bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of shock wave therapy and ultrasound therapy in non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Stania Magdalena , Słomka Kajetan J. , Juras Grzegorz , Król Tomasz , Król Piotr
Published: July 2024

Objective

Physiotherapists and physicians continue to seek effective conservative treatments for Achilles tendinopathy. This study aimed to subjectively and objectively determine the therapeutic efficacy of radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) and ultrasound therapy in non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Materials and methods

Thirty-nine patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, i.e., RSWT (group A), ultrasound therapy (group B), and placebo ultrasound (group C) groups. Before the intervention and at weeks 1 and 6 after the treatment, the patients were assessed using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire and posturographic measurements of step initiation performed on the force platforms under two different conditions (non-perturbed transit and perturbed transit).

Results

Six weeks after therapy, all groups exhibited significantly increased VISA-A scores against the measurement at week 1 after therapy. The post-therapy percentage changes in VISA-A scores were significantly greater in group A compared to group B. The three-way ANOVA demonstrated that treatment type affected sway range in the frontal plane and mean velocity of the centre of foot pressure displacements in the sagittal and frontal planes during quiet standing before step initiation. The Bonferroni post-hoc test showed that the means of all those variables were significantly smaller for group A than for group B patients. The three-way ANOVA revealed an effect of the platform arrangement on transit time and double-support period. The Bonferroni post-hoc test revealed statistically longer transit time for the perturbed vs. non-perturbed trials; a reverse relationship was observed for the double-support period.

Conclusion

The VISA-A showed that RSWT was significantly more effective than sonotherapy for alleviation of pain intensity as well as function and activity improvement in patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Therefore, RSWT therapy can be used in clinical practice by physiotherapists to alleviate the symptoms of non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Objective data registered by force platforms during quiet standing before and after step initiation did not prove useful for monitoring the progress of treatment applied to patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy between consecutive therapy interventions.

Clinical trial registration:https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12617000860369, identifier (ACTRN12617000860369).
Case report: First experience with stimulating anterior thalamic nuclei in pharmacoresistant epilepsy in Kazakhstan
Authors: Abzalova Veronika , Kauynbekova Sholpan , Makhambaev Gabit , Dmitriev Alexander , Tuleubaev Berik
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Pharmacoresistant epilepsy is a multicomponent disease that can be successfully treated surgically if the surgical tactics are properly defined. We present the first case of stimulation of anterior thalamic nuclei in pharmacoresistant epilepsy in Kazakhstan. This will be a new opportunity for Kazakhstanis diagnosed with epilepsy to achieve stable epilepsy remission.

Materials

The patient was born in 2000. The first episode of tonic clonic seizures with loss of consciousness occurred in 2014. Repeatedly underwent therapeutic and diagnostic measures in the neurological department. The frequency of seizures increased in dynamics. The results of instrumental examination revealed the following morphological changes: Morphological changes: Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in the left cingulate gyrus, hypometabolism in the left thalamus and forehead, signs of hippocampal sclerosis on both sides. Electroencephalogram (EEG) shows activity in frontal areas on both sides, more on the right. Based on clinical and instrumental data according to the 2017 ILAE classification, the diagnosis was Structural focal frontal lobe epilepsy with bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. FCD of the left cingulate gyrus. Resistance to antiepileptic therapy.

Methods

The patient was hospitalized in the department of neurosurgery. In light of the evidence indicating structural changes in the brain substance and ambiguous EEG findings, the indications for deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus (ANT) were made. Electrode implantation was performed under general anesthesia, and preoperative computer tomography (CT) scans were performed using the CRW® stereotactic system in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using Brainlab Neuronavigation with 3D Atlas to identify the anterior thalamic nuclei.

Conclusion

The observed structural changes in the brain substance and the ambiguous EEG results call into question the efficacy of surgical procedures aimed at removing existing foci or destroying them. Based on the above, as well as the experience of foreign colleagues, the choice of neurosurgeons was DBS ANT. Although the selection of ideal candidates for thalamic stimulation is still controversial, in the described case we were able to achieve control of seizure activity. The patient was seizure free for 2 months after surgery. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7.
Harnessing Few-Shot Learning for EEG signal classification: a survey of state-of-the-art techniques and future directions
Authors: Ahuja Chirag , Sethia Divyashikha
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a systematic literature review, providing a comprehensive taxonomy of Data Augmentation (DA), Transfer Learning (TL), and Self-Supervised Learning (SSL) techniques within the context of Few-Shot Learning (FSL) for EEG signal classification. EEG signals have shown significant potential in various paradigms, including Motor Imagery, Emotion Recognition, Visual Evoked Potentials, Steady-State Visually Evoked Potentials, Rapid Serial Visual Presentation, Event-Related Potentials, and Mental Workload. However, challenges such as limited labeled data, noise, and inter/intra-subject variability have impeded the effectiveness of traditional machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models. This review methodically explores how FSL approaches, incorporating DA, TL, and SSL, can address these challenges and enhance classification performance in specific EEG paradigms. It also delves into the open research challenges related to these techniques in EEG signal classification. Specifically, the review examines the identification of DA strategies tailored to various EEG paradigms, the creation of TL architectures for efficient knowledge transfer, and the formulation of SSL methods for unsupervised representation learning from EEG data. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the efficacy and robustness of FSL-based EEG signal classification. By presenting a structured taxonomy of FSL techniques and discussing the associated research challenges, this systematic review offers valuable insights for future investigations in EEG signal classification. The findings aim to guide and inspire researchers, promoting advancements in applying FSL methodologies for improved EEG signal analysis and classification in real-world settings.
Investigating spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters in individuals with Parkinson’s disease with a history of freezing of gait and exploring the effects of dopaminergic therapy on freezing of gait subtypes
Authors: Lin Po-Hsi , Lai Yun-Ru , Lien Chia-Yi , Huang Chih-Cheng , Chiang Yi-Fang , Kung Chien-Feng , Chen Chih-Jui , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Freezing of Gait (FOG) is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study evaluated spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters in individuals with PD with a history of FOG and explored the effects of dopaminergic therapy on FOG subtypes.

Methods

One hundred and nine individuals with PD underwent clinical assessments and quantitative biomechanical measures during walking cycles before and after dopaminergic therapy. Individuals with FOG were classified into levodopa-responsive and levodopa-unresponsive groups.

Results

Individuals with FOG displayed longer disease duration and higher Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II, III, IV scores, and total scores and levodopa equivalent dose, than those without FOG (all p < 0.0001). Following propensity score matching of 15 pairs based on UPDRS total score and disease duration during the off-medication state, the analysis comparing the FOG and non-FOG groups revealed no significant differences in spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters. In 39 cases of FOG, dopaminergic therapy improved gait performance in individuals with PD, enhancing spatiotemporal parameters (speed, stride length, step length, step variability) and kinematic parameters (shoulder and elbow flexion/extension range of motion (ROM), pelvic rotation, and hip abduction/adduction ROM) regardless of FOG responsiveness to dopaminergic therapy. A significant difference in trunk sway ROM (p = 0.029) remained before and after dopaminergic therapy, even after adjusting for disease duration and clinical severity.

Discussion

Dopaminergic therapy had varying effects on PD with FOG, improving several spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters but being less effective in levodopa-unresponsive cases. Quantitative biomechanical measures offer detailed insights into gait performance, aiding personalized fall risk assessment and guiding individualized rehabilitation programs.
Nighttime eating during pregnancy and infant adiposity at 6 months of life
Authors: Rodríguez-Cano Ameyalli M. , Medel-Canchola Berenice , González-Ludlow Isabel , Rodríguez-Hernández Carolina , Reyes-Muñoz Enrique , Schiffman-Selechnik Esther , Estrada-Gutierrez Guadalupe , Perichart-Perera Otilia
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Chrononutrition studies the relation between diet, circadian rhythms and metabolism, which may alter the metabolic intrauterine environment, influencing infant fat-mass (FM) development and possibly increasing obesity risk.

Aim

To evaluate the association of chrononutrition in pregnancy and infant FM at 6 months.

Methods

Healthy pregnant women and term-babies (n = 100pairs) from the OBESO cohort (2017–2023) were studied. Maternal registries included pregestational body-mass-index (BMI), gestational complications/medications, weight gain. Diet (three 24 h-recalls, 1 each trimester) and sleep-schedule (first and third trimesters) were evaluated computing fasting (hours from last–first meal), breakfast and dinner latencies (minutes between wake up-breakfast and dinner-sleep, respectively), number of main meals/day, meal skipping (≥1 main meal/d on three recalls) and nighttime eating (from 9:00 pm–5:59 am on three recalls). Neonatal weight, length, BMI/age were assessed. At 6 months, infant FM (kg, %; air-displacement plethysmography) was measured, and FM index (FMI—kgFM/length2) computed. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was recorded. Multiple linear regression models evaluated the association between chrononutrition and 6 month infant FM.

Results

Mean fasting was 11.7 ± 1.3 h; breakfast, dinner latency were 87.3 ± 75.2, 99.6 ± 65.6 min, respectively. Average meals/day were 3.0 ± 0.5. Meal skipping was reported in 3% (n = 3) of women and nighttime eating in 35% (n = 35). Most neonates had normal BMI/age (88%, n = 88). Compared to those who did not, mothers engaged in nighttime-eating had infants with higher %FM (p = 0.019). Regression models (R2 ≥ 0.308, p ≤ 0.001) showed that nighttime eating was positively associated with %FM (B: 2.7, 95%CI: 0.32–5.16). When analyzing women without complications/medications (n = 80), nighttime eating was associated with higher FM [%FM, B: 3.24 (95%CI: 0.59–5.88); kgFM, B: 0.20 (95%CI: 0.003–0.40); FMI, B: 0.54 (95%CI: 0.03–1.05)]. Infant sex and weight (6 months) were significant, while maternal obesity, pregnancy complications/medications, parity, energy intake, birth-BMI/age, and EBF were not.

Conclusion

Maternal nighttime eating is associated with higher adiposity in 6 month infants.
Study on the relationship between berry, grape, red wine consumption and cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly people in China
Authors: Jiang Xinting , Chen Meirong , Cui Liang , Guo Qihao , Huang Lin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Some evidence suggests that fruit and alcohol consumption may be related to cognitive impairment.

Methods

This study conducted a cross-sectional study on the “correlation between eating habits and cognitive function of the middle-aged and elderly population in China.” The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between fruit consumption, drinking habits and cognitive impairment in Chinese people over 50 years old.

Results

The results show that the protective factors of cognitive impairment are the preference for berries and the daily intake of 100-200 grams grapes in Chinese middle-aged and elderly people with objective cognitive unimpaired. The habit of drinking red wine is a protective factor for cognitive impairment in Chinese middle-aged and elderly people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, this study did not find the relationship between white wine, beer, yellow rice wine, liquor and cognitive impairment.

Discussion

Therefore, we believe that berries, grapes and red wine consumption can protect the cognitive function of the middle-aged and elderly people in China, and the protective function is related to the basic cognitive state.
Case report: Thyroid metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma: a rare case with diffuse solid occupancy and unusual imaging findings
Authors: Feng Tinghua , Xue Menghua , Sang Miaoyu , Cui Rongrong , Liu Xiaofang , Liu Liping
Published: July 2024

Background

Thyroid metastasis represents a rare occurrence, with commonly observed primary tumors originating from renal cell carcinoma, malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and breast. However, the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma to the thyroid gland remains infrequent. Previous investigations have consistently demonstrated an unfavorable prognosis for patients with malignancies that have metastasized to the thyroid. In this context, we present a noteworthy case of thyroid metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by a distinct ultrasonographic manifestation of diffuse thyroid lesion, deviating from the previously documented imaging presentations of thyroid metastases in HCC.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old Chinese female patient was diagnosed with hepatocellular liver cancer in 2019, following which she underwent a radical hepatic resection. Pathological examination revealed HCC located in the right lobe (stage T3bN0M0 IIIB). No additional interventions were administered subsequent to the surgery. After a span of 15 months, the patient presented with dyspnea. Ultrasonographic findings showed diffuse solid infiltration within the thyroid gland, along with tumor thrombi in both internal jugular veins. Computed tomography (CT) scans demonstrated malignant thyroid lesions infiltrating the retropharyngeal space, prevertebral space, and esophageal wall. The subsequent pathology report from the puncture biopsy confirmed the malignant nature of the tumor, and immunohistochemical analysis definitively established its hepatic origin.

Conclusions

Patients with a history of HCC should be subjected to long-term monitoring and habitual thyroid ultrasonography. Newly detected thyroid nodules in such patients should be immediately regarded suspect for potential metastatic disease. Even when a nodule doesn’t exhibit malignant characteristics on ultrasound, FNAB should be administered promptly to elucidate the pathological condition. Larger, swiftly multiplying thyroid masses should warrant an immediate CNB. The identification of thyroid metastases, particularly when coupled with peripheral tissue invasion, typically signifies a bleak prognosis.
Iodine-125 brachytherapy in inoperable duodenal papilla carcinoma: a case report series
Authors: Zhang Yue , Xu Shangbin , Xu Jing , Wu Shen , Yao Wenyi , Lu Shengying , Zhang Guangtao , Chen Tingsong
Published: July 2024

Background

Duodenal papilla carcinoma (DPC) is a rare malignancy often diagnosed at an advanced stage. When surgery is not feasible in localized disease due to advanced age or comorbidities, there remains no consensus on optimal management for these patients.

Case summary

This case series details the therapeutic outcomes of 125I seed implantation in two elderly patients with DPC. A notable tumor reduction was achieved within two months after implantation. Furthermore, both patients demonstrated radiological tumor response and survived for over six months following the initial 125I seed treatment, marking the first reported instance of 125I seed implantation to effectively control DPC.

Conclusion

The anti-tumor activity of 125I seed implantation in the reported two cases of DPC underscores its potential as a viable treatment option for inoperable localized DPC.
Prospective, non-blinded, randomized controlled trial on early administration of pulmonary surfactant guided by lung ultrasound scores in very preterm infants: study protocol
Authors: Zhang Jinghui , Liu Huiqiang , Zhang Yahui , Zhu Weiwei , Liu Yunfeng , Han Tongyan
Published: July 2024

Background

Bedside lung ultrasonography has been widely used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Lung ultrasound scores (LUS) may predict the need for pulmonary surfactant (PS) application. PS replacement therapy is the key intervention for managing moderate to severe neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), with early PS administration playing a positive role in improving patient outcomes. Lung ultrasonography aids in the prompt diagnosis of NRDS, while LUS offers a semi-quantitative assessment of lung health. However, the specific methodologies for utilizing LUS in clinical practice remain controversial. This study hypothesizes that, in very preterm infants [<32 weeks gestational age (GA)] exhibiting respiratory distress symptoms, determining PS application through early postnatal LUS combined with clinical indicators, as opposed to relying solely on clinical signs and chest x-rays, can lead to more timely PS administration, reduce mechanical ventilation duration, improve patient outcomes, and lower the occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Methods and design

This is a protocol for a prospective, non-blinded, randomized controlled trial that will be conducted in the NICU of a hospital in China. Eligible participants will include very preterm infants (< 32 weeks GA) exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. Infants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the ultrasound or control group. In the ultrasonography group, the decision regarding PS administration will be based on a combination of lung ultrasonography and clinical manifestations, whereas in the control group, it will be determined solely by clinical signs and chest x-rays. The primary outcome measure will be the mechanical ventilation duration. Statistical analysis will employ independent sample t-tests with a significance level set at α = 0.05 and a power of 80%. The study requires 30 infants per group (in total 60 infants).

Results

This study aims to demonstrate that determining PS application based on a combination of LUS and clinical indicators is superior to traditional approaches.

Conclusions

This approach may enhance the accuracy of NRDS diagnosis and facilitate early prediction of PS requirements, thereby reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation. The findings of this research may contribute valuable insights into the use of LUS to guide PS administration.
Safety of tildrakizumab: a disproportionality analysis based on the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database from 2018–2023
Authors: Lin Jinger , Chen Xiangqi , Luo Min , Zhuo Qianwei , Zhang Haosong , Chen Nuo , Zhuo Yunqian , Han Yue
Published: July 2024

Background: Tildrakizumab, the IL-23 inhibitor, is used to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Many studies have reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with Tildrakizumab.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe ADRs associated with Tildrakizumab monotherapy by mining data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods: The signals of Tildrakizumab-associated ADRs were quantified using disproportionality analyses such as the reporting odds ratio (ROR), the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and the multiitem gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) algorithms.

Results: A total of 10,530,937 reports of ADRs were collected from the FAERS database, of which 1,177 reports were identified with tildrakizumab as the “primary suspect (PS)”. Tildrakizumab-induced ADRs occurred against 27 system organ classes (SOCs). A total of 32 significant disproportionality Preferred Terms (PTs) conformed to the algorithms. Unexpected significant ADRs such as coronavirus infection, herpes simplex, diverticulitis, atrial fibrillation and aortic valve incompetence were also possible. The median time to onset of Tildrakizumab-associated ADRs was 194 days (interquartile range [IQR] 84–329 days), with the majority occurring, within the first 1 and 3 months after initiation of Tildrakizumab.

Conclusion: This study identified a potential signal for new ADRs with Tildrakizumab, which might provide important support for clinical monitoring and risk prediction.
Prenylated flavonoids from Sophora flavescens inhibit mushroom tyrosinase activity and modulate melanogenesis in murine melanoma cells and zebrafish
Authors: Fan Fenling , Chen Lanqing , Chen Caihong , Ang Song , Gutkowski Justin , Seeram Navindra P. , Ma Hang , Li Dongli
Published: July 2024

Background:Sophora flavescens, a traditional Chinese medicine for treating conditions associated with abnormal skin pigmentation, contains flavonoids with inhibitory effects on tyrosinase. However, their mechanisms of action and their modulatory effects on melanogenesis remain unclear.

Methods: Herein, a group of prenylated flavonoids was identified from S. flavescens extracts and their inhibitory activities on mushroom tyrosinase were evaluated. The anti-melanogenesis effects of these prenylated flavonoids were investigated in cellular (with murine melanoma cells) and animal (with zebrafish) models.

Results: Prenylated flavonoids including isoanhydroicaritin (IAI), kurarinone (KR), and sophoraflavanone G (SG) were the major active constituents in S. flavescens extracts with anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 0.7, 7.1, and 6.7 μM, respectively). Enzyme kinetic assays showed that IAI, KR, and SG had a mixed type of tyrosinase inhibition, supported by data from computational docking. Notably, KR at concentrations of 5 and 10 μM enhanced intracellular tyrosinase activity and stimulated melanin production in B16F10 cells, whereas SG and IAI did not exhibit significant activity. Further studies with the zebrafish model showed that IAI (80 and 160 μM) inhibited melanin biosynthesis by about 30.0% while KR (20 μM) stimulated melanogenesis by 36.9%. Furthermore, a zebrafish depigmentation model supported the anti-melanogenesis effect of IAI (80 and 160 μM) by 33.0% and 34.4%, respectively.

Conclusion: In summary, IAI was identified as a tyrosinase inhibitor with an anti-melanogenic effect and KR was an enhancer for melanin production in B16F10 cells and zebrafish. Findings from the current study suggest that IAI and KR from S. flavescens may exert contrasting effects in the modulation of melanin production, providing important insights into the development of S. flavescens as a cosmeceutical or medicinal ingredient.
Can one long peritoneal dwell with icodextrin replace two short dwells with glucose?
Authors: Stachowska-Pietka Joanna , Waniewski Jacek , Olszowska Anna , Garcia-Lopez Elvia , Yan Junfei , Yao Qiang , Wankowicz Zofia , Lindholm Bengt
Published: July 2024

Background

Due to the slower dissipation of the osmotic gradient, icodextrin-based solutions, compared to glucose-based solutions, can improve water removal. We investigated scenarios where one icodextrin-based long dwell (Extraneal) replaced two glucose-based exchanges.

Methods

The three-pore model with icodextrin hydrolysis was used for numerical simulations of a single exchange to investigate the impact of different peritoneal dialysis schedules on fluid and solute removal in patients with different peritoneal solute transfer rates (PSTRs). We evaluated water removal (ultrafiltration, UF), absorbed mass of glucose (AbsGluc) and carbohydrates (AbsCHO, for glucose and glucose polymers), ultrafiltration efficiency (UFE = UF/AbsCHO) per exchange, and specified dwell time, and removed solute mass for sodium (ReNa), urea (ReU), and creatinine (ReCr) for a single peritoneal exchange with 7.5% icodextrin (Extraneal®) and glucose-based solutions (1.36% and 2.27%) and various dwell durations in patients with fast and average PSTRs.

Results

Introducing 7.5% icodextrin for the long dwell to replace one of three or four glucose-based exchanges per day leads to increased fluid and solute removal and higher UF efficiency for studied transport groups. Replacing two glucose-based exchanges with one icodextrin exchange provides higher or similar water removal and higher daily sodium removal but slightly lower daily removal of urea and creatinine, irrespective of the transport type present in the case of reference prescription with three and four daily exchanges.

Conclusion

One 7.5% icodextrin can replace two glucose solutions. Unlike glucose-based solutions, it resulted only in minor differences between PSTR groups in terms of water and solute removal with UFE remaining stable up to 16 h.
Exotic plants introduction changed soil nutrient cycle and symbiotic relationship with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in wetland ecological projects
Authors: Jiang Yuxin , Wang Mengxuan , Yan Xue , Liu Miaodan , Guo Xiaohong
Published: July 2024

In the process of applying exotic plants to wetland ecological restoration, insufficiently evaluated alien species may exhibit strong competitiveness and fecundity. Once introduced, they can displace native flora, disrupt the original ecological balance, diminish biodiversity, and even induce ecosystem dysfunction. Furthermore, exotic plants have the potential to alter soil microbial community structure, including the composition and activity of beneficial symbiotic microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), thereby impacting soil nutrient cycling and interplant nutrient competition. Here, we conducted three consecutive years of sampling experiments to investigate the succession of AMF communities associated with the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora along an initial introduction chronosequence, and to identify the key environmental factors influencing its response to S. alterniflora invasion. Our findings reveal that early-stage invasion by S. alterniflora alters the composition of soil AMF communities with unclassified_c__Glomeromycetes and Glomus-viscosum-VTX00063 consistently dominating. Additionally, as the duration of introduction increases, the diversity of rhizosphere soil AMF significantly decreases, while its evenness remains relatively stable. It’s indicated that soil ω, AN, AK and N/P ratio were the main influencing factors of the integral AMF community. Notably, soil available phosphorus (AP) emerges as a positive influence on the important AMF taxa. The results confirm the mutual feedback effect between the invasion of the perennial herb S. alterniflora and AMF, in which specific AMF assist in nutrient absorption to promote S. alterniflora growth, potentially facilitating its rapid and successful invasion of new habitats. Given the likely differential effects of AMF communities on various plant species, our findings could contribute to anticipating future AMF-mediated effects during the introduction of alien plants.
Establishing self-concordant goals: a longitudinal study on the influence of ego identity on goal self-concordance
Authors: Cao Lu , Ma Jianhong
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Self-concordant goals are those that align closely with an individual’s intrinsic interests and values, driving autonomous motivation, and resulting in higher satisfaction and goal achievement. The relevance of studying the link between ego identity and goal self-concordance lies in understanding how a well-defined ego identity can foster the pursuit of authentic and fulfilling goals.

Objectives

This study investigates the relationship between ego identity and goal self-concordance, focusing on how individuals’ sense of identity influences their alignment with personal goals.

Methods

Data were gathered through a cross-sectional analysis of 292 students and a longitudinal follow-up with 98 participants over two intervals.

Results

Results confirmed significant correlations between ego identity status and various dimensions of goal self-concordance. Notably, different ego identity statuses exhibited distinct levels of goal self-concordance, ranked from highest to lowest as follows: identity achievement, achievement-foreclosure intermediate, moratorium, foreclosure, moratorium-diffusion intermediate, and diffusion. Cross-lagged analysis revealed a causal relationship where ego identity influences goal self-concordance, providing insights into the cognitive and behavioral processes involved in goal setting.

Discussion

This study extends the implications of the goal self-concordance model and reveals a causal relationship between ego identity status and goal self-concordance. From a practical perspective, our findings suggest that educational and developmental interventions aimed at supporting identity development and commitment could lead to more self-concordant goal setting. Such programs could ultimately promote greater well-being and personal growth among students.
New policies on skin-to-skin contact warrant an oxytocin-based perspective on perinatal health care
Authors: Bergman Nils J.
Published: July 2024

Background

In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a Global Position Paper on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), which is applicable to all countries worldwide: from the moment of birth, every “small and sick” newborn should remain with mother in immediate and continuous skin-to-skin contact (SSC), receiving all required clinical care in that place. This was prompted by the startling results of a randomized controlled trial published in 2021: in which 1,609 infants receiving immediate SSC were compared with 1,602 controls that were separated from their mothers but otherwise received identical conventional state-of-the-art care. The intervention infants showed a 25% reduction in mortality after 28 days.

New perspectives

The new WHO guidelines are a significant change from earlier guidance and common clinical practice. The author presents that separating mothers and babies is assumed to be “normal” (a paradigm) but actually puts newborns at increased risk for morbidity and mortality. The author presents arguments and ethical perspectives for a new perspective on what is “normal,” keeping newborns with their mothers is the infant’s physiological expectation and critical requirement for healthy development. The author reviews the scientific rationale for changing the paradigm, based on synchronous interactions of oxytocin on both mother and infant. This follows a critique of the new policies that highlights the role of immediate SSC.

Actionable recommendations

This critique strengthens the case for implementing the WHO guidelines on KMC for small and sick babies. System changes will be necessary in both obstetric and neonatal settings to ensure seamless perinatal care. Based on the role of oxytocin, the author identifies that many current routine care practices may actually contribute to stress and increased vulnerability to the newborn. WHO has actionable recommendations about family involvement and presence in newborn intensive care units.

Discussion

The concepts of resilience and vulnerability have specific definitions well known in perinatal care: the key outcome of care should be resilience rather than merely the absence of vulnerability. Newborns in all settings and contexts need us to re-evaluate our paradigms and adopt and implement the new WHO guidelines on KMC in perinatal care.
An investigation into the influence of context effects on crowd exit selection under gender difference in indoor evacuation
Authors: Teng Qi , Wang Xuan , He Wu , Pan Gaofeng , Mao Yan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Exit selection is crucial in indoor emergency evacuation. Domestic and foreign scholars have found that exit choice behavior is influenced by three factors: environmental factors, social interactions, and individual internal factors. Previous studies have shown that in addition to a single environmental factor affecting exit decisions, the influence of other available exit options in the context can ultimately lead to a reversal of exit decisions -The context effect. However, the impact of context effects on exit decisions in emergency situations has not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, this article identifies three basic independent variables: context effects, crowd flows, and gender differences, to study the exit decisions of different gender groups facing different crowd flows, as well as how context effects affect existing exit decisions.

Methods

In this paper, we used virtual reality technology to construct an indoor fire scene and designed a total of 15 virtual experiments with different crowd distribution or context effects. 131 participants were divided into two groups, male and female, and their exit decisions were observed under different crowd flows and contextual effects.

Results

The research results show that: 1) Both men and women have an innate preference to avoid crowded exits, and the proportion of following crowd evacuation significantly decreases when there are crowded crowds in the scene; 2) The exit decisions of female participants are more influenced by the crowd, while men tend to be more influenced by context effects when evacuating independently; 3) The context effects on exit decisions in emergency situations is statistically significant, and this performance is more significant in the male population. Further analysis reveals that similarity effects have a more significant impact on exit decisions than attraction effects.

Discussions

These findings provide deeper insights into the exit choice behavior of the population and may contribute to the design of safe exits in indoor buildings. In addition, this article emphasizes the importance of context effects and provides a foundation for future research.
The relationship between personality and cognition in older adults with and without early-onset depression
Authors: Armstrong Megan , Kaufman Jack , Maciarz Jeremy , Sullivan Daniel , Kim Joseph , Koppelmans Vincent , Langenecker Scott , Weisenbach Sara L.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

It is well established that personality traits impact cognition, as certain personality factors are associated with performance in specific cognitive domains. However, the findings on the relationships between the Big Five traits and cognition are mixed. Additionally, few studies have explored these relationships in older adults with a history of depression. The present study aimed to (a) evaluate the impact of the Big Five personality traits in older adults with and without a lifetime history of depression; and (b) test the hypotheses that higher trait neuroticism would correlate negatively with cognitive performance, while openness to experience would correlate positively with cognition.

Methods

The sample consisted of 138 participants between the ages of 55 and 78 (M = 65.56, SD = 6.36). Sixty-two participants met criteria for current or remitted Major Depressive Disorder, while 76 had no history of depression or other mental health disorders. Participants underwent comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Personality was assessed using the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R), while depression status was determined using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Following a series of Pearson correlations of cognitive variables and the five personality factors, linear regression models were estimated for each significant correlation. Demographic variables (i.e., age, education and sex) were entered in block 1, depression status (never vs. ever) was entered in block 2, and the personality factor score, or sub-facet was entered in block 3.

Results

Neuroticism was not associated with cognitive performance on any outcome measure. The facets Openness to Feelings and Openness to Values were positively related to phonemic fluency. Further Openness to Values was positively related to cognitive flexibility.

Discussion

Our results suggest that older people who are (a) more capable of identifying and understanding their feelings and the feelings of others, and (b) who are more willing to re-examine social, political, and religious values perform stronger on tasks measuring verbal fluency and cognitive flexibility, which are aspects of executive functioning. Interventions that aim to enhance open mindedness in older adults may have a parallel impact on improving executive functioning, though this would need to be examined prospectively.
Postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: an umbrella review and meta-analyses
Authors: Sahebi Ali , Kheiry Maryam , Abdi Kame , Qomi Mahla , Golitaleb Mohamad
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased anxiety, stress, and depression, which could have harmful consequences for pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of postpartum depression during COVID-19 using an umbrella review and meta-analysis.

Methods

The current study followed the PRISMA guideline and utilized data from various sources such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The searches were conducted without a time limit until the end of May 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model, heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 index, and publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s test. Data analysis was carried out using STATA software (version 15).

Results

In this study, 243 articles were initially identified. Only meta-analysis studies that reported PPD during COVID-19 were included. After quality assessment, nine papers were selected for the meta-analysis stage. The study found that the prevalence postpartum depression (PPD) was 25.27% (95% CI = 23.66–27.86, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.549).

Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed that the incidence of PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic was relatively high. To decrease mental health issues among pregnant and postpartum women, healthcare professionals should implement community programs aimed at preventing, promptly identifying, and providing appropriate intervention for pregnant women. This is crucial as pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to psychological distress during infectious disease outbreaks.
Revitalizing your sleep: the impact of daytime physical activity and balneotherapy during a spa stay
Authors: Castelli Lucia , Ciorciari Andrea Michele , Galasso Letizia , Mulè Antonino , Fornasini Francesca , Montaruli Angela , Roveda Eliana , Esposito Fabio
Published: July 2024

Background

In modern society, achieving high-quality sleep is increasingly challenging. We conducted a study to explore the potential benefits of daytime physical activity and balneotherapy, including mud application and thermal-water bathing, on sleep quality.

Methods

To assess daytime physical activity and sleep parameters, we actigraphically monitored 127 healthy participants (34.6% male, average age 64.61 ± 0.89 years) during a one-week stay at a spa resort, where they received mud application and thermal-water bathings.

Results

Participants were divided into three groups based on the timing of mud application. Those receiving mud application before 8:30 a.m. tended to have shorter sleep durations compared to those with later application, especially if it occurred before 7:45 a.m. However, mud application did not significantly affect sleep quality. Three-way ANCOVA revealed a significant effect of daytime physical activity on delta Sleep Efficiency, but post-hoc tests were insignificant. Furthermore, analyzing the duration of daily thermal-water bathings, individuals bathing for over 75 min per day experienced a noteworthy improvement in sleep quality, particularly in terms of delta Sleep Efficiency (2.15 ± 0.9% vs. −0.34 ± 0.31%, p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that extended thermal-water bathing may enhance objective aspects of sleep quality. Since balneotherapy is mainly prescribed for individuals with musculoskeletal pathologies or psychological disorders, these findings may encourage doctors to recommend bathing in thermal water also to healthy subjects. Future researchers need to investigate the role of daytime physical activity in depth.
Can the return of rural labor improve the physical health of left-behind parents—evidence from rural China
Authors: Ge Huinan , Bian Shu , Wang Zhihan , Wang Zilong
Published: July 2024

Objectively In objective terms, the return of rural labor force shortens the spatial distance with parents, leading to changes in caregiving support, emotional support, and financial support for parents, thereby affecting the health status of parents. This article, using data from the Chinese Family Panel Studies, analyzes the characteristics of the health status of parents with and without returning migrant children. By employing multiple linear regression models, PSM models, and IV-2SLS methods to address endogeneity bias, the study preliminarily explores the impact of rural labor force return on parental health. The results show that: (1) among the 5,760 older adult individuals, 1866 of them have returning migrant chil-dren, while the remaining 3,894 do not have returning migrant children. (2) Parents’ health status generally follows a normal distribution, with a small proportion of parents having very poor or very good health. The proportions of parents with relatively poor, fair, and relatively good health status range between 20 and 40%. Among parents with returning chil-dren, 40.12% have relatively poor health status, 45.01% have fair health status, and a small proportion have very poor or very good health status. In contrast, among parents without returning children, the proportions of parents with relatively poor, fair, and rela-tively good health status are 21.69, 33.21, and 38.45%, respectively. When parents tran-sition from not having returning children to having returning children, their health status decreases by 0.541 levels, indicating a negative impact of rural labor force return on par-ents’ health. Based on the analysis results, this article provides policy recommendations from three aspects: how to increase the income of returning labor force, improve the rural pension system, and enhance the concept of children supporting their parents.
Promotion of environmental public health and environmental justice in communities affected by large and long lasting industrial contamination: methods applied and lessons learned from the case study of Porto Torres (Italy)
Authors: Pasetto Roberto , Zona Amerigo , Marsili Daniela , Buratti Franca M. , Iavarone Ivano , Soggiu Maria Eleonora , Testai Emanuela
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Communities affected by large scale and long lasting industrial contamination are often keen to understand whether their health has been impaired by such contamination. This requires answers that integrate environmental public health and environmental justice perspectives. At these sites, exposure scenarios from environmental contamination over time by multiple chemicals, often involving different environmental matrices, are complex and challenging to reconstruct.

Methods

An approach for describing the health of such communities in association with environmental contamination is presented, with the methods applied across the three domains of environmental contamination, population exposure and toxicology, environmental and social epidemiology, and environmental public health communication. The approach is described with examples from its application to the case study of Porto Torres, a town with a substantial industrially conditioned evolution.

Results

Activities in the field of environmental contamination, population exposure and toxicology focus on the collection and systematization of available contamination data, the identification of priority pollutants based on their toxicological profiles, the qualitative assessment of the likelihood of exposure for the population to priority pollutants and their known health effects. Environmental and social epidemiology methods are applied to describe the health profiles and socioeconomic conditions of the local population, taking into account multiple health outcomes from local information systems and considering specific diseases based on exposure and toxicological assessments. The environmental public health communication methods are directed to produce a communication plan and for its implementation through interaction with local institutional and social actors. The interpretation of health profiles benefits from a transdisciplinary analysis of the results.

Discussion

The proposed approach combines the needs of environmental public health and environmental justice allowing the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge to define recommendations for reducing and/or preventing hazardous environmental exposures and adverse health effects, stimulating the interactions between stakeholders, and making the study results more accessible to citizens.
Sarcopenia-related traits and 10 digestive system disorders: insight from genetic correlation and Mendelian randomization
Authors: Yang Tao , Liu Zheng , Xiu Mingzhu , Qing Xiaoman , Liu Sha , Xiao Wanmeng , Lü Muhan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Despite observational studies suggest hypotheses indicating a potential link, the precise causal connection between sarcopenia and digestive system illnesses has not been clearly defined.

Methods

We first use Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression (LDSC) testing to determine the genetic correlation of traits associated with sarcopenia and 10 specific gastrointestinal diseases. Subsequently, we performed a set of bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses to gauge the genetic inclination towards sarcopenia-related traits in relation to each gastrointestinal condition, individually, across the FinnGen, UK Biobank, and other extensive collaborative consortia. The analytical outcomes were synthesized using a fixed-effects meta-analytic model. For outcomes indicating substantial causal impacts, mediation MR analyses were executed. Additionally, a battery of sensitivity analyses was conducted to evaluate the study’s strength and dependability.

Results

Our findings established a strong causal link between appendicular lean mass and gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR  =  0.8607; 95% CI: 0.8345–0.8877; p <  0.0001) and a noteworthy correlation with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (OR  =  0.7981; 95% CI: 0.7281–0.8749; p < 0.0001), as per the meta-analysis data. We also evaluated the intermediary role of metabolic disorders in the association between appendicular lean mass and the aforementioned diseases. The intermediary effect towards gastroesophageal reflux disease is quantified as 0.0087 (95% CI, 8e-04, 0.0183), accounting for 5.9398% (95% CI, 0.5462, 12.4940%) of the overall effect. For non-alcoholic fatty liver, the intermediary impact is 0.0150 (95% CI, 0.0050, 0.0270), representing 19.7808% (95% CI, 6.5936, 35.6055%) of the total effect.

Conclusion

The findings posit that augmenting muscle mass may serve as a preventative strategy against gastroesophageal reflux disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver, highlighting the critical role of metabolic disorder management in reducing the risks of these sarcopenia-related conditions.