bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of appropriate low-temperature treatment on the yield and quality of pigmented potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers
Authors: Chen Bi-Cong , Wu Xiao-Jie , Guo Hua-Chun , Xiao Ji-Ping
Published: April 2024

Temperature is one of the important environmental factors affecting plant growth, yield and quality. Moreover, appropriately low temperature is also beneficial for tuber coloration. The red potato variety Jianchuanhong, whose tuber color is susceptible to temperature, and the purple potato variety Huaxinyangyu, whose tuber color is stable, were used as experimental materials and subjected to 20 °C (control check), 15 °C and 10 °C treatments during the whole growth period. The effects of temperature treatment on the phenotype, the expression levels of structural genes related to anthocyanins and the correlations of each indicator were analyzed. The results showed that treatment at 10 °C significantly inhibited the potato plant height, and the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters in the leaves were reduced, and the enzyme activities of SOD and POD were significantly increased, all indicating that the leaves were damaged. Treatment at 10 °C also affected the tuberization of Huaxinyangyu and reduced the tuberization and coloring of Jianchuanhong, while treatment at 15 °C significantly increased the stem diameter, root-to-shoot ratio, yield and content of secondary metabolites, especially anthocyanins. Similarly, the expression of structural genes were enhanced in two pigmented potatoes under low-temperature treatment conditions. In short, proper low temperature can not only increase yield but also enhance secondary metabolites production. Previous studies have not focused on the effects of appropriate low-temperature treatment during the whole growth period of potato on the changes in metabolites during tuber growth and development, these results can provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for the selection of pigmented potatoes with better nutritional quality planting environment and the formulation of cultivation measures.
Barriers and facilitators to care for agitation and/or aggression among persons living with dementia in long-term care
Authors: Wong Britney , Ismail Zahinoor , Watt Jennifer , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna , Goodarzi Zahra
Published: April 2024

Background

Agitation and/or aggression affect up to 60% of persons living with dementia in long-term care (LTC). It can be treated via non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, but the former are underused in clinical practice. In the literature, there is currently a lack of understanding of the challenges to caring for agitation and/or aggression among persons living with dementia in LTC. This study assesses what barriers and facilitators across the spectrum of care exist for agitation and/or aggression among people with dementia in LTC across stakeholder groups.

Methods

This was a qualitative study that used semi-structured interviews among persons involved in the care and/or planning of care for people with dementia in LTC. Participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling, with the assistance of four owner-operator models. Interviews were guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework and transcribed and analyzed using Framework Analysis.

Results

Eighteen interviews were conducted across 5 stakeholder groups. Key identified barriers were a lack of agitation and/or aggression diagnostic measures, limited training for managing agitation and/or aggression in LTC, an overuse of physical and chemical restraints, and an underuse of non-pharmacological interventions. Facilitators included using an interdisciplinary team to deliver care and having competent and trained healthcare providers to administer non-pharmacological interventions.

Conclusions

This study advances care for persons living with dementia in LTC by drawing attention to unique and systemic barriers present across local and national Canadian LTC facilities. Findings will support future implementation research endeavours to eliminate these identified barriers across the spectrum of care, thus improving care outcomes among people with dementia in LTC.
Lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet is inversely associated with the osteosarcopenia in older adults
Authors: Huang Runnian , Hu Junwei , Li Yi , Yang Sijia , Li Xin , Hou Tianbo , Ning Zibo , Ma Chunhua , Yuan Xiaoyue , Wang Zheng , Zhang Tiantian , Wang Difei
Published: April 2024

Objective

Osteosarcopenia adversely affects the quality of life and physical health of older adults. We sought to explore the association between dietary patterns and osteosarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study from Northeast China, in which, we included older community adults aged 60 and above. Through face-to-face interviews, we collected dietary information from participants using a food frequency questionnaire. Subsequently, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to obtain the dietary patterns of the participants. Through physical examination, we obtained the participants’ information on osteosarcopenia, which was defined by the coexist of osteopenia and sarcopenia. We analysed the association between dietary patterns and dietary compositions with ostesarcopenia.

Results

In this study, a total of 9429 participants were included, and the prevalence of osteosarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults was 6.2%. PCA identified three main dietary patterns, and the lacto-ovo-vegetarian dietary pattern was inversely associated with osteosarcopenia. Compared to the lowest lacto-ovo-vegetarian quartile (Q1), the Q4 group (OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.49–0.83) was inversely associated with osteosarcopenia. Through the weighted quantile sum regression model, we also found that the overall effect of the lacto-ovo-vegetarian dietary components was inversely associated with osteosarcopenia (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37–0.92); the largest contributors were vegetables, fresh milk, eggs, and dairy products.

Conclusion

Overall, we found that a lacto-ovo-vegetarian dietary pattern, particularly the consumption of vegetables, fresh milk, eggs, and dairy products, was inversely associated with osteosarcopenia in older adults. And this might provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of osteosarcopenia.
HIV viral suppression and risk of viral rebound in patients on antiretroviral therapy: a two- year retrospective cohort study in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Kahabuka Monica S , Woldeamanuel Yimtubezinash , Mbelele Peter M. , Mpolya Emmanuel A. , Mpagama Stellah G. , Kessy Jonas P. , Manyazewal Tsegahun
Published: April 2024

Background

The world is moving towards the third target of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS to ensure most people receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) are virologically suppressed. Little is known about viral suppression at an undetectable level and the risk of viral rebound phenomenon in sub-Saharan Africa which covers 67% of the global HIV burden.This study aimed to investigate the proportion of viral suppression at an undetectable level and the risk of viral rebound among people living with HIV receiving ART in northern Tanzania.

Methodology

A hospital based-retrospective study recruited people living with HIV who were on ART for at least two years at Kibong’oto Infectious Disease Hospital and Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Participants’ two-year plasma HIV were captured at months 6, 12, and 24 of ART. Undetectable viral load was defined by plasma HIV of viral load (VL) less than 20copies/ml and viral rebound (VR) was considered to anyone having VL of more than 50 copies/ml after having history of undetectable level of the VL less than 20copies/ml. A multivariable log-binomial generalized linear model was used to determine factors for undetectable VL and viral VR.

Results

Among 416 PLHIV recruited, 226 (54.3%) were female. The mean (standard deviation) age was 43.7 (13.3) years. The overall proportion of undetectable VL was 68% (95% CI: 63.3–72.3) and 40.0% had viral rebound (95% CI: 34.7–45.6). Participants who had at least 3 clinic visits were 1.3 times more likely to have undetectable VL compared to those who had 1 to 2 clinic visits in a year (p = 0.029). Similarly, participants with many clinical visits ( > = 3 visits) per year were less likely to have VR compared to those with fewer visits ( = 2 visits) [adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44–0.93].

Conclusion

Participants who had fewer clinic visits per year(ART refills) were less likely to achieve viral suppression and more likely to experience viral rebound. Enhanced health education and close follow-up of PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy are crucial to reinforce adherence and maintain an undetectable viral load.
Influence of initial misdiagnosis on mortality in patients with bacteraemia: propensity score matching and propensity score weighting analyses
Authors: Eikenboom Anna M. , Lambregts Merel M. C. , de Boer Mark G. J. , le Cessie Saskia
Published: April 2024

Background

The diagnostic process is a key element of medicine but it is complex and prone to errors. Infectious diseases are one of the three categories of diseases in which diagnostic errors can be most harmful to patients. In this study we aimed to estimate the effect of initial misdiagnosis of the source of infection in patients with bacteraemia on 14 day mortality using propensity score methods to adjust for confounding.

Methods

Data from a previously described longitudinal cohort of patients diagnosed with monobacterial bloodstream infection (BSI) at the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) between 2013 and 2015 were used. Propensity score matching and inversed probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were applied to correct for confounding. The average treatment effect on the treated (ATT), which in this study was the average effect of initial misdiagnosis on the misdiagnosed (AEMM), was estimated. Methodological issues that were encountered when applying propensity score methods were addressed by performing additional sensitivity analyses. Sensitivity analyses consisted of varying caliper in propensity score matching and using different truncated weights in inversed probability of treatment weighting.

Results

Data of 887 patients were included in the study. Propensity scores ranged between 0.015 and 0.999 and 80 patients (9.9%) had a propensity score > 0.95. In the matched analyses, 35 of the 171 misdiagnosed patients died within 14 days (20.5%), versus 10 of the 171 correctly diagnosed patients (5.8%), yielding a difference of 14.6% (7.6%; 21.6%). In the total group of patients, the observed percentage of patients with an incorrect initial diagnosis that died within 14 days was 19.8% while propensity score reweighting estimated that their probability of dying would have been 6.5%, if they had been correctly diagnosed (difference 13.3% (95% CI 6.9%;19.6%)). After adjustment for all variables that showed disbalance in the propensity score a difference of 13.7% (7.4%; 19.9%) was estimated. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. However, performing weighted analyses without truncation yielded unstable results.

Conclusion

Thus, we observed a substantial increase of 14 day mortality in initially misdiagnosed patients. Furthermore, several patients received propensity scores extremely close to one and were almost sure to be initially misdiagnosed.
Association of acetaminophen use with perinatal outcomes among pregnant women: a retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching
Authors: Xu Man , Wang Ran , Du Boran , Zhang Ying , Feng Xin
Published: April 2024

Background

Although acetaminophen is widely used in women during pregnancy, its safety has not been clearly stated. The study aimed to investigate the association between acetaminophen use and adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women in China.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study by collecting data on pregnant women who delivered in the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from January 2018 to September 2023. An acetaminophen use group and a control group were formed based on prenatal exposure to acetaminophen. The pregnancy outcomes that we focused on were stillbirth, miscarriage, preterm birth, APGAR score, birth weight, and congenital disabilities. Pregnant women exposed to acetaminophen were matched to unexposed in a 1:1 ratio with propensity score matching, using the greedy matching macro. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistics regression was used to assess the association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Results

A total of 41,440 pregnant women were included, of whom 501 were exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy, and 40,939 were not exposed. After the propensity score matching, the acetaminophen use and control groups consisted of 501 pregnant women each. The primary analysis showed that acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of stillbirth (adjusted OR (aOR) = 2.29, 95% CI, 1.19–4.43), APGAR score < 7 at 1 min (aOR = 3.28, 95% CI, 1.73–6.21), APGAR score < 7 at 5 min (aOR = 3.54, 95% CI, 1.74–7.20), APGAR score < 7 at 10 min (aOR = 3.18, 95% CI, 1.58–6.41), and high birth weight (HBW) (aOR = 1.75, 95% CI, 1.05–2.92). Drug exposure during the first and second trimesters increased the odds of stillbirth, miscarriage, APGAR < 7, and the occurrence of at least one adverse pregnancy outcome. In addition, the frequency of drug use more than two times was associated with a higher risk of preterm birth and APGAR score < 7.

Conclusions

Exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy was significantly associated with the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly exposure in the first and second trimesters and frequency of use more than twice. It is suggested that acetaminophen should be prescribed with caution in pregnant women.
Exploring the relationship between Treg-mediated risk in COPD and lung cancer through Mendelian randomization analysis and scRNA-seq data integration
Authors: Zhang Dengfeng , Liu Haitao , Zhao Fangchao , Guo Pengfei , Li Jing , Lu Tianxing , Li Zhirong , Li Shujun
Published: April 2024

Background

Evidence from observational studies suggests an association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. The potential interactions between the immune system and the lungs may play a causative role in COPD and lung cancer and offer therapeutic prospects. However, the causal association and the immune-mediated mechanisms between COPD and lung cancer remain to be determined.

Methods

We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal association between COPD and lung cancer. Additionally, we examined whether immune cell signals were causally related to lung cancer, as well as whether COPD was causally associated with immune cell signals. Furthermore, through two-step Mendelian randomization, we investigated the mediating effects of immune cell signals in the causal association between COPD and lung cancer. Leveraging publicly available genetic data, our analysis included 468,475 individuals of European ancestry with COPD, 492,803 individuals of European ancestry with lung cancer, and 731 immune cell signatures of European ancestry. Additionally, we conducted single-cell transcriptome sequencing analysis on COPD, lung cancer, and control samples to validate our findings.

Findings

We found a causal association between COPD and lung cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31–2.02, P-value < 0.001). We also observed a causal association between COPD and regulatory T cells (odds ratio [OR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.40, P-value < 0.05), as well as a causal association between regulatory T cells and lung cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.002–1.045, P-value < 0.05). Furthermore, our two-step Mendelian randomization analysis demonstrated that COPD is associated with lung cancer through the mediation of regulatory T cells. These findings were further validated through single-cell sequencing analysis, confirming the mediating role of regulatory T cells in the association between COPD and lung cancer.

Interpretation

As far as we are aware, we are the first to combine single-celled immune cell data with two-sample Mendelian randomization. Our analysis indicates a causal association between COPD and lung cancer, with regulatory T cells playing an intermediary role.
Do beta-blockers reduce negative intrusive thoughts and anxiety in cancer survivors? – An emulated trial
Authors: Ehrencrona Carolina , Li Ying , Angenete Eva , Haglind Eva , Franzén Stefan , Grimby-Ekman Anna , Bock David
Published: April 2024

Background

High rates of negative intrusive thoughts have been reported among cancer patients. Prevalent users of beta-blocker therapy have reported lower levels of cancer related intrusive thoughts than non-user. The aim of this study is to investigate if initiation of beta-blocker therapy reduces the prevalence and severity of intrusive thoughts (co-primary endpoints) and the prevalence of anxiety, depressed mood, and low quality of life (secondary endpoints) in cancer survivors.

Methods

Data on patient-reported outcomes from three cohort studies of Swedish patients diagnosed with colon, prostate or rectal cancer were combined with data on beta-blocker prescriptions retrieved from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Two randomized controlled trials were emulated. Trial 1 had follow-up 1 year after diagnosis, trial 2 had follow-up 2 years after diagnosis, baseline in both trials was 12 months before follow-up. Those who initiated beta-blocker therapy between baseline and follow-up was assigned Active group, those who did not was assigned Control group. All endpoints were analysed using Bayesian ordered logistic regression.

Results

Trial 1 consisted of Active group, n = 59, and Control group, n = 3936. Trial 2 consisted of Active group, n = 87, and Control group, n = 3132. The majority of participants were men, 83% in trial 1 and 94% in trial 2. The prevalence and severity of intrusive thoughts were lower in the Active group in trial 1, but no significant differences between groups were found in either trial. The prevalence of depressed mood, worse quality of life and periods of anxiety were higher in the Active group in both trials with significant differences for quality of life in trial 1 and anxiety in trial 2.

Conclusions

The emulated trials demonstrated no evidence of a protective effect of beta-blocker therapy against intrusive thoughts. The Active group had reduced quality of life and elevated anxiety compared to the Control group.

Trial registration

The three cohort studies were registered at isrctn.com/clinicaltrials.gov (ISRCTN06393679, NCT02530593 and NCT01477229).
Trends and predictors of unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV in Zambia: implications for elimination of vertical transmission of HIV
Authors: Lungu Edgar Arnold , Chewe Mwimba
Published: April 2024

Background

Prevention of vertical (mother to child) transmission of HIV is one of the key strategies towards HIV epidemic control. Despite considerable progress over the past decade in Zambia, the country is yet to reach global and national target for elimination of vertical transmission of HIV. Avoidance of unintended pregnancy among women living with HIV is one of the cost-effective interventions in a comprehensive approach to prevent vertical transmission of HIV. Therefore, this study aimed at ascertaining trends in and predictors of unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV in Zambia.

Methods

The study employed a repeated cross sectional (RCS) study design, using data from the three (3) most recent consecutive rounds of the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) conducted in 2007, 2013/2014 and 2018. The study used data from a total of 27,153 women aged 15–49 years over the three survey periods among whom 4,113 had an HIV positive result following a rigorous HIV testing algorithm of the demographic and health surveys, and these constituted our sample size of women living with HIV. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses to respectively ascertain trends in and predictors of unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV.

Results

Over the three survey points, unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV has largely remained unchanged from 20.8% in 2007 to 20.5% in 2013/14 and 21.1% in 2018 DHS. Residence, age of women, household wealth, woman’s parity, employment, and age of spouse emerged as significant predictors of unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV in Zambia.

Conclusion

Preventing HIV infection in a child preserves life, contributes to improving quality of life from its early stages and averts lifetime costs of HIV treatment and associated healthcare costs. There is need to consider optimization of interventions to prevent vertical transmission of HIV including shaping programming regarding preventing unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV. Among other aspects, policy and practice need to strengthen SRH/HIV integration and better target rural residents, younger women, those with high parity and consider positive male engagement to reduce unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV.
Perceived stress from social isolation or loneliness among clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers during COVID-19
Authors: Meese Katherine A. , Boitet Laurence M. , Sweeney Katherine L. , Rogers David A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Workplace social isolation and loneliness have been found to result in a decline in job satisfaction and an increase in burnout among working individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of loneliness and social isolation among healthcare workers. The majority of research on healthcare worker experiences is conducted in siloes which does not reflect the shared experiences of interprofessional teams. The purpose of this study is to understand stress from social isolation or loneliness across the entire clinical and non-clinical healthcare team over the course of the pandemic.

Methods

Data was acquired using a cross-sectional survey distributed to healthcare workers once a year at a large academic medical center in the Southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022). Information pertaining to job role, work location, and demographic factors was collected. Participants were also asked to assess individual well-being and resilience, in addition to reporting stress derived from various sources including job demands and social isolation or loneliness. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were conducted to assess the association between stress from social isolation or loneliness and individual characteristics.

Results

Stress from social isolation or loneliness was found to decrease over the survey period across all measured variables. Trainees and physician-scientists were found to report the highest rates of this stressor compared to other job roles, while Hospital-Based ICU and Non-ICU work locations reported the highest rates of loneliness and social isolation stress. Younger workers and individuals from marginalized gender and racial groups were at greater risk for stress from social isolation or loneliness.

Conclusions

Given the importance of social connections for well-being and job performance, organizations have a responsibility to create conditions and mechanisms to foster social connections. This includes establishing and reinforcing norms of behavior, and developing connection mechanisms, particularly for groups at high risk of loneliness and social isolation.
Effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on pain, knee function, and psychological status in patients after primary total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Kun , Liu Yuandong , Ma Xukai , Fu Donglin , Fan Zongqing
Published: April 2024

Objective

The clinical efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) after Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is still controversial, and the purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of CBT on pain, knee function, and psychological status of patients after TKA.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases such as CNKI, CBM, VIP, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for randomized controlled studies up to February 30, 2023. Screening against inclusion criteria to select valid studies and extract data. The quality of included studies was evaluated by the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for randomized trials. Statistical analysis of the data from this study was carried out using Stata 15.1 software.

Results

Finally, our meta-analysis incorporated seven randomized controlled studies of high quality, including 608 patients. The findings of the meta-analysis demonstrated a noteworthy decrease in kinesiophobia levels during the early postoperative phase in the CBT group as compared to the usual care group (WMD = -6.35, 95% CI: -7.98 to -4.72, Z = 7.64, P < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference between the CBT and usual care groups in terms of postoperative pain as well as knee function.

Conclusion

CBT may effectively reduce the level of kinesiophobia in the short term after TKA, but did not significantly relieve knee pain or improve knee function.
The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Italian version in people with chronic low back pain
Authors: Monticone Marco , Maurandi Carolina , Porcu Elisa , Arippa Federico , Wand Benedict M. , Corona Giorgio
Published: April 2024

Background and aim

There is evidence to suggest that assessing back-specific altered self-perception may be useful when seeking to understand and manage low back pain (LBP). The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ) is a patient-reported measure of back-specific body perception that has never been adapted and psychometrically analysed in Italian. Hence, the objectives of this research were to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Italian version of this outcome measure (namely, the FreBAQ-I), to make it available for use with Italians suffering from chronic LBP.

Methods

The FreBAQ-I was developed by forward and backward translation, review by a committee skilled in patient-reported measures and test of the pre-final version to assess its clarity, acceptability, and relevance. The statistical analyses examined: structural validity based on Rasch analysis; hypotheses testing by investigating correlations of the FreBAQ-I with the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), a pain intensity numerical rating scale (PI-NRS), the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS), and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) (Pearson’s correlations); reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test–retest repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC (2,1)); and measurement error by determining the minimum detectable change (MDC). After the development of a consensus-based translation of the FreBAQ-I, the new outcome measure was delivered to 100 people with chronic LBP.

Results

Rasch analysis confirmed the substantial unidimensionality and the structural validity of the FreBAQ-I. Hypothesis testing was considered good as at least 75% of the hypotheses were confirmed; correlations: RMDQ (r = 0.35), PI-NRS (r = 0.25), PCS (r = 0.41) and TSK (r = 0.38). Internal consistency was acceptable (alpha = 0.82) and test–retest repeatability was excellent (ICC (2,1) = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.92). The MDC95 corresponded to 6.7 scale points.

Conclusion

The FreBAQ-I was found to be a unidimensional, valid, and reliable outcome measure in Italians with chronic LBP. Its application is advised for clinical and research use within the Italian speaking community.
Analysis of the influencing factors of the scientific fitness literacy of nurses in the context of exercise and medicine integration
Authors: Liu Juan , Hu Man-Hui , Bai Xuan , Zhao Yu , Cui Cai-Hong , Wang Yan , Shi Xiao-Yang , Niu Zong-Bao
Published: April 2024

Objective

The present study aims to explore the influencing factors of the scientific fitness literacy of nurses and provide a strategic basis for literacy improvement.

Methods

A questionnaire on the influencing factors of scientific fitness literacy of nurses was designed by the group conducting the present study; the questionnaire was based on the socioecology model and the questionnaire preparation method. The general data questionnaire and the questionnaire on the influencing factors of scientific fitness literacy of nurses were adopted to investigate nurses in tertiary hospitals in order to analyze and discuss the influencing factors of their scientific fitness literacy.

Results

(1) The questionnaire on the influencing factors of the scientific fitness literacy of nurses comprised five dimensions and 36 items. The overall item-content validity index was 0.833–1.000, the scale-content validity index was 0.974, and the overall Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.955; (2) the results of the pairwise Pearson correlation analysis showed that all five dimensions were positively correlated with the scientific fitness literacy of nurses; and (3) the results of the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that five dimensions, as well as the existence of exercise habits in daily life, had a significant impact on the scientific fitness literacy of nurses (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The factors influencing the scientific fitness literacy of nurses involved all levels of the socioecological system. The methods of improving the awareness of the scientific fitness of nurses and providing opportunities for scientific fitness activities via the hospital played a critical role in literacy improvement. However, the lack of professional guidance and an atmosphere promoting scientific fitness might hinder literacy improvement.
Multiple horizontal transfer events of a DNA transposon into turtles, fishes, and a frog
Authors: Hassan Nozhat T. , Galbraith James D. , Adelson David L.
Published: April 2024

Horizontal transfer of transposable elements (HTT) has been reported across many species and the impact of such events on genome structure and function has been well described. However, few studies have focused on reptilian genomes, especially HTT events in Testudines (turtles). Here, as a consequence of investigating the repetitive content of Malaclemys terrapin terrapin (Diamondback turtle) we found a high similarity DNA transposon, annotated in RepBase as hAT-6_XT, shared between other turtle species, ray-finned fishes, and a frog. hAT-6_XT was notably absent in reptilian taxa closely related to turtles, such as crocodiles and birds. Successful invasion of DNA transposons into new genomes requires the conservation of specific residues in the encoded transposase, and through structural analysis, these residues were identified indicating some retention of functional transposition activity. We document six recent independent HTT events of a DNA transposon in turtles, which are known to have a low genomic evolutionary rate and ancient repeats.
CNS Antitumor Activity of Amivantamab With Osimertinib in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Mutated Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer With Acquired Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition Amplification Resistance Mechanism: A Case Report
Authors: Al-Obeidi Ebaa , Kelly Karen , Gandara David R. , Riess Jonathan W.
Published: April 2024

NSCLC w/EGFRex19del & MET amp: durable intracranial + systemic response to amivantamab/osimertinib
Effect of peptide diets on fish skeletal development
Authors: Πρίντζη Αλίκη
Published: April 2024

Οδεύοντας προς ένα μέλλον με αυξημένες διατροφικές ανάγκες, μια αναπτυσσόμενη βιομηχανία όπως η υδατοκαλλιέργεια αντιμετωπίζει καθημερινά τις προκλήσειςτης υψηλής ποιότητας αλλά και της καλής διαβίωσης των ιχθύων. Εμπόδιο στην εκπλήρωση των προκλήσεων αυτών είναι η ανάπτυξη των σκελετικών παραμορφώσεων. Η παρουσία τους συχνά συνοδεύεται από αυξημένη θνησιμότητα, μειωμένη ανάπτυξη καθώς και μη εμπορευσιμότητα των ιχθύων. Στηριζόμενοι στην άμεση επίδραση της διατροφής κατά τα πρώιμα οντογενετικά στάδια στη σκελετική ανάπτυξη των ιχθύων, δοκιμάστηκαν τρεις πειραματικές δίαιτες με μερική ενσωμάτωση ολιγοπεπτιδίων (0% - C, 6% - P6 και 12% - P12), ως απόρροια της προϋπάρχουσας γνώσης περί ευεργετικής επίδρασης των διατροφικών υδρολυμένων πρωτεϊνών στα νυμφικά στάδια των ιχθύων. Στοχεύθηκε η επίδραση των ολιγοπεπτιδίων όχι μόνο στην ποιότητα του σκελετού των νυμφών, αλλά και στην ακεραιότητα της σπονδυλικής στήλης στο στάδιο του ιχθυδίου. Για το σκοπό αυτό, εφαρμόστηκε μια δοκιμασία κολυμβητικής άσκησης για την ελεγχόμενη πρόκληση αιματικής λόρδωσης. Πριν από την αξιολόγηση των πειραματικών διαιτών, ερευνήθηκε η δυνατότητα αποκατάστασης της αιματικής λόρδωσης στο zebrafish. Αυτό επέτρεψε τον προσδιορισμό των βιολογικών διεργασιών και γονιδίων-στόχων σχετιζόμενων με μυοσκελετικές αλλαγές σαν απόρροια της άσκησης στο στάδιο του ιχθυδίου. Τα αποτελέσματα αυτά διευκόλυναν την ακόλουθη αξιολόγηση των πειραματικών διαιτών στο ίδιο είδος. Συγκεκριμένα αναδείχθηκε η ευεργετική επίδραση της δίαιτας P12 στην ανάπτυξη του zebrafish (αύξηση, επιβίωση, σκελετική ανάπτυξη) όταν αυτή χορηγείται αποκλειστικά κατά την εκτροφή. Η ίδια πειραματική δίαιτα αναδείχθηκε και από τα πειράματα στο λαβράκι, όπου ήταν ικανή να ενισχύσει τη λειτουργία της πέψης και τη διαδικασία οστεοποίησης των νυμφών. Πρόκειται για την πρώτη συγκριτική μελέτη των σκελετικών αποκρίσεων ενός είδους του γλυκού νερού και ενός θαλάσσιου είδους έναντι ενός διατροφικού παράγοντα. Το zebrafish προτείνεται ως ένα αποτελεσματικό και γρήγορο εργαλείο για μελλοντικές αξιολογήσεις θρεπτικών συστατικών πριν από την εφαρμογή τους σε είδη υδατοκαλλιέργειας. Υπογραμμίζεται η δυνατότητα εμπορικής αξιοποίησης των ολιγοπεπτιδίων, υπό την προϋπόθεση της αποσαφήνισης του βέλτιστου οντογενετικού σταδίου για την χορήγηση τους.
Συσχέτιση του πάχους του κεντρικού κερατοειδούς με την μικροκυκλοφορία της κεφαλής του οπτικού νεύρου δια της OCT αγγειογραφίας στην οφθαλμική υπερτονία
Authors: Κόλλια Ελπίδα
Published: April 2024

Εισαγωγή: Η οφθαλμική υπερτονία (ΟΥ) χαρακτηρίζεται από αυξημένη ενδοφθάλμια πίεση (ΕΟΠ), μεγαλύτερη των 21mmHg , χωρίς συνοδό βλάβη του οπτικού νεύρου ή ευρήματα στην εξέταση των οπτικών πεδίων (ΟΠ). Αποτελεί σημαντικό πρόδρομο της εξέλιξης σε γλαύκωμα, μια κύριας αιτίας μη αναστρέψιμης απώλειας όρασης παγκοσμίως. Πρόσφατα στοιχεία υποστηρίζουν ότι οι μεταβολές της μικροκυκλοφορίας στους οφθαλμούς με ΟΥ αποτελούν δυνητικά προγνωστικούς παράγοντες για τον εντοπισμό ασθενών υψηλού κινδύνου για εξέλιξη σε γλαύκωμα. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τα ανωτέρω, σκοπός της μελέτης μας είναι η διερεύνηση των αλλοιώσεων της μικροκυκλοφορίας του ακτινωτού περιτριχοειδούς πλέγματος με τη χρήση οπτικής τομογραφίας συνοχής- αγγειογραφίας (OCT-A) σε ασθενείς με οφθαλμική υπερτονία (ΟΥ). Συνολικά 192 μάτια συμπεριλήφθηκαν σε αυτήν τη συγκριτική, μονοκεντρική μελέτη και κατανεμήθηκαν σε δύο ομάδες: οφθαλμοί με ΟΥ και υγιείς μάρτυρες. Η OCT-A διενεργήθηκε για την ανάλυση των χαρακτηριστικών της μικροκυκλοφορίας στην περιτριχοειδική περιοχή πέριξ της οπτικής θηλής. Η ακτινική περιτριχοειδική πυκνότητα μετρήθηκε στη συνολική επιφάνεια του οπτικού δίσκου και σε κάθε επιμέρους περιτριχοειδικό τεταρτημόριο (άνω, κάτω, κροταφικό, ρινικό) καθώς και στο εσωτερικό του οπτικού νεύρου. Αξιολογήθηκαν οι ακόλουθοι παράμετροι: ηλικία, φαρμακευτική θεραπεία για την ΟΥ, φύλο και πάχος στιβάδας νευρικών ινών αμφιβληστροειδούς (RNFL).Η συνολική ακτινική περιτριχοειδική πυκνότητα αναδείχθηκε σημαντικά χαμηλότερη σε ασθενείς με ΟY από ότι σε υγιείς μάρτυρες. Όσον αφορά στα χαρακτηριστικά μικροκυκλοφορίας σε κάθε επιμέρους περιτριχοειδική περιοχή τα αποτελέσματα ήταν τα εξής: η κατώτερη ακτινική περιτριχοειδική πυκνότητα βρέθηκε σημαντικά μειωμένη σε άτομα με ΟY σε σχέση με τους υγιείς μάρτυρες, ενώ οι μετρήσεις στην άνω περιτριχοειδή περιοχή και στο εσωτερικό του οπτικού δίσκου ήταν παρεμφερείς και στις δύο ομάδες. Η μελέτη μας ανέδειξε μειωμένη ακτινική περιτριχοειδική πυκνότητα σε οφθαλμούς ασθενών με ΟY. Οι μεταβολές της μικροκυκλοφορίας στην κάτω περιτριχοειδική περιοχή θα μπορούσαν ενδεχομένως να αποτελέσουν βιοδείκτες (biomarkers) και προγνωστικούς παράγοντες για την εξέλιξη της ΟY σε γλαύκωμα.
Πρωτόκολλο αντιοστεοπορωτικης αγωγής σε ασθενείς με κατάγματα ευθραυστότητας
Authors: Δασκαλάκης Ιωάννης
Published: April 2024

Υπόβαθρο: Η οστεοπόρωση και τα κατάγματα χαμηλής βίας αποτελούν σημαντικό πρόβλημα για την δημόσια υγεία, με 9 εκ. κατάγματα να λαμβάνουν χώρα παγκοσμίως. Ένα κάταγμα χαμηλής βίας αποτελεί τον σημαντικότερο προβλεπτικό παράγοντα για επόμενα κατάγματα, με τον κίνδυνο να είναι 85% αυξημένος χωρίς την κατάλληλη αντιοστεοπορωτική αγωγή. Τα κατάγματα ισχίου αποτελούν τα κατάγματα με τις σημαντικότερες επιπτώσεις στους ασθενείς, καθώς απαιτούν χειρουργική αντιμετώπιση και μεγάλο ποσοστό των ασθενών δεν ανακτά ποτέ το επίπεδο κινητικότητας προ του κατάγματος. Επιπλέον, οι ασθενείς αυτοί έχουν αυξημένο κίνδυνο δεύτερου κατάγματος ισχίου τα επόμενα έτη. Ωστόσο, παρά την γνωστή υψηλή επίπτωση του δεύτερου κατάγματος, τα ποσοστά θεραπείας της οστεοπόρωσης μετά το πρώτο κάταγμα παραμένουν πολύ χαμηλά. Για την βελτίωση της δευτερογενούς πρόληψης των καταγμάτων, 2 μηχανισμοί έχουν περιγραφεί, η υπηρεσία ελέγχου καταγμάτων και τα προγράμματα ορθογηριατρικής συν-φροντίδας. Παρόλο που και οι 2 μηχανισμοί είναι επιτυχημένοι, η εφαρμογή τους περιορίζεται από οικονομικούς παράγοντες των συστημάτων υγείας. Για τον λόγο αυτό, ο οργανισμός Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) πρότεινε έναν αλγόριθμο χορήγησης αντιοστεοπορωτικής θεραπείας ειδικά σχεδιασμένος για ορθοπαιδικούς χειρουργούς, με σκοπό την βελτίωση της δευτερογενούς πρόληψης των καταγμάτων. Σκοπός της μελέτης: Ο σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι η εφαρμογή του αλγορίθμου του οργανισμού AO σε ασθενείς οι οποίοι εισήχθησαν στο νοσοκομείο λόγω κατάγματος ισχίου, η καταγραφή της συμμόρφωσης των ασθενών με την αγωγή και η σύγκριση της επίπτωσης του δεύτερου κατάγματος μεταξύ συμμορφωμένων και μη-συμμορφωμένων ασθενών. Υλικό και μέθοδοι: Στην μελέτη εισήχθησαν ασθενείς με κατάγματα ισχίου, οι οποίοι νοσηλεύτηκαν στην Ορθοπαιδική κλινική του Πανεπιστημιακού Ηρακλείου κατά την χρονική περίοδο από το 2020 έως το 2022. Μετά την έξοδο από το νοσοκομείο, συνταγογραφήθηκε αντιοστεοπορωτική αγωγή με την χρήση του αλγορίθμου του οργανισμού AO και ανάλυση παλινδρόμησης Cox χρησιμοποιήθηκε για τον υπολογισμό των κινδύνων της μη-συμμόρφωσης με την θεραπεία και του δεύτερου κατάγματος. Αποτελέσματα: Στην μελέτη εισήχθησαν 213 ασθενείς με κάταγμα ισχίου. Η μέση διάρκεια παρακολούθησης ήταν 17.2 ±7.1 μήνες. Το ποσοστό συμμόρφωσης των ασθενών με την θεραπεία στα 2 έτη ήταν 58% (95%CI 51 – 65%). Δεύτερο κάταγμα προέκυψε σε 1/126 (0.8%) συμμορφωμένους ασθενείς και 9/87 (11.4%) μη-συμμορφωμένους ασθενείς. Η πολυμεταβλητή ανάλυση παλινδρόμησης Cox επιβεβαίωσε ότι η συμμόρφωση με την αγωγή σχετίζεται με χαμηλότερο κίνδυνο δεύτερου κατάγματος. (cause-specific hazard ratio [csHR] 0.05; 95%CI 0.01 – 0.45; p = 0.007). Συμπεράσματα: H εφαρμογή του ειδικά σχεδιασμένου για χειρουργούς αλγορίθμου του οργανισμού AO επιτρέπει την ενδονοσοκομειακή έναρξη της αντιοστεοπορωτικής θεραπείας, κάτι που οδηγεί σε καλύτερη συμμόρφωση με την θεραπεία και μειωμένη επίπτωση του δεύτερου κατάγματος, συνεπώς ο αλγόριθμος είναι ένα χρήσιμο εργαλείο για την δευτερογενή πρόληψη καταγμάτων.
Κατασκευή βιο-λειτουργικών επιφανειών με χημεία click και τεχνικές φωτολιθογραφίας
Authors: Βρεττού Φωτεινή
Published: April 2024

Σκοπός της διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η τροποποίηση επιφανειών για βιολογικές εφαρμογές όπως η κατασκευή μικροσυστοιχίας βιομορίων, χρησιμοποιώντας μία νέα τεχνική λιθογραφίας ονομαζόμενη λιθογραφία πολλαπλών κύκλων (multi-cycle lithography) σε συνδυασμό με χημεία click για την ομοιοπολική πρόσδεση βιομορίων σε κατάλληλο υπόστρωμα. Στην παρούσα εργασία το διβενζυλοκυκλοοκτίνιο και το αζίδιο χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ως δραστικές «κλικ»ομάδες. Επίσης, μελετήθηκε η φωτοχημεία αζιδίων, ως εναλλακτική μέθοδος για την επιτυχή ακινητοποίηση μορίων. Αναπτύχθηκαν διεργασίες για την πρόσδεση βιομορίων σε υπόστρωμα τροποποιημένο με υμένιο εποξειδικής ρητίνης (EPR) και σε Αυτοοργανωμένα Μονομοριακά Στρώματα (self-assembled monolayers SAMs) που έφεραν πλευρικές ομάδες με εποξειδικό δακτύλιο ή αμινομάδα. Αρχικά, στις τροποποιημένες επιφάνειες προσδενόταν σε αυτές ομοιοπολικά παράγωγα της βιοτίνης ή άλλα μόρια που έφεραν ομάδες κατάλληλες για μετέπειτα χημεία «κλικ». Μελετήθηκε σε κάθε περίπτωση η επιτυχής ακινητοποίηση των μορίων μέσω χημείας <<κλικ>> στις τροποποιημένες επιφάνειες μέσω αντίδρασης με κατάλληλη φθορίζουσα ουσία που έφερε συμπληρωματική προς το υπόστρωμα ομάδα χημείας «κλικ». Χρησιμοποιήθηκε η φωτοχημεία αζιδίων, αξοιοποιώντας την χαρακτηριστική ιδιότητά τους ότι κατά την έκθεση στο βαθύ υπεριώδες (254 nm) ελευθερώνεται Ν2 παράγοντας νιτρένια, τα οποία στη συνέχεια αντιδρούν με τον διπλό δεσμό των πολυμερικών αλυσίδων δρώντας ως διασταυρωτές. Από την άλλη πλευρά, η χημεία «κλικ» επιλέχτηκε καθώς οι αντιδράσεις «κλικ» χαρακτηρίζονται από πολύ υψηλές αποδόσεις, απλότητα στην εφαρμογή και είναι στερεοειδικές.Επιπλέον, μελετήθηκε ένα λιθογραφικό σχήμα για διευθέτηση βιομορίων που βασίζεται στη χρήση φωτοπολυμερους που μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί σε βιοσυμβατές συνθήκες. Στην εργασία αυτή διερευνήθηκε η δυνατότητα χρήσης και επέκτασης της ίδιας προσέγγισης για κατασκευή μικροσυστοιχιών από διαφορετικές πρωτεΐνες.
Infertility: Experiences of Greek women undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Brouskeli Vasiliki , Andreou Elpida
Published: April 2024

This study aims to explore the experiences of Greek women in the IVF process at the premedication stage, i.e. before the ova harvest and the embryo transfer. The sample consists of eight women with a history of infertility, diagnosed for at least a year. The study was qualitative, and the data collection was carried out through a one-to-one, face-to-face semi-structured interview, while a phenomenological approach to describe the women’s experience was adopted. According to the results, these women seem to be going through various stages of emotional distress and feel that they receive inadequate support from their families and social backgrounds. They want the social fabric and the medical staff to have a holistic approach that will include the particular psychosocial dimension of the issue. It is suggested that future research efforts take into account the socio-cultural background of the infertility experience and explore in-depth the experiences of couples undergoing IVF procedures. Finally, it is recommended that the support procedures for these couples include a broad range of counseling for the family and the couple, with emphasis on strategies for coping with stressful situations and handling the social environment.
Interdisciplinary Connections Between Mathematics and Philological Disciplines in Primary School
Authors: Sil'chenkova Lyudmila , Hodakova Nina , Petruhina E.
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the issues of establishing in the practice of elementary school interdisciplinary interaction between the lessons of the philological cycle and the lessons of mathematics, as required by the competent paradigm of modern education. The authors analyze the methodological approaches and pedagogical practice of modern elementary school, identifying possible points of interdisciplinary connections between reading lessons and the Russian language and mathematics lessons. The article attempted to identify meaningful inter-subject connections, gives examples from the lessons of mathematics and literary reading, illustrating general psychological, pedagogical and methodological approaches to texts in the lessons in these disciplines.
Third-grader and Mathematics: Mastering an Academic Subject within the Framework of the Requirements of the Current Standard
Authors: Rydze Oxana
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the organization of education taking into account the requirements of the updated educational state standard, federal educational and work (subject) programs for the mathematical preparation of third-graders. Some features of the updated content of the third year of study and methodological approaches to strengthening the work of the teacher in developing in younger schoolchildren the ability to construct and verify the truth of statements, justify their point of view, understand practical problems, and apply educational and subject-related actions when working with different course contents are presented. Methodological approaches are characterized that allow schoolchildren to ensure better mastery of updated subject content: the ability to work with mathematical text, conduct independent testing and evaluate the results of the solution. Thus, the article substantiates the possibility of taking into account the standard requirements for student independence when organizing the learning process.
Pedagogical Techniques for Eliminating Difficulties in Solving Word Problems by Fourth-Graders
Authors: Solnceva Ol'ga
Published: April 2024

The article examines the current problem of difficulties in solving word problems by fourth grade students, and describes the main types of difficulties. The importance of educational modeling, planning and control activities within the framework of the requirements of the Federal educational program for primary general education in mathematics is described. Two pedagogical techniques are presented: “Model the situation” and “Plan and control”. Examples of mathematical tasks are given, the use of which will allow fourth-graders to successfully overcome difficulties in solving word problems.
Extracurricular Activity Course Program for Third- and Fourth-Graders: “Verbal Creativity” (Part 1)
Authors: Nikitina E.
Published: April 2024

The article presents a program for a course of extracurricular activities, the purpose of which is to develop the verbal creativity of younger schoolchildren. The content part of the “Verbal Creativity” program provides not only analytical work with texts of different genres, but also “immersion” of the child into a state of creative research and writing. The program offers methodological recommendations for the teacher, which make it possible to provide conditions for students to understand the creative act as a stage in the creation of a text, subject to their own ideas.
Mentoring As a Developmental Mechanism of the All-Russian Olympiad for Primary School Teachers “My First Teacher”
Authors: Belavina Yu. , Klyuchko O.
Published: April 2024

The article highlights the mechanisms of continuous professional development of a teacher, based on the ideas of personal and professional selfdetermination, identity and professional position, reflective co-creation, project and research activities, implemented during the All-Russian Olympiad of primary school teachers “My First Teacher”. Mentoring is considered as a strategic tool for working with primary school teachers, allowing them to effectively improve their professional level. The possibilities of internal and external mentoring, examples of the implementation of dialogue and cooperation between a mentor and a mentee, a work algorithm consisting of five stages of accompanying a teacher with a mentor as part of participation in the Olympiad, as well as the basic competencies of its participants are presented.