bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the STarTBack stratified treatment approach for low back pain: exploring study-level factors potentially explaining differences in results of studies – a literature review
Authors: Han Christopher S , Hancock Mark J , Jones Caitlin M P , Maher Christopher G
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore if there are differences in the design and/or conduct of studies that have tested the STarTBack treatment approach for the management of low back pain (LBP), potentially explaining differences in study results.

Design

A literature review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE were searched from inception to 26 July 2023.

Eligibility criteria

We included studies that included (1) participants with LBP and/or leg pain, (2) randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical trials and interrupted time series designs, (3) used the STarTBack Tool to stratify participants into subgroups and (4) studies provided matched treatments according to participants STarTBack score.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two review authors independently reviewed the search results and extracted data into the data extraction form. Due to the exploratory nature of this study, results are presented descriptively.

Results

11 studies conducted across 5 countries were included. There were substantial differences in the proportion of participants allocated to the different risk groups; low-risk group (range: 19%–58%), medium risk group (range: 31%–52%) and high-risk group (range: 6%–38%). There were large differences between studies in the implementation of the STarTBack approach. The original STarTBack trial (Hillet al,2011) had a more explanatory design while in many subsequent studies, the design was more pragmatic/real world. Only the two original studies provided clear evidence that the implementation of the STarTBack tool led to a higher proportion of participants receiving matched treatment. In the other studies, there was no evidence of a difference, or it was unclear. In two studies, a researcher made the decision about which matched treatment participants received based on the STartTback Tool, while in nine studies, this was done by a clinician. Most studies recommended the same matched treatment for each risk group as per the original study except for a small number of studies. Only three studies reported whether the clinician delivering matched treatment followed the recommended treatment as per the tool. There was substantial variability in the training clinicians received.

Conclusions

Reporting of important study-level factors (eg, differences in study design, whether clinicians were trained and how the tool was used in each study) in how the STarTBack approach was implemented was unclear. There is some suggestion that key factors may include the individual who implemented the STarTBack tool, whether the recommendations of the tool were followed, the amount of training the clinician delivering the matched treatment received, and whether clinicians actually delivered the matched treatment.
Evaluating health-related quality of life in Ethiopia: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of EQ-5D-based studies
Authors: Baye Tenaw , Gebrie Desye , Ashagrie Getachew , Kassaw Abebe Tarekegn , Girmaw Fentaw
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Understanding the broad aspect of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is essential to knowing how health problems affect individuals’ overall well-being. Evaluating HRQoL is very important in Ethiopia’s diverse healthcare setting. This protocol describes a meta-analysis and systematic review that uses the EQ-5D instrument to examine HRQoL in Ethiopia.

Methods

The study will follow Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines, conducting a systematic literature search across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane library and Scopus using keywords like ‘quality of life’, ‘QoL’, ‘health-related quality of life’, ‘HRQoL’, ‘EQ-5D’, ‘EQ-5D-3L’, ‘EQ-5D-5L’, ‘EuroQol’, ‘five dimensions’ and/or ‘Ethiopia’. The STATA will be used to pool the mean EQ-5D utility and EQ-VAS scores for a specific disease using the random-effect (Der Simonian–Laird estimator method) and fixed-effect (inverse variance method) models. The quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies developed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute will be used for quality assessment.

Ethics and dissemination

Publicly accessible previously published articles will be included in the research. Therefore, doing this study does not require ethical approval. The protocol offers transparency and adherence to research standards because it is registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024505028). Peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations are dissemination plans.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024505028.
Spatiotemporal Patterns in a Space–Time Discrete SIRS Epidemic Model with Self- and Cross-Diffusion
Authors: Salman Sanaa Moussa , Han Renji
Published: June 2024

In this work, a two-dimensional Coupled Map Lattice (CML) method is applied to a continuous Reaction–Diffusion (RD) SIRS epidemic model. The model involves a complex, nonlinear incidence rate and the spatially heterogeneous self- and cross-diffusion coefficients. The CML method applied here results in a space–time discrete counterpart of the model. The basic reproduction number is derived, and the local stability of the fixed points of the discrete model is established. The two typical bifurcations of codimension 1, such as the flip and the Neimark–Sacker (NS) bifurcations, are investigated by utilizing the center manifold theory and the normal form theorem. Furthermore, the codimension-2 fold–flip bifurcation about the endemic fixed point is discussed in detail. Turing instability criterion of the cross-diffusion epidemic model is established by utilizing the CML method under periodic boundary conditions. Finally, the numerical simulations clarify both the effectiveness of all theoretical findings and the effects of time step size and cross-diffusion on the spatiotemporal patterns. The main contribution of this work is the discovery of some interesting Turing and non-Turing patterns which may be induced by flip–Turing instability, NS–Turing instability or fold–flip–Turing instability. Concretely speaking, spiral patterns are observed near the flip bifurcation threshold value and ultimately evolve into an irregular defect pattern. Stripe pattern, labyrinth pattern and circular pattern are observed near the NS bifurcation threshold value. The disorderly interwoven ribbon pattern, mosaic pattern and some irregular oscillatory patterns are observed near the fold–flip bifurcation point. Our results greatly help in predicting the long-term behavior of the space–time discrete SIRS epidemic model under study.
An IOV Spectrum Sharing Approach based on Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: qian Haizhong , Cai Lili
Published: June 2024

Highly dynamic Internet of Vehicles spectrum sharing can share spectrum owned by vehicle-to-infrastructure links through multiple workshop links to achieve efficient resource allocation. Aiming at the problem that the rapid variations in channel states in highly dynamic vehicular environments can make it challenging for base stations to gather and manage information about instantaneous channel states, we present a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning-based V2X spectrum access algorithm. The algorithm is designed to optimize the throughput of V2I user under V2V user delay and reliability constraints, and uses the experience gained from interacting with the communication environment to update the Q network to improve spectrum and power allocation strategies. Implicit collaborative agents are trained through an improved DQN model combined with dueling network architecture and long short-term memory network layers and public rewards. With lagged Q-learning and concurrent experience replay trajectories, the training process was stabilized and the non-stationarity problem caused by concurrent learning of multiple agents was resolved. Simulation results demonstrate that our presented algorithm achieves a mean successful payload delivery rate of 95.89%, which is 16.48% greater than that of the randomized baseline algorithm. Our algorithm obtains approximately the optimal value and shows performance close to the centralized brute force algorithm, which provides a better strategy for further minimizing the signaling overhead of the Internet of Vehicles communication system.
A Grey Prediction‐Based Reproduction Strategy for Many‐Objective Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Wei Li-Sen , Li Er-Chao
Published: June 2024

Many‐objective evolutionary algorithms (MaOEAs) consisted of environmental selection and reproduction operator. However, few studies focus on how to design reproduction operators to improve the performance of MaOEAs. In this paper, a reproduction operator based on grey prediction is proposed for MaOEAs, named GPRS. Specifically, the grey prediction assisted by reference vector is first used to get the target location. Then, a fine regulation is designed to generate potential solutions by handling the different information further. Finally, a gene sharing strategy is executed to accelerate the convergence by information exchange. The effectiveness of the proposed reproduction strategy is validated by comparing it with five widely used reproduction operators by embedding into a classical framework NSGAIII. At the same time, an improved NSGAIIIGPRS is developed by embedding the proposed GPRS and compared with seven excellent algorithms on a number of benchmark problems and one practical application. The final experimental results show that the proposed GPRS has significant advantages over similar reproduction strategies, and the improved NSGAIIGRPS is more effective compared with other excellent algorithms in handling many‐objective optimization problem.
The N6-methyladenosine Epitranscriptomic Landscape of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Shiyan , Zeng Yong , Zhu Lin , Zhang Min , Zhou Lei , Yang Weixiong , Luo Weishan , Wang Lina , Liu Yanming , Zhu Helen , Xu Xin , Su Peiran , Zhang Xinyue , Ahmed Musaddeque , Chen Wei , Chen Moliang , Chen Sujun , Slobodyanyuk Mykhaylo , Xie Zhongpeng , Guan Jiansheng , Zhang Wen , Khan Aafaque Ahmad , Sakashita Shingo , Liu Ni , Pham Nhu-An , Boutros Paul C. , Ke Zunfu , Moran Michael F. , Cai Zongwei , Cheng Chao , Yu Jun , Tsao Ming S. , He Housheng H.
Published: June 2024

Comprehensive N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epitranscriptomic profiling of primary tumors remains largely uncharted. Here, we profiled the m6A epitranscriptome of 10 nonneoplastic lung tissues and 51 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tumors, integrating the corresponding transcriptomic, proteomic, and extensive clinical annotations. We identified distinct clusters and genes that were exclusively linked to disease progression through m6A modifications. In comparison with nonneoplastic lung tissues, we identified 430 transcripts to be hypo-methylated and 222 to be hyper-methylated in tumors. Among these genes, EML4 emerged as a novel metastatic driver, displaying significant hypermethylation in tumors. m6A modification promoted the translation of EML4, leading to its widespread overexpression in primary tumors. Functionally, EML4 modulated cytoskeleton dynamics by interacting with ARPC1A, enhancing lamellipodia formation, cellular motility, local invasion, and metastasis. Clinically, high EML4 protein abundance correlated with features of metastasis. METTL3 small-molecule inhibitor markedly diminished both EML4 m6A and protein abundance and efficiently suppressed lung metastases in vivo.

Significance: Our study reveals a dynamic and functional epitranscriptomic landscape in LUAD, offering a valuable resource for further research in the field. We identified EML4 hypermethylation as a key driver of tumor metastasis, highlighting a novel therapeutic strategy of targeting EML4 to prevent LUAD metastasis.
Supplementary Table 3 from Transcriptome Deconvolution Reveals Absence of Cancer Cell Expression Signature in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response
Authors: Guo Yu Amanda , Kulshrestha Tanmay , Chang Mei Mei , Kassam Irfahan , Revkov Egor , Rizzetto Simone , Tan Aaron C. , Tan Daniel S.W. , Tan Iain Beehuat , Skanderup Anders J.
Published: June 2024

Data source of the ICB cohort.
Supplementary Table 1 from Transcriptome Deconvolution Reveals Absence of Cancer Cell Expression Signature in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response
Authors: Guo Yu Amanda , Kulshrestha Tanmay , Chang Mei Mei , Kassam Irfahan , Revkov Egor , Rizzetto Simone , Tan Aaron C. , Tan Daniel S.W. , Tan Iain Beehuat , Skanderup Anders J.
Published: June 2024

Clinical characteristics of the study cohorts.
Supplementary Figure 7 from Transcriptome Deconvolution Reveals Absence of Cancer Cell Expression Signature in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response
Authors: Guo Yu Amanda , Kulshrestha Tanmay , Chang Mei Mei , Kassam Irfahan , Revkov Egor , Rizzetto Simone , Tan Aaron C. , Tan Daniel S.W. , Tan Iain Beehuat , Skanderup Anders J.
Published: June 2024

Correlations between the abundance of immune cell subtypes with the gene expression of top stromal biomarkers in individual cohorts.
FIGURE 5 from Transcriptome Deconvolution Reveals Absence of Cancer Cell Expression Signature in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response
Authors: Guo Yu Amanda , Kulshrestha Tanmay , Chang Mei Mei , Kassam Irfahan , Revkov Egor , Rizzetto Simone , Tan Aaron C. , Tan Daniel S.W. , Tan Iain Beehuat , Skanderup Anders J.
Published: June 2024

Analysis of ligand and receptor expression of immune modulators. Inferred ligand and receptor expression in the cancer and stroma compartments for immune checkpoint–related proteins (A) and cytokines (B). Heat maps are colored by the signed −log10(P-value) of differential expression between ICB responders and nonresponders (permutation test). Tiles with no differential expression (P-value >0.1) were colored gray. In the consensus heat maps, the median signed log10(P-value) were plotted for genes that were differentially expressed in three out of four ICB cohorts. The immune checkpoint pairs were annotated by the likely immune cell types as well as the effect of the checkpoint interaction (activating or inhibitory).
FIGURE 4 from Transcriptome Deconvolution Reveals Absence of Cancer Cell Expression Signature in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response
Authors: Guo Yu Amanda , Kulshrestha Tanmay , Chang Mei Mei , Kassam Irfahan , Revkov Egor , Rizzetto Simone , Tan Aaron C. , Tan Daniel S.W. , Tan Iain Beehuat , Skanderup Anders J.
Published: June 2024

DEGs between responders and nonresponders in the cancer compartment. A, Heat map of genes consistently differentially expressed across discovery cohorts in the cancer cells. Heat maps are colored by the log2 fold change of gene expression. P-values of individual cohorts are combined using the Fisher method, and the −log10(meta P-value) is presented in the bar plot. Genes with q-value <0.01 and P-value <0.1 at least one ICB cohort are shown. B, Bar plot shows the number of significant genes found in the stroma and cancer compartment at different q-value cutoffs. Pathway analysis of genes with cancer-specific expression differences in gastric cancer (C) and urothelial cancer (E). Bar plots of deconvoluted cancer expression of DEGs in the top enriched pathway in gastric cancer (D) and urothelial cancer (F). Error bars represent estimated SE.
FIGURE 2 from Transcriptome Deconvolution Reveals Absence of Cancer Cell Expression Signature in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response
Authors: Guo Yu Amanda , Kulshrestha Tanmay , Chang Mei Mei , Kassam Irfahan , Revkov Egor , Rizzetto Simone , Tan Aaron C. , Tan Daniel S.W. , Tan Iain Beehuat , Skanderup Anders J.
Published: June 2024

DEGs and pathways between responders and nonresponders in the stroma. A, Heat map of genes consistently differentially expressed across discovery cohorts in the stroma. Heat maps are colored by the log2 fold change of gene expression. P-values of individual cohorts are combined using the Fisher method, and the −log10(meta P-value) is presented in the bar plot. Genes with q-value <0.01 and P-value <0.1 at least one ICB cohort are shown. B, Bar plots of deconvoluted stromal expression of the top DEGs. Error bars represent estimated SE. C, Pathway enrichment of DEGs in the stroma. Bar plot shows the −log10(P-value) of significantly enriched pathways. Similar pathways are grouped by color. D, Network representation of enriched pathways. Large nodes represent enriched pathways. Pathways with high similarity are fused and shown in the same color. Small nodes represent genes associated with each pathway.
FIGURE 1 from Transcriptome Deconvolution Reveals Absence of Cancer Cell Expression Signature in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response
Authors: Guo Yu Amanda , Kulshrestha Tanmay , Chang Mei Mei , Kassam Irfahan , Revkov Egor , Rizzetto Simone , Tan Aaron C. , Tan Daniel S.W. , Tan Iain Beehuat , Skanderup Anders J.
Published: June 2024

Data summary and schematic of workflow for the analysis of determinants of immunotherapy response.
Data from Transcriptome Deconvolution Reveals Absence of Cancer Cell Expression Signature in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response
Authors: Guo Yu Amanda , Kulshrestha Tanmay , Chang Mei Mei , Kassam Irfahan , Revkov Egor , Rizzetto Simone , Tan Aaron C. , Tan Daniel S.W. , Tan Iain Beehuat , Skanderup Anders J.
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Immune checkpoint therapy (ICB) has conferred significant and durable clinical benefit to some patients with cancer. However, most patients do not respond to ICB, and reliable biomarkers of ICB response are needed to improve patient stratification. Here, we performed a transcriptome-wide meta-analysis across 1,486 tumors from ICB-treated patients and tumors with expected ICB outcomes based on microsatellite status. Using a robust transcriptome deconvolution approach, we inferred cancer- and stroma-specific gene expression differences and identified cell-type specific features of ICB response across cancer types. Consistent with current knowledge, stromal expression of CXCL9, CXCL13, and IFNG were the top determinants of favorable ICB response. In addition, we identified a group of potential immune-suppressive genes, including FCER1A, associated with poor response to ICB. Strikingly, PD-L1 expression in stromal cells, but not cancer cells, is correlated with ICB response across cancer types. Furthermore, the unbiased transcriptome-wide analysis failed to identify cancer-cell intrinsic expression signatures of ICB response conserved across tumor types, suggesting that cancer cells lack tissue-agnostic transcriptomic features of ICB response.
Significance:
Our results challenge the prevailing dogma that cancer cells present tissue-agnostic molecular markers that modulate immune activity and ICB response, which has implications on the development of improved ICB diagnostics and treatments.
Woody flora of Karumpuliyuthu Hill, Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, India: a checklist
Authors: K. Lalithalakshmi  , A. Selvam  , M. Udayakumar
Published: June 2024

Qualitative field surveys were conducted to record the woody plant (tree, shrub, and liana) wealth in Karumpuliyuthu Hill, Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu. All the recorded species were confirmed with regional floras. The qualitative field survey allowed us to record 42 species in 32 genera and 19 families. The family Fabaceae had a large number of species (13 species) in the study area. The present study adds valuable information about the occurrence of 42 woody plant species in a tropical thorn forest ecosystem. The woody plant community is dominated by native plants, and only three are introduced. Nearly half of the recorded species produce fleshy fruits, thus providing food to small mammals and birds.
Empirical evidence of Tiger Panthera tigris (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) dispersal towards south from Similipal Tiger Reserve to Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary: potential implications for its conservation in the Greater Similipal Landscape
Authors: Rathore Harshvardhan Singh , Pati Jagyandatt , Gowda Samrat , D.N. Sai Kiran  , M. Yogajayananda  , Jhala Yadvendradev V. , Nair Manoj V. , Pandav Bivash , Mondol Samrat
Published: June 2024

India has achieved a rare global conservation success by doubling its Tiger Panthera tigris number since 2006. However, in India’s east-central states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand the tiger numbers are declining. The tiger population in Odisha is largely confined to Similipal Tiger Reserve which represents the only known breeding population of a genetically unique wild melanistic form. We report a first empirically confirmed tiger dispersal event towards the south between Similipal Tiger Reserve and adjacent Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary as part of our intensive monitoring exercise conducted from 2019–2022. This evidence-based dispersal event confirms tiger presence in Kuldiha after 11 recent years and urges strong support for tiger conservation in the Greater Similipal Landscape. In order to ensure long-term tiger presence in this landscape, we suggest more rigorous management interventions like habitat restoration and management, prey recovery, intensive protection measures, conflict management, and creation of inviolate space.
Lasioptera sharma, a new species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) feeding on Leea indica (Vitaceae) in India
Authors: Duraikannu Vasanthakumar  , Loganathan Rajiv , Palanisamy Senthilkumar
Published: June 2024

A new species of gall midge associated with the leaves of Leea indica (Burm.fil.) Merr. (Vitaceae) is described and illustrated. Two species of Lasioptera have been reported from the plant genus Leea so far and the present species is the third one, known to cause galls on the leaves of Leea indica. The type specimens are deposited in the National Zoological Collection, Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Pune, India.
New distribution records of two jumping spiders of the genus Stenaelurillus Simon, 1886 (Araneae: Salticidae) from Gujarat, India
Authors: Parmar Subhash I. , Pandya Pranav J. , Prajapati Dhruv A.
Published: June 2024

The jumping spider genus Stenaelurillus Simon, 1886, belonging to the tribe Aelurillini (Maddison, 2015), is widely distributed and currently comprises 59 known species (World Spider Catalog 2024).  Through recent investigations, we have identified two additional species of the genus Stenaelurillus that have not been documented in Gujarat state before. This paper therefore presents the new records and documentation of S. marusiki Logunov, 2001, and S. vyaghri Sanap, Joglekar & Caleb, 2022, marking their first appearances in Gujarat, India.
A Bibliometric and Literature Review on Unconventional Work Arrangements: Moonlighting
Authors: Sharma Vandana , Rajani Mrs.
Published: June 2024

Traditional job security is no longer guaranteed in today’s rapidly changing job market. The COVID-19 crisis has made this even more evident, leading many workers to look for additional jobs to meet their personal needs and secure a stable source of income. The COVID-19 crisis reshaped the job landscape, and unconventional work arrangements like moonlighting have gained popularity. This study focuses on ‘moonlighting’, where individuals take on extra jobs to secure their financial future. We conducted comprehensive research utilising both bibliometric and literature reviews. Our investigation involved analysing 177 relevant documents identified from the Scopus database spanning 45 years. Biblioshiny, an RStudio software, analyses and visualises connections between papers and research studies through network diagrams. The findings reveal ‘Jean Kimmel’ as the most productive and efficient author, and the United States stands at the forefront of moonlighting studies, with their research studies leading the way. Applied economics is the major source in the field of moonlighting. Our contribution to the area of moonlighting in India is new and scarcely researched and published. This concept in India is specifically of concern in the IT industry, where moonlighting is catching fire because of legality issues.
Molecular prevalence and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in cancer patients under chemotherapy in Aegean region of Türkiye
Authors: Aksoy Gökmen Ayşegül , Öncü Öner Tülay , Erkunt Alak Sedef , Koçkaya Ecem Su , Güvendi Mervenur , Karabey Mehmet , Alacacıoğlu Ahmet , Pektaş Bayram , Değirmenci Döşkaya Aysu , Karakavuk Muhammet , Döşkaya Mert , Ün Cemal , Gürüz Adnan Yüksel , Kaya Selçuk , Can Hüseyin
Published: June 2024

Background

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common species found in humans. Although E. bieneusi has been investigated in humans, genotype profile of E. bieneusi is not known in Türkiye.

Methods

In this study, we screened E. bieneusi in patients (n = 94) with different types of malignant solid tumors by Real Time PCR and then sequenced E. bieneusi positive samples. All cancer patients were undergoing chemotherapy and had diarrhea. Moreover, as control groups, we also screened E. bieneusi in patients with diarrhea (n = 50) and without diarrhea (n = 50).

Results

Among all patients analyzed, 33 (17%) were found to be E. bieneusi-positive. As the patients were categorized, the molecular prevalence of E. bieneusi increased to 25.5% among cancer patients with diarrhea. However, the molecular prevalence of E. bieneusi was found to be lower in patients with presenting only diarrhea (8%) and patients without diarrhea (10%). The high molecular prevalence value detected among cancer patients with diarrhea was also statistically significant compared to other patient groups (P = 0.00112 and P = 0.0269). Among the 33 Real Time PCR positive samples, 10 of them were amplified by nested PCR and among these 10 samples, 6 of them were successfully genotyped. The phylogenetic tree showed the presence of D and Type IV which were also identified in stray cats living in İzmir in our previous study.

Conclusions

High molecular prevalence value indicates the importance of screening stool samples of cancer patients with diarrhea for E. bieneusi and genotyping results indicate that D and Type IV are circulating between humans and cats.
Antibacterial activity and mechanisms of D-3263 against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Liu Xiaoju , Xiong Yanpeng , Peng Renhai , Zhang Yufang , Cai Shuyu , Deng Qiwen , Yu Zhijian , Wen Zewen , Chen Zhong , Hou Tieying
Published: June 2024

Multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections necessitate novel antibiotic development. D-3263, a transient receptor potential melastatin member 8 (TRPM8) agonist, has potential antineoplastic properties. Here, we reported the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of D-3263. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against S. aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium were ≤ 50 µM. D-3263 exhibited bactericidal effects against clinical methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and E. faecalis strains at 4× MIC. Subinhibitory D-3263 concentrations effectively inhibited S. aureus and E. faecalis biofilms, with higher concentrations also clearing mature biofilms. Proteomic analysis revealed differential expression of 29 proteins under 1/2 × MIC D-3263, influencing amino acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, D-3263 enhanced membrane permeability of S. aureus and E. faecalis. Bacterial membrane phospholipids phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and cardiolipin (CL) dose-dependently increased D-3263 MICs. Overall, our data suggested that D-3263 exhibited potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against S. aureus by targeting the cell membrane.
Efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloons in chronic total coronary occlusion recanalization: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yuhao , Wang Ping , Zheng Ze , Ma Qin , Shi Yuchen , Liu Jinghua
Published: June 2024

Background

With advancements in chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) recanalization techniques and concepts, the success rate of recanalization has been steadily increasing. However, the current data are too limited to draw any reliable conclusions about the efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) in CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Herein, we conducted a meta-analysis to confirm the efficacy of DCB in CTO PCI.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science and Embase from inception to July 25, 2023. The primary outcome was major advent cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and target vessel revascularization (TVR). The follow-up angiographic endpoints were late lumen enlargement (LLE), reocclusion and restenosis.

Results

Five studies with a total of 511 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Across studies, patients were predominantly male (72.9-85.7%) and over fifty years old. The summary estimate rate of MACE was 13.0% (95% CI 10.1%-15.9%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.428). The summary estimate rates of cardiac death and MI were 2.2% (95% CI 0.7%-3.7%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.873) and 1.2% (95% CI -0.2-2.6%, I2 = 13.7%, p = 0.314), respectively. Finally, the pooled incidences of TLR and TVR were 10.1% (95% CI 5.7%-14.5%, I2 = 51.7%, p = 0.082) and 7.1% (95% CI 3.0%-11.2%, I2 = 57.6%, p = 0.070), respectively. Finally, the summary estimate rates of LLE, reocclusion and restenosis were 59.4% (95% CI 53.5–65.3%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.742), 3.3% (95% CI 1.1–5.4%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.865) and 17.5% (95% CI 12.9–22.0%, I2 = 0%, p = 0.623), respectively.

Conclusion

Accordingly, DCB has the potential to be used as a treatment for CTO in suitable patients.
‘First of all, I need training’: a qualitative study evaluating the Fiji community health worker training program
Authors: Thio Samuel , Tesema Azeb Gebresilassie , Patel Bindu , Vakaloloma Unise , Wilson Colleen , Joshi Rohina
Published: June 2024

Background

Fiji faces a growing burden of diseases and a significant emigration of health workers, heightening the role of community health workers (CHWs) in healthcare delivery. Effective training is crucial for CHWs to enhance their capacity and service quality. This study evaluates CHW training in Fiji, aiming to identify areas for improvement.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted, encompassing a review of national policies on CHW training, six focus group discussions, and interviews with CHWs and their supervisors across Fijian subdivisions. This study was collaboratively designed with Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS). Data was transcribed, coded, and thematically analysed using the Community Health Workers Assessment and Improvement Matrix (CHW-AIM).

Findings

While CHW training policies in Fiji are well-established, discrepancies exist between the policy and its implementation. Challenges include inconsistent training for new recruits, limited resources, and variability in training content and frequency of training across divisions, especially concerning noncommunicable disease (NCD) training.

Interpretation

To enhance the CHW training program in Fiji, a restructuring and standardisation of both pre-service and in-service training is necessary, tailored to the needs of each division. Investment in ongoing capacity building, alongside the development and revision of training guidelines, particularly for managing NCD complications in the community, is crucial. Implementing these changes will enable CHWs in Fiji to be better equipped for providing essential community-based care.
Safety and feasibility of liver resection including major hepatectomy for geriatric patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Kanno Hiroki , Hashimoto Kazuaki , Sakai Hisamune , Ogata Toshiro , Fukutomi Shogo , Akashi Masanori , Goto Yuichi , Aoyagi Takeshi , Taniguchi Masahiko , Hisaka Toru
Published: June 2024

Background

It is unclear whether hepatectomy, which ranges in invasiveness from partial to major hepatectomy, is safe and feasible for older adult patients. Therefore, we compared its postoperative complications and long-term outcomes between younger and older adult patients.

Methods

Patients who underwent hepatectomies for hepatocellular carcinoma (N = 883) were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: aged < 75 years (N = 593) and ≥ 75 years (N = 290). Short-term outcomes and prognoses were compared between the groups in the entire cohort. The same analyses were performed for the major hepatectomy cohort.

Results

In the entire cohort, no significant differences were found in complications between patients aged < 75 and ≥ 75 years, and the multivariate analysis did not reveal age as a prognostic factor for postoperative complications. However, overall survival was significantly worse in older patients, although no significant differences were noted in time to recurrence or cancer-specific survival. In the multivariate analyses of time to recurrence, overall survival, and cancer-specific survival, although older age was an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival, it was not a prognostic factor for time to recurrence and cancer-specific survival. In the major hepatectomy subgroup, short- and long-term outcomes, including time to recurrence, overall survival, and cancer-specific survival, did not differ significantly between the age groups. In the multivariate analysis, age was not a significant prognostic factor for complications, time to recurrence, overall survival, or cancer-specific survival.

Conclusion

Hepatectomy, including minor and major hepatectomy, may be safe and oncologically feasible options for selected older adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Exploring factors influencing delayed first antibiotic treatment for suspected early-onset sepsis in preterm newborns: a study before quality improvement initiative
Authors: Chen Jun , Fang Xiaoling , Liu Weidong , Huang Chaomei , Dai Yiheng
Published: June 2024

Background

Early-onset sepsis (EOS) is a serious illness that affects preterm newborns, and delayed antibiotic initiation may increase the risk of adverse outcomes.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to examine the present time of antibiotic administration in preterm infants with suspected EOS and the factors that contribute to delayed antibiotic initiation.

Methods

In this retrospective study in China, a total of 82 early preterm infants with suspected EOS between December 2021 and March 2023 were included. The study utilized a linear regression analytical approach to identify independent factors that contribute to delayed antibiotic administration.

Results

The mean gestational age and birth weight of the study population were 29.1 ± 1.4 weeks and 1265.7 ± 176.8 g, respectively. The median time of initial antibiotic administration was 3.8 (3.1-5.0) hours. Linear regression revealed that severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (β = 0.07, P = 0.013), penicillin skin test (PST) timing (β = 0.06, P < 0.001) and medical order timing (β = 0.04, P = 0.017) were significantly associated with the initial timing of antibiotic administration.

Conclusions

There is an evident delay in antibiotic administration in preterm infants with suspected EOS in our unit. Severe RDS, PST postponement and delayed medical orders were found to be associated with the delayed use of antibiotics, which will be helpful for quality improvement efforts in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Feeding modalities, HIV transmission and its predictors among HIV-exposed infants visited Gamo and Gofa zones public health facilities, Southern Ethiopia: a retrospective follow up study
Authors: Belete Nigus Kabtu , Megersa Nega Degefa , Hebo Sultan Hussen , Animut Megbaru Debalkie , Tariku Eshetu Zerihun
Published: June 2024

Background

Despite the highest (88%) Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV coverage in Eastern Africa, 50% of new HIV infections in children aged 0–14 years occur in the region.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the feeding modalities, the rate of HIV transmission and its predictors among HIV exposed infants (HIV-EIs) visited Gamo and Gofa Zones public health facilities, Southern Ethiopia from January 2013 to February 2019.

Method and materials

Institution-based retrospective follow up study was employed among 450 HIV-EIs having DNA/PCR test results. All infant-mother pair records in selected health facilities were reviewed using a standard data extraction tool from March to July 2019. HIV transmission probabilities were assessed by Kaplan–Meier time-to-event analysis method and log-rank tests were used to compare the risk among different groups. The Cox-proportional hazards model, adjusted on infant feeding modalities and other co-variants was used to identify predictors of HIV transmission, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05.

Results

In total, 383 complete records were analyzed. In the study, 85.6% (95%CI: 81.6%, 89.1%) of HIV-EIs were exclusively breastfed in the first six months. The 18 months probability of infant HIV transmission was 64 (16.7%) (95%CI: 13.1%–20.8%). The risk of HIV-transmission was higher among infants who were delivered at the hospital than health centers/health posts (AHR = 3.07; 95%CI: 1.19, 7.95); discontinued Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in at least one visit (AHR = 6.32; 95%CI: 3.35, 11.94); did not exclusively breastfeed (AHR = 3.07; 95%CI: 1.72, 5.47) and came from urban areas (AHR = 5.90; 95%CI: 1.40, 24.85).

Conclusions

The study showed that HIV-EIs had a greater rate of 18 months HIV transmission than the national pooled prevalence. The risk of transmission is higher among infants who do not breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months, and the risk increases with the number of months spent by breastfeeding. Therefore, strengthening counselling on safer feeding options and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis use; provision of quality PMTCT service with special focus in hospitals and urban residents were recommended.
‘Doing culture’ in contemporary south-eastern Australia: how Indigenous people are creating and maintaining strong cultural identities for improved health and wellbeing
Authors: Tootell Naomi , McGaw Janet , Patten Uncle Herb , Vance Alasdair
Published: June 2024

Background

Indigenous people in Australia experience far poorer health than non-Indigenous Australians. A growing body of research suggests that Indigenous people who are strong in their cultural identity experience better health than those who are not. Yet little is known about how Indigenous people create and maintain strong cultural identities in the contemporary context. This paper explores how Indigenous people in south-eastern Australia create and maintain strong cultural identities to support their health and wellbeing.

Methods

Data were collected from 44 Indigenous people living in the south-eastern Australian state of Victoria via yarning. Yarning is a cultural mode of conversation that privileges Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being. Yarning participants were selected for their prominence within Victorian Indigenous health services and/or their prominence within the Victorian Indigenous community services sector more broadly. Due to the restrictions of COVID-19, yarns were conducted individually online via Zoom. Data were analysed employing constructivist grounded theory, which was the overarching qualitative research methodology.

Results

All yarning participants considered maintaining a strong cultural identity as vital to maintaining their health and wellbeing. They did this via four main ways: knowing one’s Mob and knowing one’s Country; connecting with one’s own Mob and with one’s own Country; connecting with Community and Country more broadly; and connecting with the more creative and/or expressive elements of Culture. Importantly, these practices are listed in order of priority. Indigenous people who either do not know their Mob or Country, or for whom the connections with their own Mob and their own Country are weak, may therefore be most vulnerable. This includes Stolen Generations survivors, their descendants, and others impacted by historical and contemporary child removal practices.

Conclusions

The yarns reveal some of the myriad practical ways that Indigenous people maintain a strong cultural identity in contemporary south-eastern Australia. While programs designed to foster connections to Community, Country and/or Culture may benefit all Indigenous participants, those most disconnected from their Ancestral roots may benefit most. Further research is required to determine how best to support Indigenous Victorians whose connections to their own Mob and their own Country are unable to be (re)built.
Perception of Korean healthy adolescents on cancer and adolescent cancer survivors: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hyun Min Kyung , Lee Yeonseung , Lee Hyun Jeong , Kim Young Ae
Published: June 2024

Background

As the number of adolescent cancer survivors increases, detailed and effective healthcare policies on adolescent cancer survivors returning to school and workplace are needed. The study aimed to explore the perception of healthy adolescents on cancer and adolescent cancer survivors.

Methods

This study conducted a face-to-face cross-sectional study in the Republic of Korea in 2021 on adolescent selected through proportional population allocation sampling by sex, age, and region. According to research questions, survey questionnaire organized and collected data on adolescents' perceptions of cancer, differences in perceptions from tuberculosis, measles, asthma, perceptions of adolescent cancer survivors, and health information sources that led to these perceptions.

Results

Of the total 500 adolescents, less than 10% of healthy adolescents responded that cancer is contagious, while three-quarters of the respondents believed that cancer is preventable. In addition, compared to tuberculosis, measles, and asthma, they recognized differences by disease. The majority of healthy adolescents embraced community values advocating the return of adolescent cancer survivors to school and work. However, they expressed a negative view of the situation in which adolescent cancer survivors could interact with them as classmates or co-workers. Adolescents mainly obtained health information on cancer from the Internet and television,

Conclusions

The perception of healthy adolescents on cancer was relatively accurate; however, they have dualistic thinking involving living with adolescent cancer survivors. To facilitate reintegration of adolescent cancer survivors into daily lives, education is needed for healthy adolescents to live with cancer survivors.
National burden of gambling in Japan: an estimation from an online-based cross-sectional investigation and national epidemiological survey
Authors: Hwang Chiyoung , So Ryuhei , Hashimoto Nozomu , Baba Toshiaki , Matsushita Sachio , Browne Matthew , Murai Toshiya , Watanabe Norio , Takiguchi Naoko
Published: June 2024

Background

Gambling is a popular leisure activity in many countries, often expected to boost regional economies. Nevertheless, its negative impacts remain a significant concern. Gambling disorder is recognized as the most severe consequence; however, even non- or low-risk gamblers may also face negative impacts. This study aimed to estimate the number of Japanese gamblers experiencing gambling-related harm (GRH) and its distribution across six life domains, financial, relational, emotional, health, social and other aspects, based on the severity of their problem gambling risk.

Methods

This cross-sectional study relied on an online survey conducted between August 5 and 11, 2020. Participants aged 20 years and above, who engaged in gambling during 2019 were recruited via a market research company. The survey assessed the prevalence of GRH 72 items among four gambler risk groups (non-problem, low-, moderate-, and high-risk), as categorized by the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The data was adjusted for population weighting using representative national survey data: the 2017 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions and the 2017 Epidemiological Survey on Gambling Addictions.

Results

Out of the 28,016 individuals invited to the survey, 6,124 participated in the screening, 3,113 in the main survey, and 3,063 provided valid responses. After adjusting the survey data, it was estimated that 39.0 million (30.8%) of Japan’s 126.8 million citizens gambled in 2019. Among them, 4.44 million (11.4%) experienced financial harm, 2.70 million (6.9%) health harm, 2.54 million (6.5%) emotional harm, 1.31 million (3.4%) work/study harm, 1.28 million (3.3%) relationship harm, and 0.46 million (1.2%) other harm. Although high-risk gamblers experienced severe harm at the individual level, over 60% of gamblers who experienced GRHs were non- and low-risk gamblers, with the exception of other harm, at the population level.

Conclusions

The study highlighted the prevention paradox of gambling in Japan. While national gambling policies primarily focus on the prevention and intervention for high-risk gamblers, a more effective approach would involve minimizing GRH across the entire population.
Efficacy of home-based exercise in the treatment of pain and disability at the hip and knee in patients with osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mao Yichen , Qiu Boyuan , Wang Weiwei , Zhou Pengwei , Ou Zhixue
Published: June 2024

Background

An increasing body of evidence suggests that home-based exercise (HBE) therapy has significant therapeutic effects on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and hip osteoarthritis (HipOA), and it has advantages such as cost savings, strong operability, and good compliance compared with hospitalization and exercise courses.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of HBE in the treatment of KOA and HipOA.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase to collect randomized controlled trials. The retrieval time was from database establishment until March 6, 2024. Stata 15.1 software was used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 3,015participants were included, with 1,519 participants in the intervention group and 1,496 in the control group. The meta-analysis showed that, compared to the control group, HBE can significantly improve pain [SMD=-0.38, 95% CI (-0.58, -0.18); P = 0.001], joint function      [SMD=-0.60, 95% CI (-1.01, -0.19); P = 0.004], balance ability [SMD=-0.67, 95% CI (-1.00, -0.34); P = 0.001], mobility (ADL) [SMD = 0.51, 95% CI (0.19, 0.82); P = 0.002] in patients with KOA and HipOA. There is no statistical difference in the improvement of joint stiffness [WMD = -0.80, 95% CI (-1.61, 0.01); P = 0.052]. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that HBE significantly improved pain, joint function, and balance ability in KOA patients compared with the control group. HipOA patients showed significant improvement in pain and joint function; However, HBE only improved activity ability in patients with comorbidities of KOA and HipOA.

Conclusion

HBE can effectively alleviate pain, improve joint function, and enhance physical function in patients with KOA and HipOA. However, more high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with large sample sizes and long-term interventions are needed to validate the efficacy of HBE due to limitations in the methodology and consistency of indicator outcomes in the included RCTs.

Registration number

We’ve registered with PROSPERO, and the number is CRD42023443085.