bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cathepsin B aggravates atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient mice by modulating vascular smooth muscle cell pyroptosis through NF-κB / NLRP3 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Hui , Zhao Quanwei , Liu Danan , Zhou Bo , Liao Fujun , Chen Long
Published: January 2024

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving cell death and inflammatory responses. Pyroptosis, a newly discovered pro-inflammatory programmed cell death process, exacerbates inflammatory responses. However, the roles of cathepsin B (CTSB) in pyroptosis and AS remain unclear. To gain further insight, we fed ApoE-/- mice a high-fat diet to investigate the effects and mechanisms of CTSB overexpression and silencing on AS. We also explored the specific role of CTSB in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro. The study revealed that high-fat diet led to the formation of AS plaques, and CTSB was found to increase the AS plaque lesion area. Immunohistochemical and TUNEL/caspase-1 staining revealed the existence of pyroptosis in atherosclerotic plaques, particularly in VSMCs. In vitro studies, including Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide staining, a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, detection of protein indicators of pyroptosis, and detection of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in cell culture medium, demonstrated that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced VSMC pyroptosis. Additionally, CTSB promoted VSMC pyroptosis. Ox-LDL increased the expression of CTSB, which in turn activated the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and promoted NLRP3 expression by facilitating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 nuclear translocation. This effect could be attenuated by the NF-κB inhibitor SN50. Our research found that CTSB not only promotes VSMC pyroptosis by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, but also increases the expression of NLRP3.
Designing of a new multi-epitope vaccine against Leishmania major using Leish-F1 epitopes: An In-silico study
Authors: Rabienia Mahsa , Mortazavidehkordi Nahid , Roudbari Zahra , Daneshi Rasoul , Abdollahi Abbas , Yousefian Langeroudi Mohammad , Behmard Esmaeil , Farjadfar Akbar
Published: January 2024

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common form of the disease which can cause malignant lesions on the skin. Vaccination for the prevention and treatment of leishmaniasis can be the most effective way to combat this disease. In this study, we designed a novel multi-epitope vaccine against Leishmania major (L. major) using immunoinformatics tools to assess its efficacy in silico. Sequences of Leish-F1 protein (TSA, Leif, and LMSTI1) of L. major were taken from GenBank. The helper T (Th) and cytotoxic T (Tc) epitopes of the protein were predicted. The final multi-epitope consisted of 18 CTL epitopes joined by AAY linker. There were also nine HTL epitopes in the structure of the vaccine construct, joined by GPGPG linker. The profilin adjuvant (the toll-like receptor 11 agonist) was also added into the construct by AAY Linker. There were 613 residues in the structure of the vaccine construct. The multi-epitope vaccine candidate was stable and non-allergic. The data obtained from the binding of final multi-epitope vaccine-TLR11 residues (band lengths and weighted scores) unveiled the ligand and the receptor high score of binding affinity. Moreover, in silico assessment of the vaccine construct cloning achieved its suitable expression in E. coli host. Based on these results, the current multi-epitope vaccine prevents L. major infection in silico, while further confirmatory assessments are required.
Outcomes following major thoracoabdominal cancer resection in adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Sakowitz Sara , Bakhtiyar Syed Shahyan , Ali Konmal , Mallick Saad , Williamson Catherine , Benharash Peyman
Published: January 2024

Background

While advances in medical and surgical management have allowed >97% of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients to reach adulthood, a growing number are presenting with non-cardiovascular malignancies. Indeed, adults with CHD are reported to face a 20% increase in cancer risk, relative to others, and cancer has become the fourth leading cause of death among this population. Surgical resection remains a mainstay in management of thoracoabdominal cancers. However, outcomes following cancer resection among these patients have not been well established. Thus, we sought to characterize clinical and financial outcomes following major cancer resections among adult CHD patients.

Methods

The 2012–2020 National Inpatient Sample was queried for all adults (CHD or non-CHD) undergoing lobectomy, esophagectomy, gastrectomy, pancreatectomy, hepatectomy, or colectomy for cancer. To adjust for intergroup differences in baseline characteristics, entropy balancing was applied to generate balanced patient groups. Multivariable models were constructed to assess outcomes of interest.

Results

Of 905,830 patients undergoing cancer resection, 1,480 (0.2%) had concomitant CHD. The overall prevalence of such patients increased from <0.1% in 2012 to 0.3% in 2012 (P for trend<0.001). Following risk adjustment, CHD was linked with greater in-hospital mortality (AOR 2.00, 95%CI 1.06–3.76), as well as a notable increase in odds of stroke (AOR 8.94, 95%CI 4.54–17.60), but no statistically significant difference in cardiac (AOR 1.33, 95%CI 0.69–2.59) or renal complications (AOR 1.35, 95%CI 0.92–1.97). Further, CHD was associated with a +2.39 day incremental increase in duration of hospitalization (95%CI +1.04–3.74) and a +$11,760 per-patient increase in hospitalization expenditures (95%CI +$4,160–19,360).

Conclusions

While a growing number of patients with CHD are undergoing cancer resection, they demonstrate inferior clinical and financial outcomes, relative to others. Novel screening, risk stratification, and perioperative management guidelines are needed for these patients to provide evidence-based recommendations for this complex and unique cohort.
Theory-Based Intervention Module on Occupational Safety and Health (TRIMOSH) in improving knowledge, attitude, and practice among food industry workers: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dapari Rahmat , Mahfot Mohd Hafizuddin , Ahmad Zamzuri Mohd ‘Ammar Ihsan , Md Isa Zaleha , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat , Che Dom Nazri , Syed Abdul Rahim Syed Sharizman
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The significant contribution of the food and beverage industry to Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product is projected to increase in the upcoming years. With the industry’s expansion, the demand for workers on food premises would also continuously increase. The food industry workers are exposed to risks arising from physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards while performing their duties. Thus, it is essential for these workers to be equipped with proper knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) in safety and health.

Aims

This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the safety and health programme TRIMOSH (Theory-Based Intervention Module on Occupational Safety and Health) in improving the knowledge, attitude, and practice among food industry workers.

Methods

TRIMOSH intervention study is a two-arm randomised, single-blinded, controlled, parallel trial that will be conducted among food industry workers in Selangor, Malaysia. In a partnership with Food Handler Training Schools in Selangor, 10 pairs of Food Handler Training Schools with 12 participants per group (n = 240) will be recruited for balanced randomisation intervention and control conditions. Furthermore, data collection of all participants was conducted at four time points: baseline (T0), immediately (T1), one month (T2), and three months (T3) post-intervention. Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) will be conducted to determine the effects of intervention within and between study groups. Subsequently, the primary outcomes increase the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of safety and health at food premises. Clinical Trial Registry registration was approved by the ClinicalTrials.gov committee on October 2022 with the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05571995. This study has also been approved by the Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Subjects of Universiti Putra Malaysia (JKEUPM-2022-346). All participants are required to provide consent prior to participation.

Conclusions

The characteristics of the respondents are expected to show no difference between the groups. It is hypothesised that TRIMOSH is effective in improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices of food industry workers in Selangor. The results will be reported and presented in international peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and other platforms. In addition, the TRIMOSH programme will be offered at the national level by the relevant authorities for the benefit of food industry workers.
Research on structural parameter optimization of a new axial inlet hydrocyclone separator based on response surface optimization method
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhang Yan , Liu Wei , Yi Hongguang , Wang He
Published: January 2024

Aiming at the problem that the current hydrocyclone separator is affected by multiple structural parameters and there is interaction between the multiple structural parameters, it is difficult to determine the optimal structure. Taking the new axial inlet hydrocyclone separator as the research object, a fast parametric optimization method based on response surface optimization method is proposed. The overflow outlet diameter, overflow tube depth and small cone length, which have significant influence on the separation efficiency of the axial inlet hydrocyclone separator, are selected as the optimal variables, and the cyclone separation efficiency is selected as the response index. A mathematical driving model between the response index and the optimal variables is constructed by using the second-order polynomial basis function. The optimal structural parameters of the new axial inlet hydrocyclone separator are obtained through the response optimization of the parameter variables in the global response range through the mathematical driving model, and the numerical simulation method and laboratory test are double verified. The results demonstrated that the axial inlet hydrocyclone achieved the highest separation efficiency within the studied operational parameter range when the overflow pipe diameter was 6mm, the overflow pipe depth was 20mm, and the small cone length was 60mm. The separation efficiency improved from 89% to 93%. The rapid optimization of the structural parameters of the axial inlet hydrocyclone was successfully accomplished using the response surface optimization method.
Feasibility and acceptability of SEPA+PrEP: An HIV prevention intervention to increase PrEP knowledge, initiation, and persistence among cisgender heterosexual Hispanic women
Authors: Cianelli Rosina , De Santis Joseph P. , De Oliveira Giovanna C. , Castro Jose G. , Iriarte Evelyn , Baeza María José , Thomas Sophia O. , Villegas Natalia , Peragallo-Montano Nilda
Published: January 2024

The HIV epidemic disproportionately affects Hispanics in the U.S., with Hispanic women (HW) accounting for 18% of new HIV diagnoses in 2019 despite comprising only 16% of the female population. The imbalance of power related to cultural values and HW’s lack of knowledge and low perception of risk for HIV interferes with prevention efforts (e.g., condom use, HIV testing, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis [PrEP]). It is estimated that in 2019, only 10% of women in the U.S. who could benefit from PrEP were given prescriptions for it. This number is estimated to be significantly lower among HW. PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV, reducing the risk of acquiring HIV from sexual activity by about 99%. To respond to this need, we developed SEPA+PrEP, a biobehavioral HIV prevention intervention that adapted and integrated SEPA (Salud/Health, Educación/Education, Prevención/Prevention, Autocuidado/Self-Care), an empirically validated behavioral HIV prevention intervention, with the evidence-based biomedical strategy of PrEP. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of SEPA+PrEP among cisgender heterosexual Hispanic women (HW). We used a mixed methods approach to gather data from 44 HW living in the City of Homestead and its surrounding communities in Miami-Dade County, Florida. None of the participants knew about PrEP prior to participating in the study, and the majority (70.5%, n = 23) had not used condoms when engaging in vaginal sex during the previous three months. Overall, study results suggest that SEPA+PrEP is an acceptable and feasible intervention to prevent HIV among HW, with a focus on PrEP knowledge, initiation, and maintenance.
Carbon price prediction based on a scaled PCA approach
Authors: Wei Xiaolu , Ouyang Hongbing
Published: January 2024

Carbon price prediction is of great importance to regulators and participants in the carbon trading market. It is the basis for developing policies related to the carbon trading market and stabilizing that market. Considering the numerous factors that influence carbon prices in China, dimensionality reduction is needed to improve the prediction accuracy and efficiency. However, the traditional dimensionality reduction methods fail to fully consider the role of influencing factors, which has certain limitations. In this paper, a new dimensionality reduction method, namely scaled principal component analysis (s-PCA), is employed to improve the prediction accuracy of carbon prices. Firstly, a factor library that influence carbon prices is constructed from three perspectives: technical indicators, financial indicators and commodities indicators. Then, the s-PCA method is used to reduce the dimensionality of factors influencing carbon price. Next, two different methods are used to predict carbon prices, including traditional regression method and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) method. Finally, the economic value of the s-PCA method is examined by constructing investment portfolios. The empirical results of the Hubei Emissions Exchange show that the s-PCA model outperforms other competing models both in- and out-of-sample. In addition, the LSTM model could improve the performance of the s-PCA model in carbon price prediction. From a market timing perspective, investors can achieve a greater return and a larger Sharpe ratio using the s-PCA method than using other comparative methods and buy-and-hold strategy. Therefore, the s-PCA method is effective and robust in predicting carbon price.
Political orientation of online media sources and reporting of Covid-19 vaccine myocarditis
Authors: Matsumura Addison , Garg Ria , Hussain Muzna , Matsumura Martin E.
Published: January 2024

Background

Political orientation may play a formative role in perceptions of risk associated with COVID-19 vaccination including vaccine myocarditis (CVM). Whether political alignment of news sources plays a role in perception of this risk is unknown.

Objective

We examined the relationship between political orientation of online media sites and aspects of reporting of CVM.

Methods

Media sites were classified as “left” or “right" biased using the Allsides media bias rating report. For each site “COVID vaccine myocarditis” was searched in articles posted May 2021 to December 2022. Each search return was reviewed for the following: 1) Did it contain numerical data regarding CVM risk? 2) Did it report benefits of covid vaccination? 3) Did it mention covid infection-related myocarditis? Monthly reports of vaccine-related adverse events were obtained from the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS).

Results

A total of 487 online reports regarding CVM were reviewed. Comparison of monthly report volumes from left vs. right biased media sources demonstrated significant correlation (r = 0.546, p = 0.013). Additionally monthly reporting of CVM was temporally related to monthly volume of VAERS reporting (r = 0.519, p = 0.023). These data suggest that monthly reporting volumes were driven by availability of information regarding CVM rather than media political alignment. Left biased media sources were significantly more likely to include numerical CVM data vs. right biased sources (76.6% vs. 24.3%, p<0.001) and likewise were more likely to include data supporting benefits of covid vaccination (85.1% vs. 21.7%. p<0.001). In contrast, there was no difference regarding mention of COVID-19 infection-related myocarditis (24.5% vs. 24.3%, p = 0.957).

Conclusion

Political orientation of online news sites was not associated with frequency of CVM reports but was related to report content, most notably whether reports included numerical data regarding CVM risk. These differential reporting characteristics may contribute to the relationship between political orientation and patient conceptualization of risk of CVM.
Machine learning analysis with population data for the associations of preterm birth with temporomandibular disorder and gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Lee Kwang-Sig , Song In-Seok , Kim Eun Sun , Kim Jisu , Jung Sohee , Nam Sunwoo , Ahn Ki Hoon
Published: January 2024

This study employs machine learning analysis with population data for the associations of preterm birth (PTB) with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and gastrointestinal diseases. The source of the population-based retrospective cohort was Korea National Health Insurance claims for 489,893 primiparous women with delivery at the age of 25–40 in 2017. The dependent variable was PTB in 2017. Twenty-one predictors were included, i.e., demographic, socioeconomic, disease and medication information during 2002–2016. Random forest variable importance was derived for finding important predictors of PTB and evaluating its associations with the predictors including TMD and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) values were calculated to analyze the directions of these associations. The random forest with oversampling registered a much higher area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve compared to logistic regression with oversampling, i.e., 79.3% vs. 53.1%. According to random forest variable importance values and rankings, PTB has strong associations with low socioeconomic status, GERD, age, infertility, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, TMD, salivary gland disease, hypertension, tricyclic antidepressant and benzodiazepine. In terms of max SHAP values, these associations were positive, e.g., low socioeconomic status (0.29), age (0.21), GERD (0.27) and TMD (0.23). The inclusion of low socioeconomic status, age, GERD or TMD into the random forest will increase the probability of PTB by 0.29, 0.21, 0.27 or 0.23. A cutting-edge approach of explainable artificial intelligence highlights the strong associations of preterm birth with temporomandibular disorder, gastrointestinal diseases and antidepressant medication. Close surveillance is needed for pregnant women regarding these multiple risks at the same time.
Moving morphable component (MMC) topology optimization with different void structure scaling factors
Authors: Li Zhao , Xu Hongyu , Zhang Shuai
Published: January 2024

The explicit topology optimization method based on moving morphable component (MMC) has attracted more and more attention, and components are the basic building blocks of the implementation of MMC method. In the present work, a MMC topology optimization method based on component with void structure is followed with interest. On the basis of analyzing the characteristics of components used by MMC method, the topology description function for component with void structure is presented, where a quantitative scaling factor is introduced without increasing the number of design variables. Taking the minimum flexibility as the optimization objective, an example of short beam is analyzed with different void structure scaling factors. The results show that different scaling factors have a greater impact on the final topology optimization structure, and an ideal topology structure can be obtained with an appropriate scaling factor. Finally, some problems in the optimization process are analyzed and indicate that appropriate mesh density should be chose for component with void structure in order to achieve good optimization results.
The relationships between screen exposure, parent-child interactions and comprehension in 8-month-old infants: The mediating role of shared viewing and parent-child conversation
Authors: Tu Kexin , Shen Chengwei , Luo Yan , Mo Yushi , Jian Lanying , Mei Xinjie , Zhang Qiong , Jin Lifang , Qin Huiling
Published: January 2024

Objective

To explore the relationships between screen exposure, parent-child interactions and comprehension in 8-month-old infants, and to examine whether shared viewing and parent-child conversation during screen exposure may play mediating role in that relationships.

Methods

The sample included 437 infants aged 8 months from the Children’s Health Department of Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital during January 2022 to February 2023. The use of electronic screen devices was assessed using a screen exposure questionnaire. The Brigance Parent-child interactions Scale was used to assess parent-child interactions and the Putonghua Communicative Development Inventory (PCDI) scale was used to assess infants’ word comprehension.

Results

48.7% of infants were found to be using screens 1–2 days per week. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the PCDI-comprehension scores of screen-exposed infants compared to non-screen-exposed infants. Shared viewing and parent-child conversation during screen exposure were positively associated with parent-child interactions (p < 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that parent-child conversation fully mediated between screen exposure and PCDI-comprehension, but partially mediated between parent-child interactions and PCDI-comprehension.

Conclusions

Shared viewing and parent-child conversation during screen exposure may mediate between screen exposure and comprehension development. Shared viewing, parent-child conversation and parent-child interactions may be protective factors for screen exposure in comprehension development. Suggests that parents should accompany and communicate with their children when they use electronic screen devices to reduce the negative impact of screen exposure on children’s comprehension.
Inappropriate timing of salt intake increases the risk of heat-related illness: An observational study
Authors: Kakamu Takeyasu , Ito Teruna , Endo Shota , Hidaka Tomoo , Masuishi Yusuke , Kasuga Hideaki , Fukushima Tetsuhito
Published: January 2024

The importance of salt intake in preventing heat-related illness (HRI) is well established, however, the specific method of ingestion has not been sufficiently studied. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the optimal timing of salt intake to prevent HRI during hot outdoor work. We recruited 28 healthy male firefighters working at a fire department in Japan. They were provided a questionnaire to complete before and after receiving training in the summer season. We assessed their salt intake as before, during, and after training or none. In addition, they completed a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire to evaluate their daily salt and alcohol intake. HRI was determined through subjective and objective symptoms listed in the questionnaire, and environmental data were obtained from a national database. Subsequently, factors related to HRI were determined using a logistic regression model. The mean age of the participants was 31.0 ± 7.7 years. The study was performed within 250 working days, and we detected 28 HRI symptoms (11.2%). The median alcohol intake was 25.6 g/day when calculated according to the actual work system. Logistic mixed effect model analysis revealed that salt intake before training (OR: 5.893, 95% CI: 1.407–24.675), and salt intake before and during training (OR: 22.889, 95% CI: 4.276–122.516) were positively associated with HRI symptoms. The results indicate that inappropriate timing of salt intake increases the risks of HRI. Thus, a timely intake of salt in adequate amounts may be important in preventing these risks.
Pregnant women’s attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine and the use of phytotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Durmaz Aysegul , Gun Kakasci Cigdem
Published: January 2024

Background

Approximately 80% of individuals worldwide use various holistic complementary and alternative medicine (HCAM) methods, including herbal products, to prevent diseases and improve their general health. In this study, it was aimed to investigate complementary and alternative therapy (CAM) and the use of phytotherapy by pregnant women in the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The study included 381 women who applied to a public hospital in Türkiye and used herbal products during this pregnancy. Purposive sampling method was used. The study data were collected through “Identifying Information Form”, “Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (HCAMQ)” and “Information Form on the Use of Phytotherapy”. In the analysis of the study data, descriptive statistics, the one-way ANOVA and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used.

Results

The study was completed with 381 pregnant women. The average age, parity and gestational age of the pregnant women were 28.33±6.09, 2.17±0.95, 29.11±8.87, respectively. It was determined that 37.3% of pregnant women did not know the ingredients of the herbal products they used and 38.8% found them safer than the drugs. HCAMQ total mean score of the pregnant women was calculated as 34.62±16.22. It was found that the pregnant women used garlic the most (65.6%), followed by cumin (38.6%), curcuma (36.2%), and ginger (34.4%). HCAMQ total mean score was found to be lower in the pregnant women who found herbal products safer than drugs (p<0.001), who were not aware of the content of the herbal product they used (p<0.001), and who used herbal products so as to protect against COVID-19 (p = 0.041), to increase their physical resistance (p = 0.022), and to facilitate childbirth (p = 0.002). It was determined that among the pregnant women who knew the content of the herbal products they used (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.122; 1.095–1.149 95%CI; p<0.001) and who did not know (OR 1.114; 1.085–1.144 95%CI; p<0.001), as negative attitude towards HCAM increased, their status of finding traditional drugs safer increased. Among the pregnant women who used herbal products to protect against COVID-19 (OR 1.142; 1.111–1.174 95%CI; p<0.001) and to increase their physical resistance (OR 1.120; 1.094–1.147 95%CI; p<0.001), as negative attitude towards HCAM increased, their status of finding conventional drugs safer increased.

Conclusion

In today’s world where the use of herbal products and CAM has become widespread, it is important to raise the awareness of pregnant women about the benefits and harms of these practices about which there is inadequate evidence.
Developing, implementing, and evaluating the visiting Neighbors’ program in rural Appalachia: A quality improvement protocol
Authors: Piamjariyakul Ubolrat , McKenrick Susan R. , Smothers Angel , Giolzetti Angelo , Melnick Helen , Beaver Molly , Shafique Saima , Wang Kesheng , Carte Kerri J. , Grimes Brad , Haut Marc W. , Navia R. Osvaldo , Patrick Julie Hicks , Wilhelmsen Kirk
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Older adults living alone in rural areas frequently experience health declines, social isolation, and limited access to services. To address these challenges, our medical academic university supported a quality improvement project for developing and evaluating the Visiting Neighbors program in two rural Appalachian counties. Our Visiting Neighbors program trained local volunteers to visit and guide rural older adults in healthy activities. These age-appropriate activities (Mingle, Manage, and Move– 3M’s) were designed to improve the functional health of older adults. The program includes four in-home visits and four follow-up telephone calls across three months.

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to describe the 3M’s Visiting Neighbors protocol steps guiding the quality improvement procedures relating to program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Methods and materials

This Visiting Neighbors study used a single-group exploratory quality improvement design. This program was tested using quality improvement standards, including collecting participant questionnaires and visit observations.

Results

Older adults (> 65 years) living alone (N = 30) participants were female (79%) with a mean age of 82.96 (SD = 7.87) years. Volunteer visitor participants (N = 10) were older adult females. Two volunteer visitors implemented each visit, guided by the 3M’s activities manual. All visits were verified as being consistently delivered (fidelity). Enrollment and retention data found the program was feasible to conduct. The older adult participants’ total program helpfulness ratings (1 to 5) were high (M = 51.27, SD = 3.77). All volunteer visitor’s program helpfulness ratings were also high (M = 51.78, SD = 3.73).

Discussion

The Visiting Neighbors program consistently engaged older Appalachian adults living alone in the 3M’s activities. The feasibility and fidelity of the 3M’s home visits were verified. The quality improvement processes included engaging the expert advisory committee and rural county stakeholders to ensure the quality of the program development, implementation, and evaluation.
Environmental predictors for the restoration of a critically endangered coral, Acropora palmata, along the Florida reef tract
Authors: Banister Raymond B. , Viehman T. Shay , Schopmeyer Stephanie , van Woesik Robert
Published: January 2024

The population decline and lack of natural recovery of multiple coral species along the Florida reef tract have instigated the expanding application of coral restoration and conservation efforts. Few studies, however, have determined the optimal locations for the survival of outplanted coral colonies from restoration nurseries. This study predicts the optimal locations for Acropora palmata colonies along the Florida reef tract using a boosted-regression-tree model to examine the relationships between the occurrence of wild A. palmata and ten environmental variables. Our model results predicted A. palmata was most likely to occur in shallow reef habitats with (i) generally low mean chlorophyll-a concentrations (< 1 mg m-3), (ii) moderate fetch (3 kJ m-2), (iii) salinities between 20 and 37.5 ppt, (iv) temperatures between 20 and 32°C, (vi) low mean concentrations of total nitrogen (0.16 ppm), and (iv) irradiance between 26.5 and 53.5 mol m−2 s−1. The most suitable habitats for A. palmata were disproportionately allocated to reefs in Biscayne Bay, the Upper Keys, the western-lower Florida Keys, the Marquesas, and the Dry Tortugas. The middle Florida Keys had unfavorable environmental conditions for A. palmata habitat. Results from this study inform where A. palmata, outplanted as part of restoration and conservation efforts, would have suitable environmental conditions to persist over time. This study also provides decision-making support for management focused on the conservation and restoration of the endangered species A. palmata along the Florida reef tract.
Risk factors of ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in Chinese population: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yanbo , Chen Li , Tao Yuan , Luo Mengqian
Published: January 2024

Background

The prevalence of ectopic pregnancy after assisted reproduction is notably high, posing a significant threat to the life safety of pregnant women. Discrepancies in published results and the lack of a comprehensive description of all risk factors have led to ongoing uncertainties concerning ectopic pregnancy after assisted reproduction.

Objective

This study aimed to understand the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in the Chinese population and provide a reference for targeted prevention and treatment.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wang fang Database, China Science Technology Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted to identify relevant literature on the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy in Chinese women after assisted reproductive technology in Chinese women. A meta-analysis of the included studies was performed using Stata17.

Results

Overall, 34 articles were included in the analysis. The risk factors for ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in the Chinese population included a thin endometrium on the day of HCG administration and embryo transplantation, a history of ectopic pregnancy, secondary infertility, a history of induced abortion, polycystic ovary syndrome, decreased ovarian reserve, tubal factor infertility, cleavage stage embryo transfer, fresh embryo transfer, artificial cycle protocols, elevated estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration, a history of tubal surgery, two or more number of embryo transfers, previous pregnancy history, and a history of pelvic surgery.

Conclusion

This study clarified the factors influencing ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in the Chinese population, focusing on high-risk groups. Targeted and personalized intervention measures should be adopted to prevent and detect the disease early to reduce its incidence and harm.

Trial registration

The protocol for this view was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023414710).
Feasibility and metabolic outcomes of a well-formulated ketogenic diet as an adjuvant therapeutic intervention for women with stage IV metastatic breast cancer: The Keto-CARE trial
Authors: Buga Alex , Harper David G. , Sapper Teryn N. , Hyde Parker N. , Fell Brandon , Dickerson Ryan , Stoner Justen T. , Kackley Madison L. , Crabtree Christopher D. , Decker Drew D. , Robinson Bradley T. , Krystal Gerald , Binzel Katherine , Lustberg Maryam B. , Volek Jeff S.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Ketogenic diets may positively influence cancer through pleiotropic mechanisms, but only a few small and short-term studies have addressed feasibility and efficacy in cancer patients. The primary goals of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and the sustained metabolic effects of a personalized well-formulated ketogenic diet (WFKD) designed to achieve consistent blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) >0.5 mM in women diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC) undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

Women (n = 20) were enrolled in a six month, two-phase, single-arm WFKD intervention (NCT03535701). Phase I was a highly-supervised, ad libitum, personalized WFKD, where women were provided with ketogenic-appropriate food daily for three months. Phase II transitioned women to a self-administered WFKD with ongoing coaching for an additional three months. Fasting capillary βHB and glucose were collected daily; weight, body composition, plasma insulin, and insulin resistance were collected at baseline, three and six months.

Results

Capillary βHB indicated women achieved nutritional ketosis (Phase I mean: 0.8 mM (n = 15); Phase II mean: 0.7 mM (n = 9)). Body weight decreased 10% after three months, primarily from body fat. Fasting plasma glucose, plasma insulin, and insulin resistance also decreased significantly after three months (p < 0.01), an effect that persisted at six months.

Conclusions

Women diagnosed with MBC undergoing chemotherapy can safely achieve and maintain nutritional ketosis, while improving body composition and insulin resistance, out to six months.
Clinical and laboratory effects of exchange transfusion in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia with hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Lazuwardi Rasya Azka , Andarsini Mia Ratwita , Hernaningsih Yetti
Published: January 2024

Background Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. Emergency complications such as hyperleukocytosis can arise as the disease develops. Exchange transfusion is one of many cytoreductive modalities to resolve the condition.

Objective To analyze the clinical and laboratory effects of exchange transfusion in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with hyperleukocytosis.

Methods This analytical retrospective cohort study with a pre- and post-test design used secondary medical record data. The obtained characteristics were the incidences of dyspnea, tachypnea, headache, intracranial bleeding, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, abdominal pain, fever, pallor, nausea/vomiting, and skin or mucosal bleeding; hemoglobin, white blood cell, and platelet counts; and serum potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphate, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels.

Results A total of 16 patients underwent exchange transfusion; they had significant reductions of the incidence of dyspnea, tachypnea, hepatomegaly, and pallor and significant improvement in the form of elevation of hemoglobin level and decrease in white blood cell counts (P<0.05 for all) compared to pre-treatment. The remainder of the variables were not significantly different between pre- and post-treatment, but a general decrease in all clinical manifestations except intracranial bleeding was observed.

Conclusion Exchange transfusion has the beneficial effect of resolving hyperleukocytosis and its manifestations, although correction in laboratory outcomes that remained abnormal are still needed.
Scrofuloderma in a 1-year-old girl with severe malnutrition: a case report
Authors: Jasin Madeleine Ramdhani , Neldy Fahreza Aditya , Setyanto Darmawan Budi , Nugroho Gufron , Sunhaji Valerie , Ham Maria Francisca
Published: January 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global burden and a leading cause of mortality due to infectious diseases worldwide. In 2020, 845,000 new TB cases (312 per 100,000 population) were diagnosed, with 96,000 deaths, including 4,700 deaths of TB with HIV. Tuberculosis typically affects the lungs, but it can also affect other organs, a condition termed extrapulmonary TB. In 2020, 16% of all TB cases had extrapulmonary manifestations.1 The first case of TB affecting the skin was reported in 1826.2,3 There are many types of cutaneous TB; one of the most common is scrofuloderma, more often found in children and young adults.4 Scrofuloderma starts with a lesion in a lymph node, bone, muscle, or tendon that spreads to the skin.5 The lesion progresses very slowly and is usually not painful. Therefore, many patients wait to seek treatment until an advanced stage, leading to poor prognosis.3 In this report, we present a case of a severely malnourished one-year-old girl with scrofuloderma.
Pendampingan Asuhan Nutrisi Balita dengan Epilepsi di Era Pandemi COVID-19 Secara Daring: Uji Klinis Acak Terkontrol
Authors: Yuliarti Klara , Rafli Achmad , Raditha Citra , The Valensia Vivian , Chairunnisa Nadia , Mangunatmadja Irawan
Published: January 2024

Latar belakang. Anak epilepsi berisiko mengalami malnutrisi, keterlambatan perkembangan, dan defisiensi vitamin D akibat obat anti-epilepsi. Pandemi COVID-19 membatasi kunjungan ke dokter sehingga menghambat pemantauan pertumbuhan anak epilepsi. Pemantauan jarak jauh dapat membantu asuhan nutrisi optimal selama pandemi..Tujuan. Mengevaluasi efektivitas pendampingan asuhan nutrisi pediatrik melalui WhatsApp pada balita epilepsi.Metode. Penelitian multisenter dimulai Maret 2021 pada pasien epilepsi (6 bulan - 5 tahun). Kelompok intervensi mendapat pendampingan asuhan nutrisi melalui WhatsApp selama 3 bulan, sementara kelompok kontrol tidak. Sebelum intervensi, subjek diberikan edukasi melalui webinar, pemeriksaan anemia defisiensi besi dan vitamin D 25-OH.Hasil. Sebanyak 73 subjek direkrut dan 69 subjek mengikuti penelitian sampai selesai. Defisiensi/insufisiensi vitamin D didapatkan pada 35,6% subjek. Oral nutrition supplement merupakan saran intervensi terbanyak (23,1%). Meski WhatsApp tidak signifikan untuk perbaikan status gizi, 84,2% orangtua melihat manfaatnya dalam meningkatkan pengetahuan dan mengatasi masalah nutrisi. Meskipun beberapa memerlukan nutrisi enteral dan kunjungan tatap muka, dampak positif WhatsApp terlihat dalam meningkatkan pemahaman orangtua. Kesimpulan. Asuhan nutrisi anak epilepsi dapat ditingkatkan melalui pendampingan WhatsApp di masa pandemi. Beberapa intervensi memerlukan konsultasi tatap muka, tetapi kombinasi supervisi daring dan kunjungan tatap muka dapat menjadi alternatif setelah pandemi, mengatasi kendala jarak dan mobilitas dalam memberikan asuhan nutrisi.
Korelasi antara Skor Apgar dengan Derajat Keparahan Enterokolitis Nekrotikans pada Neonatus Kurang Bulan Kecil Masa Kehamilan
Authors: Sari Via Dewinta , Andriana Novina , Rahayuningsih Sri Endah , Ghrahani Reni , Dewi Mia Milanti , Kadi Fiva Aprilia
Published: January 2024

Latar belakang. Enterokolitis nekrotikans merupakan penyakit yang dapat terjadi pada neonatus kurang bulan kecil masa kehamilan. Prevalensi neonatus kecil masa kehamilan di Indonesia tahun 2012 mencapai 18% dengan neonatus kurang bulan sejumlah 8800. Penelitian sebelumnya menyatakan insidensi enterokolitis nekrotikans pada neonatus kurang bulan kecil masa kehamilan sebesar 3,2%. Hipoksia kronis menyebabkan hipoksia perinatal sehingga didapatkan Skor Apgar yang rendah saat lahir. Skor Apgar rendah diduga dapat menyebabkan hipoperfusi splanknik yang memicu peningkatan derajat keparahan enterokolitis nekrotikans.Tujuan. Mengetahui korelasi antara Skor Apgar dengan derajat keparahan enterokolitis nekrotikans pada neonatus kurang bulan kecil masa kehamilan.Metode. Studi potong lintang ini melibatkan neonatus kurang bulan kecil masa kehamilan yang terdiagnosis enterokolitis nekrotikans dan tidak enterokolitis nekrotikans. Data berasal dari rekam medis pasien yang dirawat pada tahun 2018-2022 di Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung.Hasil. Terdapat 55 neonatus kurang bulan kecil masa kehamilan yang terdiagnosis enterokolitis nekrotikans dan 55 neonatus kurang bulan kecil masa kehamilan tidak enterokolitis nekrotikans. Hasil riset didapatkan korelasi yang signifikan antara Skor Apgar menit ke-1 (p<0,001, r -0,873) dan ke-5 (p<0,001, r -0,876) dengan derajat keparahan enterokolitis nekrotikans pada neonatus kurang bulan kecil masa kehamilan. Variabel lain, seperti usia gestasi (p<0,001, r -0,930) dan berat badan lahir (p<0,001, r -0,636) juga memiliki korelasi yang signifkan dengan derajat keparahan enterokolitis nekrotikans pada neonatus kurang bulan kecil masa kehamilan. Tidak terdapat pengaruh usia gestasi (p=0,590), berat lahir (p=0,211), dan skor Apgar (p=0,058) terhadap kejadian enterokolitis nekrotikans pada neonatus kurang bulan kecil masa kehamilan.Kesimpulan. Terdapat korelasi negatif antara Skor Apgar dengan derajat keparahan enterokolitis nekrotikans pada neonatus kurang bulan kecil masa kehamilan.
Multi-criteria decision support methods for the selection of the optimum contractor: A case study of a passenger transfer centre
Authors: Łopatka Paweł , Tłuczak Agnieszka , Jadach Robert
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The main purpose of the paper is to apply the TOPSIS method for selecting the optimal contractor for a passenger transfer center.

Methodology: The methodology is based on the use of TOPSIS, which determines the distance of decision alternatives from the ideal and anti-ideal solutions using evaluation criteria.

Results: Two different contractor rankings were obtained depending on the weights of the criteria. With equal weights, the best contractor is number 5, while with weights determined by formula (8), the best is number 4.

Theoretical Contribution: The paper contributes to the field of investment project management by demonstrating how the TOPSIS method can aid in decision-making for optimal contractor selection, thereby reducing the risk of erroneous decisions.

Practical Implications: The practical implications of this research are significant for investment projects, as the demonstrated methodology can be directly applied to the contractor selection process, potentially leading to more successful project outcomes.
economia da barbárie, raiz da crise socioambiental, e as mudanças climáticas
Authors: Giovinazzo Júnior Carlos Antônio , Mucache Cornélio Raimundo
Published: January 2024

A economia da barbárie – atualmente alicerçada e legitimada pelo evento do neoliberalismo – deixa evidente a sua lógica perversa, a dominação sobre seres humanos, os demais seres vivos e a natureza. Aliás, as mudanças climáticas e a crise socioambiental têm origem nesse modo de organização econômica, política e social, cuja ênfase mercadológica desconhece os limites, quando a referência não são os direitos humanos. Tomando por base tal situação mundial, cada vez mais dramática, este trabalho tem como objetivo oferecer contribuições para o avanço do conhecimento e associar-se às produções que evidenciamo papel da educação ambiental na construção de um projeto societário, ecologicamente sustentável.
PPGEA como espaço de discussão e educação permanente do tema da emergência climática
Authors: Quartezane Segantini Huslana , Madruga Monteiro Maria Cecília , Viana Altemir , Brandão Schmidt Elisabeth
Published: January 2024

A emergência climática (EC) coloca a humanidade em risco, com consequências alarmantes nos grupos mais vulneráveis trazendo desequilíbrios econômicos e sociais. Este trabalho surge de um exercício acadêmico coletivo, no qual se analisou como os docentes e discentes do PPGEA percebem as questões da EC no contexto universitário, com o objetivo de construir uma proposta de ação para o Programa. Para tanto, foi elaborado e validado um questionário de 18 perguntas, respondido por 18 discentes; 06 docentes; 01 administrativo; e 04 egressos. Os resultados mostraram a necessidade de aprofundar as discussões sobre o tema a partir de um enfoque complexo e crítico à luz dos avanços científicos e sociais e permitiram a elaboração de uma proposta que contempla ações de ensino, pesquisa, extensão e gestão.
Compressed Steel Fibre-Reinforced Concrete Slab in Joint of Steel-Concrete Composite Frame Structure
Authors:   , Červenka Petr
Published: January 2024

This thesis deals with a steel fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) slab in compression as a composite steel-concrete frame joint component. Based on the results of an experiment with a realistic-sized steel-concrete specimen, a numerical model has been validated in Atena Science. Based on a parametric study with these models, an analytical relationship was derived for the resistance and stiffness of the steel fibre-reinforced concrete slab in compression. In contrast to the standard procedure given in Annex C of EN 1998-1:2004 (Eurocode 8), the new procedure is designed for a steel fibre-reinforced concrete slab and takes into account the favourable state of stress in the concrete slab in the joint area.