bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consensus recommendations on fasting during Ramadan for patients with kidney disease: review of available evidence and a call for action (RaK Initiative)
Authors: Boobes Yousef , Afandi Bachar , AlKindi Fatima , Tarakji Ahmad , Al Ghamdi Saeed M. , Alrukhaimi Mona , Hassanein Mohamed , AlSahow Ali , Said Riyad , Alsaid Jafar , Alsuwaida Abdulkareem O. , Al Obaidli Ali A. K. , Alketbi Latifa B. , Boubes Khaled , Attallah Nizar , Al Salmi Issa S. , Abdelhamid Yasser M. , Bashir Nihal M. , Aburahma Rania M. Y. , Hassan Mohamed H. , Al-Hakim Mohammad R.
Published: March 2024

Ramadan fasting (RF) involves abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours; it is obligatory for all healthy Muslims from the age of puberty. Although sick individuals are exempt from fasting, many will fast anyway. This article explores the impact of RF on individuals with kidney diseases through a comprehensive review of existing literature and consensus recommendations. This study was conducted by a multidisciplinary panel of experts.

The recommendations aim to provide a structured approach to assess and manage fasting during Ramadan for patients with kidney diseases, empowering both healthcare providers and patients to make informed decisions while considering their unique circumstances.
Health-related quality of life among adults living with chronic non-communicable diseases in the Ho Municipality of Ghana: a health facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Witts William Kwame , Amu Hubert , Dowou Robert Kokou , Kwafo Frank Oppong , Bain Luchuo Engelbert
Published: March 2024

Background

Morbidity and mortality rates from chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) are increasing globally. In Ghana, CNCDs account for 43% of all deaths. We examined the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and associated factors among adults living with CNCDs in the Ho Municipality.

Methods

This was a health facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study among 432 adults living with cancer, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), stroke, and hypertension in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. The study adopted the EQ-5D-5L instrument and the Ugandan value set to compute respondents’ HRQoL index. Quantile regression models were used in analysing the data with STATA v17.0 at 95% Confidence Intervals, and statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

63.7% of our respondents reported having a problem across the five dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L. The most problems were reported in the dimensions “Anxiety/Depression” (94.4%) and “Pain/Discomfort” (91.4%). Divorced/separated respondents (aOR=-0.52, 95% CI=-0.71, -0.33) and those living with comorbidities (aOR=-0.95, 95% CI=-0.15, -0.04,) were less likely to report high index for HRQoL. However, respondents diagnosed with CKD (aOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.42), diabetes (aOR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.45), hypertension (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.50) and stroke (aOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.40) were more likely to report higher index than those diagnosed with cancer.

Conclusion

Our study revealed elevated proportions of reported problems in the “Anxiety/Depression” and “Pain/Discomfort” dimensions, indicating noteworthy concerns in these areas of HRQoL. The prevalent issues reported across HRQoL dimensions are cause for concern, posing potential exacerbation of health conditions. We advocate for collaborative efforts from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and relevant stakeholders to scrutinize and implement interventions targeting social and psychological factors. These efforts should specifically address contributors to diminished health-related quality of life, particularly among less educated, divorced, and comorbid individuals.
Bone density of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine measured using Hounsfield units of computed tomography – results of 4350 vertebras
Authors: Simion George , Eckardt Niklas , Ullrich Bernhard W. , Senft Christian , Schwarz Falko
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The assessment of bone density has gained significance in recent years due to the aging population. Accurate assessment of bone density is crucial when deciding on the appropriate treatment plan for spinal stabilization surgery. The objective of this work was to determine the trabecular bone density values of the subaxial cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine using Hounsfield units.

Material and methods

Data from 200 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced polytrauma computed tomography at a maximum care hospital over a two-year period were retrospectively analyzed. HUs were measured with an elliptical measurement field in three different locations within the vertebral body: below the upper plate, in the middle of the vertebral body, and above the base plate. The measured Hounsfield units were converted into bone density values using a validated formula.

Results

The mean age of the patient collective was 47.05 years. Mean spinal bone density values decreased from cranial to caudal (C3: 231.79 mg/cm3; L5: 155.13 mg/cm3; p < 0.001), with the highest values in the upper cervical spine. Bone density values generally decreased with age in all spinal segments. There was a clear decrease in values after age 50 years (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In our study, bone density decreased from cranial to caudal with higher values in the cervical spine. These data from the individual spinal segments may be helpful to comprehensively evaluate the status of the spine and to design a better preoperative plan before instrumentation.
Antiproliferative activities of some selected Nigerian medicinal plants against breast, liver, and cervical cancer cells
Authors: Olaleye Olubusola O. , Kim Dong-Hyun , Spriggs Keith A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Phytochemicals have become a growing source of alternative medicine in developing countries due to the poor prognosis, high cost of conventional pharmaceuticals, and undesirable effects associated with mainstream cancer treatment.

Objective

This study was aimed at investigating the anticancer effect of some selected Nigerian medicinal plants used in cancer treatment. These include ethanol extracts of Dialium guineense root (DGR), Dialium guineense leaves (DGL), Jateorhiza macrantha leaves (JML), Musanga cecropioides leaves (MCL), Musanga cecropioides stembark (MCSB), Piptadeniastrum africanum stembark (PASB), Piptadeniastrum africanum root (PAR), Pupalia lappacea flower tops (PLF), Raphiostylis beninensis root (RBR), Raphiostylis beninensis leaves (RBL), Ritchiea capparoides leaves (RCL), Ritchiea capparoides stembark (RCSB), and Triplochiton scleroxylon stembark (TSB).

Methods

The cytotoxic activity of the extracts was examined using a brine shrimp lethality assay and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against three cancer cell lines, including MCF-7, HUH-7, and HeLa. The selectivity of all extracts towards cancer cells was investigated using normal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). Cell migration and colony-forming assays of active extracts against MCF-7 cells were also performed. Additionally, the total polyphenolic contents of the active extracts were estimated using standard methods.

Results

The extract of PASB had the highest cytotoxicity (LC50 = 1.58 μg/mL) on the brine shrimps compared to vincristine sulphate (LC50 = 2.24 μg/mL). In the cell viability assay, all the extracts produced significant (p < 0.05) growth inhibitory effects against all cell lines tested in a dose-dependent manner. All extracts were selective to cancer cells at varying degrees. Worth mentioning are the extracts of MCL, DGR, RBR, and PASB, which exhibited 14-, 7-, 6- and 2-fold selectivity toward MCF-7 cancer cells relative to normal lung fibroblast (MRC-5), respectively. These four extracts also significantly inhibited cell migration and colony formation in MCF-7-treated cells in dose-dependent manners. Considerable amounts of phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins were detected in all extracts evaluated.

Conclusion

These findings advocate the continued development of MCL, DGR, RBR, and PASB as potential chemotherapeutic agents.
The effect of Tai Chi lower extremity exercise on the balance control of older adults in assistant living communities
Authors: Mao Min , Mercer Vicki S. , Li Fuzhong , Gross Michael T. , Blackburn Troy , Yu Bing
Published: March 2024

Background

Although Tai Chi (TC) is an evidence-based fall prevention training for older adults, its effective movements remain unclear, which may limit the practice of TC. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of TC lower extremity exercise (TC LEE), the 8-form Tai Chi (8-form TC), and a stretching control intervention for improving balance and functional mobility among older adults.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 102 participants (79 ± 6 years old) were recruited from assisted living facilities. All participants were randomly assigned to the TC LEE (n = 40), 8-form TC (n = 31), and stretching (n = 31) groups in which they received the respective interventions for 16 weeks. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and center of pressure (COP) measurements during quiet stance were collected prior to and following the 16-week interventions. Comparisons on all measurements were conducted among all groups.

Results

Significant improvements were found in BBS (P = 0.002), TUG test (P = 0.001), root mean square amplitude of COP displacement in the anterior–posterior (P = 0.001) and medial–lateral (P = 0.001) directions, and average COP speed in the anterior–posterior (P = 0.001) and medial–lateral (P = 0.001) directions after training in the TC intervention groups compared with the stretching group. The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of differences in change scores on the BBS (-0.8 – 1.3 points) between the TC LEE group and the 8-form TC group was within equivalence margins (1.8 points), while the upper limit of the 95% CI of differences in change scores on the TUG test (0.1 – 2.1 s) exceeded the equivalence margin (0.7 s) with the TC LEE group having the larger change scores.

Conclusion

TC LEE can improve balance and functional mobility in older adults, and may have greater effect than the 8-form TC on improving functional mobility as measured by the TUG test.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2300070600 retrospectively registered.
Lived experience of healthcare providers amidst war and siege: a phenomenological study of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Legesse Awol Yemane , Hadush Znabu , Teka Hale , Berhe Ephrem , Abera Bisrat Tesfay , Amdeselassie Fasika , Abraha Hiluf Ebuy , Gebre Daniel , Bazzano Alessandra N
Published: March 2024

Background

Most wars are fought in poor countries and result in significant proportions of disabilities and mortalities. The consequences of wars and political instability on health workers and access to healthcare remain under-studied. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of healthcare providers amidst war and siege, in a teaching hospital in northern Ethiopia.

Methods

The study was conducted between February 2022 to March 2022. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted between February to March 2022 with 20 healthcare providers working in Ayder Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital (ACSH), Tigray, Ethiopia, during the Tigray War. The study employed in-depth interviews.

Results

The main themes identified included the consequences of the siege on health service delivery at ACSH, personal survival threats posed by the siege, immediate health consequences of the siege among care providers, and consequences of the siege on the motivation and energy of health professionals.

Conclusions

Health workers are exposed to a range of direct and indirect impacts of war, emphasizing the need to amend the conditions in which they live and work.
The relationship between community social risk factors and regional hospital-reported cash, negotiated, and chargemaster prices for 14 common services
Authors: Chang Eva , Psek Wayne
Published: March 2024

Background

Social risk factors are key drivers of the geographic variation in spending in the United States but little is known how community-level social risk factors are associated with hospital prices. Our objective was to describe the relationship between regional hospital-reported prices and social risk factors by price type (chargemaster, cash, commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid).

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis used newly available hospital-reported prices from acute general hospitals in 2022. The prices were for 14 common services. Prices were winsorized at 98%, wage index-adjusted, standardized by service, and aggregated to hospital service areas (HSAs). For social risk, we used 23 measures across 5 domains of social risk (socioeconomic position; race, ethnicity, and culture; gender; social relationships; and residential and community context). Spearman’s correlation was used to estimate associations between median prices and social risk by price type.

Results

Prices were reported from 2,386 acute general hospitals in 45% (1,502 of 3,436) HSAs. Correlations between regional prices and other social risk factors varied by price type (range: -0.19 to 0.31). Chargemaster and cash prices were significantly correlated with the most community characteristics (10 of 23, 43%) followed by commercial prices (8, 35%). Medicare and Medicaid prices were only significantly correlated with 1 measure (all p < 0.01). All price types were significantly correlated with the percentage of uninsured (all p < 0.01). Chargemaster, cash, and commercial prices were positively correlated with percentage of Hispanic residents, residents with limited English proficiency, and non-citizens (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

While regional correlations between prices and social risk factors were weak across all prices, chargemaster, cash, and commercial prices were more like closely aligned with community-level social risk factors than the two public payers (Medicare and Medicaid). Chargemaster, cash, and commercial hospital prices appeared to be higher in socially disadvantaged communities. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between prices and community social risk factors.
A self-controlled case series study to measure the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with attendance at sporting and cultural events: the UK Events Research Programme events
Authors: Douglas Ian J. , Peh Jerlyn , Mansfield Kathryn E. , Trelfa Anna , Fowler Tom , Boulter Matthew , Cleary Paul , Smith Jenifer , Edmunds W. John
Published: March 2024

Background

In 2021, whilst societies were emerging from major social restrictions during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the UK government instigated an Events Research Programme to examine the risk of COVID-19 transmission from attendance at cultural events and explore ways to enable people to attend a range of events whilst minimising risk of transmission. We aimed to measure any impact on risk of COVID-19 transmission from attendance at events held at or close to commercially viable capacity using routinely collected data.

Methods

Data were obtained on attendees at Phase 3 Events Research Programme events, for which some infection risk mitigation measures were in place (i.e. evidence of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test). Attendance data were linked with COVID-19 test result data from the UK Test and Trace system. Using a self-controlled case series design, we measured the within person incidence rate ratio for testing positive for COVID-19, comparing the rate in days 3 to 9 following event attendance (high risk period) with days 1 and 2 and 10–16 (baseline period). Rate ratios were adjusted for estimates of underlying regional COVID-19 prevalence to account for population level fluctuations in infection risk, and events were grouped into broadly similar types.

Results

From attendance data available for 188,851 attendees, 3357 people tested positive for COVID-19 during the observation period. After accounting for total testing trends over the period, incidence rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals for positive tests were 1.16 (0.53–2.57) for indoor seated events, 1.12 (0.95–1.30) for mainly outdoor seated events, 0.65 (0.51–0.83) for mainly outdoor partially seated events, and 1.70 (1.52–1.89) for mainly outdoor unseated multi-day events.

Conclusions

For the majority of event types studied in the third phase of the UK Events Research Programme, we found no evidence of an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission associated with event attendance. However, we found a 70% increased risk of infection associated with attendance at mainly outdoor unseated multi-day events. We have also demonstrated a novel use for self-controlled case series methodology in monitoring infection risk associated with event attendance.
Coexistence of blaIMP−4 and blaSFO−1 in an IncHI5B plasmid harbored by tigecycline-non-susceptible Klebsiella variicola strain
Authors: Chen Hui , Xu Hao , Liu Ruishan , Shen Jian , Zheng Beiwen , Li Lanjuan
Published: March 2024

Background

Klebsiella variicola is considered a newly emerging human pathogen. Clinical isolates of carbapenemase and broad-spectrum β-lactamase-producing K. variicola remain relatively uncommon. A strain of K. variicola 4253 was isolated from a clinical sample, and was identified to carry the blaIMP−4 and blaSFO−1 genes. This study aims to discern its antibiotic resistance phenotype and genomic characteristics.

Methods

Species identification was conducted using MALDI-TOF/MS. PCR identification confirmed the presence of the blaIMP−4 and blaSFO−1 genes. Antibiotic resistance phenotype and genomic characteristics were detected by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing. Plasmid characterization was carried out through S1-PFGE, conjugation experiments, Southern blot, and comparative genomic analysis.

Results

K. variicola 4253 belonged to ST347, and demonstrated resistance to broad-spectrum β-lactamase drugs and tigecycline while being insensitive to imipenem and meropenem. The blaIMP−4 and blaSFO−1 genes harbored on the plasmid p4253-imp. The replicon type of p4253-imp was identified as IncHI5B, representing a multidrug-resistant plasmid capable of horizontal transfer and mediating the dissemination of drug resistance. The blaIMP−4 gene was located on the In809-like integrative element (Intl1-blaIMP−4-aacA4-catB3), which circulates in Acinetobacter and Enterobacteriaceae.

Conclusions

This study reports the presence of a strain of K. variicola, which is insensitive to tigecycline, carrying a plasmid harboring blaIMP−4 and blaSFO−1. It is highly likely that the strain acquired this plasmid through horizontal transfer. The blaIMP−4 array (Intl1-blaIMP−4-aacA4-catB3) is also mobile in Acinetobacter and Enterobacteriaceae. So it is essential to enhance clinical awareness and conduct epidemiological surveillance on multidrug-resistant K. variicola, conjugative plasmids carrying blaIMP−4, and the In809 integrative element.
Nanoplastics causes heart aging/myocardial cell senescence through the Ca2+/mtDNA/cGAS-STING signaling cascade
Authors: Wang Kaihao , Du Yipeng , Li Peixin , Guan Chang , Zhou Min , Wu Lanlan , Liu Zengfu , Huang Zheng
Published: March 2024

Background

Nanoplastics (NPs) are now a new class of pollutants widely present in the soil, atmosphere, freshwater and marine environments. Nanoplastics can rapidly penetrate cell membranes and accumulate in human tissues and organs, thus posing a potential threat to human health. The heart is the main power source of the body. But up to now, the toxicological effects of long-term exposure to nanoplastics on the heart has not been revealed yet.

Results

We evaluated the effects of long term exposure of nanoplastics on cardiac cell/tissue in vitro and in vivo model. Furthermore, we explored the molecular mechanism by which nanoplastics exposure causes myocardial cell senescence. Immunohistochemistry, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA were performed to detect the effects of nanoplastics on heart aging. We found that nanoplastics were able to induce significant cardiac aging through a series of biochemical assays in vivo. In vitro, the effects of nanoplastics on cardiac cell were investigated, and found that nanoplastics were able to internalize into cardiomyocytes in time and dose-dependant manner. Further biochemical analysis showed that nanoplastics induces cardiomyocytes senescence by detecting a series of senescence marker molecules. Molecular mechanism research shows that nanoplastics may cause mitochondrial destabilization by inducing oxidative stress, which leads to the leakage of mtDNA from mitochondria into the cytoplasm, and then cytoplasm-localized mt-DNA activates the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and promotes inflammation response, ultimately inducing cardiomyocytes senescence.

Conclusions

In this work, we found that nanoplastics exposure induces premature aging of heart. Current research also reveals the molecular mechanism by which nanoplastics induces cardiomyocyte senescence. This study laid the foundation for further studying the potential harm of nanoplastics exposure on heart.

Graphical abstract
Unraveling the genetic variations underlying virulence disparities among SARS-CoV-2 strains across global regions: insights from Pakistan
Authors: Jabeen Momina , Shoukat Shifa , Shireen Huma , Bao Yiming , Khan Abbas , Abbasi Amir Ali
Published: March 2024

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, several SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged that may exhibit different etiological effects such as enhanced transmissibility and infectivity. However, genetic variations that reduce virulence and deteriorate viral fitness have not yet been thoroughly investigated. The present study sought to evaluate the effects of viral genetic makeup on COVID-19 epidemiology in Pakistan, where the infectivity and mortality rate was comparatively lower than other countries during the first pandemic wave. For this purpose, we focused on the comparative analyses of 7096 amino-acid long polyprotein pp1ab. Comparative sequence analysis of 203 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, sampled from Pakistan during the first wave of the pandemic revealed 179 amino acid substitutions in pp1ab. Within this set, 38 substitutions were identified within the Nsp3 region of the pp1ab polyprotein. Structural and biophysical analysis of proteins revealed that amino acid variations within Nsp3’s macrodomains induced conformational changes and modified protein-ligand interactions, consequently diminishing the virulence and fitness of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, the epistatic effects resulting from evolutionary substitutions in SARS-CoV-2 proteins may have unnoticed implications for reducing disease burden. In light of these findings, further characterization of such deleterious SARS-CoV-2 mutations will not only aid in identifying potential therapeutic targets but will also provide a roadmap for maintaining vigilance against the genetic variability of diverse SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating globally. Furthermore, these insights empower us to more effectively manage and respond to potential viral-based pandemic outbreaks of a similar nature in the future.
Exploration of newly synthesized azo-thiohydantoins as the potential alkaline phosphatase inhibitors via advanced biochemical characterization and molecular modeling approaches
Authors: Attaullah Hafiz Muhammad , Ejaz Syeda Abida , Channar Pervaiz Ali , Saeed Aamer , Ujan Rabail , Zargar Seema , Channar Sajid Ali , Sahito Reshma , Wani Tanveer A. , Abbas Qamar
Published: March 2024

In the current study, Azo-Thiohydantoins derivatives were synthesized and characterized by using various spectroscopic techniques including FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, elemental and HRMS analysis. The compounds were evaluated for alkaline phosphatase activity and it was observed that among all the synthesized compounds, derivative 7e exhibited substantial inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.308 ± 0.065 µM), surpassing the standard inhibitor (L–Phenyl alanine, IC50 = 80.2 ± 1.1 µM). Along with this, these derivatives were comprehensively examined regarding the electronic properties and reactivity of the synthesized compounds using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, where the results were found very promising and the synthesized compound were found stable. After that, SwissADME evaluations highlighted compounds for their favorable physicochemical properties, including solubility and drug-likeness. Molecular docking exhibited the strong binding affinities of 7f and 7e derivatives with intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), further supported by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. This comprehensive integration of experimental and computational approaches sheds the light on the potential therapeutic applications of the synthesized compounds. By providing a detailed investigation of these aspects, this research opens the avenues for the development of novel pharmacologically active compounds with diverse applications.
Circulating cell-free DNA as a biomarker for diagnosis of Schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Rangjiao , Li Junhui , Ma Hongchang , Bao Wenjuan , Jiang Jie , Guo Chen , Tan Deyong , Cheng Xing , Dai Lizhong , Ming Yingzi
Published: March 2024

Background

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, remains an important public health problem. Although there are various methods for diagnosing schistosomiasis, many limitations still exist. Early diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis can significantly improve survival and prognosis of patients.

Methodology

Circulating cell-free (cf)DNA has been widely used in the diagnosis of various diseases. In our study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of circulating cfDNA for schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum. We focused on the tandem sequences and mitochondrial genes of S. japonicum to identify highly sensitive and specific targets for diagnosis of Schistosomiasis japonica.

Results

Through data screening and analysis, we ultimately identified four specific tandem sequences (TD-1, TD-2, TD-3. and TD-4) and six mitochondrial genes (COX1(1), COX1(2), CYTB, ATP6, COX3, and ND5). We designed specific primers to detect the amount of circulating cfDNA in S. japonicum-infected mouse and chronic schistosomiasis patients. Our results showed that the number of tandem sequences was significantly higher than that of the mitochondrial genes. A S. japonicum infection model in mice suggested that infection of S. japonicum can be diagnosed by detecting circulating cfDNA as early as the first week. We measured the expression levels of circulating cfDNA (TD-1, TD-2, and TD-3) at different time points and found that TD-3 expression was significantly higher than that of TD-1 or TD-2. We also infected mice with different quantities of cercariae (20 s and 80 s). The level of cfDNA (TD-3) in the 80 s infection group was significantly higher than in the 20 s infection group. Additionally, cfDNA (TD-3) levels increased after egg deposition. Meanwhile, we tested 42 patients with chronic Schistosomiasis japonica and circulating cfDNA (TD-3) was detected in nine patients.

Conclusions

We have screened highly sensitive targets for the diagnosis of Schistosomiasis japonica, and the detection of circulating cfDNA is a rapid and effective method for the diagnosis of Schistosomiasis japonica. The levels of cfDNA is correlated with cercariae infection severity. Early detection and diagnosis of schistosomiasis is crucial for patient treatment and improving prognosis.

Graphical Abstract
Association between insulin receptor substrate 1 gene polymorphism rs1801278 and gestational diabetes mellitus: an updated meta- analysis
Authors: Shen Lili , Liu Junli , Zhao Xiaolei , Wang Aiqin , Hu Xiaomei
Published: March 2024

Objectives

we performed this meta- analysis to investigate the impact of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) gene rs1801278 on susceptibility to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated, and p value is used to determine statistical significance. Sensitivity analysis was performed under three models (dominant, recessive and allele model), and the pooled ORs and 95%CI were calculated. Funnel plots and Begger’s regression test were employed to test the publication bias.

Results

The meta-analysis included 4777 participants (2116 cases and 2661 controls). The IRS1 rs1801278 (C/T) were not significant associated with GDM risk under the dominant and allele models, OR (95%CI) = 1.22 (0.88–1.70) and 1.24 (0.91–1.68), respectively (both p values were more than 0.05). But we also found the IRS1 rs1801278 (C/T) were significant associated with GDM risk under the recessive model, OR (95%CI) = 0.37 (0.16–0.86), p = 0.030. Our results showed that none of the studies affected the quality of the pooled OR. We also found no significant publication bias existed in this meta study for three genetic models, PTT + CT vs. CC = 0.445; PCC+CT vs. TT= 0.095; PC vs. T = 0.697.

Conclusion

this meta-analysis indicated that IRS1 rs1801278 (C/T) was associated with the GDM risk under the recessive model but was not associated with the GDM risk under dominant and allele models.
The evolving role of social media in enhancing quality of life: a global perspective across 10 countries
Authors: Marzo Roy Rillera , Jun Chen Hana W. , Ahmad Absar , Thew Hui Zhu , Choy Ja Shen , Ng Chee Han , Chew Chen Loong Alyx , Heidler Petra , King Isabel , Shrestha Rajeev , Rahman Farzana , Rana Jehan Akhter , Khoshtaria Tornike , Matin Arian , Todua Nugzar , Küçük Biçer Burcu , Faller Erwin , Tudy Randy A. , Baldonado Aries , Penamante Criselle Angeline , Bahari Rafidah , Younus Delan Ameen , Ismail Zjwan Mohammed , Lotfizadeh Masoud , Hassan Shehu Muhammad , Iliya Rahamatu Shamsiyyah , Inyang Asari E. , Maung Maung Theingi , Oo Win Myint , Myint Ohnmar , Khadka Anil , Acharya Swosti , Aye Soe Soe , Naing Thein Win , Win Myat Thida , Kyaw Ye Wint , Thapa Pramila Pudasaini , Khanal Josana , Bhattacharya Sudip , Abid Khadijah , Fahlevi Mochammad , Aljuaid Mohammed , El-Abasir Radwa Abdullah , Elsayed Mohamed E. G.
Published: March 2024

Background

Excessive or inappropriate use of social media has been linked to disruptions in regular work, well-being, mental health, and overall reduction of quality of life. However, a limited number of studies documenting the impact of social media on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are available globally.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the perceived social media needs and their impact on the quality of life among the adult population of various selected countries.

Methodology

A cross-sectional, quantitative design and analytical study utilized an online survey disseminated from November to December 2021.

Results

A total of 6689 respondents from ten countries participated in the study. The largest number of respondents was from Malaysia (23.9%), followed by Bangladesh (15.5%), Georgia (14.8%), and Turkey (12.2%). The prevalence of social media users was over 90% in Austria, Georgia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and the Philippines. The majority of social media users were from the 18–24 age group. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher education level was positively correlated with all four domains of WHOQoL. In addition, the psychological health domain of quality of life was positively associated in all countries. Predictors among Social Media Needs, Affective Needs (β = -0.07), and Social Integrative Needs (β = 0.09) were significantly associated with psychological health.

Conclusion

The study illuminates the positive correlation between higher education levels and improved life quality among social media users, highlighting an opportunity for policymakers to craft education-focused initiatives that enhance well-being. The findings call for strategic interventions to safeguard the mental health of the global social media populace, particularly those at educational and health disadvantages.
Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on self-reported levels of depression during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic among Canadian adults
Authors: Elamoshy Rasha , Farag Marwa , Geda Nigatu , Feng Cindy
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 related risk factors on self-reported increases in depression among Canadian adults during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. We aim to investigate the interactive effects of stressors, including social isolation, financial stress, and fear of catching COVID-19, on mental health outcomes. Our study aims to provide insights for the development of prevention and intervention strategies to address the mental health effects of the pandemic by examining the psychological changes attributable to the pandemic and its impact.

Methods

This study used data collected from the Mental Health Research Canada online survey during the third wave of COVID-19 (April 20–28, 2021). The study examined the impact of COVID-19 related factors, including social isolation, financial concerns, fear of catching COVID-19, and concerns about paying bills, on self-reported increases in depression. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to examine these associations, with adjustments made for potential confounding variables. All statistical analysis was performed using SAS V9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).

Results

Participants reporting social isolation, financial concerns, and fear of catching COVID-19 were more likely to report increased depression. An interaction was observed between concerns for paying bills and catching COVID-19 in relation to depression (p = 0.0085). In other words, the effect of concerns about paying bills on depression was stronger for individuals who also had a fear of catching COVID-19, and vice versa. Young adults, females, patients with pre-existing depression, and residents of certain provinces reported higher levels of depression during COVID-19.

Conclusion

Our study underscores the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, particularly among certain demographic groups. It emphasizes the need for depression screening and increased support for mental health during the pandemic, with a focus on mitigating financial burdens and reducing negative psychological impacts of social isolation. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between different stressors and the need to consider this when designing interventions to support mental health during times of crisis.
Predicting sepsis in-hospital mortality with machine learning: a multi-center study using clinical and inflammatory biomarkers
Authors: Zhang Guyu , Shao Fei , Yuan Wei , Wu Junyuan , Qi Xuan , Gao Jie , Shao Rui , Tang Ziren , Wang Tao
Published: March 2024

Background

This study aimed to develop and validate an interpretable machine-learning model that utilizes clinical features and inflammatory biomarkers to predict the risk of in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients suffering from sepsis.

Methods

We enrolled all patients diagnosed with sepsis in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV, v.2.0), eICU Collaborative Research Care (eICU-CRD 2.0), and the Amsterdam University Medical Centers databases (AmsterdamUMCdb 1.0.2). LASSO regression was employed for feature selection. Seven machine-learning methods were applied to develop prognostic models. The optimal model was chosen based on its accuracy, F1 score and area under curve (AUC) in the validation cohort. Moreover, we utilized the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method to elucidate the effects of the features attributed to the model and analyze how individual features affect the model’s output. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis examined the associations among continuous predictor variables. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) explored potential non-linear relationships between continuous risk factors and in-hospital mortality.

Results

3535 patients with sepsis were eligible for participation in this study. The median age of the participants was 66 years (IQR, 55–77 years), and 56% were male. After selection, 12 of the 45 clinical parameters collected on the first day after ICU admission remained associated with prognosis and were used to develop machine-learning models. Among seven constructed models, the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model achieved the best performance, with an AUC of 0.94 and an F1 score of 0.937 in the validation cohort. Feature importance analysis revealed that Age, AST, invasive ventilation treatment, and serum urea nitrogen (BUN) were the top four features of the XGBoost model with the most significant impact. Inflammatory biomarkers may have prognostic value. Furthermore, SHAP force analysis illustrated how the constructed model visualized the prediction of the model.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the potential of machine-learning approaches for early prediction of outcomes in patients with sepsis. The SHAP method could improve the interoperability of machine-learning models and help clinicians better understand the reasoning behind the outcome.
Phase II Study of Osimertinib in Patients With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations: Results From the NCI-MATCH ECOG-ACRIN (EAY131) Trial Subprotocol E
Authors: Chen Monica F. , Song Zihe , Yu Helena A. , Sequist Lecia V. , Lovly Christine M. , Mitchell Edith P. , Moscow Jeffrey A. , Gray Robert J. , Wang Victoria , McShane Lisa M. , Rubinstein Larry V. , Patton David R. , Williams P. Mickey , Hamilton Stanley R. , Umemura Yoshie , Tricoli James V. , Conley Barbara A. , Arteaga Carlos L. , Harris Lyndsay N. , O'Dwyer Peter J. , Chen Alice P. , Flaherty Keith T.
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE

The National Cancer Institute Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice trial is a signal-finding genomically driven platform trial that assigns patients with any advanced refractory solid tumor, lymphoma, or myeloma to targeted therapies on the basis of next-generation sequencing results. Subprotocol E evaluated osimertinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with EGFR mutations.

METHODS

Eligible patients had EGFR mutations (T790M or rare activating) and received osimertinib 80 mg once daily. Patients with lung cancer with EGFR T790M were excluded. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR), and the secondary end points were 6-month progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, and toxicity.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients were enrolled: 17 were evaluable for toxicity and 13 for efficacy. The median age of the 13 included in the efficacy analysis was 63 years, 62% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 1, and 31% received >three previous systemic therapies. The most common tumor type was brain cancers (54%). The ORR was 15.4% (n = 2 of 13; 90% CI, 2.8 to 41.0) and 6-month PFS was 16.7% (90% CI, 0 to 34.4). The two confirmed RECIST responses were observed in a patient with neuroendocrine carcinoma not otherwise specified ( EGFR exon 20 S768T and exon 18 G719C mutation) and a patient with low-grade epithelial carcinoma of the paranasal sinus ( EGFR D770_N771insSVD). The most common (>20%) treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, and maculopapular rash.

CONCLUSION

In this pretreated cohort, osimertinib did not meet the prespecified end point threshold for efficacy, but responses were seen in a neuroendocrine carcinoma with an EGFR exon 20 S768T and exon 18 G719C mutation and an epithelial carcinoma with an EGFR D770_N771insSVD mutation. Osimertinib was well tolerated and had a safety profile consistent with previous studies.
“Você também é responsável”: a campanha publicitária do Mobral na Revista Veja (1970-1975)
Authors: Silva Danielly Cardoso da
Published: March 2024

O Movimento Brasileiro de Alfabetização (MOBRAL), instituído pela ditadura militar como proposta educacional destinada ao público adulto, prometia reduzir o índice de analfabetismo no país. O projeto se preocupava em propagar e fortalecer o ideário ditatorial em seus anúncios e conteúdo, por isso, neste artigo, analisaram-se diferentes tipos de propagandas do período de 1970 a 1975, veiculadas na Revista Veja, considerando capas, anúncios publicitários e reportagens acerca do tema. A análise dessa temática se sustenta com referência na História Cultural, em autores como Le Goff (1996), Pesavento (2005) e Burke (2011). Constatou-se que a campanha publicitária do MOBRAL na Revista Veja contribuiu para a propagação de uma memória aliada aos feitos da ditadura militar
Protagonistas femininas nos filmes brasileiros comerciais contemporâneos
Authors: Malta Rabello Bárbara
Published: March 2024

Tendo como objeto os filmes brasileiros de longa-metragem de ficção lançados comercialmente entre 2002 e 2017 e que tenham obtido no mínimo 500 mil espectadores, o presente artigo, por meio de análises quantitativas e qualitativas, pretende lançar um olhar sobre alguns aspectos da representação feminina no cinema comercial brasileiro, verificando qual o espaço ocupado por obras protagonizadas por mulheres no âmbito geral de nossa produção comercial, bem como analisando as temáticas narrativas predominantes no discurso dessas personagens e suas relações com os estereótipos de gênero.
produção do anormal
Authors: Barros II João R.
Published: March 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é fazer uma leitura de O alienista, de Machado de Assis, aplicando conceitos da sociedade disciplinar e biopolítica conforme descritas por Michel Foucault. No primeiro tópico apresenta-se alguns argumentos de Foucault sobre a sociedade disciplinar, ressaltando a construção da loucura como ferramenta de normalização. A importância do panóptico, da norma e do governo serão evidenciadas. No segundo tópico, seleciona-se alguns trechos d’O alienista com o intuito de ressaltar elementos de uma sociedade disciplinar e biopolítica tal como descritas por Michel Foucault. Com isso, o artigo tem por objetivo a compreensão das noções de loucura, sociedade disciplinar, normalização, biopolítica, empregando como recurso metodológico uma análise da alegoria literária presente na obra O alienista.
Capitalismo de vigilância e plataformização da educação
Authors: Ferreira Ana Elisa Sobral Caetano da Silva
Published: March 2024

Partindo do conceito de Capitalismo de Vigilânica (ZUBOFF, 2021), este artigo tem como objetivo analisar, de acordo com a Mediologia de Régis Debray (2000) e a Análise do Discurso (MAINGUENEAU, 2008), os efeitos da plataformização do mercado de trabalho (PESSANHA, 2021) e consequentemente a plataformização da educação diante do aumento do número de escolas e universidades públicas brasileiras que terceirizam o armazenamento de seus dados para empresas que monopolizam o espaço digital, conhecidas como GAFAMT (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft e Twitter). Este estudo também tem como objetivo analisar os sentidos de democracia e como tais sentidos são deslizados para o ciberespaço, propondo uma reflexão sobre o conceito de ciberdemocracia proposto por Lévy (1999).
Επίδραση της προωρότητας στην αρτηριακή πίεση παιδιών και εφήβων και συσχετίσεις με βιοδείκτες πρώιμης νεφρικής και αγγειακής βλάβης
Authors: Χαΐνογλου Αθανασία
Published: March 2024

Εισαγωγή και σκοπός: Το ιστορικό προωρότητας αποτελεί παράγοντα κινδύνου για την εμφάνιση υπέρτασης καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια της ζωής. Οι στόχοι της παρούσας μελέτης ήταν να διερευνηθούν διαφορές στα επίπεδα της αρτηριακής πίεσης (ΑΠ) και να εξεταστούν οι συσχετίσεις των παραμέτρων ΑΠ (ιατρείου, 24ωρης καταγραφής, κεντρικής συστολικής ΑΠ και της ταχύτητας σφυγμικού κύματος (PWV) με εργαστηριακούς βιοδείκτες νεφρικής και αγγειακής βλάβης στον ορό και τα ούρα σε παιδιά με ιστορικό προωρότητας σε σύγκριση με τελειόμηνα παιδιά. Μέθοδοι: Ο πληθυσμός της μελέτης συμπεριέλαβε 52 παιδιά και εφήβους που γεννήθηκαν πρόωρα και 26 υγιή παιδιά που γεννήθηκαν τελειόμηνα, τα οποία υποβλήθηκαν σε μέτρηση της ΑΠ ιατρείου, σε 24ωρη καταγραφή της ΑΠ, μέτρηση της κεντρικής συστολικής ΑΠ και της PWV. Σε όλους του συμμετέχοντες στη μελέτη μετρήθηκαν με ενζυμική ανοσοπροσροφητική δοκιμασία η συστατίνη C ορού, MMP-2 και -9 ορού, NGAL ορού και ούρων και β2 μικροσφαιρίνη ούρων. Αποτελέσματα: Τα παιδιά με ιστορικό προωρότητας παρουσίασαν υψηλότερες τιμές νυχτερινής ΣΑΠ z score σε σύγκριση με την ομάδα ελέγχου, αλλά δεν διέφεραν σε άλλες παραμέτρους της ΑΠ. Νυκτερινή υπέρταση βρέθηκε στο 78% (7/9) των πρώην πρόωρων παιδιών με υπέρταση με βάση την 24ωρη καταγραφή της ΑΠ. Το ιστορικό προωρότητας ήταν ανεξάρτητος προγνωστικός δείκτης της PWV z score. Οι εκτιμώμενες μέσες τιμές για τη PWV z score προσαρμοσμένες για την ηλικία, το φύλο, την παρουσία νεφρικής νόσου κατά τη γέννηση, την ΑΠ ιατρείου, τη νυχτερινή ΑΠ, την κεντρική ΣΑΠ και το BMI z score ήταν σημαντικά υψηλότερες σε πρόωρα άτομα σε σύγκριση με την ομάδα ελέγχου (0,703, 95%CI 0,431-0,975 έναντι -0,19, 95%CI -0,574-0,536, αντίστοιχα, p=0,027). Τα υπέρβαρα παιδιά με ιστορικό προωρότητας παρουσίαζαν τις υψηλότερες τιμές νυχτερινής ΣΑΠ και PWV z score. Τα επίπεδα βιοδεικτών ορού και ούρων δεν διέφεραν μεταξύ των ομάδων. Η NGAL του ορού παρουσίαζε σημαντικές συσχετίσεις με την ΣΑΠ z-score ιατρείου και την ΣΑΠ ημέρας και η CysC του ορού με τη ΔΑΠ ιατρείου z-score και την κεντρική ΣΑΠ z-score στην ομάδα των παιδιών με ιστορικό προωρότητας. Η ανάλυση ROC έδειξε ότι η NGAL του ορού θα μπορούσε να προβλέψει την υπέρταση σε πρόωρα παιδιά (AUC:0,713,p=0,010), ενώ η CysC του ορού προέβλεπε την υψηλή κεντρική ΣΑΠ (AUC:0,687, p=0,024). Συμπέρασμα: Το ιστορικό προωρότητας σχετίζεται με υψηλότερη νυκτερινή ΣΑΠ και αυξημένη αρτηριακή σκληρία στην παιδική και εφηβική ηλικία. Σε πρώην πρόωρα παιδιά, η NGAL ορού συσχετίστηκε σημαντικά με τη ΣΑΠ ιατρείου και η CysC ορού με την κεντρική ΣΑΠ, γεγονός που υποδεικνύει τον πιθανό ρόλο αυτών των βιοδεικτών στην πρόβλεψη της ανάπτυξης υπέρτασης σε παιδιά με ιστορικό προωρότητας.
Kto napisał Zwierzciadło człowieka krześcijańskiego? O pierwszych jezuickich tłumaczach pism Ludwika z Granady
Authors: Hanusiewicz-Lavallee Mirosława
Published: March 2024

Artykuł, czyniąc punktem wyjścia problem atrybucji dzieła Zwierzciadło człowieka krześcijańskiego (1567), które od czasów publikacji bibliografii Estreichera uważano za sporządzony przez Stanisława Warszewickiego SJ przekład fragmentu Libro de la oración y meditación Ludwika z Granady, wskazuje Szymona Wysockiego SJ jako właściwego tłumacza oraz przy tej okazji przedstawia dwa inne, nieznane dotychczas, przełożone przez niego teksty hiszpańskiego dominikanina. Twórczość Wysockiego, będącego najpłodniejszym tłumaczem jezuickim we wczesnonowożytnej Europie, pozostaje do tej pory niezbadana. Zarówno jego przekłady pism Ludwika z Granady, jak też kolejne translacje są wszakże interesującym pryzmatem, pozwalającym analizować tajemnice duchowości pierwszej generacji jezuitów polskich oraz ich sposoby konfrontowania się ze „zwrotem antymistycznym” w Towarzystwie Jezusowym za generalatu Ewerarda Mercuriana i później.
Anaphylaxis Current Approach
Authors: YILMAZ Deniz , SENGUL EMEKSİZ Zeynep , DİBEK MISIRLIOĞLU Emine
Published: March 2024

Anaphylaxis is the most important acute systemic allergic reaction. The incidence of anaphylaxis has been increasing in recent years. Therefore, all healthcare providers should know the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis. In this article, the current approach to anaphylaxis is presented, considering the criteria accepted by the World Allergy Organization (WAO) and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EACCI). Intramuscular epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. However, it is still not used at the desired level. Children at risk of anaphylaxis should be trained to use adrenaline autoinjectors. After anaphylaxis develops, children should be referred to an allergist to investigate the underlying causes.