bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The preventive role of vitamin D in the prevention and management of Fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Erkilic Berkehan , Dalgic Gunay Sahin
Published: January 2023

Aim: Vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent condition among the general population, all around the world. Vitamin D deficiency is defined as serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D lower than 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/ml). It is a known actor in the skeletal system through the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism and bone mineralization. Still, the role of vitamin D as an immunomodulator is yet to be acknowledged by healthcare practitioners as a cause, precipitating factor, and contributor to a variety of diseases. Vitamin D is shown to be an actor in multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and irritable bowel syndrome. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disorder associated with a severe pain that can affect a patient's musculoskeletal system, daily routine, and mood. The clinical presentation encapsulates other disorders such as lethargy and sleep problems, brain fog and other cognitive issues, and physical and psychiatric symptoms. Methods: We have used PubMed and ResearchGate in the reviewing process of our paper. We tried to address as many topics as we judged to be adequate and relevant for the practicing clinicians. Results: Management of fibromyalgia syndrome is both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic, which are provided in a stepwise fashion. Yet, the management of FMS remains a challenge, heeding a multidisciplinary approach. Among the dietary interventions, we chose vitamin D and its effects on FMS. Literature shows that supplementation improves pain caused by fibromyalgia syndrome, yet specific recommendations are still to be created. Conclusions: We call on all the relevant governmental bodies, public health experts and health policy makers, healthcare practitioners, and the civil society to use novel data related to fibromyalgia syndrome, and in a broader perspective, the integral role of vitamin D.
Strategy Specific Support During Uncertain Waiting Periods
Authors: Dooley Michael , Sweeny Kate , Howell Jennifer
Published: January 2023

Uncertainty over what the future holds can be a source of anxiety and worry, and people use a variety of coping strategies in response to this distress. However, limited research has examined whether and how interpersonal factors might influence how exactly people choose to cope with uncertainty. In the current studies, we explore how perceptions of a romantic partner’s strategy-specific support behaviors (e.g., support for bracing for the worst, support for maintaining optimism) relate to the coping strategies used by the person facing stressful uncertainty. Study 1 recruited doctoral students on the academic job market and found that those on the job market (support recipient) reported greater use of particular coping strategies to the extent that they perceived their partner (support provider) as supporting the use of that coping strategy. In Study 2, we built on those findings by recruiting law school graduates and their romantic partners as they awaited the law graduate’s bar exam result. We largely replicated the pattern of findings from Study 1 when looking at law graduates’ perceptions of their partner’s support attempts; however, partners’ reports of their support efforts were unassociated how law graduates coped, despite finding no mean-level differences between the two parties’ perceptions of support efforts. Further analyses revealed that, depending on the coping strategy, either partners’ own coping efforts or their perceptions of the law graduate’s coping efforts predicted the type of support they provided. We discuss implications of these findings for relationship functioning and interpersonal support.
Psychedelic drug abuse potential assessment for new drug applications and controlled substance scheduling: A United States perspective
Authors: Henningfield Jack E. , Ashworth Judy , Heal David J. , Smith Sharon L.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Psychedelics are an increasingly active area of research and pharmaceutical development. This includes abuse potential assessment to better understand their pharmacological mechanisms and effects and guide controlled substance regulation. Psychedelics pose challenges to abuse assessments to ensure valid, reliable, and generalizable outcomes and safe study conduct.

Findings:

Key nonclinical techniques, for example, receptor binding and functional assays in vitro, and nonclinical physical dependence determinations, are easily adaptable to psychedelics. However, the entactogens (weak reinforcers) and hallucinogens (non-reinforcers) require more flexible approaches than typically recommended by regulatory agencies. Phase 1 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic safety studies and Phases 2/3 efficacy/safety trials with systematic monitoring of abuse-related adverse events are readily applicable to psychedelics. Human abuse trials require modification because supratherapeutic doses may not be safe and procedures, for example, personal monitors to manage serious adverse events, might bias outcomes.

Recommendations:

Abuse-related studies for psychedelics requiring approval by Food and Drug Administration and other agencies should take into consideration existing knowledge that will vary from extensive, for example, psilocybin, to zero for novel hallucinogens and entactogens. Many abuse assessments can be reasonably applied to animals and humans without compromising scientific integrity. Modification of existing techniques and incorporating a broader range of nonclinical tests should ensure generalizable outcomes. Human abuse studies merit reconsideration and possible modification to ensure safety and validity for psychedelic drug evaluation. Other nonclinical and clinical methods can provide evaluations of the pharmacological equivalence of test drugs to known drugs of abuse to provide context to the abuse assessment and guide drug scheduling.
Insights and Innovation: How a Local Public-Private Partnership is Building Home Care
Authors: Welleford E. Ayn , Watson Thelma B. , Amateau Gigi , Johnson Michelle
Published: January 2023

Recent national reports asserted an urgent imperative for transforming working conditions for the direct care workforce in the US. These clarion reports identified key influencers in reform as federal and state governments, workers’ unions and coalitions, individual and organizational employers. Equally essential and well-positioned local actors have been overlooked in the conversation—namely, municipalities, area agencies on aging, higher education, philanthropic entities, and community. Although deemed “essential,” direct care workers have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines an early public-private partnership initiative designed to recruit and train PCAs in Virginia.
Design and kinematic performance analysis of a ship shell plate spraying manipulator
Authors: dongyang Wang , yuchen Pan , zupeng Zhou , bo Wang
Published: January 2023

In order to solve the problems of low efficiency and pollution of the existing artificial ship outer plate spraying, a parallel spraying manipulator for ship outer plate is presented and analyzed. The structure analysis of the 3-DOF (degree of freedom) spraying manipulator is carried out using screw theory, and the mechanism diagram and virtual prototype are given. The position of the spraying manipulator is studied, and the expressions of the inverse position solution and the forward position solution are obtained. The Jacobian matrix is developed velocity analysis, and three singular configurations of the spraying manipulator are analyzed. The rotation ability of the gun of the spraying manipulator is described and the reachable workspace is drawn. Results show that the proposed manipulator can accomplish more flexible output trajectories than traditional spraying operations, which has higher spraying efficiency and can save more labor.
Two analytical structural models of the connecting rod cap
Authors: Strozzi Antonio , Mantovani Sara , Barbieri Saverio Giulio , Baldini Andrea
Published: January 2023

The mathematical models available in the pertinent literature for designing the cap of a connecting rod are critically examined, and it is shown that some currently adopted assumptions are inaccurate. Spurred by these critical remarks, two more realistic mathematical models are developed of the contact between the crankpin and the cap. In both models, the crankpin is modelled as rigid, and the cap is idealized as a purely flexural, curved beam of constant cross-section, in progressive contact with the crankpin. In the first model, the cap is mimicked as a twice-statically redundant structure solved with the Castigliano theorem. The cap structural response is mechanically examined starting from the central part of the cap-crankpin contact. In the second model, the cap is mimicked as a statically determined structure. Particular attention is paid to the cap change of curvature when moving along the cap axis. The beginning of the cap-crankpin contact is determined by requiring that the curvature of the deformed cap equal the curved border of the crankpin. A result common to the two approaches is the definition of a combined factor summarizing the mechanical effect of several variables, namely the total load, the initial clearance, Young’s modulus, and the cap geometry; the last factor is recapped by the radius defining the centre of mass, and by the moment of inertia. To evidence the merits and limits of the two approaches, the extent of the cap-crankpin angular contact, and the value of representative cap stresses, are determined and compared to Finite Element (FE) forecasts. Furthermore, the effect of the ratio between the moment of inertia of the abutment and the cap central cross-section is investigated. This ratio influences the prediction of the contact angle; when the ratio is higher than 4, the numerical FE results significantly differ from the analytical calculations.
Prioritizing factors for the sustainable growth of Vietnam's solar photovoltaic power market
Authors: Moon Hong Eun , Choi Si Won , Ha Yoon Hee
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the factors that affect the investment environment of the renewable energy industry in emerging countries, and quantifies them to derive relative priorities, drawing on the Vietnamese solar market as a critical case. Vietnam's solar photovoltaic (PV) market was exposed to various adverse policy situations during 2017–2019. The priorities of the determinant factors were derived using analytic hierarchy process analysis, based on a survey of 20 energy experts. The priority of the factors in Level 1 include, in descending order, policies, legal framework, profitability, ease of access to finance, infrastructure, and external factors. The top five of the 29 important factors in Level 2 are level of policy implementation, policy consistency (predictability), feed-in-tariff price, incentives and subsidies for foreign (direct) investment in solar PV, fruitage remittance, and transmission/distribution lines. We demonstrate that the active establishment and implementation of policies is crucial for the development of the renewable energy market. The improvement of the grid infrastructure and measures for system integration should be supported in accordance with solar power deployment. Therefore, actively engaging the interests of various stakeholders comprehensively and in a balanced manner during policymaking can be decisive in supporting stable market growth, facilitated by partnerships between local developers and international investors.
MED15::TFE3 Renal Cell Carcinomas: Report of Two New Cases and Review of the Literature Confirming Nearly Universal Multilocular Cystic Morphology
Authors: Argani Pedram , Matoso Andres , Baraban Ezra G. , Epstein Jonathan I. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: January 2023

We report two novel cases of Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinomas with the MED15::TFE3 gene fusion in adult females aged 40 and 74 years. Both cases were extensively cystic and contained only minimal clear cells lining cysts and within septal walls, raising the differential diagnosis of multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential. By immunohistochemistry, both neoplasms labeled for PAX8, TFE3, cathepsin K and Melan A but not for HMB45. On review of the published literature and the two cases reported herein, over 90% of MED15::TFE3 renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) have been described as cystic. The correlation of the MED15::TFE3 fusion with extensively cystic morphology represents the strongest association of TFE3 fusion partner with clinicopathological features among TFE3-rearranged RCC reported to date.
Impact of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) on the Outcomes of Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (MPA) During First-Line Treatment With FOLFIRINOX: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Carvalho de Brito Angelo Borsarelli , Riechelmann Rachel P , Fonseca de Jesus Victor Hugo
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The role of primary prophylaxis (PP) with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (MPA) treated with FOLFIRINOX is unknown. We aimed to compare the frequencies of grades 3 or 4 neutropenia (G3/4N) and febrile neutropenia (FN) and survival outcomes according to the use of PP.

Methods

This is a retrospective study. We included patients with pathologically confirmed MPA treated with FOLFIRINOX in first-line. Patients who received primary prophylaxis (PP group) were compared to patients who received secondary or no G-CSF (no-PP group). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated using the standard Cox proportional hazard model. To account for potential biases, we performed sensitivity analyses excluding patients who received secondary prophilaxis and treating G-CSF as a time-dependent covariate in extended Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

The study population consisted of 123 patients. PP was used by 75 patients (61.0%). G3/4 N occurred more frequently among patients without PP (10.7 vs 41.7%; P < .001). There was no difference in the frequency of FN between groups (5.3 vs 8.3%; P = .710). In multivariate analysis, PP was associated with a trend toward improved OS (HR = .66; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] .41 - 1.07; P = .094). In the multivariate model excluding patients with secondary prophylaxis (HR = .54; 95% CI 0.32 - .91; P = .022) and in the time-dependent model (HR = .47; 95% CI 0.28 - .80; P = .005), PP was associated with statistically superior OS.

Conclusions

Despite the reduction in the frequency of G3/4N, the risk of FN among patients treated with FOLFIRINOX without G-CSF is too low to justify its use in a routine basis. However, given the potential of G-CSF to improve survival in this setting, further studies are warranted to assess its role during treatment with FOLFIRINOX for patients with MPA.
Digital representation of the wear behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb biomaterial alloys: A fractal analysis of the worn surface
Authors: Almeida João , Horovistiz Ana , Davim J Paulo
Published: January 2023

Currently, Ti-6Al-4V alloy is one of the most used materials in biomedical devices, namely in orthopedic prothesis, thanks to its outstanding properties. However, its composition contains vanadium ions, considered toxic to the human body. Since the 1980s, there has been a growing effort to replace this alloy with less toxic alternatives. A promising candidate is the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy. There are relatively few studies on the surface properties of this alloy, on the other hand, the knowledge of its tribological performance is of great importance for the use of this alloy in biomedical applications. Digital tribology has great potential in a quantitative inspection of wear in materials engineering. Methodologies of surface inspection, such as fractal description, can explain the relationship between microstructural, tribological parameters, and surface roughness. In this work, the inspection of the fractal behavior of worn surfaces of both Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb samples was carried out. Tribological tests were performed in a block-on-disk tribometer, using AISI 1045 steel as antagonist material, under different conditions. The fractal values were correlated to tribological parameters and the evolution of morphological aspects along the surface. Elevation maps of the sliding surfaces were built from pictures obtained from optical microscopy (OM). The “Extended depth from focus”, (EDF) reconstruction method, allowed the ordering of stacks of images to conduct a quantitative investigation of the behavior of surfaces.
Understanding gay tourists’ involvement and loyalty towards Thailand: The perspective of motivation-opportunity-ability
Authors: Liu Xinyi , Fu Xiao , Yuan Yue , Li Zhiyong , Suknuch Chattharika
Published: January 2023

Gay tourists are increasingly important for destination segment marketing, but little attention has been paid to gay tourism in Asian destinations. This research focuses on the internal and external factors of gay travelers that make them travel in Thailand and explores their interactions with destination loyalty. We first conduct semi-structured interviews to explore the motivation, opportunity and ability (MOA) of gay tourists traveling to Thailand and then integrate the concepts of involvement and loyalty into MOA theory to explain destination loyalty formation using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that gay men's travel motivation and ability have positive relationships with their destination involvement and destination loyalty, while their travel opportunity has a positive relationship only with their destination loyalty. Additionally, gay men's destination involvement positively influences their destination loyalty. These findings provide valuable practical implications for developing gay destinations and promoting gay tourism in Asia.
Hypokinetic catatonia in an adolescent with psychotic and mood disorders: A case report
Authors: Gregg Evan Marshall , Zaki Saadia , Castle Caitlin , Schillerstrom Tracy
Published: January 2023

Objective

Pediatric catatonia case report and literature review.

Methods

Retrospective chart review and provider consultation.

Results

A case of pediatric catatonia is described in the setting of mood and psychotic disorders. Treatment course and outcomes are considered in the context of supporting literature review and discussion.

Conclusions

Pediatric catatonia is a debilitating and at times life threatening condition. Pediatric catatonia is historically underdiagnosed and its clinical presentation may differ from more common adult cases of catatonia. Correct identification, acute treatment, and long-term management is key to optimizing prognosis and patient outcomes.
Health conditions and service use of autistic women and men: A retrospective population-based case–control study
Authors: Tint Ami , Chung Hannah , Lai Meng-Chuan , Balogh Robert , Lin Elizabeth , Durbin Anna , Lunsky Yona
Published: January 2023

This study used administrative data to compare the socio-demographics, health conditions, and health service use of autistic adults with adults with and without other developmental disabilities, after matching for age and sex. Autistic women and men were more likely to have a wide range of physical and mental health conditions compared to adults without developmental disabilities. Rates of co-occurring health conditions were similar or lower among autistic adults compared to adults with other developmental disabilities, except for a higher prevalence of psychiatric conditions among autistic adults. Notably increased psychiatric service use was evident among autistic women and men compared to the other groups. Among age-matched autistic women and men, significant differences were found for physical (i.e. Crohn’s disease/colitis, rheumatoid arthritis) and psychiatric conditions (i.e. psychotic disorders, non-psychotic disorders), as well as service use (i.e. emergency department visits, hospitalizations, family doctor and neurologist visits). These findings suggest autistic adults have high health care needs, as do adults with other developmental disabilities. Mental health support is especially critical for autistic adults and research examining sex and gender effects will assist in tailoring health promotion and intervention efforts.

Lay abstract

This study used administrative data from Ontario, Canada to compare the health conditions and service use of autistic women and men with adults with other developmental disabilities and with adults without developmental disabilities. Autistic women and men were more likely to have physical and mental health conditions compared to adults without developmental disabilities. Rates of health conditions were similar or lower among autistic adults compared to adults with other developmental disabilities, except more autistic adults had psychiatric conditions. Autistic women and men used higher rates of psychiatric services compared to all other groups. When comparing autistic women with same aged autistic men, sex differences were found for specific physical (Crohn’s disease/colitis, rheumatoid arthritis) and psychiatric conditions (psychotic disorders, non-psychotic disorders), as well differences in service use (emergency department visits, hospitalizations, family doctor and neurologist visits). These results further highlight the high health needs and service use of autistic women and men, as well as adults with other developmental disabilities. It is critical for future research to focus on mental health support for autistic adults and to better understand how to tailor supports to best serve autistic women.
Cross-script L1–L2 and L2–L1 masked translation priming and phonological priming: Evidence from unbalanced Korean–English bilinguals
Authors: Lim Jung Hyun , Christianson Kiel
Published: January 2023

Aims:

Despite a history of research in translation-equivalent priming (either cognate or noncognate and phonological priming with cross-script languages), research with Korean–English bilinguals is very scarce. In this study, we report two masked-priming lexical decision tasks in both directions with Korean–English unbalanced bilinguals, investigating whether cross-language activation occurs depending on different types of cognate, noncognate, and homophone prime–target pairs, the degree of phonological similarity between prime and target, and how L2 proficiency influences each type of priming.

Methodology:

Two experiments were conducted using a masked translation priming paradigm with unbalanced Korean–English bilinguals: Experiment 1 in the L2–L1 direction and Experiment 2 in the L1–L2 direction. Each experiment used a total of 96 prime–target pairs of cognates, noncognates, and homophones, and 60 subjects for each experiment were asked to judge whether the items were real words or not in a lexical decision task.

Data and analysis:

Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate the effects of priming in each condition, the effect of phonological similarity on cognate translation priming, and L2 proficiency.

Findings/conclusions:

Our results showed that both cognate translation priming and noncognate translation priming arose in the L1–L2 direction, but the phonological priming was not found. In the L2–L1 direction, on the contrary, cognate translation priming and phonological priming effects were observed, but not the noncognate translation priming. Also, the degree of phonological similarity influenced the magnitude of cognate translation priming effects in both directions with a different pattern, supporting for the phonological overlap account between different-script languages. The current study is compatible with the language nonselective activation view and suggests the shared phonological representations even between different-script languages. The results are discussed within several current bilingual lexical processing models.
Deep drawability of electron beam welded tailored blanks of commercially pure titanium thin sheets
Authors: Prakash P S Lin , Panda Sushanta Kumar , Roy Gour Gopal
Published: January 2023

In this work, commercially pure titanium tailor-welded blanks (TWBs) were fabricated from sheets of thicknesses 1.0 mm (Ti1.0) and 1.2 mm (Ti1.2) using electron beam welding (EBW). It was observed that the titanium base materials had an equiaxed microstructure, whereas the FZ of the weld consisted of coarsened prior β  grains with internal α substructures. Transverse and longitudinal tensile tests were conducted to evaluate weld integrity and weld properties, respectively. The deep drawing behaviour of both the base materials and TWB had been investigated by conducting laboratory-scale deep drawing tests. The limiting drawing ratios (LDR) of the Ti1.0 and Ti1.2 base materials were 2.14 and 2.21, respectively. The LDR of TWB was 2.14, which was same as that of the Ti1.0 base material. The CPB06 yield criterion and weld properties were incorporated in the FE modelling to study the deep drawing behaviour of the TWB for the first time. The FE model successfully predicted the non-uniform material flow and thickness distribution in the deep drawn TWB. Moreover, the weld line movement was found to be towards the Ti1.0 side at the cup top region and towards the Ti1.2 side at the cup bottom of the TWB deep-drawn cup.
From fish to land grabbing - a note on the transition of the concept of “common property” in property rights research under two traditions
Authors: Lai Lawrence W C
Published: January 2023

This essay begins with a trialogue on the definitions of “common property” and introduces two “traditions” of interpreting property rights. The older, traced to Gordon (1954) and propagated by Cheung (1970), distinguishes common from communal property; the younger, to Ciriacy-Wantrup & Bishop (1975) and made popular by Ostrom (2000), calls “commons” (communal in the sense of the older tradition) “common property. With the help of three matrices, the essay summarises the two traditions and explains that property rights and access are two distinct dimensions, respectively  de jure and  de facto, of resource enjoyment.
A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study of a Well-Being Intervention for Healthcare Chaplains
Authors: Harris Stephanie L. , Sawyer Amanda T. , Tao Hong , Bailey Amanda K.
Published: January 2023

This mixed-methods pilot study explored the psychological and emotional experiences of chaplains and the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of workshops designed to support chaplain well-being. After the workshops, scores on a measure of self-compassion increased, while secondary traumatic stress and burnout scores decreased. Qualitative data reflected the range of experiences of chaplaincy as well as the benefits of the workshops. This pilot study supports further exploration of organizational interventions to promote chaplain well-being.
An experimental intervention to investigate user perceptions of computer versus manual board wargame
Authors: Smith Jeremy , Ringrose Trevor , Barker Stephen
Published: January 2023

Analysis of the literature related to wargaming identifies a requirement for the perception of immersion and engagement in wargaming. The references generally indicate that the computer is less able to facilitate collective engagement than a manual system; however, there is as yet little empirical evidence to support this. There are also suggestions that players perceive manual games differently to a computer wargame. An experiment, derived from the previous analysis, was performed to address the research question: Is there a discernible difference between the levels of players’ engagement in computer wargames versus manual wargames? The experiment provides empirical evidence that there is a difference in players’ engagement with a computer wargame compared to a manual game, in particular with the manual game providing greater engagement with other players. Hence, if engagement between players is to be encouraged and regarded as an important aspect of a wargame for defense applications, then this provides evidence that the manual approach can indeed be better.
A Wireless Infrared Thermometry Device for Postoperative Flap Monitoring: Proof of Concept in Patients
Authors: Xie Ruijie , Zhang Ya , Liu Qianlong , Huang Xiongjie , Liu Mingjiang
Published: January 2023

Background/Need

Postoperative flap perfusion assessment methods still rely on the evaluation of traditional clinical indicators, which have the disadvantage of being subjective and burdensome.

Methodology

This study describes a self-designed infrared wireless thermometer for flap blood supply monitoring and evaluates its efficacy in the postoperative monitoring of 40 free flaps.

Device Description

The device consists of multiple temperature and humidity modules as well as a wireless module, which has the advantages of low cost and continuous remote monitoring.

Preliminary results

The alarm time of the wireless infrared thermometer was 30.5 ± 3.1 hours, and the clinical observation reported 41.7 ± 13.6 hours.

Current status

In future studies, the device will be tested on different types of flaps in a porcine model.
Level and determinants of knowledge, attitude, and practice of risky sexual behavior among adolescents in Harar, Ethiopia
Authors: Mesele Jecolia , Alemayehu Astawus , Demissee Abebaw , Yusuf Mohammed , Abubeker Ferhan , Ahmed Muna , Jemal Anwar
Published: January 2023

Background:

Adolescence is a transition period of advancement from a state of immature sexual characteristics to sexual and reproductive maturity; an improvement in the mental form progressing to the mental maturity of a grown-up adult; and a period of transition from total socioeconomic dependence to relative independence. An adolescent is defined as a person aged between 10 and 19 years. This study assessed the level and determinant factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice of risky sexual behavior among secondary school adolescents in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia, 2022.

Methods:

A school-based cross-sectional study design was employed. From the total population of adolescents, 387 respondents were sampled. A simple random sampling method was used to select study participants. The data was collected by using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Result:

Among the participants, 47.3% had good knowledge of risky sexual behavior. 41.9% had a positive attitude toward risky sexual behavior. 36.1% of students had started sexual activity before they reached 18 years old. Out of 9.3% of respondents who have had sexual intercourse, almost 50% of them had multiple partners. Students who live in urban areas were three times (adjusted odds ratio: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.6, 6.6) more likely to have good knowledge about risky sex than their counterparts in rural settings.

Conclusion:

There is a significant number of risky sexual behaviors, such as having a different sexual partner and having unprotected sex with a non-regular partner. Being female, in urban residence, not having pocket money, and attending parties have significant associations with having good knowledge about risky sex. Harari Regional Educational and Health Bureau should provide repeated tailored information that can specifically address the attitude of the adolescents toward risky sexual behavior using different media, teachers, and school clubs in respect of sexual and reproductive health. The existing adolescent reproductive health program should be strengthened and evaluated to improve the sexual behavior of adolescents.
Genome-wide screening and characterization of long noncoding RNAs involved in flowering/bolting of Lactuca sativa
Authors: Soorni Aboozar , Karimi Marzieh , Al Sharif Batoul , Habibi Khashayar
Published: January 2023

Background

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is considered the most important vegetable in the leafy vegetable group. However, bolting affects quality, gives it a bitter taste, and as a result makes it inedible. Bolting is an event induced by the coordinated effects of various environmental factors and endogenous genetic components. Although bolting/flowering responsive genes have been identified in most sensitive and non-sensitive species, non-coding RNA molecules like long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have not been investigated in lettuce. Hence, in this study, potential long non-coding RNAs that regulate flowering /bolting were investigated in two lettuce strains S24 (resistant strain) and S39 (susceptible strain) in different flowering times to better understand the regulation of lettuce bolting mechanism. For this purpose, we used two RNA-seq datasets to discover the lncRNA transcriptome profile during the transition from vegetative to reproductive phase.

Results

For identifying unannotated transcripts in these datasets, a 7-step pipeline was employed to filter out these transcripts and terminate with 293 novel lncRNAs predicted by PLncPRO and CREMA. These transcripts were then utilized to predict cis and trans flowering-associated targets and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Computational predictions of target gene function showed the involvement of putative flowering-related genes and enrichment of the floral regulators FLC, CO, FT, and SOC1 in both datasets. Finally, 17 and 18 lncRNAs were proposed as competing endogenous target mimics (eTMs) for novel and known lncRNA miRNAs, respectively.

Conclusion

Overall, this study provides new insights into lncRNAs that control the flowering time of plants known for bolting, such as lettuce, and opens new windows for further study.
An innovative model of psychological service delivery in primary healthcare: the Single-Session Intervention
Authors: Perreault Kathy , Breton Mylaine , Berbiche Djamal
Published: January 2023

Background

In Canada, the demand for mental health care exceeds the provision of services. This exploratory study aimed to assess the feasibility and impact of a new service delivery model for psychological consultations in primary care settings: the Single-Session Intervention (SSI), inspired by Advanced Access (AA) principles for appointment scheduling. The specific objectives were to examine whether the SSI increases accessibility to psychological consultations, to measure the effects of the intervention on different self-reported measures, and to assess users’ consultation experiences.

Methods

Participants were recruited in a University Family Medicine Group in Quebec (Canada), and the SSI was delivered by the on-site psychologist. No referral or formal diagnosis was needed to attend, and participants could promptly obtain an appointment. Participants rated the intensity of their problem, their level of psychological distress and their well-being, before and after the SSI. They also rated their satisfaction with their consultation experience. There was a follow-up 4 to 6 weeks later.

Results

Of theN = 69 participants who received SSI, 91% were able to obtain an appointment in less than 7 working days. The number of patients who were able to benefit from a psychological consultation was about 7 times higher after the implementation of SSI compared to previous years, when a traditional model of service delivery was in place. After SSI, participants felt that the intensity of their problem and psychological distress were lower, and that their well-being was increased, as indicated by significant pre-post test clinical measures (p < 0.0001). The observed effects seemed to be sustained at follow-up. Moreover, 51% of participants said that one session was sufficient to help them with their problem. Participants rated SSI as a highly satisfying and helpful consultation experience (92,9% overall satisfaction).

Conclusions

SSI, offered in a timely manner, could be an innovative and cost-effective intervention to provide mental health services on a large scale in primary healthcare. Further research is needed to replicate the results, but these preliminary data seem to indicate that psychological distress may be quickly addressed by SSI, thereby preventing further deteriorations in patients’ mental health.

Trial Registration

2019–393, 26 March 2019.
Association between Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and clinical presentation and outcomes in older inpatients with COVID-19
Authors: Martí-Pastor Ana , Moreno-Perez Oscar , Lobato-Martínez Esther , Valero-Sempere Fatima , Amo-Lozano Antonio , Martínez-García María-Ángeles , Merino Esperanza , Sanchez-Martinez Rosario , Ramos-Rincon Jose-Manuel
Published: January 2023

Background

Frailty is a physiological condition characterized by a decreased reserve to stressors. In patients with COVID-19, frailty is a risk factor for in-hospital mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between clinical presentation, analytical and radiological parameters at admission, and clinical outcomes according to frailty, as defined by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), in old people hospitalized with COVID-19.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study included people aged 65 years and older and admitted with community-acquired COVID-19 from 3 March 2020 to 31 April 2021. Patients were categorized using the CFS. Primary outcomes were symptoms of COVID-19 prior to admission, mortality, readmission, admission in intensive care unit (ICU), and need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Analysis of clinical symptoms, clinical outcomes, and CFS was performed using multivariable logistic regression, and results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Of the 785 included patients, 326 (41.5%, 95% CI 38.1%–45.0%) were defined as frail (CFS ≥ 5 points): 208 (26.5%, 95% CI 23.5%–29.7%) presented mild-moderate frailty (CFS 5–6 points) and 118 (15.0%, 95% CI 12.7%–17.7%), severe frailty (7–9 points). After adjusting for epidemiological variables (age, gender, residence in a nursing home, and Charlson comorbidity index), frail patients were significantly less likely to present dry cough (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.40–0.83), myalgia-arthralgia (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.29–0.75), and anosmia-dysgeusia (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.23-0.94). Confusion was more common in severely frail patients (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.64-5.97). After adjusting for epidemiological variables, the risk of in-hospital mortality was higher in frail patients (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.79-4.25), including both those with mild-moderate frailty (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.23-3.19) and severe frailty (OR 5.44, 95% CI 3.14-9.42). Readmission was higher in frail patients (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.07–4.16), but only in mild-moderate frailty (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.17–4.75)..

Conclusion

Frail patients presented atypical symptoms (less dry cough, myalgia-arthralgia, and anosmia-dysgeusia, and more confusion). Frailty was an independent predictor for death, regardless of severity, and mild-moderate frailty was associated with readmission.
Effects of frailty, geriatric syndromes, and comorbidity on mortality and quality of life in older adults with HIV
Authors: Brañas Fátima , Torralba Miguel , Antela Antonio , Vergas Jorge , Ramírez Margarita , Ryan Pablo , Dronda Fernando , Galindo María José , Machuca Isabel , Bustinduy María Jesús , Cabello Alfonso , Montes María Luisa , Sánchez-Conde Matilde ,   FUNCFRAIL study group
Published: January 2023

Background

To understand the effects of frailty, geriatric syndromes, and comorbidity on quality of life and mortality in older adults with HIV (OAWH).

Methods

Cross-sectional study of the FUNCFRAIL multicenter cohort. The setting was outpatient HIV-Clinic. OAWH, 50 year or over were included. We recorded sociodemographic data, HIV infection-related data, comorbidity, frailty, geriatric syndromes (depression, cognitive impairment, falls and malnutrition), quality of life (QOL) and the estimated risk of all-cause 5-year mortality by VACS Index. Association of frailty with geriatric syndromes and comorbidity was evaluated using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test.

Results

Seven hundred ninety six patients were included. 24.7% were women, mean age was 58.2 (6.3). 14.7% were 65 or over. 517 (65%) patients had ≥3 comorbidities, ≥ 1 geriatric syndrome and/or frailty. There were significant differences in the estimated risk of mortality [(frailty 10.8%) vs. (≥ 3 comorbidities 8.2%) vs. (≥ 1 geriatric syndrome 8.2%) vs. (nothing 6.2%); p = 0.01] and in the prevalence of fair or poor QOL [(frailty 71.7%) vs. (≥ 3 comorbidities 52%) vs. (≥ 1 geriatric syndrome 58.4%) vs. (nothing 51%); p = 0.01]. Cognitive impairment was significantly associated to mortality (8.7% vs. 6.2%; p = 0.02) and depression to poor QOL [76.5% vs. 50%; p = 0.01].

Conclusions

Frailty, geriatric syndromes, and comorbidity had negative effects on mortality and QOL, but frailty had the greatest negative effect out of the three factors. Our results should be a wake-up call to standardize the screening for frailty and geriatric syndromes in OAWH in the clinical practice.

Trial registration

NCT03558438.
Clinical significance of histopathological features of paired recurrent gliomas: a cohort study from a single cancer center
Authors: Li Cong , Xi Shaoyan , Chen Yingshen , Guo Chengcheng , Zhang Ji , Yang Qunying , Wang Jian , Sai Ke , Zeng Jing , Wang Jing , Zhang Zhiqiang , Ke Chao , Chen Zhongping
Published: January 2023

Objective

To explore the histopathological characteristics of paired recurrent gliomas and their clinical significance.

Methods

Glioma patients who received both primary surgery and reoperation when recurrence at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from June 2001 to June 2019 were enrolled. Clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed retrospectively, and histopathology of reoperation specimens was divided into three categories according to tumor cell activity and the degree of necrosis: active group, low-activity group, and necrosis group.

Results

A total of 89 patients were included in this study. The 2016 WHO grade of the first operation pathology and IDH1 status were related to survival time after the first operation, but there was no significant association with survival time after reoperation. The time interval between primary and reoperation was shorter for primary high-grade glioma and/or IDH1 wild-type tumor patients than for low-grade glioma and/or IDH1 mutant tumor patients (P < 0.001). Histopathological types of recurrent gliomas were analyzed, and 67 cases (75.3%) were classified into the active group, 14 (15.8%) into the low-activity group, and 8 (8.9%) into the necrosis group. The low-activity or necrosis group was associated with a higher radiotherapy dose and shorter operation interval. Further univariate and multivariate Cox survival analyses showed the histopathological patterns of recurrent gliomas to be related to survival time after reoperation.

Conclusion

Primary WHO low grade or IDH1 mutant gliomas appeared survival benefit mainly on later recurrence, but was not a prognostic predictor following recurrence. Histopathological feature of recurrent glioma is related to previous treatment, including radiotherapy dosage and chemotherapy treatment, and is also an important independent prognostic factor for patients after reoperation.
Investigation of health literacy status and related influencing factors in military health providers of Chinese People’s liberation Army, a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rong Honghui , Lu Lu , Wang Lei , Liu Cairu , Zhang Ling , Li Fengju , Yi Dali , Lei Enyu , Zheng Chuanfen , Meng Qingbin , Chen Ji-an
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate health literacy and analyze its influencing factors in military health providers of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA Army).

Methods

From November to December 2018, cluster sampling was used to select 1512 military health providers from the Army Medical University. Health literacy was measured by using the Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) (2015 edition). Influencing factors that may affect health literacy were assessed using the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

The knowledge rate of health literacy was relatively low (21.6%). The knowledge rate of health-related skills (HRS, 18.7%) was the lowest of the three aspects of health literacy, and the knowledge rate of chronic diseases (CD, 19.6%) was the lowest of the six dimensions of health literacy. Participants who were older, were female, were of Han ethnicity, were the only child in their families, came from urban areas, never used tobacco, and had higher household income were likely to have higher health literacy.

Conclusion

The health literacy levels of military health providers of the PLA Army are relatively low. Further research and health education are necessary to improve health literacy.
Barriers to health in women of reproductive age living with or at risk of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria: a Photovoice study
Authors: Etuk Imo , Iwuala Amira , Njoku Kendra , Olagbegi Bosoye , Ogboye Ayoposi , Akpakli Jonas Kofi , Okoli Ugo , Hill Kathleen , Adetiloye Oniyire , Imosemi Donald , Omoera Victoria , Oludara Folashade , Ekong Iniobong , Alabi Olubunmi , Mobisson Nneka
Published: January 2023

Background

Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios (MMR) globally with an MMR of 512 (per 100,000 live births) and the proportion of maternal deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing. While evidence shows that many of these deaths are preventable, limited attention is being paid to the unique vulnerabilities and experiences of women of reproductive age (WRA) with NCDs and their risk factors, as well as the barriers to the screening, diagnosis, and management of these diseases in Nigeria.

Methods

This study explored the lives of WRA in Lagos and Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria from May to June 2019 using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) methodology called Photovoice which is aligned with CBPR as it includes procedures such as the identification of important community issues, discussion of photo assignments and data analysis. Twenty-four women of reproductive age were provided with digital cameras and trained on how to capture photos that conveyed their current health, healthcare utilization and engagement, and experience journeys. Individual interviews with the women were held for an in-depth exploration of the photographs. The data was then analysed thematically.

Results

Six distinct themes were identified across the barriers highlighted by the women: food and nutrition, home and family, neighborhood-built environment, economic instability, religion and spirituality and low prioritization of self-care. These themes captured the challenge of reduced agency, limited contribution and participation, and a complex relationship between visible and invisible illness.

Conclusion

The perspectives of WRA in Nigeria obtained through this qualitative research provided a strong substratum for understanding the environmental barriers that predispose WRA to NCDs in Nigeria. The results of the study are useful for the improvement of woman-centred services of prevention, diagnosis, and management of NCD risk factors across the maternal and reproductive health care continuum in Nigeria.