bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers among adult ICU patients in tertiary hospitals in Oman: a one-year prevalence study
Authors: Al-Mamari Fatma , Al-Rawajfah Omar , Al Sabei Sulaiman , Al-Wahaibi Khalifa
Published: October 2024

Background:

Hospital-acquired pressure ulcer (HAPU) is a significant problem in healthcare settings and is associated with negative impacts on patient health. Although monitoring of pressure ulcers (PUs) among hospitalised patients was started more than a decade ago in Oman, no previous studies have been completed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of HAPUs among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors for HAPUs among adult ICU patients in selected tertiary hospitals in Oman.

Method:

A retrospective, cross-sectional, nested, case–control design was used to identify the prevalence rate of HAPUs and risk factors for a cohort of adult ICU patients over one calendar year (1 January–31 December 2019) in two tertiary hospitals in Oman.

Results:

The prevalence rate for HAPU among ICU patients in Oman was 36.4%. However, when excluding cases of stage 1 ulcer, the rate was 30.37%. The most prevalent location was the sacrum (64.1%), and the most common stage was stage 2 (73.1%). The risk factors for HAPU included male sex (odds ratio (OR): 0.37; p=0.023), organ failure (OR: 3.2; p=0.033), cancer (OR: 3.41; p=0.049), cerebrovascular accident (OR: 12.33; p=0.001), mechanical ventilator (OR: 9.64; p=0.025) and ICU length of stay (OR: 1.24; p<0.001).

Conclusion:

HAPUs among ICU patients constitute a significant problem associated with severe clinical consequences and result in substantial adverse healthcare outcomes worldwide, including in Oman. Identifying the risk factors and the impact on the healthcare system is the foundation for preventing and managing HAPUs.
TPF stitching imaging of rubber tree leaves
Authors: Liu Meng , Hou Guozhong , Li Yuan , Deng Yanyan , Zhang Yuan , Song Kaiyuan , Xu Chang , Liu Xinlong , Xia Yuanqin , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a two-photon fluorescence (TPF) microscopy platform based on a femtosecond oscillator. The system images rubber tree leaf samples by exciting and detecting TPF signals generated by the tissue using broadband femtosecond pulses. The imaging system utilizes a detection window of 565–615 nm to capture TPF signals from flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the rubber tree leaf tissue. Additionally, multiple TPF images were acquired through sample movement and Z-axis scanning, followed by image stitching to achieve large-area comprehensive visualization of the rubber tree leaf samples. This study provides detailed observations and analyses of various biological structures within the rubber tree leaf samples, contributing significantly to the understanding of plant growth, physiological functions, and environmental adaptability.
Widefield optical coherence tomography by electro-optical modulation
Authors: Urban Dorian R. , Novak Pavel , Preciado Miguel A. , Vettenburg Tom
Published: October 2024

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a unique imaging modality capable of axial sectioning with a resolution of only a few microns. Its ability to image with high resolution deep within tissue makes it ideal for material inspection, dentistry, and, in particular, ophthalmology. Widefield retinal imaging has garnered increasing clinical interest for the detection of numerous retinal diseases. However, real-time applications in clinical practice demand the contrast of swept-source OCT at scan speeds that limit their depth range. The curvature of typical samples, such as teeth, corneas, or retinas, thus restricts the field-of-view of fast OCT systems. Novel high-speed swept sources are expected to further improve the scan rate; however, not without exacerbating the already severe trade-off in depth range. Here, we show how, without the need for mechanical repositioning, harmonic images can be rapidly synthesized at any depth. This is achieved by opto-electronic modulation of a single-frequency swept source laser in tandem with tailored numerical dispersion compensation. We demonstrate experimentally how real-time imaging of highly-curved samples is enabled by extending the effective depth-range 8-fold. Even at the scan speed of a 400 kHz swept source, harmonic OCT enables widefield retinal imaging.
Soft X-ray chemically sensitive ptychographic imaging of 3D nano-objects
Authors: Krasnov Vitaly , Makhotkin Igor , Scheerder Jeroen E. , Loetgering Lars , Soltwisch Victor , van der Heide Paul A. W. , Fleischmann Claudia
Published: October 2024

The results of a soft X-ray chemically sensitive ptychographic imaging of non-planar nanoscale 3D objects - atom probe tomography tips, with resolution down to 12 nm at 800 eV using scanning X-ray microscope at the electron storage ring BESSY II are presented. We validate that this approach can be used to determine the tip (emitter) shape, and to resolve inner nano-scale structures as relevant for semiconductor applications and even for quantitative chemical composition analysis. Imaging of buried interfaces with below 30 nm resolution is demonstrated. This work might pave the way for contactless, ptychographic in-situ characterization of APT tips with tabletop coherent EUV sources.
Optical mode localized sensing in on-chip coupled microring resonators
Authors: Pi Hailong , Wang Shumeng , Feng Yu , Yan Jize
Published: October 2024

Mode localization, predicted in solid-state physics, has attracted great attention in coupled micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) resonators for ultrasensitive sensing. Compared to MEMS resonators, optical microresonators can achieve high-quality factors without the need for vacuum conditions. In this work, we extended the mode localization effect to integrated optical microresonators, and experimentally demonstrated, for the first time, mode localized sensing in coupled optical microresonators. The optical mode-localization sensor consists of two coupled microring resonators. Strong coupling results in the appearance of symmetric (S) and antisymmetric (AS) resonances. When external perturbations, like thermal perturbations, are applied to one microring, optical energy will be unevenly distributed in the two microrings, giving rise to changes in the extinction ratios (ERs) of the two resonances. The phenomenon is called optical mode localization. By changing the local thermal perturbation, the ERs of the S and AS resonance can be changed by 26.67 dB and 21.24 dB, respectively. Mode localized sensing with high sensitivity can be achieved by evaluating the variation of resonances’ transmitted power. It is demonstrated that the variations of transmitted power at the AS and S resonances can be three orders of magnitude greater than the corresponding variation in the resonant wavelength for an induced perturbation in temperature. The experimental results agree well with the theoretical calculation. This work demonstrates the feasibility of achieving mode-localized sensing in integrated optical microresonators and has great potential to significantly expand the scope of mode-localized sensing applications.
Swept-source visible-light optical coherence tomography
Authors: Fan Weijia , Kuranov Roman , Miller David , Zhang Tingwei , Yeo Wei-Hong , Atkinson Raymond , Zhang Pengpeng , Sun Cheng , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2024

We demonstrate the feasibility of swept-source visible-light optical coherence tomography (SS-vis-OCT). We used a fanout periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal for second harmonic generation (SHG) to convert a commercial near-infrared swept-source (NIR-SS) laser into a visible-light SS laser. To enhance SHG efficiency, we amplified the NIR-SS output with booster optical amplifiers (BOAs). We experimentally characterized SS-vis-OCT performance using two different BOAs, one yielding a visible-light output with a 48 nm bandwidth and 60 μW of power, while the other produced a 22 nm bandwidth and 680 μW of power. The SS-vis-OCT achieved a maximum axial resolution of 7.3 µm and an imaging depth of 5 mm in air, corresponding to 5.4 µm and 3.7 mm in tissue (n=1.35). Compared with spectral-domain vis-OCT using a supercontinuum laser, SS-vis-OCT provides a 3.3-fold increased imaging depth and a 2.8-fold improved roll-off. Additionally, we validated SS-vis-OCT performance using a 3D-printed pyramid phantom, with its feature measurements cross-validated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Dual-information and large-scale structural color patterns by laser direct writing with a low-index tailored nanostructure array
Authors: Pan Haoyu , Fan Desheng , Zhu Linwei , Wang Danyan , Li Moxin , Wang Jian , Xiao Gui , Shi Qiang , Zhang Cheng
Published: October 2024

Dielectric nanostructures are widely embraced in the field of structural color design due to their low-cost characteristics, enabling sub-micron scale color printing. However, challenges still exist in the selection of structures and image encryption. In this study, we propose a method for printing dual patterns using tailored scattering structures based on two-photon polymerization. We extensively analyze the color performance of each structure in zeroth-order diffraction under cross-polarized transmission and bright-field transmission illumination. By selecting appropriate structures based on their characteristics, we prepared full-color panels and successfully utilized these panels to print both color patterns and dual patterns, achieving multi-level control of color and information. Based on the above study, a large-sale color pattern with a hidden message in an area of 3.2  cm×2.4  cm is printed, which can be directly observed. Our results demonstrate a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to color preparation, offering innovative strategies and methods for the fields of color science and steganography for information security.
High M2/M1 Macrophage Ratio Observed in Nasal Polyps Formed in Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kato Eiichi , Muramoto Akifumi , Yonemoto Natsumi , Matsuwaki Yoshinori , Sakashita Masafumi , Fukushima Mana , Fujieda Shigeharu , Kobayashi Motohiro
Published: October 2024

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) shares similarities with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS), both characterized by intractable nasal polyps. The key distinction lies in the presence of fungal infection within the nasal cavity. While ECRS nasal polyps are known for significant infiltration of M2 macrophages and eosinophils, as well as an increase in high endothelial venule (HEV)-like vessels, these features are less commonly reported in AFRS. This study compared clinicopathological findings between AFRS ( n=10), ECRS ( n=12), and non-ECRS ( n=10) patients’ nasal polyps using immunohistochemical analysis for CD163 and CD68 to assess the M2/M1 macrophage ratio, and peripheral lymph node addressin (PNAd) and CD34 to evaluate the proportion of HEV-like vessels. AFRS showed a significantly higher number of CD163-positive M2 macrophages and an increased M2/M1 ratio compared with ECRS. However, the percentage of HEV-like vessels and the number of eosinophils infiltrating the nasal polyps were similar in both AFRS and ECRS. The observed increase in M2 macrophages in AFRS nasal polyps is presumed to be induced by fungal infection in the nasal cavity, in comparison with ECRS. These results highlight the distinctive immunological profiles of AFRS and ECRS, emphasizing the role of macrophage polarization in their pathogenesis.
Compression-based inference of network motif sets
Authors: Bénichou Alexis , Masson Jean-Baptiste , Vestergaard Christian L.
Published: October 2024

Physical and functional constraints on biological networks lead to complex topological patterns across multiple scales in their organization. A particular type of higher-order network feature that has received considerable interest is network motifs, defined as statistically regular subgraphs. These may implement fundamental logical and computational circuits and are referred to as “building blocks of complex networks”. Their well-defined structures and small sizes also enable the testing of their functions in synthetic and natural biological experiments. Here, we develop a framework for motif mining based on lossless network compression using subgraph contractions. This provides an alternative definition of motif significance which allows us to compare different motifs and select the collectively most significant set of motifs as well as other prominent network features in terms of their combined compression of the network. Our approach inherently accounts for multiple testing and correlations between subgraphs and does not rely on a priori specification of an appropriate null model. It thus overcomes common problems in hypothesis testing-based motif analysis and guarantees robust statistical inference. We validate our methodology on numerical data and then apply it on synaptic-resolution biological neural networks, as a medium for comparative connectomics, by evaluating their respective compressibility and characterize their inferred circuit motifs.
De novo sensorimotor learning through reuse of movement components
Authors: Gabriel George , Mushtaq Faisal , Morehead J. Ryan
Published: October 2024

From tying one’s shoelaces to driving a car, complex skills involving the coordination of multiple muscles are common in everyday life; yet relatively little is known about how these skills are learned. Recent studies have shown that new sensorimotor skills involving re-mapping familiar body movements to unfamiliar outputs cannot be learned by adjusting pre-existing controllers, and that new task-specific controllers must instead be learned “de novo”. To date, however, few studies have investigated de novo learning in scenarios requiring continuous and coordinated control of relatively unpractised body movements. In this study, we used a myoelectric interface to investigate how a novel controller is learned when the task involves an unpractised combination of relatively untrained continuous muscle contractions. Over five sessions on five consecutive days, participants learned to trace a series of trajectories using a computer cursor controlled by the activation of two muscles. The timing of the generated cursor trajectory and its shape relative to the target improved for conditions trained with post-trial visual feedback. Improvements in timing transferred to all untrained conditions, but improvements in shape transferred less robustly to untrained conditions requiring the trained order of muscle activation. All muscle outputs in the final session could already be generated during the first session, suggesting that participants learned the new task by improving the selection of existing motor commands. These results suggest that the novel controllers acquired during de novo learning can, in some circumstances, be constructed from components of existing controllers.
A diel multi-tissue genome-scale metabolic model of Vitis vinifera
Authors: Sampaio Marta , Rocha Miguel , Dias Oscar
Published: October 2024

Vitis vinifera, also known as grapevine, is widely cultivated and commercialized, particularly to produce wine. As wine quality is directly linked to fruit quality, studying grapevine metabolism is important to understand the processes underlying grape composition. Genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs) have been used for the study of plant metabolism and advances have been made, allowing the integration of omics datasets with GSMMs. On the other hand, Machine learning (ML) has been used to analyze and integrate omics data, and while the combination of ML with GSMMs has shown promising results, it is still scarcely used to study plants. Here, the first GSSM of V. vinifera was reconstructed and validated, comprising 7199 genes, 5399 reactions, and 5141 metabolites across 8 compartments. Tissue-specific models for the stem, leaf, and berry of the Cabernet Sauvignon cultivar were generated from the original model, through the integration of RNA-Seq data. These models have been merged into diel multi-tissue models to study the interactions between tissues at light and dark phases. The potential of combining ML with GSMMs was explored by using ML to analyze the fluxomics data generated by green and mature grape GSMMs and provide insights regarding the metabolism of grapes at different developmental stages. Therefore, the models developed in this work are useful tools to explore different aspects of grapevine metabolism and understand the factors influencing grape quality.
The impact of community based interventions for the prevention and control of soil-transmitted helminths: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ugwu Sommy C. , Muoka Michael O. , MacLeod Clara , Bick Sarah , Cumming Oliver , Braun Laura
Published: October 2024

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are among the most common human infections worldwide and a major cause of morbidity. They are caused by different species of parasitic worms and transmitted by eggs released in faeces or when hookworm larvae penetrate the skin. The main control strategy in endemic regions is periodic treatment with deworming medication. In the last 10 years, there has been a scale-up of prevention and control activities with a focus on community-based interventions (CBIs). This review aims to systematically analyse the impact of CBIs on the prevalence and infection intensity of STHs. A systematic review was published on this topic in 2014, but there have subsequently been several new studies published which are included in this review. Electronic database search of MEDLINE (Ovid), Global Health Online (Ovid), Cochrane Library, Embase (Ovid) and Web of Science was conducted. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers according to predefined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted and a meta-analysis of included studies was conducted. A total of 11,954 de-duplicated titles were screened, and 33 studies were included in the review. 14 focussed on community-wide treatment, 11 studies investigated school-based interventions, and 3 studies investigating both. Results suggest that CBIs are effective in reducing the prevalence of Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides. School-based treatment and community-wide treatment, as well as annual and semi-annual deworming, all reduce STH prevalence significantly. Mass drug administration was effective in reducing the infection intensity of Hookworm (Mean difference: -211.36 [95% CI: -519.12, 96.39]), Trichuris trichiura (-736.69 [-1349.97, -123.42]) and Ascaris lumbricoides (-2723.34 [-5014.85, -431.84]). The results suggest that CBIs are effective in reducing the prevalence and intensity of STH infections. While most studies delivered preventive chemotherapy (PC), few studies explored the impact of interventions such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) or health education, which may be essential in preventing reinfection after PC.
“Someone who hates themself doesn’t come for their drugs”: Experiences of mental health along the HIV care continuum in South-Central, Uganda
Authors: West Nora S. , Ddaaki William , Murray Sarah M. , Nakyanjo Neema , Isabirye Dauda , Nakubulwa Rosette , Nalugoda Fred , Surkan Pamela J. , Hutton Heidi E. , Kennedy Caitlin E.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Poor mental health occurs more frequently among people living with HIV. Understanding what mental health problems occur and at what point during the continuum of HIV care is critical to ensure these problems are identified and appropriately addressed. We explored how mental health is experienced along the HIV care continuum in Rakai, Uganda.

Methods

We conducted qualitative semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 adults living with HIV and 10 health workers from March to December 2020. Interviews followed a timeline approach. Responses were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

At the time of HIV diagnosis, nearly all participants described a range of strong emotions, including shock, fear and intense worry. Most participants described continued fear and intense worry leading up to, and at the time of, ART initiation. However, they said these emotions often subside after ART is initiated and viral suppression is achieved. Across interviews and at multiple points of the continuum, participants discussed how fear and worry led individuals to be “thinking too much” or be in “deep thoughts” and experience self-hatred. Individuals who stopped taking ART were thought to have more severe mental health problems (“madness”, psychosis, suicidality). Participants were divided about the mental health of persons who returned to care after disengagement.

Conclusion

In this setting, mental health problems experienced by people living with HIV are dynamic across the care continuum. With expanded HIV testing campaigns and Universal Test and Treat policies, targeted interventions for psychosocial support at the time of testing and ART initiation remain critical.
From genes to reproductive health: Immune cell influences on abortion
Authors: Shen Dan , Xu Wendi , Zheng Jingyi , Cao YiZhou , Bo Xinyi , Fu FeiXian , Wen Bing , Zhou Fuqiang , Cao Jing
Published: October 2024

Background

The relationship between dysregulation of the immune system and reproductive health, particularly in the context of abortion, is an area of critical research. Identifying the immunological factors that contribute to abortion could provide valuable insights into its prevention and management.

Methods

This study used bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach to evaluate the causal link between 731 immune cell features and the risk of abortion. The study analyzed GWAS data from 257,561 Europeans, including 7,069 cases and 250,492 controls, by utilizing genetic variation as instrumental variables. The immune phenotypes included several cell types, including B cells, T cells, TBNK cells, Treg cells, and monocytes. These were analyzed using the ’TwoSampleMR’ package in R software.

Results

The study identified 34 immune phenotypes that have a significant causal relationship with abortion risk. Notably, Results from the B cell group showed a positive correlation between abortion and certain phenotypes, including Unsw mem %B cell, PB/PC %B cell, IgD+ CD24+ %B cell and Naive-mature B cell %lymphocyte. In the T cell group, certain maturation stages such as Naive CD8br %T cell and CD4 on CD45RA+ CD4+ exhibited negative causal links, whereas CCR7 on naive CD8br showed a positive association. The group of Treg cells showed both positive and negative causal relationships with abortion, highlighting the complexity of immune regulation in reproductive health.

Conclusions

This study reflects the causal relationship between different subtypes of different immune cells and abortion. The results underscore the importance of the immune system in reproductive health and suggest potential therapeutic interventions targeting these immunological pathways.
Citizen attitudes towards the environment and association with perceived threats to the countryside: Evidence from countries in five European biogeographic zones
Authors: Stewart-Knox Barbara J. , Bunting Brendan P. , Jin Shan , Tindale Sophie , Vicario-Modroño Victoria , Miškolci Simona , Ojo Mercy , Sánchez-Zamora Pedro , Gallardo-Cobos Rosa , Newell-Price Paul , Sonnovelt Martijn , Hunter Erik , Frewer Lynn J.
Published: October 2024

Citizens play a crucial role in attaining the United Nations 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs). There is growing awareness of the importance of understanding citizen perspectives on environmental issues, in relation to developing and maintaining sustainable lifestyles, and in addressing perceived threats to protection and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity. This analysis sought to understand people’s attitudes towards environmental conservation, how they relate to perceived threats to the countryside, and to determine how attitudes and perceived threats vary demographically and between countries. A survey was administered to citizens (quota sampled on age, gender, education, and split between rural and urban residency) across five countries representative of differing biogeographical regions (N = 3,190): Czech Republic (n = 649) (Continental); Spain (Mediterranean) (n = 623); Sweden (Boreal) (n = 645); Switzerland (Alpine) (n = 641); United Kingdom (UK) (Atlantic) (n = 632). Attitudes were measured using the Environmental Attitudes Inventory (EAI-24) on 2 factors (utilization; preservation) and perceived threat to the countryside on 1-factor (15 items). Multigroup regression analysis indicated that preservationist attitudes were associated with greater perceived threat to the countryside in all five countries. Higher perceived threat was associated with activities linked to environmental degradation, socio-economic uncertainty and risks in agri-food supply chains in all countries. The “bad behaviour of visitors” was the greatest perceived threat in the Czech Republic, Switzerland and the UK, while “lack of young farmers taking over farming” was the greatest perceived threat in Spain and Sweden. To promote pro-environmental attitudes and obtain greater public support for policies and interventions targeting environmental conservation, communication about environmental threats is needed, together with threat mitigation measures. Raising peoples’ awareness of threats to the countryside through targeted communications could promote pro-environment attitudes and potentially result in pro-environmental behaviours.
Prevalence of Chinook salmon is higher for southern than for northern resident killer whales in summer hot-spot feeding areas
Authors: Saygili Burak , Trites Andrew W.
Published: October 2024

Differences in the availability of prey may explain the low numbers of southern resident killer whales and the increase in northern resident killer whales in British Columbia and Washington State. However, in-situ data on the availability of their preferred prey (Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the core feeding areas used by these two populations of fish-eating killer whales have been lacking to test this hypothesis. We used multi-frequency echosounders (38, 70, 120, and 200 kHz) to estimate densities of adult Chinook (age-4+, > 81 cm) within 16 hot-spot feeding areas used by resident killer whales during summer 2020 in the Salish Sea and North Island Waters. We found Chinook were generally concentrated within 50 m from the bottom in the deep waters, and tended to be absent near the surface in the shallow waters (< 50 m). In general, the densities of Chinook we encountered were highest as the fish entered the Salish Sea (from Swiftsure Bank in the south) and Johnstone Strait (from Queen Charlotte Strait to the north)—and declined as fish migrated eastward along the shoreline of Vancouver Island. Median densities of Chinook for all sampled areas combined were 0.4 ind.·1000 m−2 in northern resident foraging areas, and 0.9 ind.·1000 m−2 in southern resident killer whale areas (p < 0.05, Mann–Whitney U test). Thus, Chinook salmon were twice as prevalent within the hot-spot feeding areas of southern versus northern resident killer whales. This implies that southern resident killer whales have greater access to Chinook salmon compared to northern residents during summer—and that any food shortage southern residents may be encountering is occurring at other times of year, or elsewhere in their range.
The Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS): An investigation of reliability, validity, and associations with clinical characteristics in psychiatric outpatients
Authors: Lundqvist Jakob , Lindberg Martin Schevik , Brattmyr Martin , Havnen Audun , Hjemdal Odin , Solem Stian
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study, the first to assess the reliability and validity of the Work and Social Assessment Scale (WSAS) in Norwegian routine mental health care, examines differences in functional impairment based on sick leave status, psychiatric diagnosis, and sex.

Method

Including 3573 individuals from community mental health services (n1 = 1157) and a psychiatric outpatient clinic (n2 = 2416), exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on subsample 1 and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on subsample 2 were utilized to replicate the identified factor structure.

Results

EFA supported a one-factor model, replicated by the CFA, with high internal consistency (α = .82, ω = .81). Patients on sick leave reported greater impairments in all aspects of functioning, except for relationships, with the largest effect size observed in the reported ability to work (d = .39). Psychiatric outpatients with major depressive disorder were associated with difficulties in home management, private leisure activities, and forming close relationships. Patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder reported less impairment than those with other disorders. Patients with personality disorders reported more relationship difficulties than those with PTSD, ADHD, and anxiety. No differences were found in the perceived ability to work between diagnoses. Women had a higher impairment in private leisure activities, whereas men reported more impairment in relationships.

Conclusion

The demonstrated reliability and validity suggest that WSAS is a valuable assessment tool in Norwegian routine mental health care. Variations in functional impairment across sick leave status, sex, and psychiatric diagnoses highlight the importance of integrating routine assessments of functional impairment into mental health care practices. Future research should combine WSAS with register data to allow for a broader understanding of treatment effectiveness, emphasizing improvements in functional outcomes alongside symptom alleviation.
Tilianin attenuates inflammasome activation in endothelial progenitor cells to mitigate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Miaomiao , Li Jiapeng , Hu Xu , Fu Mengmeng , Li Xiaoxue , Damdinjave Davaadagva , Xu Ming , Zheng Ruifang , Xing Jianguo
Published: October 2024

Tilianin (TIL), a bioactive component derived from Dracocephalum Moldavica L., has been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on the Nlrp3 inflammasome within endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) remain unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the role of TIL in modulating Nlrp3 inflammasome activation under MIRI conditions. A mouse model of MIRI was established to assess the therapeutic potential of TIL. EPCs treated with TIL at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 μM were administered into the myocardium before reperfusion. Additionally, the cardioprotective effects of TIL were further examined by pre-treating EPCs with the compound before exposing them to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) using cardiomyocyte supernatants. The impact on Nlrp3 inflammasome was assessed through western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Our results showed that TIL concentration-dependently inhibited Nlrp3 inflammasome-related protein levels,and inhibited Asc oligomerization and Asc-Speck complex formation in EPCs, resulting in improved the migratory capacity and vascular structure formation of EPCs. In addition, TIL-treated EPCs significantly attenuated I/R injury and improved cardiac function. These results suggest that TIL ameliorates the inflammatory response in EPCs by suppressing Nlrp3 inflammasome activation, thereby facilitating neovascularization in the myocardium and conferring protection against MIRI. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of TIL as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases linked to ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Association of self-reported periodontal disease and inequities with long haul COVID-19
Authors: Alhaffar Sara , Yalamanchi Sriha , Shukla Anubhuti
Published: October 2024

In 2000, the Surgeon General’s report highlighted that the mouth is a mirror for overall health of an individual and that disparities in oral health are directly proportionate to general health inequities. Among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are the most common comorbidities; several studies support the association of these conditions with periodontal disease. This study’s main aim is to assess the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations from lower socioeconomic statuses. The study also aims to assess the association of self-reported periodontal disease with COVID-19 disease course and severity. A sample population of Indiana residents with positive diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 were recruited. A validated survey tool was sent to this cohort inquiring about sociodemographic distribution; co-morbid conditions, current symptoms of “long haul COVID,” course of their COVID-19 infection; history of periodontal disease, existing periodontal disease symptoms, and oral hygiene habits. 209 individuals with a history of positive COVID test were returned to the survey, and association of participant characteristics and periodontal disease-related survey items with COVID-related survey items were evaluated using chi-square tests. Lower sense of smell ratings was associated with less education (p = 0.021), being unemployed/disabled (p = 0.008), worse health status (p<0.001), more frequent bleeding gums (p = 0.031), more frequent toothache (p<0.001), lower oral health rating (p = 0.002), and vaccine status (p = 0.011). Lower sense of taste ratings were associated with older age (p = 0.018), worse health (p<0.001), more frequent bleeding gums (p<0.001), more frequent mobile or loose tooth (p = 0.010), presence of gum disease (p<0.001), more frequent loss of teeth (p = 0.013), more frequent toothache (p<0.001), worse oral health (p = 0.001), teeth lost due to gum disease (p = 0.006), and vaccine status (p = 0.001). History of hospitalization due to COVID-19 was found to be associated with a history of gum disease within the past 12 months.
Comparison of perceived stress and oral health status using perceived stress scale and DMFT index between healthy, undiagnosed hypertensive, and known hypertensive dental patients
Authors: Atif Saira , Syed Uffaq , Rafiq Musarat , Fatima Ateeb , Rana Sadia , Tariq Madiha
Published: October 2024

Subtle and asymptomatic nature of high blood pressure results in increase in mortality and morbidity. Dentists may play a vital role in identifying patients with suspected hypertension who are not yet diagnosed to refer them timely to physicians for diagnosis and management of the condition. The aim of this study was to compare the oral health status using decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index and perceived stress score using perceived stress scale (PSS-10) between systemically healthy dental patients, and patients with undiagnosed and known hypertension attending dental out-patient department of Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Lahore Medical College & Institute of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan. It is a cross-sectional descriptive study in which 108 patients participated selected through purposive sampling method, 36 in each group. According to Kruskal Wallis H test, there were significant associations seen among the three groups with age (p < 0.001), DMFT (p < 0.001), and PSS-10 scores (p = 0.003). According to Spearman’s matrix correlations, moderate positive correlations were observed between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and DMFT (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), and MAP and age (r = 0.38, p = 0.001), DMFT and PSS-10 (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), and DMFT and age (r = 0.33, p = 0.004) in healthy and patients with undiagnosed hypertension. It may be concluded that patients with raised blood pressure have higher perceived stress and deteriorated oral health.
Bridging the gap between recommendation and reality: Improving dietary adherence of heart failure populations a cross-sectional study in Ethiopia
Authors: Tamir Takla , Nigussie Jemberu , Endawoke Migbaru
Published: October 2024

Background

Heart failure (HF), a complex condition arising from impaired ventricular function, necessitates strict adherence to dietary recommendations for optimal patient management. However, information regarding adherence and its influencing factors remains limited.

Aim

This study aimed to assess dietary recommendation adherence and its associated factors among HF patients at Southern Ethiopia public hospitals.

Methods and results

A cross-sectional study involving 521 participants employed systematic random sampling. Data collection utilized pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires and medical chart reviews. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi Data 3.1 and SPSS 20.0 software. Descriptive statistics were performed. Variables with p-values < 0.25 in binary logistic regression were included in multivariable logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Results are presented in text, tables, and figures.

With a 97.4% response rate, adherence ranged from 20.3% (vegetables and fruits) to 60.3% (fat-free diet). Only 8.1% achieved good adherence across all parameters, with overall adherence at 33.4% (95% CI: 29–37). Multivariable analysis revealed that patients aged 41–60 years (AOR: 1.7), with a history of admission (AOR: 2.5), free from comorbidities (AOR: 0.58), and possessing a favorable attitude (AOR: 0.45) had statistically significant associations with good adherence.

Conclusion

Dietary adherence among HF patients remains a challenge. Healthcare providers, particularly those in chronic follow-up settings, should prioritize improving patient attitudes towards proper dietary practices. Tailored education programs targeting younger patients and those free from comorbidities should be implemented. Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and staff recognition for effective client counseling are crucial.
Burden of leprosy and associated risk factors for disabilities in Tanzania from 2017 to 2020
Authors: Mrema George , Hussein Ally , Magoge Welema , Mmbaga Vida , Simba Azma , Balama Robert , Nkiligi Emmanuel , Shunda Paul , Kamara Deus , Kisonga Riziki , Kwesigabo Gideon
Published: October 2024

Background

Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae which affects skin, nerves, eyes, and nasal mucosa. Despite global elimination efforts, Tanzania remains among 13 countries reporting more than 1000 leprosy cases annually. In 2021, Tanzania identified 1,511 new cases, with 10% having grade II disability. Moreover, 14 councils recorded leprosy rates exceeding 10 cases per 100,000 population. This study aimed to assess the burden of leprosy and associated risk factors for disabilities in Tanzania from 2017 to 2020.

Methodology

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate all registered treated leprosy patients from January 2017 to December 2020. The Leprosy Burden Score (LBS) was used to assess the disease burden, while binary logistic regression was employed to evaluate the risk factors for disability.

Result

A total of 6,963 leprosy cases were identified from 2017 to 2020. During this period, the point prevalence of leprosy declined from 0.32 to 0.25 per 10,000 people, and the new case detection rate decreased from 3.1 to 2.4 per 100,000 people; however, these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Independent risk factors for leprosy-related disabilities included male sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.38, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.22–1.57), age 15 years and above (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.60–3.67), previous treatment history (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.69–2.82), and positive Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.11–2.30).

Conclusion

This study identified male sex, older age, positive HIV status, and prior treatment history as independent risk factors for leprosy-related disabilities. Additionally, despite the observed decline in point prevalence and new case detection rates, these changes were not statistically significant. To address leprosy-related disabilities, it is crucial to implement specific prevention strategies that focus on high-risk groups. This can be accomplished by enhancing screening and contact tracing efforts for early patient identification to prevent delays in intervention. Further research is warranted to analyze the burden of leprosy over a more extended period and to explore additional risk factors not covered in this study.
Association of lymphocyte count and serum albumin concentration with telomere length in Chinese sanitation workers
Authors: Song Xingxu , Lin Dafeng , Wang Dianpeng , Weng Shaofan , Qiu Shuyi , Zhou Wei , Xiao Aipin , Zhang Naixing
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to examine the association between inflammation-related indicators (IRIs) and telomere length (TL) in Chinese sanitation workers.

Methods

This study adopted a case-control design, conducted from January to December 2022 in Shenzhen, a city in eastern China. A total of 80 sanitation workers, as well as 80 matched controls, were randomly recruited from the Luohu district of Shenzhen city in China. Their blood samples were collected and analyzed for the IRIs and TL in the Medical Laboratory of Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases. The relationship between IRIs and TL was analyzed using multivariate linear regression, and their dose-response relationship was explored using restricted cubic spline analysis.

Results

The systemic inflammatory index (SII), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were significantly elevated in the sanitation workers in comparison to the controls. Moreover, the lymphocyte count (LYM), serum albumin concentration (ALB), and TL were found to be lower in the sanitation workers compared to the controls (P < 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, LYM was negatively correlated with TL in the sanitation workers (β = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.57, -0.05), whereas no correlation was observed in the controls. Furthermore, ALB demonstrated a non-linear relationship with TL in sanitation workers.

Conclusion

We found higher novel inflammatory markers (SII, PLR, and NLR) in the sanitation workers, and identified a correlation between LYM and ALB with shortened TL in them, providing new evidence for the effect of elevated inflammation on accelerated aging in Chinese sanitation workers.
The antioxidant betulinic acid enhances porcine oocyte maturation through Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway modulation
Authors: Kim Min Ju , Kang Hyo-Gu , Jeon Se-Been , Yun Ji Hyeon , Jeong Pil-Soo , Sim Bo-Woong , Kim Sun-Uk , Cho Seong-Keun , Song Bong-Seok
Published: October 2024

During in vitro maturation, excess levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a major cause of developmental defects in embryos. Betulinic acid (BA) is a naturally produced antioxidant in white birch bark. Recent studies have shown that BA exhibits antioxidant properties in various cells through the activation of antioxidant genes. Therefore, we investigated the effect of BA treatment on porcine oocytes and its underlying mechanism during oocyte maturation. Treatment with 0.1 μM BA significantly increased the proportion of MII oocytes compared with controls, and BA-treated oocytes had significantly higher development rates, trophectoderm cell numbers, and cell survival rates than controls. These results demonstrate that BA treatment improved the developmental competence of oocytes. Following BA treatment, oocytes exhibited reduced ROS levels and elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, accompanied by the enhanced expression of antioxidant genes, compared with control oocytes. To evaluate the antioxidant effects of BA, oocytes were exposed to H2O2, a potent ROS activator. Impaired nuclear maturation, ROS levels, and GSH levels induced in oocytes by H2O2 exposure was restored by BA treatment. As these antioxidant genes are regulated by the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, which is involved in antioxidant responses, we applied the Nrf2 inhibitor brusatol to investigate the effects of BA on this pathway. The negative effects of brusatol on meiotic maturation and oocyte quality, including levels of ROS, GSH, and antioxidant-related gene expression, were mitigated by BA treatment. Our results suggested that BA plays an effective role as an antioxidant in porcine oocyte maturation through adjusting the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. This finding provides valuable insights into the mechanisms governing oocyte maturation and embryonic development.
Scalp dose analysis for transient and permanent alopecia following conventional cranial irradiation using Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT): A prospective study
Authors: Jia-Mahasap Bongkot , Nobnop Wannapha , Sripan Patumrat , Tharavichitkul Ekkasit , Chakrabandhu Somvilai , Klunklin Pitchayaponne , Onchan Wimrak , Muangwong Pooriwat , Chitapanarux Imjai
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The dosimetry of scalp dose was prospectively studied and correlated with alopecia following conventional cranial irradiation in primary brain tumors patients.

Materials and methods

Patients with primary brain tumors who required conventional radiotherapy were enrolled. A hairline marker was applied to the patient’s scalp to identify the entire scalp region. The maximal dose to 2% volume of interest (D2) for the entire scalp region were obtained. The radiation dosages at the localized hair-loss areas were evaluated during the final week of RT (transient alopecia) and six months after completing RT (permanent alopecia). Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the dosimetric parameter values with statistical significance set as p < 0.05.

Results

Forty-eight patients were included in the analysis. The prescribed radiation doses ranged from 50.4 to 60.0 Gy. Thirty-two patients experienced alopecia (27 transient and 5 permanent). The median D2 values adjusted for the entire scalp were higher in the alopecia group (38.40 Gy for transient alopecia and 47.84 Gy for permanent alopecia vs 11.90 Gy for no alopecia, p < 0.001). The D2 value was determined as a predictive parameter for alopecia. The threshold values for transient and permanent alopecia over the entire scalp were 22.15 Gy and 36.81 Gy, respectively. At the localized hair-loss areas, the D2 values for transient and permanent alopecia were higher at 44.82 Gy and 50.00 Gy, respectively. The radiation intensity at the localized hair-loss areas was also related to the severity of alopecia, with D2 values of 35.14 Gy and 46.39 Gy for clinically assigned grade 1 and grade 2 transient alopecia, respectively, with the D2 value being even higher for permanent alopecia.

Conclusions

The D2 parameter value could be used to predict the type and severity of alopecia.
Sex and organ specific proteomic responses to vitamin C deficiency in the brain, heart, liver, and spleen of Gulo-/- mice
Authors: Aumailley Lucie , Lebel Michel
Published: October 2024

Recent advances in mass spectrometry have indicated that the water-soluble antioxidant vitamin C differentially modulates the abundance of various proteins in the hepatic tissue of female and male mice. In this study, we performed LC-MS/MS to identify and quantify proteins that correlate with serum vitamin C concentrations in the whole brain, heart, liver, and spleen tissues in mice deficient for the enzyme L-Gulonolactone oxidase required for vitamin C synthesis in mammals. This work shows for the first time that various biological processes affected by a vitamin C deficiency are not only sex specific dependent but also tissue specific dependent even though many proteins have been identified and quantified in more than three organs. For example, the abundance of several complex III subunits of the mitochondrial electron transport chain correlated positively with the levels of serum vitamin C only in the liver and not in the other tissues examined in this study even though such proteins were identified in all the organs analyzed. Western blot analyses on the Uqcrc1 and Uqcrfs1 complex III subunits validated the mass spectrometry results. Interestingly, the ferritin subunits represented the few quantified protein complexes that correlated positively with serum vitamin C in all the organs examined. Concomitantly, serum ferritin light chain 1 was inversely correlated with vitamin C levels in the serum. Thus, our study provides an initial comprehensive atlas of proteins significantly correlating with vitamin C in four organs in mice that will be a useful resource to the scientific community.