bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Spatial Network Structure and Dynamic Changes of Health Services: Under the Flow of Patients and Resources Behind the Ongoing Inequality
Authors: Xu Kaibo , Zou Yunjin , Huang Yuanyi
Published: April 2024

Background
Health services inequities are often investigated empirically as associations between socioeconomic characteristics and differences between health service resource utilization and needs-based utilization. However, the static analysis of unfair healthcare services overlooks the structural changes in health service resources or patients in different regions. In China, large-scale patient mobility can easily lead to the gradual concentration of health service resources.
Method
This study explores the spatial network structure of health services and its influencing factors using data collected from 31 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2018, including per capita GDP, health expenses, hospitals, geographical distance, etc. We spatialize different networks of health service and examine the impact of spatial network effects. We use social network analysis (SNA) and compare the structure of health service networks in different years, visualize them, and use CONCOR analysis to construct block models to explore the spatial structure of health service networks. We also use the QAP regression method to explore the factors that affect the structure of the health service network.
Results
Findings showed that China's health service network has significant spatial agglomeration and spillover effects that lead to spatial inequality in health services, accelerate the flow of health service resources, and increase the cost for patients seeking high-quality healthcare. From CONCOR analysis results, we found that the spatial and geographical gap in health services is gradually shifting from an east-west to a north-south gap. Additionally, we found that the differences in transfer payments enhance the spatial gravitational of health service networks (0.115, P < 0.001), accelerating the flow of service resources and patients.
Conclusion
Our exploratory study underlines the crucial role of equitable resource distribution in addressing the current irrational network structure of health services. The observed concentration of resources in developed provinces and the corresponding patient migration highlight the pressing need for a decentralized approach to health service allocation. Recognizing the dynamic nature of health service equity, our findings emphasize the necessity of recalibrating central-to-local transfer payments to mitigate regional disparities and foster a more balanced health service network. Identifying the spatial structure of health services is critical to enhancing our understanding of the spatial context of regional health governance and further distilling the spatial correlation characteristics of health services within an equitable health framework.
A color prediction model for mending materials of the Yuquan Iron Pagoda based on machine learning
Authors: Liu Xuegang , Liu Yuhang , Wang Ke , Zhang Yang , Lei Yang , An Hai , Wang Mingqiang , Chen Yuqiu
Published: April 2024

During the restoration of iron cultural relics, the removal of rust from these artifacts is necessary. However, this rust removal process may lead to inconsistent local color on the iron relics. To address this, mending materials are applied to treat the surface, ensuring consistent local color. In the surface treatment of iron cultural relics, a significant challenge lies in modulating the color of these mending materials. This study employs machine learning methods to predict the color of mending materials corresponding to varying contents of Fe2O3, Fe3O4, and epoxy resin. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Light Gradient Boost Machine (LightGBM) algorithms are utilized to develop the model, and the predictive performance of these three algorithms is compared. XGBoost exhibits the best prediction performance, achieving a square correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.94238 and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.68485. Additionally, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method is employed to analyze the most crucial raw material affecting the color of mending materials, which is identified as Fe3O4. The study illustrates the specific process of employing this model by applying it to the surface treatment of the Yuquan Iron Pagoda, demonstrating the practicality of the model. This model can be applied to assist in the surface treatment of other iron cultural relics.
Urinary Tract Infection in a Postmenopausal Diabetic Woman: A Controversial Case of Antimicrobial Susceptibility
Authors: Saadeh Angela Samer , Saadeh Aleen Samer , Jbeily Rajwa Daowd , Mouzaffar Nawaf m.
Published: April 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which damage the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra, are brought on by bacteria that grow in urine. Urinary tract infections are more likely to occur in women with diabetes. The patient in this case is a 58-year-old postmenopausal lady who had abrupt onset dysuria with burning when she urinated and increasing frequency, along with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes and hypertension. This case highlights shortcomings in the initial management strategy for conducting required clinical laboratory procedures, including urine collection, detailed report (DR), and culture and sensitivity (C/S), and testing for plasma glucose to start antimicrobial therapy. Diabetic individuals who experience dysuria, frequent urination, or pelvic pain should receive specific treatment for urinary tract infections. When a patient first develops symptoms, antibiotic treatment for UTIs should always start with a culture and sensitivity analysis. In order to obtain the intended therapeutic effects, comorbidities must be adequately treated during treatment.
Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose fabricated with Vietnamese ingredients for potential textile applications
Authors: Cleveland Donna , Nayak Rajkishore , Joseph Frances
Published: April 2024

This research explores the fabrication and characterization of bacterial cellulose (BC), with a distinct emphasis on leveraging indigenous Vietnamese bio-mass sources. A diverse sample library of over 150 BC samples was gathered, with six samples selected for objective evaluation based on the standard test methods. These samples were subjected to characterization techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Bursting Strength, Thickness, Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR) and pH level to explore potential applications in textiles. Moreover, the growth medium or SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) mother, from which the BC was cultivated, was analyzed to identify the constituent bacterial and yeast strains. The notable aspects of this study were: (a) the use of local Vietnamese ingredients (i.e., sugar and teas) as nutrient sources for BC cultivation, and (b) exploring the impact of local crafted solutions for drying food-based products akin to rice wraps, on the properties of BC. The study’s outcomes established a deeper comprehension of the morphological, mechanical, and chemical attributes of BC, as well as the microbial dynamics within the SCOBY mother. This exploration not only augments the existing knowledge on BC's potential in material design but also paves the way for further research on the influence of local ingredients on biomaterial production, thereby contributing to the burgeoning field of sustainable material design innovation within a localized context.
Correlation of SARS-CoV-2 fecal negative with gastrointestinal eubiosis in asymptomatic, mild and moderate cases of COVID-19 in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Bamidele Tajudeen Akanji , Fowora Muinah Adenike , Raheem Toyosi Yekeen , Ajayi Abraham , Adagbada Ajoke , Yisau Jacob Itopa , Salau Oluwabusayo Yewande , Shaibu Joseph Ojonugwa , Aiyedogbon Nike , Fesobi Toun Wuraola , Ikpo Chinonso Janurius , Akintunde Grace , Iwalokun Bamidele Abiodun , Smith Stella Ifeanyinchukwu , Salako Babatunde Lawal
Published: April 2024

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) when disseminated to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through the bidirectional gut-lung crosstalk can cause alterations in GI microbiota composition and diversity. There is, however, paucity of data linking SARS-CoV-2 fecal negative with GI microbial balance.
This study investigated the association of the GI bacterial composition with clinically defined asymptomatic, mild/moderate COVID-19 fecal negative individuals. A total of twelve (12) fecal samples comprising COVID-19 nasopharyngeal (NP) positive (P) (n=7) and negative (N) (n=5) consenting participants were collected and analyzed. The extracted RNA from the stool samples of NP positive were used as templates for the RT-qPCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) and open reading frame (ORF1ab) genes, while DNA from all samples (n=12) was used for the 16S bacterial rRNA metagenomics analysis. The Pielou index and Shannon index were used to assess the alpha diversity of the two groups (P and N) using the Kruskal-Wallis significance test, while the beta taxonomic diversity was assessed with the Bray-Curtis diversity index using the Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) for the significance test. Taxonomic classification was performed using the Greengenes database trained for the hyper variable 4 of the 16S rRNA (gg_2022_10_backbone. v4. nb).
Results: Participants positive for nasopharyngeal COVID-19 RT-PCR (ages 17-74 years) reported none (n=2, 28.5%), mild (n=4, 57.1%) and moderate (n=1, 14.3%) clinical symptoms. The viral genes were not detected with uniformity and richness of bacterial species in stool samples from positive and negative COVID-19 without significant differences in alpha diversity, Pielou (p=0.223), Shannon index (p = 0.062), and beta taxonomic diversity (PERMANOVA p=0.357). The taxonomic classification showed 14 phyla, 276 genera and 448 species in the samples, with Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria as the most abundant phyla. The most dominant species were beneficial microbes such as Prevotella copri, Phocaeicola vulgatus, and the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
Conclusions: This study did not reveal any differences in the gut bacterial community of SARS-CoV-2 fecal negative, asymptomatic, mild and moderate COVID-19 compared to the apparently healthy control.
Genetic and cytogenetic analysis of Moringa oleifera short and long capsule phenotypes
Authors: Gómez-Martínez Martha , García-Ortiz Jesús David , Gómez-Martínez Susana , Flores-Gallegos Adriana C. , Reyes-Valdés M. Humberto , Morlett-Chávez Jesús A. , Rodríguez-Herrera Raúl
Published: April 2024

Cytogenetic and molecular studies hold significant importance in plant breeding programs. In the case of moringa, such studies are scarce. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the chromosomal number and genetic diversity parameters in two phenotypes of Moringa oleifera (short and long capsule) using chromosomal analysis and ISSR markers, respectively. Cytogenetic analyses were conducted using the "Somatic chromosomes in root apices" technique, with acetocarmine and papain for staining. It was possible to identify 2N = 28 chromosomes in a single cell of the long capsule phenotype, ranging in size from 0.05 to 0.10 µm. Cells in both moringa phenotypes were observed in prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. High genetic variability was found in both phenotypes of moringa, as indicated by a Shannon index of 0.81. Additionally, the principal component analysis and UPGMA groups revealed genetic isolation between the studied moringa phenotypes. The significant polymorphism obtained with most primers suggests that the tested ISSR markers are highly useful for studying genetic diversity in moringa.
Simulations of High-Frequency Magnetic Properties of Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles with Magnetic Interactions
Authors: Zhan Jie , Zhang Ruixuan , Zhang Jincang
Published: April 2024

In this work, the microwave permeability of iron-cobalt magnetic alloy nanoparticles was simulated in the range of 2–18 GHz based on the micromagnetic method. To study the dependence of dynamic permeability on nanoparticle interactions, the equivalent model of two identical nanoparticles with a distance range of 10–30 nm under an external magnetic field pulse was established by using three-dimensional micromagnetic simulation. The results show that as the nanoparticle distance gradually decreases, the permeability value in general shows an increasing trend. Also, the dynamical magnetization component along the magnetic field direction decreases from 1620 A/m to 1340 A/m as the nanoparticle distance decreases. In addition, the Gibbs free energy analyses indicate that the change of exchange energy and demagnetization energy of the system is caused by the nanoparticle interactions with a shorter distance, destroying the initial steady magnetization distribution, which makes the decrease of the total free energy by about 0.36%, resulting in the increase of high-frequency permeability. Moreover, the damping factor in the range of 0.3–0.7 has a crucial effect on the calculated high-frequency permeability.
Enhancing Multiple Object Tracking Accuracy via Quantum Annealing
Authors: Ihara Yasuyuki
Published: April 2024

Multiple object tracking (MOT), a key task in image recognition, presents a persistent challenge in balancing processing speed and tracking accuracy. This study introduces a novel approach that leverages quantum annealing (QA) to expedite computation speed, while enhancing tracking accuracy through the ensembling of object tracking processes. A method to improve the matching integration process is also proposed. By utilizing the sequential nature of MOT, this study further augments the tracking method via reverse annealing (RA). Experimental validation confirms the maintenance of high accuracy with an annealing time of a mere 3 µs per tracking process. The proposed method holds significant potential for real-time MOT applications, including traffic flow measurement for urban traffic light control, collision prediction for autonomous robots and vehicles, and management of products mass-produced in factories.
How are local health systems addressing health inequalities? The UNFAIR Case Study Qualitative Project
Authors: McSweeney Lorraine , Lally Joanne , Parbery-Clark Charlotte , Murrell Kylie , Thomson Richard G , Sowden Sarah
Published: April 2024

Background
Despite policy prominence and frameworks focusing on health inequalities, healthcare leaders do not feel they have the skills and knowledge to reduce health inequalities. This comparative case study explored four areas in England to examine how local health systems are addressing health inequalities and what ‘good’ practice might look like.
Methods
Interviews were held with 46 people working in health care services across the NHS, local authority or voluntary, community, social enterprise sectors. Key documents (n = ~ 10) in each of the four areas relating to reducing health inequalities were analysed using documentary analysis methods. Interviews and documents were coded and analysed independently before being integrated to synthesise findings. Analysis was conducted using a two-stage approach - firstly, an inductive analysis of emergent themes; secondly, to build knowledge on each case study’s’ system approach of reduction of health inequalities, principles of the Action Scales Model were used.
Results
Nineteen themes were identified across the four case studies; some themes were not apparent in all the case studies, nor in either the documentary analysis or interviews. These themes allowed us to compare between cases to explore what might be contributing to good practice. Themes identified included: understanding the local context; facilitators of how to tackle health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing; and future concerns. The secondary analysis highlighted potential levers for action from each case study; these included optimising retention and recruitment of workforce and allowing time and resources for longer-term planning. Two case study areas which appeared to have system resilience, demonstrated having a shared vision, strong partnerships, understanding of the system, and putting people and communities at the heart of decision making.
Conclusion
This comparative case study makes a unique contribution in the examination of how health systems are addressing health inequalities in their local areas. The combined interview and documentary analysis findings provide rich insights of local systems’ documented strategies, plans and what is happening ‘on the ground’.
Overwintering West Nile Virus in active Culex pipiens mosquito populations in Greece
Authors: Balatsos Georgios , Beleri Stavroula , Tegos Nikolaos , Bisia Marina , Karras Vasileios , Zavitsanou Evangelia , Papachristos Dimitrios P. , Papadopoulos Nikos T. , Michaelakis Antonios , Patsoula Eleni
Published: April 2024

West Nile Virus (WNV) is one of the major vector-borne diseases globally, including Greece. This is the first research study in Greece, describing identification of WNV in overwintering active Culex pipiens populations, captured in adult traps, for the time period 2021–2023. WNV positive mosquito pools were recorded in three out of the 24 study areas, representing two coastal regional units in the Attica Region suggesting a clustered circulation of WNV during the winter of 2022. Our findings underline the need of extending entomological surveillance programs to include the winter period, specifically in temperate climates and historically affected areas by WNV.
Optimization of lung tissue pre-treatment by bead homogenization for subsequent culturomics
Authors: ANDUNI Lourdes , MOLINA Hector , ZAZUETA Alejandra , CANCINO Javiera , PONCE Carolina , CHAKOORY Oshma , COMTET-MARRE Sophie , TAPIA Cecilia V. , PEYRET Pierre , GOTTELAND Martin , MAGNE Fabien
Published: April 2024

Background: Sorafenib is a standard therapeutic agent for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). But its efficacy is moderate because the survival of patients is only extended by a few months, and the response rate is low and the mechanism of low efficacy is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of TLR3 on sorafenib against HCC.
Methods: Polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid [Poly(I:C)] functioned as a dsRNA analog and TLR3 agonist, which was employed in following experiments. The HCC tumor was orthotopically implanted into in BALBc nu/nu or C57BL/6 mice. We analyzed survival times of mice, along with tumor growth, metastasis within abdoman and to lung. Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assay were used to analyze the NK cells which was isolated from spleen or peripheral blood. ELISA assay was used to detect the expression of plasma interferon (IFN)-γ and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. Furthermore, the expression of pERK1/2, pAKT, ERK1/2 and AKT was analyzed by Western blot.
Results: Sorafenib reduced the number and activities of NK cells in tumor-bearing mice concomitant with decreased plasma levels of MCP-1 and IFN-γ. The combination of sorafenib and Poly(I:C) synergistically inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in tumor xenograft mouse, and thus prolonged mice survival. Poly(I:C) not only exerted a direct inhibitory effect on tumor growth and metastasis by targeting the TLR3 receptor on tumor cells but also facilitated NK cell proliferation and activation, indirectly impeding tumor progression. Mechanistically, Poly(I:C) decreased sorafenib-induced inhibition of ERK phosphorylation, increased IκB phosphorylation in NK cells, and enhanced NK cell function.
Conclusion: Activation of TLR3 could enhance sorafenib-antitumor effect in HCC. The combination of TLR3 activator and sorafenib could be a new strategy for HCC treatment.
Experimental study and numerical simulation of eccentric RHS column-to-I beam external diaphragm bolted connections with side plates
Authors: Jian Wu
Published: April 2024

Bolted connections have been widely applied in steel structures because of the simplicity and economy of their fabrication and assembly. However, the behavior of steel bolted connections is a complex structural problem which involves various factors such as contact interaction, large deformation and non-linear material properties. So, the investigation of this behavior is a challenging subject in structural analyses. Generally, experimental test can provide reliable results that can describe the behavior of steel bolted connections, however, experimental work involves high cost, and in some cases, is not feasible, since numerical methods offer more flexibility and the possibility to investigate a wider range of parameters the experiments can cover, the research on steel bolted connections is further extended using the finite element (FE) method. By providing the complete stress state of the structure during its whole loading history, FE modeling can help understanding of the failure mechanisms. In this paper, three eccentric rectangular hollow section (RHS) column-to-I beam external diaphragm bolted connection specimens were tested. The aim of the tests was to find possible solutions for avoiding premature occurence of brittle fracture in RHS column-to-I beam connections. Test results show that the proposed bolted connections does not fail by fracture as observed in the conventional connections and has a larger energy dissipation capacity than the conventional types. As a result, it can be concluded that the proposed bolted connections are more suitable for applications in moment resistence frame in seismic regions.
The Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (NHHR) as a Predictor of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in US Adults with Diabetes or Prediabetes: NHANES 1998-2018
Authors: Yu Binyang , Li Min , Yu Zongliang , Zheng Tao , Feng Xue , Gao Anran , Zhang Haoling , Gao Rui
Published: April 2024

Background
The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) serves as a novel composite lipid indicator for atherosclerosis. However, the association between the NHHR and mortality in patients with diabetes or prediabetes remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the correlation between the NHHR and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in U.S. adults with diabetes or prediabetes.
Methods
This study enrolled a total of 12,578 adult participants with diabetes or prediabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the US (1998–2018). The mortality outcomes were ascertained through linkage with the National Death Index (NDI) records available until December 31, 2019. We employed weighted multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the associations between the NHHR and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to evaluate nonlinear correlations. Moreover, a segmented Cox proportional hazards model was utilized to assess the associations between the NHHR and mortality on both sides of the inflection point.
Results
During a median follow-up period of 8.08 years, 2403 participants experienced all-cause mortality, with 662 of them specifically succumbing to cardiovascular mortality. The RCS revealed a U-shaped association between the NHHR and all-cause mortality in participants with diabetes or prediabetes, while an L-shaped association was observed for cardiovascular mortality. The analysis of threshold effects revealed that the inflection points for the NHHR and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were 2.71 and 2.85, respectively. Specifically, when the baseline NHHR was below the inflection points, a negative correlation was observed between the NHHR and both all-cause mortality (HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73–0.88) and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.67–0.92). Conversely, when the baseline NHHR exceeded the inflection points, a positive correlation was observed between the NHHR and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03–1.11).
Conclusions
In U.S. adults with diabetes or prediabetes, a U-shaped correlation was observed between the NHHR and all-cause mortality, whereas an L-shaped correlation was identified with cardiovascular mortality. The inflection points for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were 2.71 and 2.85, respectively.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B among food vendors in Kwadaso Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Sarpong Prince Nkrumah , Apetorgbor Alfred Kofi , Sackey Lyndon Nii Adjiri
Published: April 2024

Hepatitis B remains a national health issue in Ghana. The prevalence of Hepatitis B varies widely among communities. Hepatitis B can prevail and spread through food vending activities. However, very scanty data is available on the subject. This study, therefore, sought to examine the prevalence of the Hepatitis B virus among food vendors in Kwadaso municipality. Two hundred and fourteen food vendors were screened for this exercise using the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test. The test results were examined at a Diagnostic Laboratory. Primary data were generated through questionnaires and observations. There was a 9.3% prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among food vendors in Kwadaso municipality. The ‘31–45’ age group had the highest prevalence of 40%. The Hepatitis B virus prevailed more in females (70%) than males (30%). One hundred and fifty-nine (74%) of the screened vendors were aware of their Hepatitis B status. Only one hundred and forty-eight (69%) of the study population screened on yearly basis. Majority (73%) of the vendors were roadside sellers. Most food vendors had high patronage of serving more than 200 customers daily. None of the food vendors had been vaccinated against the Hepatitis B Virus infection. Food, water, personal and environmental hygiene at food vendor premises must be closely monitored to ensure food security in the municipality. This is because there are poor sanitation practices in most of the food premises. The study therefore recommends more screening and vaccination exercises, health education, monitoring and food hygiene promoting programs as well as law enforcement initiatives on food vending activities to address the issue otherwise an outbreak of Hepatitis B virus infection through the food vending industry is likely to occur.
A proactive technique for reversal of Hartmann’s procedure: lifting the rectal stump to the abdominal wall
Authors: Fukada Akio , Ogino Takayuki , Fujimoto Yuji , Sekido Yuki , Takeda Mitsunobu , Hata Tsuyoshi , Hamabe Atsushi , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Uemura Mamoru , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro
Published: April 2024

Background
Reversal of Hartmann’s procedure is complicated owing to dense adhesions resulting from inflammation in the pelvic region. These adhesions pose challenges in identifying the rectum and increase the risk of pelvic organ injuries.
Methods
We propose a technique to lift and fix the rectal stump to the abdominal wall to diminish adhesions to the rectum and facilitate identification of the rectal stump.
Results
The patient underwent Hartmann's procedure for generalized peritonitis resulting from perforation of the sigmoid colon. The abdominal cavity was significantly contaminated with fecal ascites, and postoperative pelvic adhesions were anticipated. Therefore, the rectal stump was lifted. The outcomes demonstrated that despite the presence of dense adhesions in the abdominal cavity, the rectal segment was promptly identified during reversal of Hartmann’s procedure. The procedure proceeded smoothly and was deemed satisfactory.
Conclusions
The technique of lifting and fixing the rectal stump to the abdominal wall is useful in cases where dense pelvic adhesions are anticipated during the subsequent reversal of Hartmann’s procedure.
Factors Predicting Health‐Related Quality of Life in Post-COVID Patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ponghan Kritsaya , riangkam Chontira , Rongrungruang Yong , Puwarawuttipanit Wimolrat
Published: April 2024

BackgroundPost-COVID conditions can occur in every system of the body with physical and mental impacts resulting in a poor quality of life. Therefore, knowledge of the factors affecting health-related quality of life is important for treating patients with post-COVID conditions. This was a descriptive correlational research study with a cross-sectional research design aiming to determine the predictive power of body mass index (BMI), sleep quality, fatigue, and social support to improve health-related quality of life among patients with post-COVID conditions.MethodsThe study enrolled 126 male and female patients with post-COVID conditions aged 18 years and above. All patients were admitted to the outpatient departments of two tertiary hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand, for examination and treatment from April to September 2023. The research instruments included personal data and illness record questionnaires, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale, Revised Thai version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and EuroQol Group-5 Dimension-5 Levels. The patient basic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Predictive power was analyzed using linear multiple regression with statistical significance set at 0.05.ResultsThe patient with post-COVID conditions had health-related quality of life at mean of 0.826 (SD = 0.102). Multiple regression analysis revealed that all of the independent could account for 68.40% (R2= 0.684, F= 65.39, p < 0.001) of the variance explained of health-related quality of life. The strongest predictor was fatigue (β= 0.673, p < 0.001), followed by social support (β= 0.214, p < 0.001)and sleep quality (β= −0.127, p = 0.033).ConclusionPatients with post-COVID conditions experienced negative effects on health-related quality of life. Therefore, nurses and health care providers should assess health-related quality of life and its determinant factors, namely fatigue, sleep quality, and social support. Moreover, programs should be created to relieve fatigue or promote sleep quality in patients with post-COVID condition to achieve a good health-related quality of life in the future.
Attitude Toward Death and Associated Factors Among Nurses And Physicians: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alhusamiah Bushra , Zeilani Ruqayya S
Published: April 2024

Background:Caring for terminally ill patients is a complicated task that challenges nurses and physicians with the psychological concerns and associated with a high level of physical and psychological discomfort among family, patients, and health care professionals.Aim: the aim of this study was to assess nurses’ and physicians’ attitudes towards death and end-of-life care, as well as to examine the correlations between nurses’ and physicians’ attitudes toward caring for dying patients and theirdemographic characteristics.Method:A total of 200 oncology nurses and physicians were recruited using a non-probability convenience sample from Jordanian specialized oncology hospital. All participants were invited to complete the questionnaire, which consisted of the demographic data sheet and Frommelt’s Attitude toward Care of the Dying -B scale.Result: The majority ofnurses and physicians have a positive attitude toward death (FATCOD=106.31). Furthermore, there are statistically significant associations between nurses’ and physicians’ gender, previous experience with terminally ill patients, years of working experience, previous education on death and dying, previous experience with loss, religious beliefs and attitude toward end-of-life care and death.Conclusion:End-of-life Care can provoke a wide range of inconvenient attitudes and feelings, which have a significant impact on the end-of-life care. Based on the study finding, more positive attitudes toward death were found among physicians and nurses with longer clinical experience in caring for terminally ill patients. Furthermore, death education and religious beliefs significantly influence the death attitude of nurses and physicians.
Caerin 1.9-polycaprolactone-coated magnesium implants enhance antibacterial performance and reduce foreign body responses in Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Liu Xiaosong , Ni Guoying , Chen Guoqiang , He Xiaohong , Zhang Pingping , Luo Yuandong , Fu Quanlan , Li Junjie , Tang Shuxian , Ni Guowei , Manabe Ken-ichi , Jiang Zhengyi , Furushima Tsuyoshi , Kent Damon , Zhu Bin , Wang Tianfang , Li Hejie
Published: April 2024

Magnesium (Mg) alloys show outstanding promise for development of degradable implants for hard tissue engineering. However, rapid corrosion and associated reductions in mechanical properties has limited their clinical application. Furthermore, bacterial infections remain an ongoing challenge for implants. Previously, we established that the magnesium alloy, AZ31(Mg-3%Al-1%Zn-0.4%Mn) in a fully annealed form, exhibits improved biocompatibility and corrosion resistance over both pure Mg and cold-extruded AZ31. Multi-omics analyses of tissues of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats revealed that annealed AZ31 does not significantly activate inflammation and immune responses, while it enhanced signalling in tissue cell proliferation associated pathways. Furthermore, we employed coatings incorporating the host defence peptide (CHDP), caerin 1.9 (abbreviated as F3) into a biocompatible polymer, polycaprolactone (PCL), to develop functional 3-dimensional surface coating to improve biocompatibility and antibacterial performance of the Mg alloy materials. In this study, we have assessed the responses from MC3T3-E1 cells cultured with the Mg alloys to further understand cellular responses. The annealed AZ31 alloy stimulated proliferation of mice osteoblast precursor cells and caused upregulation in expression of Brpf1 protein and other signalling pathways related to bone mineralization and haemostasis, which promote bone tissue formation. The coated and annealed AZ31 alloy (F3-PCL-3A) demonstrated exceptional biocompatibility, causing no adverse effects on hepatic or renal function, and displaying no observable changes in vital organs three months after implantation in SD rats. F3-PCL-3A displayed long-lasting and stable antibacterial properties both in vitro and in vivo. Proteomics and metabolomics analyses of tissues in direct-contact with implants revealed that F3-PCL-3A did not activate inflammation or immune-associated signalling pathways in SD rats 3 months post-implantation. Meanwhile, it activated inflammatory responses, especially phagocytosis pathways up to 72 hours post implantation, indicating enhanced antibacterial capability during the acute stage after implantation. In summary, F3-PCL-3A shows outstanding promise for degradable implants with active antibacterial capabilities for internal fixation and fracture repair.
Tissue-specific responses of brain and lung endothelial cell miRNA and mRNA profiles to the ring-stage Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells
Authors: Metwally Nahla , Tauler Maria del Pilar Martinez , Torabi Hanifeh , Allweier Johannes , Mohamed Sara , Bessemoulin Maryeva , Bouws Philip , Alshikh Fatima , Wu Yifan , Temori Milad , Schell Tabea , Rakotonirinalalao Maximillian , Honecker Barbara , Höhn Katharina , Jacobs Thomas , Heine Holger , Bruchhaus Iris
Published: April 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control 60% of genes expressed in the human body, but their role in malaria pathogenesis is incompletely understood. For the first time, we demonstrate cell type-specific alterations to the miRNA profiles during the early response to malaria infection in brain and lung endothelial cells (ECs). In brain ECs, incubation with Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells in the ring stage (iRBCs) most significantly affected endocytosis-related miRNAs and mRNAs. Contrastingly, in lung ECs, iRBCs altered electron transport chain-related miRNAs and mRNAs. We also present a novel dataset of inherent differences between microRNA profiles in brain and lung ECs and their secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). We demonstrated that shear stress affected multiple pathways in brain ECs, which were controlled by numerous human miRNAs. Together, these findings demonstrate that host miRNAs respond to parasite exposure; this is accompanied by stimulation of downstream signaling pathways within the ECs. Therefore, we consider miRNAs to be the initial spark (Code of duty) for the early host-parasite interaction events.
Care-experienced young people’s views and experiences of accessing general practice and dental services and attending health reviews in England: a qualitative study
Authors: Herlitz Lauren , Ashford Emily , Baldwin James , Powell Claire , Woodman Jenny
Published: April 2024

Background: Children in care and care leavers have worse health outcomes than their peers without care experience. This study addresses an evidence gap in exploring care-experienced young people’s views and experiences of accessing general practice and dental services and attending health reviews in England.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using podcasting as a creative medium. We recruited young people from two sites: one in South England (A) and one in greater London (B). We held two paired discussions in site A and two focus groups in site B, with 14 participants in total. Participants were aged between 13 and 22 years and were diverse in gender, ethnicity, and care experiences. Data were analysed thematically using candidacy theory as a conceptual framework.
Results: Mental health was a prevailing concern for participants, but general practice was not considered a place to discuss it. Most participants reported distant relationships with primary healthcare professionals and considered opening-up to a professional to be risky, for example, it could result in an unknown/unwanted outcome. A lack of time and personal connection in appointments, and experiences of feeling judged, dismissed, or misunderstood, hindered young people’s ability to disclose mental health or relationship concerns. Participants reported variation in the timeliness and location of services, with salient examples of extensive waiting periods for braces. Participants perceived annual health reviews to be largely inconsequential.
Conclusions: Any primary care presentation by a care-experienced young person should trigger additional professional curiously. To build rapport and trust, professionals should not underestimate the power of active listening, being reliable and honest, and small acts of thoughtfulness, for example, ensuring medical letters are provided promptly. Carers and other trusted professionals should support care-experienced young people to develop health literacy and understand the role of primary care. Health reviews may not be of value to all young people in care. Further research is needed to examine primary healthcare access for care-experienced young people with significant safeguarding and healthcare needs.
Orexin-A promotes neurite outgrowth and induces activity-regulated cytoskeleton associated protein (Arc) upregulation in SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Morales-Mulia Sandra , Díaz-Ramírez Alejandra , Almazán-Alvarado Salvador , Pérez-Luna José Manuel , Hernández-Fonseca Karla , Morales-Mulia Marcela
Published: April 2024

Current evidence suggests that orexin-A modulates events related to neuronal plasticity such as cell proliferation, neurogenesis, and synaptogenesis. Activity-regulated cytoskeleton associated protein (Arc), is an immediate early gene (IEG) whose transcription and translation are induced by neural activity. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether orexin-A induces neurite outgrowth in SH-SY5Y dopaminergic cells. Furthermore, we will investigate the ability of orexin-A to modify Arc protein content. Detection of orexin receptors and Arc levels was carried out with the western blot technique. To evaluate the number of cells and neurites, the cells were fixed and stained with DAPI to visualize the nuclei and with rhodamine phalloidin to visualize the F-actin filaments by confocal microscopy. Our results indicate that exposure to orexin-A (100 nM for 24 hours) increased the number of cells with longer neurites by 79.6% (215 cells with neurites of 21 to 80 µm) compared to control cells where the most cells (87.8%, 237 cells) had neurites with lengths from 0 to 40 µm. Orexin-A also improved the amount of Arc by 91.5%. This effect was abolished by blocking both receptors (OX1R and OX2R) with specific antagonists. We speculate that orexin A-induced effects on neurite length and Arc may be part of the mechanisms involved in modifying and strengthening synaptic strength in cellular events where orexins have been shown to play a key role, such as synaptogenesis and long-term empowerment.
Anti-VEGF injection therapeutic methods for treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Authors: Tabesh Hadi , Jalilvand Hassan , Mousavi Seyedeh Maryam
Published: April 2024

Anti-VEGF injections are one of the therapeutic methods used to treat various eye conditions, including wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and diabetic macular oedema (DMO). These injections contain medications that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye. During the procedure, an ophthalmologist administers the anti-VEGF medication directly into the vitreous cavity at the back of the eye. The injection is performed using a small needle, and the eye is typically numbed with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The anti-VEGF medication works by blocking the action of VEGF, which helps to reduce the leakage and growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. By doing so, it can help preserve central vision and improve visual outcomes for patients with these conditions. The frequency and duration of anti-VEGF injections may vary depending on the specific eye condition and the individual patient's response to treatment. In some cases, a series of initial loading doses may be followed by maintenance injections at regular intervals. The treatment plan is typically determined by the ophthalmologist based on the patient's needs and the specific characteristics of their eye condition. Here, in this review, we are providing a comparison among different usual treatment methods and Anti-VEGF drugs and by a look for the future possible methods, the prospective methods could be predicted.
A Multivariate Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Neural Correlates and Common Biological Mechanisms of Psychopathology Spectra
Authors: Davis Christal , Khan Yousef , Toikumo Sylvanus , Jinwala Zeal , Boomsma D , Levey Daniel , Gelernter Joel , Kember Rachel , Kranzler Henry
Published: April 2024

There is considerable comorbidity across externalizing and internalizing behavior dimensions of psychopathology. We applied genomic structural equation modeling (gSEM) to genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics to evaluate the factor structure of externalizing and internalizing psychopathology across 16 traits and disorders among European-ancestry individuals (n’s = 16,400 to 1,074,629). We conducted GWAS on factors derived from well-fitting models. Downstream analyses served to identify biological mechanisms, explore drug repurposing targets, estimate genetic overlap between the externalizing and internalizing spectra, and evaluate causal effects of psychopathology liability on physical health. Both a correlated factors model, comprising two factors of externalizing and internalizing risk, and a higher-order single-factor model of genetic effects contributing to both spectra demonstrated acceptable fit. GWAS identified 409 lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with externalizing and 85 lead SNPs associated with internalizing, while the second-order GWAS identified 256 lead SNPs contributing to broad psychopathology risk. In bivariate causal mixture models, nearly all externalizing and internalizing causal variants overlapped, despite a genetic correlation of only 0.37 (SE = 0.02) between them. Externalizing genes showed cell-type specific expression in GABAergic, cortical, and hippocampal neurons, and internalizing genes were associated with reduced subcallosal cortical volume, providing insight into the neurobiological underpinnings of psychopathology. Genetic liability for externalizing, internalizing, and broad psychopathology exerted causal effects on pain, general health, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic illnesses. These findings underscore the complex genetic architecture of psychopathology, identify potential biological pathways for the externalizing and internalizing spectra, and highlight the physical health burden of psychiatric comorbidity.
Magnitude of diabetic retinopathy and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes on follow up at diabetes clinic of Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, Asella, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bedada Kidist Tadesse , Tolla Koricho Simie , Regesu Ashenafi Habtamu , Abore Kibruyisfaw Weldeab , Chinkey Fraol Daba , Tekle Natnael Fikadu , Gebre Rekik Teshale , Tilahun Robel Bayou , Tilahun Rediet Atnafu , Sinshaw Sofonyas Silesh , Lechebo Tsion Andrias , Alemneh Zekarias Tadele
Published: April 2024

Background
Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus that is among the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. There is a growing concern about diabetic retinopathy in Ethiopia associated with the increasing prevalence of diabetes. Limited studies have been conducted in Ethiopia that evaluated the magnitude of diabetic retinopathy and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes. Thus, we aimed to assess the magnitude of diabetic retinopathy and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes on follow-up at the diabetic clinic of Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital.
Methodology:
An institution-based cross-sectional study involving 428 patients with type 2 diabetes was conducted at the diabetic clinic of Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A descriptive analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. Bivariate binary logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to determine factors associated with diabetic retinopathy, at α = 0.05 using adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval.
Result
Of the 428 participants, 53 (12.4%) had diabetic retinopathy (95% CI: 9.4, 15.9). Dyslipidemia (AOR = 2.538, 95% CI: 1.190, 5.412), poor medication adherence (AOR = 3.706, 95% CI: 1.730, 7.940), presence of other complications of diabetes (AOR = 2.537, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.850) were factors associated with diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, those who exercise regularly (AOR = 0.048, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.565) had lower odds of having retinopathy than their counterpart.
Conclusion
The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in this study is lower than previous studies. Dyslipidemia, regular exercise, medication adherence, and the presence of other diabetic complications were factors significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy. Health education is recommended to promote exercise self-care and diabetes medication adherence. Early screening for other comorbidities and diabetes complications is also recommended.