fontalvo , Kolar David R. , Chams Moises R. Mebarak , Castro Juan Camilo Tovar , Boothroyd Lynda G.
Published: June 2023

Background
Body dissatisfaction (BD) is a growing concern in Latin America; reliable and culturally appropriate scales are vital to promote body image research in Spanish speaking Latin American countries. We validated a Latin American Spanish version of the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA; Mendelson et al., 2001).
Methods
The scale was translated, culturally adapted, and validated with adults in Colombia (N = 525, 65% women, Mage 24.4, SD = 9.28). We assessed factor structure (using confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis CFA and EFA), internal reliability (using Cronbach’s alpha and omega), validity (using the Body Appreciation Scale BAS and Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire SATAQ), test-retest stability (using Intraclass correlations ICC) and measurement invariance. To evaluate the generalizability of the scale, we assessed reliability, validity, and factor structure in a second sample from rural Nicaragua (N = 102, 73% women, Mage 22.2, SD = 4.72).
Results
The scale showed excellent internal reliability and validity across both samples. Test-retest stability and invariance across gender was established for the Colombian sample. EFA showed a three-factor structure with the subscales appearance-positive, appearance-negative and weight that was confirmed using CFA in both the Colombian and Nicaraguan sample and showed invariance across countries.
Conclusion
The Latin American Spanish version BESAA-LA is a psychometrically sound measure with excellent reliability, validity and invariance across gender and countries. Therefore, we recommend its use in diverse Latin American adult populations to measure body satisfaction/dissatisfaction.
From active treatment to surveillance: How the barriers and facilitators of implementing survivorship care planning could be an opportunity for telehealth in oncology care for rural patients.
Authors: Alford-Teaster Jenn , Vaclavik Danielle Danielle , Imset Inger , Schiffelbein Jenna , Lyons Kathleen , Kapadia Nirav , Olson Ardis , McGrath Elizabeth , Schifferdecker Karen , Onega Tracy
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Cancer survivorship care planning is a recognized yet underutilized aspect of care delivery and the opportunity for telehealth in cancer survivorship is examined.
Methods:
We conducted a mixed-methods study in Vermont and New Hampshire to characterize perceptions of rural cancer providers and survivors regarding survivorship transitions in care, consisting of: a) key informant interviews with primary care and oncology clinicians, b) a broader survey of clinicians, and c) surveys and focus group discussions with cancer survivors. In these interactions, we also explored the use of a shared telehealth survivorship care planning appointment between oncology clinicians, primary care clinicians, and survivors

Results:
Results from surveys and interviews clustered around several themes, namely: 1) infrequent care transitioning back to primary care; 2) lack of mental health services; 3) lack of side effect education; 4) low perceived utility of survivorship care plans; 5) clinicians exclusively communicate using the EMR and finding it imperfect; and 6) clinicians and survivors reported conflicting perceptions regarding survivors’ access to telehealth options.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that telehealth has potential to augment the delivery of survivorship care planning; however, key technical and logistical concerns need to be addressed, particularly enhanced coordination across clinician scheduling and ensuring payment parity for various telehealth implementation strategies.
Implications for Cancer Survivors:
Cancer survivorship care planning is a recognized yet underutilized aspect of care delivery. There is an opportunity for the application of telehealth for supportive care in survivorship care planning, which should be a focus of further research.
Reinforcement Learning with Decoupled State Representation for Robot Manipulations
Authors: Dong Kun , Luo Yongle , Wang Yuxin , Cheng Erkang , Sun Zhiyong , Zhang Qiang , Bo Song
Published: June 2023

Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has advanced robot manipulations with an alternative solution to design a control strategy using the raw image as the input directly. Although the image usually comes up with more knowledge about the environment, it needs the policy to achieve representation learning and task learning simultaneously, which is a sample inefficient task. Previous attempts, such as Variational Autoencoder (VAE) based DRL algorithms have attempted to solve this problem by learning a visual representation model, which encodes the entire image into a low-dimension vector. However, since the vector contains both the robot and object information, the coupling within the state is inevitable, which could mislead the training process of DRL policy. In this study, a novel method named Reinforcement Learning with Decoupled State Representation (RLDS) is proposed to decouple the robot and object information to increase the learning efficiency and effectiveness. The experimental results have shown that the proposed method has a faster learning speed and can achieve better performance compared with previous methods in several typical robot tasks. Additionally, with only 3,096 offline images, the proposed method can be successfully applied to a real robot pushing task, which demonstrates its high practicability.
Real-World Outcomes of Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, and Atezolizumab Treatment Efficacy in Korean Veterans with Stage IV Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ham Ahrong , Lee Young , Kim Hae Su , Lim Taekyu
Published: June 2023

In clinical settings, patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have different treatment criteria from those enrolled in clinical trials. There are concerns regarding the efficacy of ICIs in older adults due to the age-associated decline in the immune system, and no study has directly compared the efficacy of different ICIs in a real-world setting. We aimed to analyze ICIs use and treatment outcomes in Korean veterans with stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In total, 180 patients diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC between 2016 and 2021 were included in this analysis. Three cohort groups were derived based on ICI type (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab treatment groups), and their clinical characteristics and survival outcomes were compared. The predictors of survival outcomes in patients with NSCLC were investigated using a Cox regression model. The objective response rate (ORR) was 22.4%, 8.2%, and 4.3% in the pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab groups, respectively, whereas the disease control rate (DCR) was 59.2, 55.7%, and 30.0%, respectively. There was no difference in the overall survival (OS) rate among the groups, and no treatment-specific OS benefit was observed relative to tumor PD-L1 expression, and bone metastasis was a poor prognostic factor for OS. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab were associated with a significant increase in ORR and DCR compared with atezolizumab, and there was no statistically significant difference in survival outcomes among the three ICIs, demonstrating that they may be an appropriate treatment option for older patients.
Chemotherapy Safe Handling Practices in Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Multi-Center Mixed-Method Evaluation
Authors: Webb Nathaniel , Matys Samantha , IV James B. Collins , Garcia Julian , Worku Kaleab , Lines Mandee , Hirata Hailey , Dark Erin , Brooks Callee , Buhlinger Kaitlyn , Fentie Atalay Mulu , Roberts Megan C. , Muluneh Benyam
Published: June 2023

The increasing incidence of cancer and capacity for cancer care in Ethiopia has led to an upsurge in chemotherapy use in the country; however, studies indicate that there is a gap in the safe handling of chemotherapy by healthcare workers. There exists a need to understand if such unsafe practices occur across the diverse Ethiopian health system and what specific areas along the chemotherapy life cycle need the most improvement. This study utilized a mixed-methods design through an online survey administered to health care professionals across Ethiopia and evaluative site visits of cancer units in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to understand the current conditions of chemotherapy handling. 8 cancer units were evaluated and a total of 67 Ethiopian health care professionals responded to the survey. 55% (n = 21/38) of survey participants disagreed or strongly disagreed that there are systems in place to identify, prevent, and address chemotherapy hazards in their workplace, and 71% (n = 25/35) of respondents denied having an active and effective health and safety committee and/or worker health and safety representative where they work. At evaluative site visits, 30% (n = 26/88) of health care workers met the minimum guidelines for proper hand hygiene, and 20% (n = 8/40) of health care workers used adequate PPE according to guidelines across the chemotherapy lifecycle. Results of this study indicate an urgent need for implementation of evidence-based interventions to improve chemotherapy handling in Ethiopia so that all patients and health care workers are protected from the hazardous toxicities of these drugs.
Risk Factors Linked with Preeclampsia: A Review
Authors: Amarikwa-Obi Godwin Chukwuemeka
Published: June 2023

Preeclampsia is a condition that affects pregnant women and is characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling in the hands, feet, and legs. There is a chance for mild to significant variances. Although it can happen earlier or immediately after delivery, it usually happens in the later stages of pregnancy. Indeed, search engines like Google, Microsoft Bing, and Baidu were used to search publications investigating the association between pre-eclampsia and risk factor. It was observed that if preeclampsia occurred during a prior pregnancy, a woman is seven times more likely to suffer it again. Primarily, initial pregnancies are affected. Preeclampsia is more likely to affect women with history of migraines, gestational diabetes, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, urinary tract infections, gum disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and sickle cell disease. Additionally, it happens more commonly in pregnancies brought on by egg donation, in vitro fertilization, or donor insemination. It is recommended that high-risk pregnant women begin taking low-dose aspirin after 12 weeks to prevent preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is therefore x-rayed along with its signs and causes. There are several risk indicators that, alone or in combination, may help identify early pregnant women who are “high risk” for pre-eclampsia. Keywords: High blood pressure, Preeclampsia, Risk factors.
Safety Appraisal of Orthodox Vaccine Administration Versus Herbal Lipids Mixture Application Abuja, Nigeria Experience
Authors: Ajobiewe H.F.
Published: June 2023

The study examined all the area councils within Federal Capital Territory Abuja, during the Covid 19 pandemic in order to critically appraise the extent of safety of orthodox vaccines and local herbal remedies. A total of 933 volunteers were involved. The adverse reactions post herbal and orthodox vaccinations were compared in order to ascertain which of the two regimes best suited the volunteers. Two sample sizes were estimated. One was based on the expected frequency of at least one local side effect between 48.9 and 85.8%. The second was based on the expected frequency of at least one systemic side effect between 52.6 and 70.5%. T-test calculated was far higher than the values tabulated at 99% confidence limits when the two independent population means of both volunteers that were administered with orthodox vaccine and those who received the local Joseleen lipids mixtures (JOHVIR) were compared. In other words, t-cal. 34.6> t –tab. 3.17 at P <0.01, Case fertility rates for the post orthodox vaccine administration was 14% in all the area councils unisex and across all age groups while no fatality cases were recorded post herbal lipids mixture administration to volunteers. This study provides novel evidence that there was high significant difference (P<0.01) in serious adverse reactions post orthodox vaccine administration and far milder and lesser adverse reactions post Local Joseleen Herbal Lipids mixture (Johvir) across all the ages tested. Keywords: Adverse Reaction, Case- Fatality, Intravascular, JOHVIR, Orthodox, Oral.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge and Uptake among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in the Northwest Region of Cameroon
Authors: Vifeme Mirabel
Published: June 2023

In Cameroon, HIV prevalence among youths (15-24 years) is 2% and 26.5% of them have unwanted pregnancies. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are widely available, whose optimal utilization will reduce these high rates of HIV/STI transmission and pregnancies, but their knowledge and uptake of these services are unknown. This study aimed to assess determinants of SRH knowledge and uptake among HIV-infected youths in the Northwest region of Cameroon. This cross-sectional study received administrative authorization from the Delegation of Northwest and CBCHB IRB approval (IRB2021-77). We sequentially sampled youths living with HIV and receiving care at 16 treatment sites. Data was anonymously collected from consented participants between February and April 2022 using a structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using Stata version 14.0. In total 340 participants were enrolled, 70% female, 62% within 15-19 age group. Overall, knowledge of participants on SHR services was 78% and its uptake was 58%. Knowledge was 71% for SRH counselling, 78% for pregnancy prevention, 78% for STIs services and uptake of these services was 78%, 70% and 76% respectively. Increased age positively predicted SRH knowledge while urban residence had a negative influence. Being a male, living in urban residence and not schooling was negatively associated with SRH service uptake while good SRH knowledge positively predicted uptake. The suboptimal level of knowledge, consistent with low service uptake suggests the need for more sensitization and education on SHR services which is key to influencing uptake of these services and consequently reducing unintended pregnancies and HIV/STIs transmission. Keywords: Sexual and reproductive health, knowledge, uptake.
Covid-19’s Economic and Healthcare Correlations to Leading Affected Countries: A Statistical Assessment
Authors: Uddin Mahtab
Published: June 2023

In this study, we conducted a statistical assessment of the economic and healthcare issues of leading countries affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We sought to consider the pandemic's progressive components, including the total tests, total cases, total deaths, total recoveries, and the total number of active cases. We also investigated the population dispersion, health index, and annual per capita income of the target countries. Real-time information regarding the topics is gathered from reputable institutional websites across the world, then organized and analyzed using statistical techniques. Both the graphical and tabular approaches are employed to present statistical manifestations. While some countries are shown to be in the leading position for most of the target issues, some inconsistencies are observed among a few. Concerning the annual per capita income and health index of the target countries, the Covid-19 components are not very relevant, but there is a slight similarity when looking at the overall population. Interestingly, regions with very low population densities show a higher prevalence of Covid-19. No discernible trend is attained from Bangladesh's perspective. Keywords: Covid-19 components; Leading affected countries; Per-capita income, Health index, Population dispersion, Statistical assessment.
A Geo-Medical Study of Low Back Pain Associated With Risk Factors Reported among Female School Teachers of Srinagar District, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Dev Aisha , Ganaie M. Imran , Mayer Ishtiaq A. , Singh Harmeet , Nabi Afshan
Published: June 2023

Low Back Pain (LBP) is considered one of the most frequently reported causes of visits to healthcare establishments. In India, the prevalence of LBP is alarming with approximately 60% of people suffering from LBP. It has been observed that most people have experienced back discomfort at least once in their lives. Globally, LBP features amongst work-related disorders as a frequently prevailing issue in occupational settings. In the Indian scenario, the prevalence of LBP is generally found to be gender-specific. Females are reported to suffer more from LBP than males in the same working environment. Recent research suggests that school teachers exhibit a higher prevalence of LBP issues. Therefore, the present study focuses on enquiring about the occurrence of LBP and understanding the associated risk factors among female teachers. Simple random sampling is used to identify schools in 5 urban units of the Srinagar district. Binary logistic regression is employed to identify the risk factors, both at the workplace and at home. Married females (58.33 %) complained of LBP more than unmarried ones. At the workplace, prolonged standing (40%) was the most common self-reported risk factor for LBP. In general, prolonged standing, teaching hours, and mental health were found to be the three statistically significant risk factors contributing to LBP at the workplace. Amongst all the activities at home, domestic chores carried out by females (married and unmarried both) were the highest self-reported risk factor (78%), married women at 82.14% and unmarried women at 75.9%. The same was found statistically significant along with the additional factor being professional work done at home. The study establishes the need for a comprehensive strategy and preventive interventions in lowering the prevalence of LBP disability, especially among teachers, given the immense role they play in shaping our society.