bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ototoxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics in mice, HEI-OC1 cells and zebrafish
Authors: Wu Yuancheng , Li Lianzhen , Tang Lihuan , Peijnenburg Willie , Zhang Huangruici , Xie Daoli , Geng Ruishuang , Zheng Tihua , Bi Liyan , Wei Xiaodan , Chae Han-jung , Wang Lan , Zhao Li , Li Bo , Zheng Qingyin
Published: February 2024

Polystyrene nanoplastics are a novel class of pollutants. They are easily absorbed by living organisms, and their potential toxicity has raised concerns. However, the impact of polystyrene nanoplastics on auditory organs remains unknown. Here, our results showed that polystyrene nanoplastics entered the cochlea of mice, HEI-OC1 cells, and lateral line hair cells of zebrafish, causing cellular injury and increasing apoptosis. Additionally, we found that exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics resulted in a significant elevation in the auditory brainstem response thresholds, a loss of auditory sensory hair cells, stereocilia degeneration and a decrease in expression of Claudin-5 and Occludin proteins at the blood-lymphatic barrier in mice. We also observed a significant decrease in the acoustic alarm response of zebrafish after exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics. Mechanistic analysis revealed that polystyrene nanoplastics induced up-regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, increased levels of malondialdehyde, and decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase levels in cochlea and HEI-OC1 cells. Furthermore, we observed that the expression of ferroptosis-related indicators GPX4 and SLC7A11 decreased as well as increased expression of ACLS4 in cochlea and HEI-OC1 cells. This study also revealed that polystyrene nanoplastics exposure led to increased expression of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and COX2 in cochlea and HEI-OC1 cells. Further research found that the cell apoptosis, ferroptosis and inflammatory reactions induced by polystyrene nanoplastics in HEI-OC1 cells was reversed through the pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine, a reactive oxygen species inhibitor. Overall, our study first discovered and systematically revealed the ototoxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and its underlying mechanism.
Higher ultra processed foods intake is associated with low muscle mass in young to middle-aged adults: a cross-sectional NHANES study
Authors: Kong Weiliang , Xie Yilian , Hu Jingjing , Ding Weiping , Cao Chao
Published: February 2024

Design

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a pressing global health concern, prompting investigations into their potential association with low muscle mass in adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 10,255 adults aged 20−59 years who participated in the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) during cycles spanning from 2011 to 2018. The primary outcome, low muscle mass, was assessed using the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) definition, employing restricted cubic splines and weighted multivariate regression for analysis. Sensitivity analysis incorporated three other prevalent definitions to explore optimal cut points for muscle quality in the context of sarcopenia.

Results

The weighted prevalence of low muscle mass was 7.65%. Comparing the percentage of UPFs calories intake between individuals with normal and low muscle mass, the values were found to be similar (55.70 vs. 54.62%). Significantly linear associations were observed between UPFs consumption and low muscle mass (P for non-linear = 0.7915, P for total = 0.0117). Upon full adjustment for potential confounding factors, participants with the highest UPFs intake exhibited a 60% increased risk of low muscle mass (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.26, P for trend = 0.003) and a decrease in ALM/BMI (β = −0.0176, 95% CI: −0.0274 to −0.0077, P for trend = 0.003). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the consistency of these associations, except for the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) definition, where the observed association between the highest quartiles of UPFs (%Kcal) and low muscle mass did not attain statistical significance (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.87, P for trend = 0.082).

Conclusion

Our study underscores a significant linear association between higher UPFs consumption and an elevated risk of low muscle mass in adults. These findings emphasize the potential adverse impact of UPFs on muscle health and emphasize the need to address UPFs consumption as a modifiable risk factor in the context of sarcopenia.
A novel IgE epitope-specific antibodies-based sandwich ELISA for sensitive measurement of immunoreactivity changes of peanut allergen Ara h 2 in processed foods
Authors: Yan Yan , Li Liming , Long Caiyun , Dong Yaping , Li Jinyu , Shen Caiyi , Zhao Yiqian , Zhao Jiangqiang , Wang Jianbin , Xiong Anqi , Li Xin , Chen Hongbing , He Shengfa
Published: February 2024

Background

Peanut is an important source of dietary protein for human beings, but it is also recognized as one of the eight major food allergens. Binding of IgE antibodies to specific epitopes in peanut allergens plays important roles in initiating peanut-allergic reactions, and Ara h 2 is widely considered as the most potent peanut allergen and the best predictor of peanut allergy. Therefore, Ara h 2 IgE epitopes can serve as useful biomarkers for prediction of IgE-binding variations of Ara h 2 and peanut in foods. This study aimed to develop and validate an IgE epitope-specific antibodies (IgE-EsAbs)-based sandwich ELISA (sELISA) for detection of Ara h 2 and measurement of Ara h 2 IgE-immunoreactivity changes in foods.

Methods

DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow anion-exchange chromatography combining with SDS-PAGE gel extraction were applied to purify Ara h 2 from raw peanut. Hybridoma and epitope vaccine techniques were employed to generate a monoclonal antibody against a major IgE epitope of Ara h 2 and a polyclonal antibody against 12 IgE epitopes of Ara h 2, respectively. ELISA was carried out to evaluate the target binding and specificity of the generated IgE-EsAbs. Subsequently, IgE-EsAbs-based sELISA was developed to detect Ara h 2 and its allergenic residues in food samples. The IgE-binding capacity of Ara h 2 and peanut in foods was determined by competitive ELISA. The dose-effect relationship between the Ara h 2 IgE epitope content and Ara h 2 (or peanut) IgE-binding ability was further established to validate the reliability of the developed sELISA in measuring IgE-binding variations of Ara h 2 and peanut in foods.

Results

The obtained Ara h 2 had a purity of 94.44%. Antibody characterization revealed that the IgE-EsAbs recognized the target IgE epitope(s) of Ara h 2 and exhibited high specificity. Accordingly, an IgE-EsAbs-based sELISA using these antibodies was able to detect Ara h 2 and its allergenic residues in food samples, with high sensitivity (a limit of detection of 0.98 ng/mL), accuracy (a mean bias of 0.88%), precision (relative standard deviation < 16.50%), specificity, and recovery (an average recovery of 98.28%). Moreover, the developed sELISA could predict IgE-binding variations of Ara h 2 and peanut in foods, as verified by using sera IgE derived from peanut-allergic individuals.

Conclusion

This novel immunoassay could be a user-friendly method to monitor low level of Ara h 2 and to preliminary predict in vitro potential allergenicity of Ara h 2 and peanut in processed foods.
Next-generation sequencing for pediatric CNS tumors: does it add value in a middle-income country setup?
Authors: Amayiri Nisreen , Al-Hussaini Maysa , Maraqa Bayan , Alyazjeen Shaza , Alzoubi Qasem , Musharbash Awni , Ibrahimi Ahmad Kh. , Sarhan Nasim , Obeidat Mouness , Hawkins Cynthia , Bouffet Eric
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Advances in molecular diagnostics led to improved targeted interventions in the treatment of pediatric CNS tumors. However, the capacity to test for these is limited in LMICs, and thus their value needs exploration.

Methods

We reviewed our experience with NGS testing (TruSight RNA Pan-Cancer-seq panel) for pediatric CNS tumors at KHCC/Jordan (March/2022–April/2023). Paraffin blocks’ scrolls were shipped to the SickKids laboratory based on the multidisciplinary clinic (MDC) recommendations. We reviewed the patients’ characteristics, the tumor types, and the NGS results’ impact on treatment.

Results

Of 237 patients discussed during the MDC meetings, 32 patients (14%) were included. They were 16 boys and 16 girls; the median age at time of testing was 9.5 years (range, 0.9–21.9 years). There were 21 samples sent at diagnosis and 11 upon tumor progression. The main diagnoses were low-grade-glioma (15), high-grade-glioma (10), and other histologies (7). Reasons to request NGS included searching for a targetable alteration (20) and to better characterize the tumor behavior (12). The median turnaround time from samples’ shipment to receiving the results was 23.5 days (range, 15–49 days) with a median laboratory processing time of 16 days (range, 8–39 days) at a cost of US$1,000/sample. There were 19 (59%) tumors that had targetable alterations (FGFR/MAPK pathway inhibitors (14), checkpoint inhibitors (2), NTRK inhibitors (2), and one with PI3K inhibitor or IDH1 inhibitor). Two rare BRAF mutations were identified (BRAFp.G469A, BRAFp.K601E). One tumor diagnosed initially as undifferentiated round cell sarcoma harbored NAB2::STAT6 fusion and was reclassified as an aggressive metastatic solitary fibrous tumor. Another tumor initially diagnosed as grade 2 astroblastoma grade 2 was reclassified as low-grade-glioma in the absence of MN1 alteration. NGS failed to help characterize a tumor that was diagnosed histologically as small round blue cell tumor. Nine patients received targeted therapy; dabrafenib/trametinib (6), pembrolizumab (2), and entrectinib (1), mostly upon tumor progression (7).

Conclusion

In this highly selective cohort, a high percentage of targetable mutations was identified facilitating targeted therapies. Outsourcing of NGS testing was feasible; however, criteria for case selection are needed. In addition, local capacity-building in conducting the test, interpretation of the results, and access to “new drugs” continue to be a challenge in LMICs.
The clinical outcome of pembrolizumab for patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a single center, real world study in China
Authors: Fan Zongyu , Hui Rongrong , Ju Houyu , Wu Yunteng , Ma Xuhui , Song Hao , Liu Yang , Rui Mengyu , Geng Xinrong , Zhao Minqi , Xin Yingye , Wei Dongliang , Ren Guoxin
Published: February 2024

Background

The KEYNOTE-048 and KEYNOTE-040 study have demonstrated the efficacy of pembrolizumab in recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M HNSCC), we conducted this real-world study to investigate the efficacy of pembrolizumab in patients with R/M HNSCC.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective study conducted in the Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (Shanghai, China). Between December 2020 and December 2022, a total of 77 patients with R/M HNSCC were included into analysis. The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR)and toxicity.Efficacy was assessed according to RECIST version 1.1.SPSS 27.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0 software were utilized to perform the statistical analysis.

Results

By the cut-off date (February 28, 2023), the median OS,PFS and ORR were 15.97 months,8.53 months and 48.9% in patients treated with the pembrolizumab regimen in the first line therapy. Among these patients, 17 patients received pembrolizumab with cetuximab,and 18 received pembrolizumab with chemotherapy.We observed no significant differences between two groups neither in median OS (13.9 vs 19.4 months, P=0.3582) nor PFS (unreached vs 8.233 months, P= 0.2807). In the ≥2nd line therapy (n=30), the median OS, PFS and ORR were 5.7 months, 2.58 months and 20% respectively. Combined positive score (CPS) was eligible from 54 patients. For first line therapy, the median OS and PFS were 14.6 and 8.53 months in patients with CPS ≥1, and median OS and PFS were 14.6 and 12.33 months in patients with CPS ≥20. The immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were occurred in the 31 patients (31/77, 40.26%), and the most common potential irAEs were hypothyroidism (25.97%), and pneumonitis (7.79%).

Conclusion

Our real-world results indicated that pembrolizumab regimen is a promising treatment in patients with R/M HNSCC
Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca
Authors: Ulloa del Carpio Norka , Alvarado-Corella Diego , Quiñones-Laveriano Dante M. , Araya-Sibaja Andrea , Vega-Baudrit José , Monagas-Juan Maria , Navarro-Hoyos Mirtha , Villar-López Martha
Published: February 2024

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a biennial herbaceous plant indigenous to the Andes Mountains, has a rich history of traditional use for its purported health benefits. Maca’s chemical composition varies due to ecotypes, growth conditions, and post-harvest processing, contributing to its intricate phytochemical profile, including, macamides, macaenes, and glucosinolates, among other components. This review provides an in-depth revision and analysis of Maca’s diverse bioactive metabolites, focusing on the pharmacological properties registered in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Maca is generally safe, with rare adverse effects, supported by preclinical studies revealing low toxicity and good human tolerance. Preclinical investigations highlight the benefits attributed to Maca compounds, including neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory properties, immunoregulation, and antioxidant effects. Maca has also shown potential for enhancing fertility, combating fatigue, and exhibiting potential antitumor properties. Maca’s versatility extends to metabolic regulation, gastrointestinal health, cardio protection, antihypertensive activity, photoprotection, muscle growth, hepatoprotection, proangiogenic effects, antithrombotic properties, and antiallergic activity. Clinical studies, primarily focused on sexual health, indicate improved sexual desire, erectile function, and subjective wellbeing in men. Maca also shows promise in alleviating menopausal symptoms in women and enhancing physical performance. Further research is essential to uncover the mechanisms and clinical applications of Maca’s unique bioactive metabolites, solidifying its place as a subject of growing scientific interest.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals the molecular mechanism underlying seedling heterosis and its relationship with hybrid contemporary seeds DNA methylation in soybean
Authors: Ren Xiaobo , Chen Liangyu , Deng Lin , Zhao Qiuzhu , Yao Dan , Li Xueying , Cong Weixuan , Zang Zhenyuan , Zhao Dingyi , Zhang Miao , Yang Songnan , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2024

Heterosis is widely used in crop production, but phenotypic dominance and its underlying causes in soybeans, a significant grain and oil crop, remain a crucial yet unexplored issue. Here, the phenotypes and transcriptome profiles of three inbred lines and their resulting F1 seedlings were analyzed. The results suggest that F1 seedlings with superior heterosis in leaf size and biomass exhibited a more extensive recompilation in their transcriptional network and activated a greater number of genes compared to the parental lines. Furthermore, the transcriptional reprogramming observed in the four hybrid combinations was primarily non-additive, with dominant effects being more prevalent. Enrichment analysis of sets of differentially expressed genes, coupled with a weighted gene co-expression network analysis, has shown that the emergence of heterosis in seedlings can be attributed to genes related to circadian rhythms, photosynthesis, and starch synthesis. In addition, we combined DNA methylation data from previous immature seeds and observed similar recompilation patterns between DNA methylation and gene expression. We also found significant correlations between methylation levels of gene region and gene expression levels, as well as the discovery of 12 hub genes that shared or conflicted with their remodeling patterns. This suggests that DNA methylation in contemporary hybrid seeds have an impact on both the F1 seedling phenotype and gene expression to some extent. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of heterosis in soybean seedlings and its practical implications for selecting superior soybean varieties.
PhyLab – a virtual reality laboratory for experiments in physics: a pilot study on intervention effectiveness and gender differences
Authors: Korlat Selma , Kollmayer Marlene , Haider Christian , Hlavacs Helmut , Martinek Daniel , Pazour Patrick , Spiel Christiane
Published: February 2024

Introduction

New technologies have great potential to facilitate students’ understanding and appreciation of one of the most abstract and challenging school subjects – physics. This study aimed to examine the effects of a game-based virtual reality teaching method on secondary school students’ self-beliefs, interest, and performance in physics through a quasi-experimental design using pre- and post-test data. The evaluation is based on the systemic actiotope model that explains a person’s goal-oriented actions by an interplay of their environment, action repertoire (i.e., students’ performance and interest in physics), and subjective action space (i.e., students’ self-efficacy, self-concept, and implicit theories regarding physics).

Method

A game-based virtual reality App to be used with Google cardboards was developed containing 10 teaching units from the secondary school physics class curriculum. Participants in the control group were taught using traditional teaching methods, while students in the experimental group went through the VR with the teacher and conducted the prepared VR experiments in addition to the traditionally presented content. Three tests measured students’ physics performance during the semester. In addition, students answered questionnaires assessing their interest, self-efficacy, self-concept, and entity implicit theories regarding physics before and after the intervention, resulting in a Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design.

Results

There were no significant differences between the control and experimental group in test scores on the first and second tests but compared to the control group, the experimental group achieved higher scores on the third test. In addition, the results indicate differential effects of the game-based virtual reality teaching method on students’ interest and self-efficacy regarding physics to the advantage of students identifying as male, but no effects on students’ self-concept, and entity implicit theories regarding physics.

Discussion

The results of our pilot study suggest that incorporating innovative didactic methods into secondary school physics classes could potentially contribute to higher performance in and motivation for physics during this crucial period of adolescence when students develop educational and career aspirations. However, game-based virtual reality teaching methods seem to favor students identifying as male, which should be considered in their development and presentation. Other practical implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed.
Psychological perspectives on divine forgiveness: 3. Trait self-control is associated with well-being through seeking divine forgiveness
Authors: Maranges Heather M. , Fincham Frank D.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Although a majority of the world’s population believes in a Higher Power and subscribes to a religion in which divine forgiveness is emphasized, little work has been done to understand individual differences associated with seeking divine forgiveness.

Methods

Building on work that suggests trait self-control facilitates well-being, the current study (N = 439, undergraduate students) applies structural equation modeling (SEM) to test whether believers higher (vs. lower) in trait self-control are more likely to seek divine forgiveness, and, in turn, have better psychological health.

Results and discussion

We find that people higher in self-control engage in more divine forgiveness seeking (b = 0.16), and seeking divine forgiveness represents one of the pathways associated with psychological health (i.e., seeking is associated with higher well-being,b = 0.21, and lower distress,b = −0.07). Crucially, we operationalize both positive (well-being and flourishing) and negative (depression, anxiety, stress) aspects of psychological health and control for religiosity. These results suggest that for those who believe in God, seeking divine forgiveness may be one mechanism that links individuals’ self-control to good psychological health, and this is not merely an artifact of higher levels of religiosity. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
How semantics works in Chinese relative clause processing: insights from eye tracking
Authors: Liu Yan , Ni Chuanbin
Published: February 2024

Recent years have witnessed much research on semantic analysis and syntactic anatomy in ordinary language processing. However, it is still a matter of considerable debate about when and how the semantic integration of single word meanings works and interacts with syntax during on-line comprehension. This study, in an eye-tracking paradigm, took 38 native speakers of Mandarin Chinese as the participants and took Chinese relative clauses as stimuli to figure out the functions of semantics by investigating the conditioning semantic factors influencing and governing the word order variation of Chinese relative clauses during different processing stages. Accordingly, this study manipulated two syntactic variables, i.e., relative clause type and the position of the numeral-classifier sequence (NCL) in the relative clause, as well as a semantic variable, i.e., the abstractness of the head noun that the relative clause modified. Specifically, the study addressed two questions: (1) when semantics is activated and interacts with syntax and (2) how semantics affects syntax during the time course of Chinese relative clause processing. The results indicated that: (1) Semantics was activated and interacted with syntax during the early and late processing stages of Chinese relative clauses, which challenged the sequential order of syntactic and semantic processes, and supported the claims of the Concurrent Processing Model. (2) The syntactic order of the Chinese relative clause was affected by the semantic information of the head noun that the clause modified. Object-extraction relative clauses (ORCs) had a conjunction preference for the order “an object relative clause preceding the numeral-classifier sequence and the head noun.” Instead, the subject-extraction relative clause (SRC) which modified a concrete noun (CN) had a co-occurrence preference for the order “numeral-classifier sequence preceding the subject relative clause and the head noun,” while the subject-extraction relative clause which modified an abstract noun (AN) had a co-occurrence preference for the order “subject relative clause preceding the numeral-classifier sequence and the head noun.” The findings of this study were evaluated in light of the perspectives of truth value semantics of the syntactic components, the semantic compatibility of numeral-classifier sequence and its modified noun as well as the discourse functions of outer modifier nominals and inner modifier nominals.
Clinical experience with medical hypnosis as an adjunctive therapy in heart surgery
Authors: Tigges-Limmer Katharina , Brocks Yvonne , Winkler Yvonne , Stock Gissendanner Scott , Gummert Jan
Published: February 2024

Heart surgery patients are at high risk for psychological trauma and comorbid psychological disorders. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders in this patient group are predictors of outcomes after cardiac surgery. Medical hypnosis is effective for non-pharmacologic prevention and treatment of psychological disorders and has been associated with improved health-related quality of life and better cardiovascular outcomes. This contribution makes note of evidence of the effectiveness of medical hypnosis in a discussion of the clinical experience with specific hypnotherapeutic tools and interventions from the perspective of the mental health team in one large cardiac center in Germany. Based on our experience, we encourage heart centers to educate their heart surgery care teams about the core concepts of medical hypnosis and to make hypnotherapeutic techniques available as an adjunctive therapy.
Exploring gender differences in the relationship between gut microbiome and depression - a scoping review
Authors: Niemela Leila , Lamoury Gillian , Carroll Susan , Morgia Marita , Yeung Albert , Oh Byeongsang
Published: February 2024

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibits gender disparities, and emerging evidence suggests the involvement of the gut microbiome, necessitating exploration of sex-specific differences.

Methods

A review was conducted, encompassing a thorough examination of relevant studies available in Medline via Ovid, Embase via OvidSP, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases from their inception to June 2023. The search strategy employed specific keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms tailored to major depressive disorder in women, encompassing unipolar depression, depressive symptoms, and dysbiosis.

Results

Five studies were included. Among the four studies, alterations in alpha (n=1) and beta diversity (n=3) in the gut microbiome of individuals with MDD were revealed compared to controls. Gender-specific differences were observed in four studies, demonstrating the abundance of specific bacterial taxa and highlighting potential sex-specific implications in MDD pathophysiology. Correlation analyses (n=4) indicated associations between certain bacterial taxa and the severity of depressive symptoms, with varying patterns between males and females. Studies (n=3) also highlighted promising findings regarding the potential utility of microbial markers in diagnosing MDD, emphasizing the crucial role of sex stratification in understanding the disease pathophysiology.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the importance of recognizing gender-specific differences in the composition of the gut microbiome and its relationship with MDD. Further comprehensive robust studies are required to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying these disparities.
Interventions to promote health literacy among working-age populations experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage: systematic review
Authors: Singh Himal , Samkange-Zeeb Florence , Kolschen Jonathan , Herrmann Ruben , Hübner Wiebke , Barnils Núria Pedrós , Brand Tilman , Zeeb Hajo , Schüz Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Background

Experiencing financial insecurity and being underserved is often associated with low health literacy, i.e., the ability to identify, obtain, interpret and act upon health information, which may result in poor health outcomes. Little is known about effective interventions for promoting health literacy among underserved populations. The objective of this systematic review is to summarize the literature on such interventions and identify characteristics that differentiate more effective interventions.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines we searched the databases SCOPUS, Pubmed, Web of Science core collection and CINAHL. We included primary studies with a quantitative study design and control groups testing interventions to increase health literacy or health knowledge in underserved populations between 18 and 65 years. Where possible, we converted effect sizes into Cohen’s d and compared mean differences of intervention and control groups. Albatross plots were created to summarize the results according to different health literacy and health knowledge outcomes.

Results

We screened 3,696 titles and abstracts and 206 full texts. In total, 86 articles were analyzed, of which 55 were summarized in seven albatross plots. The majority of the studies (n = 55) were conducted in the United States and had a randomized controlled study design (n = 44). More effective intervention approaches assessed needs of participants through focus group discussions prior to conducting the intervention, used bilingual educational materials, and included professionals fluent in the first languages of the study population as intervention deliverers. Additionally, the use of educational materials in video and text form, fotonovelas and interactive group education sessions with role playing exercises were observed to be effective.

Discussion

Although the outcomes addressed in the included studies were heterogeneous, effective intervention approaches were often culturally sensitive and developed tailored educational materials. Interventions aiming to promote health literacy in underserved populations should hence consider applying similar approaches.

Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=323801, PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42022323801.
“Cyclist at 12 o’clock!”: a systematic review of in-vehicle advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for preventing car-rider crashes
Authors: Useche Sergio A. , Faus Mireia , Alonso Francisco
Published: February 2024

Introduction

While Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become a prominent topic in road safety research, there has been relatively little discussion about their effectiveness in preventing car collisions involving specific vulnerable road users, such as cyclists. Therefore, the primary objective of this systematic literature review is to analyze the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of in-vehicle ADAS in preventing vehicle collisions with cyclists.

Methods

To achieve this goal, this systematic review analyzed a selection of original research papers that examined the effectiveness of ADAS systems in preventing car-cyclist collisions. The review followed the PRISMA protocol, which led to the extraction of 21 eligible studies from an initial pool of 289 sources indexed in the primary scientific literature databases. Additionally, word community-based content analyses were used to examine the research topics and their links within the current scientific literature on the matter.

Results

Although the current number of studies available is still scarce (most sources focus on car-motorcyclist or car-pedestrian crashes), the overall quality of the available studies has been reasonably good, as determined by the selected evaluation methods. In terms of studies’ outcomes, the literature supports the value of in-vehicle ADAS for preventing car-cyclist crashes. However, threatful side effects such as unrealistic expectations of these systems and users’ overconfidence or desensitization are also highlighted, as well as the need to increase driver training and road user awareness.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that Advanced Driver Assistance Systems have significant potential to contribute to the prevention of driving crashes involving cyclists. However, the literature emphasizes the importance of concurrently enhancing user-related skills in both ADAS use and road-user interaction through educational and training initiatives. Future research should also address emerging issues, such as ADAS-related behavioral ergonomics, and conduct long-term effectiveness assessments of ADAS in preventing car-cycling crashes and their subsequent injuries.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, unique identifier CRD42024505492, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=505492.
Comparison of perception of stress and consumption of anxiolytics in hospital and out-hospital conditions: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jovanović Željko , Pešut Sara , Miletić Bojan
Published: February 2024

Background

The workplace is a place where medical workers are exposed to extreme stress, particularly during medical emergencies or events of epidemic or pandemic proportions. Anxiolytic therapy is often used to overcome professional challenges. Deepening knowledge about the prevalence of the use of anxiolytics and the perception of stress among medical workers enables the timely recognition of problems and the preparation of measures to improve the working conditions and quality of life of medical workers. The study’s primary objective was to investigate whether there were differences in the usage of anxiolytics among healthcare professionals in and out of the hospital. In addition to the main objective, there are other objectives that have been established: To examine whether there are statistically justified differences in stress perceptions between hospital and outpatient healthcare professionals; 2. To examine the stress factors in the workplace in both hospital and outpatient settings. To compare the frequency of taking anxiolytics with respect to various variables (age, seniority, occupation and level of education); 4. determines the impact of working conditions on stress perception and life satisfaction in healthcare professionals. The design of research: Cross-sectional research.

Materials and methods

The research involved 159 healthcare professionals in Slavonski Brod: 96 employees of the General Hospital “Dr. Josip Benčević” and 63 employees of the Health Center and the Institute for Emergency Medicine of Brodsko-Posavina County. Respondents were able to participate in the study by filling out questionnaires online. The questionnaire was designed to be voluntary and anonymous and contained 53 questions.

Results

Statistically significant differences were shown in the perception of stress, which is greater in hospital staff, than in the difference between stressors in the workplace, where hospital staff showed higher values in all categories, but three factors are more significant differences: “Organization of the workplace and financial issues,” “Conflicts and communication at work” and “Professional and intellectual requirements.” There are significant differences in the frequency of using anxiolytics with the assistance of a psychiatrist. Working conditions have a much greater impact on the perception of stress and life satisfaction in hospital staff, while in hospital staff only a weak link between the perception of stress and life satisfaction is expressed. Anxiolytics are consumed by 27.10% of hospital workers and 23.80% of outside-the-hospital workers.

Conclusion

The consumption of anxiolytic drugs by healthcare professionals in hospital and outpatient conditions does not make a significant difference, but they do have statistically significant differences in their perception of stress.
The shifting impact and response to COVID-19 in Florida
Authors: Rivkees Scott A.
Published: February 2024

The first cases of COVID-19 in Florida were diagnosed on March 1, 2020. Three years later, more than 7.3 million people have had COVID-19 in Florida, and more than 93,000 individuals have died from this illness. When considering the impact of COVID-19 on Florida, several key factors need to be considered, including that Florida was one of the most medically vulnerable states due to a substantial proportion of older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions. Florida also has a centralized Department of Health and Division of Emergency Management structure that facilitated response activities. Looking at the impact of COVID-19 on Florida, two distinct phases need to be considered: the pre-Delta variant phase from March 2020 to July 2021 and the Delta variant and beyond phase that began July 2021 and still continues. During the 16-month first phase, about 38,000 people died. Yet, 24,000 people died during the 5-months of the Delta variant wave from July to November 2021. During the Omicron waves that followed Delta, an additional 31,000 people died. Florida thus went from ranking 26th in death per capita in the United States at the end of the first phase to 10th a few months into the Delta wave and now ranks 8th. Why did these phases differ so dramatically in terms of mortality? During the first phase of the pandemic, adherence to established nonpharmacological and older adult protection measures was recommended. When COVID-19 vaccines became available in December 2020, there was an aggressive campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccination, and public acceptance was high. The second phase followed political opposition to CDC and public health expert guidelines, the rise of anti-vaccine sentiment and misinformation, and falling vaccination rates. These factors contributed to considerable population vulnerability to severe disease when the Delta variant hit. As the former State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health of Florida from June 2019 to September 2021, this report provides perspective on the shifting impact and response to COVID-19 in Florida, which is the third most populous state in the United States. This perspective shows the clear consequences of shifting from standard public health practices and vaccine promotion to attacks on public health and vaccines.
Hypersialylation and multiple myeloma
Authors: O’Dwyer Michael , Glavey Siobhan , McAvera Roisin , Natoni Alessandro , Ryan Aideen E.
Published: February 2024

There is growing recognition of the importance of sialylation as a critical post translational modification in cancer. In this article we review the role of increased cell surface sialylation (hypersialylation) in Multiple Myeloma as it relates to cellular trafficking and immune evasion. Knowledge of the specific effects of sialic acid on cell trafficking machinery and modulation of immune cell interactions will identify opportunities for therapeutic interventions. The available evidence indicates that hypersialylation facilitates disease progression and negatively impacts on response to treatment and overall survival. Further research is required to fully elucidate the mechanisms through which hypersialylation influences disease biology and therapy resistance with the ultimate goal of developing new treatment approaches to improve the outcomes of patients with Multiple Myeloma.
Effects of hydrological dynamics in controlling phosphorus bioavailability in intermittent rivers and implications for estuaries
Authors: da Silva Antonio Elves Barreto , Queiroz Hermano Melo , de Oliveira Daniel Pontes , Nóbrega Gabriel Nuto , Pereira Tamara Maciel , de Freitas Lima Paulo , Barcellos Diego , Rezende Carla Ferreira , Ferreira Tiago Osório
Published: February 2024

Several studies on intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) have focused on the ecology of populations and communities, and very few explored the biogeochemistry and bioavailability of key elements, such as phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). In this study, we aimed to explore the role of environmental seasonality on P bioavailability in an intermittent river in Northeastern Brazil and the implications for nutrient dynamics to downstream ecosystems, such as the estuaries. The study was performed at the Cruxati River, located in the Litoral Hydrographic Basin on the coast of Ceará State, Brazil. We sampled riverine sediments during three hydroperiods (i.e., dry, rewetting, and flow) according to the theoretical model for research in intermittent rivers. We performed a geochemical fractionation of different P forms and determined the physicochemical parameters, particle size distribution, mineralogy, and total organic carbon of the sediments. Mean values were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric statistical test (p-value < 0.05) and by discriminant function analysis. We observed that the predominant fractions of P were associated with Fe-oxides, silicates, and refractory organic matter, but there were no statistical differences among these fractions for all hydroperiods. The exchangeable-P form was higher in the dry and flow periods than in the rewetting period. On the opposite side, P associated with humic acids and carbonates was lower in the dry and flow periods but higher in the rewetting period. We concluded that seasonality influences the bioavailability of P in intermittent rivers, being strongly influenced by the organic fraction, including the humic acid fraction and the refractory organic matter, which are important sources of P in the aquatic system. Furthermore, the IRES may act as a source or a sink of nutrients throughout the cycles of wetting and drying, which may release P from the sediments to the aquatic environment. Hence, IRES plays an important role in transporting nutrients to estuaries and maintaining their ecosystem services.
Rheological and sensorial behavior of tomato product enriched with pea protein and olive powder
Authors: Bal Murad , Ates Elif Gokcen , Erdem Furkan , Tonyali Karsli Gokcem , Karasu Melis Cetin , Ozarda Ozlem , Mert Behic , Oztop Mecit H.
Published: February 2024

In this study, a new functional product using Mediterranean ingredients (tomato, tomato peel powder and olive powder) was formulated where two different concentrations of protein (1 and 2%) and peel (2 and 4%) were tested. Olive powder was kept at a constant concentration of 2%. Physico-chemical, Rheological, and Sensorial analysis were carried out on the formulated samples. Soluble protein content was found as the highest in the sample containing 4% peel and 2% protein and it was affected by the pH and tomato peel concentration. Rheological results reveal shear-thinning behavior, as defined by the Herschel-Bulkley model, with protein and peel concentrations having a major influence on yield stress and viscosity. A positive trend was noticed between apparent viscosity and peel concentration, meantime protein concentration affected apparent viscosity adversely. Contrary relation between consistency index (k) values and apparent viscosity illustrate the complex interaction between protein and peel, particularly at higher concentrations. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to investigate the complicated sensory landscape of tomato products with different quantities of pea protein and tomato peel. While higher tomato peel and protein levels have no direct impact on rheological qualities, they do add to astringency and sourness, which influences overall acceptability. Remarkably, the sample with the greatest quantities of peel and protein exhibits a delicate balance, with a loss in perceived tomato taste intensity and overall acceptability offsetting an increase in astringency. In terms of overall acceptability, the most preferred beverage was selected as the sample formulated with 2% peel and 1% protein.
Analyzing the policy-driven adaptation of Important Agriculture Heritage Systems to modernization from the resilience perspective: a case study of Qingtian Rice-Fish Culture System, China
Authors: Jiao Wenjun , Yu Zhounan , He Siyuan
Published: February 2024

Formulating effective conservation and management policies plays a key role in helping Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS) cope with the threats and challenges brought by modernization. An important criterion to measure their effectiveness is whether they maintain or enhance the resilience of IAHS. In this study, we first integrate IAHS resilience into the social-ecological systems (SES) framework and propose a SES-based analytical framework for IAHS resilience, which helps analyze how IAHS adapt to external disturbances under the drivers of policies. Then, we suggest the trade-off of ecosystem services as the surrogate of IAHS resilience and use the carbon footprint per unit output value as an indicator to quantify IAHS resilience. The application in Qingtian Rice-Fish Culture System (QRFCS) reveals that the rice-fish culture systems in three villages have formed different development models driven by different conservation and management policies when challenged by modernization, and have displayed different resilience in different development models. The development model centering on enlarged-scale fish farming in Xinpeng Village has shown the highest resilience; the development model with a combination of moderate-scale land management and experiential heritage tourism in Longxian Village has displayed a moderate resilience; and the development model with organic rice-fish culture integrated into terrace sightseeing tourism in Xiaozhoushan Village has shown the lowest resilience. Based on this, we put forward suggestions for maintaining and enhancing the resilience of QRFCS, so as to improve the management of the heritage system. We present that the results will not only enrich the resilience study of SES, but also promote IAHS management and regional sustainable development.
The impact of minimally-invasive esophagectomy operative duration on post-operative outcomes
Authors: Tupper Haley I. , Roybal Belia O. , Jackson Riley W. , Banks Kian C. , Kwak Hyunjee V. , Alcasid Nathan J. , Wei Julia , Hsu Diana S. , Velotta Jeffrey B.
Published: February 2024

Background

Esophagectomy, an esophageal cancer treatment mainstay, is a highly morbid procedure. Prolonged operative time, only partially predetermined by case complexity, may be uniquely harmful to minimally-invasive esophagectomy (MIE) patients for numerous reasons, including anastomotic leak, tenuous conduit perfusion and protracted single-lung ventilation, but the impact is unknown. This multi-center retrospective cohort study sought to characterize the relationship between MIE operative time and post-operative outcomes.

Methods

We abstracted multi-center data on esophageal cancer patients who underwent MIE from 2010 to 2021. Predictor variables included age, sex, comorbidities, body mass index, prior cardiothoracic surgery, stage, and neoadjuvant therapy. Outcomes included complications, readmissions, and mortality. Association analysis evaluated the relationship between predictor variables and operative time. Multivariate logistic regression characterized the influence of potential predictor variables and operative time on post-operative outcomes. Subgroup analysis evaluated the association between MIE >4 h vs. ≤4 h and complications, readmissions and survival.

Results

For the 297 esophageal cancer patients who underwent MIE between 2010 and 2021, the median operative duration was 4.8 h [IQR: 3.7–6.3]. For patients with anastomotic leak (5.1%) and 1-year mortality, operative duration was elevated above the median at 6.3 h [IQR: 4.8–8.6], p = 0.008) and 5.3 h [IQR: 4.4–6.8], p = 0.04), respectively. In multivariate logistic regression, each additional hour of operative time increased the odds of anastomotic leak and 1-year mortality by 39% and 19%, respectively.

Conclusions

Esophageal cancer is a poor prognosis disease, even with optimal treatment. Operative efficiency, a modifiable surgical variable, may be an important target to improve MIE patient outcomes.
Covering Elevator Doors and Decorative Elements with a Protective Film
Authors: Rezes Gábor , Szigeti Ferenc
Published: February 2024

In today's world, in order to maintain competitiveness, all companies strive to meet deadlines and sell their products to their customers in the best possible quality. Also, they want to produce these products as cheaply as possible. This is no different in the elevator industry. At Wittur Hungária Kft., we produce thousands of elevator doors or their decorative elements every year, which must be provided with a protective film on a painted or structured surface, thus ensuring that the customer receives the quality product they expect. The main reason for the design of the machine is to speed up and automate the foiling process, while increasing productivity and reducing costs. Therefore, we set out to design a machine with which we can make the work of the workers easier and faster, since this operation is currently carried out manually, and we also ensure a consistent quality with the least possible human intervention.