bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncogenic role and drug sensitivity of ETV4 in human tumors: a pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Zhang Rui , Peng Yanfang , Gao Zhe , Qian Jing , Yang Kang , Wang Xinfa , Lu Wenjing , Zhu Yongjie , Qiu Dezhi , Jin Tong , Wang Gang , He Junping , Liu Ning
Published: May 2023

Background

Increasing evidence supports a relationship between E twenty-six variant transcription factor 4 (ETV4) and several cancers, but no pan-cancer analysis has been reported.

Methods

The present study surveyed the effects of ETV4 on cancer using RNA sequencing data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and GTEx, and further explored its role in drug sensitivity using data from Cellminer. Differential expression analyses were conducted for multiple cancers using R software. Cox regression and survival analysis were employed to calculate correlations between ETV4 levels and survival outcomes in multiple cancers using the online tool Sangerbox. ETV4 expression was also compared with immunity, heterogeneity, stemness, mismatch repair genes, and DNA methylation among different cancers.

Results

ETV4 was found to be significantly upregulated in 28 tumors. Upregulation of ETV4 was associated with poor overall survival, progression free interval, disease-free-interval, and disease specific survival in several cancer types. Expression of ETV4 was also remarkably correlated with immune cell infiltration, tumor heterogeneity, mismatch repair gene expression, DNA methylation, and tumor stemness. Furthermore, ETV4 expression seemed to affect sensitivity to a number of anticancer drugs.

Conclusions

These results suggest that ETV4 may be useful as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target.
Role of neuronavigation in the surgical management of brainstem gliomas
Authors: Zhang Mingxin , Xiao Xiong , Gu Guocan , Zhang Peng , Wu Wenhao , Wang Yu , Pan Changcun , Wang Liang , Li Huan , Wu Zhen , Zhang Junting , Zhang Liwei
Published: May 2023

Objective

NeuroNavigation (NN) is a widely used intraoperative imaging guidance technique in neurosurgical operations; however, its value in brainstem glioma (BSG) surgery is inadequately reported and lacks objective proof. This study aims to investigate the applicational value of NN in BSG surgery.

Method

A retrospective analysis was performed on 155 patients with brainstem gliomas who received craniotomy from May 2019 to January 2022 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Eighty-four (54.2%) patients received surgery with NN. Preoperative and postoperative cranial nerve dysfunctions, muscle strength, and Karnofsky (KPS) were evaluated. Patients’ radiological features, tumor volume, and extent of resection (EOR) were obtained from conventional MRI data. Patients’ follow-up data were also collected. Comparative analyses on these variables were made between the NN group and the non-NN group.

Result

The usage of NN is independently related to a higher EOR in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) (p=0.005) and non-DIPG group (p<0.001). It was observed that fewer patients in the NN group suffered from deterioration of KPS (p=0.032) and cranial nerve function (p=0.017) in non-DIPG group, and deterioration of muscle strength (p=0.040) and cranial nerve function (p=0.038) in DIPG group. Moreover, the usage of NN is an independent protective factor for the deterioration of KPS (p=0.04) and cranial nerve function (p=0.026) in non-DIPG patients and the deterioration of muscle strength (p=0.009) in DIPG patients. Furthermore, higher EOR subgroups were found to be independently related to better prognoses in DIPG patients (p=0.008).

Conclusion

NN has significant value in BSG surgery. With the assistance of NN, BSG surgery achieved higher EOR without deteriorating patients’ functions. In addition, DIPG patients may benefit from the appropriate increase of EOR.
The key role of microRNA-766 in the cancer development
Authors: Gupta Jitendra , Kareem Al-Hetty Hussein Riyadh Abdul , Aswood Murtadha Sh. , Turki Jalil Abduladheem , Azeez Maha Dhurgham , Aminov Zafar , Alsaikhan Fahad , Ramírez-Coronel Andrés Alexis , Ramaiah Pushpamala , Farhood Bagher
Published: May 2023

Cancer is caused by defects in coding and non-coding RNAs. In addition, duplicated biological pathways diminish the efficacy of mono target cancer drugs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, endogenous, non-coding RNAs that regulate many target genes and play a crucial role in physiological processes such as cell division, differentiation, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis, which are frequently disrupted in diseases such as cancer. MiR-766, one of the most adaptable and highly conserved microRNAs, is notably overexpressed in several diseases, including malignant tumors. Variations in miR-766 expression are linked to various pathological and physiological processes. Additionally, miR-766 promotes therapeutic resistance pathways in various types of tumors. Here, we present and discuss evidence implicating miR-766 in the development of cancer and treatment resistance. In addition, we discuss the potential applications of miR-766 as a therapeutic cancer target, diagnostic biomarker, and prognostic indicator. This may shed light on the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer therapy.
Gustave Roussy immune score is a prognostic marker in patients with small cell lung cancer undergoing immunotherapy: a real-world retrospective study
Authors: Shangguan Jian , Huang Xinyi , Liu Xu , Zhang Zengfu , Zhang Xiaodong , Yu Jinming , Chen Dawei
Published: May 2023

Background

The utilization of the Gustave Roussy Immune Score (GRIm-Score) in patient selection for immunotherapy was initially reported. The objective of this retrospective study is to assess the potential of the GRIm-Score, a novel prognostic score based on nutritional and inflammatory markers, as a prognostic predictor in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) undergoing immunotherapy.

Methods

This retrospective study conducted at a single center included 159 patients with SCLC who received immunotherapy. The objective of the study was to investigate potential differences in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients stratified by their GRIm-Score, utilizing the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test. The final independent prognostic factors were identified through both propensity score matching (PSM) analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

Our analysis of the 159 patients revealed that there was a significant decrease in both OS and PFS with each increase in the GRIm-Score group, displaying a stepwise pattern. Moreover, even after conducting PSM analysis, the significant associations between the modified three-category risk scale-based GRIm-Score and survival outcomes remained significant. Both the total cohort and PSM cohort were subjected to multivariable analysis, which demonstrated that the three-category risk assessment-based GRIm-Score was a valuable predictor of both OS and PFS.

Conclusions

In addition, the GRIm-Score may serve as a valuable and non-invasive prognostic predictor for SCLC patients undergoing PD1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.
Hypoxia inducible factor prolyl hydroxylases in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lun Jie , Zhang Hongwei , Guo Jing , Yu Mengchao , Fang Jing
Published: May 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease that is characterized by intestinal inflammation. Epithelial damage and loss of intestinal barrier function are believed to be the hallmark pathologies of the disease. In IBD, the resident and infiltrating immune cells consume much oxygen, rendering the inflamed intestinal mucosa hypoxic. In hypoxia, the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is induced to cope with the lack of oxygen and protect intestinal barrier. Protein stability of HIF is tightly controlled by prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs). Stabilization of HIF through inhibition of PHDs is appearing as a new strategy of IBD treatment. Studies have shown that PHD-targeting is beneficial to the treatment of IBD. In this Review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of HIF and PHDs in IBD and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting PHD-HIF pathway for IBD treatment.
Global research progress of visceral hypersensitivity and irritable bowel syndrome: bibliometrics and visualized analysis
Authors: Tian Siyu , Zhang Hang , Chen Siqi , Wu Pengning , Chen Min
Published: May 2023

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of functional intestinal disorders characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, and/or stool characteristics. Recent studies have shown that there has been a significant advancement in the study of visceral hypersensitivity in IBS. Through the use of bibliometrics, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and research hotpots of visceral hypersensitivity in IBS.

Methods: Publications related to visceral hypersensitivity in IBS from 2012 to 2022 were searched on the web of science core collection (WoSCC) database. CiteSpace.6.1. R2 and Vosviewer 1.6.17 were used to perform bibliometric analysis.

Results: A total of 974 articles led by China and the United States from 52 countries were included. Over the past decade, the number of articles on visceral hypersensitivity and IBS has steadily increased year by year. China, the United States, and Belgium are the main countries in this field. Univ Oklahoma, Univ Gothenburg, and Zhejiang University are the main research institutions. Simren, Magnus, Greenwood-van meerveld, Beverley, and Tack, Jan are the most published authors in this research field. The research on the causes, genes, and pathways involved in visceral hypersensitivity in IBS and the mechanism of IBS are the main topics and hotspots in this field. This study also found that gut microbiota may be related to the occurrence of visceral hypersensitivity, and probiotics may be a new method for the treatment of visceral hypersensitivity and pain, which may become a new direction for research in this field.

Conclusion: This is the first bibliometric study to comprehensively summarize the research trends and developments of visceral hypersensitivity in IBS. This information provides the research frontier and hot topics in this field in recent years, which will provide a reference for scholars studying this field.
Effects of positive end-expiratory pressure on cerebral hemodynamics in acute brain injury patients
Authors: Giardina Alberto , Cardim Danilo , Ciliberti Pietro , Battaglini Denise , Ball Lorenzo , Kasprowicz Magdalena , Beqiri Erta , Smielewski Peter , Czosnyka Marek , Frisvold Shirin , Groznik Matjaž , Pelosi Paolo , Robba Chiara
Published: May 2023

Background: Cerebral autoregulation is the mechanism that allows to maintain the stability of cerebral blood flow despite changes in cerebral perfusion pressure. Maneuvers which increase intrathoracic pressure, such as the application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), have been always challenged in brain injured patients for the risk of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) and altering autoregulation. The primary aim of this study is to assess the effect of PEEP increase (from 5 to 15 cmH2O) on cerebral autoregulation. Secondary aims include the effect of PEEP increase on ICP and cerebral oxygenation.

Material and Methods: Prospective, observational study including adult mechanically ventilated patients with acute brain injury requiring invasive ICP monitoring and undergoing multimodal neuromonitoring including ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and cerebral oxygenation parameters obtained with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and an index which expresses cerebral autoregulation (PRx). Additionally, values of arterial blood gases were analyzed at PEEP of 5 and 15 cmH2O. Results are expressed as median (interquartile range).

Results: Twenty-five patients were included in this study. The median age was 65 years (46–73). PEEP increase from 5 to 15 cmH2O did not lead to worsened autoregulation (PRx, from 0.17 (−0.003–0.28) to 0.18 (0.01-0.24), p = 0.83). Although ICP and CPP changed significantly (ICP: 11.11 (6.73–15.63) to 13.43 (6.8–16.87) mm Hg, p = 0.003, and CPP: 72.94 (59.19–84) to 66.22 (58.91–78.41) mm Hg, p = 0.004), these parameters did not reach clinically relevant levels. No significant changes in relevant cerebral oxygenation parameters were observed.

Conclusion: Slow and gradual increases of PEEP did not alter cerebral autoregulation, ICP, CPP and cerebral oxygenation to levels triggering clinical interventions in acute brain injury patients.
Visual biases in evaluation of speakers’ and singers’ voice type by cis and trans listeners
Authors: Marchand Knight Jay , Sares Anastasia G. , Deroche Mickael L. D.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

A singer’s or speaker’s Fach (voice type) should be appraised based on acoustic cues characterizing their voice. Instead, in practice, it is often influenced by the individual’s physical appearance. This is especially distressful for transgender people who may be excluded from formal singing because of perceived mismatch between their voice and appearance. To eventually break down these visual biases, we need a better understanding of the conditions under which they occur. Specifically, we hypothesized that trans listeners (not actors) would be better able to resist such biases, relative to cis listeners, precisely because they would be more aware of appearance-voice dissociations.

Methods

In an online study, 85 cisgender and 81 transgender participants were presented with 18 different actors singing or speaking short sentences. These actors covered six voice categories from high/bright (traditionally feminine) to low/dark (traditionally masculine) voices: namely soprano, mezzo-soprano (referred to henceforth as mezzo), contralto (referred to henceforth as alto), tenor, baritone, and bass. Every participant provided voice type ratings for (1) Audio-only (A) stimuli to get an unbiased estimate of a given actor’s voice type, (2) Video-only (V) stimuli to get an estimate of the strength of the bias itself, and (3) combined Audio-Visual (AV) stimuli to see how much visual cues would affect the evaluation of the audio.

Results

Results demonstrated that visual biases are not subtle and hold across the entire scale, shifting voice appraisal by about a third of the distance between adjacent voice types (for example, a third of the bass-to-baritone distance). This shift was 30% smaller for trans than for cis listeners, confirming our main hypothesis. This pattern was largely similar whether actors sung or spoke, though singing overall led to more feminine/high/bright ratings.

Conclusion

This study is one of the first demonstrations that transgender listeners are in fact better judges of a singer’s or speaker’s voice type because they are better able to separate the actors’ voice from their appearance, a finding that opens exciting avenues to fight more generally against implicit (or sometimes explicit) biases in voice appraisal.
Formation mechanism and prediction model of juvenile delinquency
Authors: Xu Shuhui , Yu Junwen , Hu Yu
Published: May 2023

Exploring the formation mechanism of juvenile delinquency is of great significance to prevent juvenile delinquency. The present study examined relations and interactions among juvenile delinquents’ self-consciousness, family factors, social relationships, belief in a just world, and legal consciousness, and then developed a predictive model to distinguish between juvenile delinquents and non-delinquents. The results showed that family factors have a significant influence on the formation of juvenile delinquents’ self-consciousness and there are notable differences in family environment and self-consciousness between delinquent and non-delinquent adolescents. Due to the complex interactions among juvenile delinquency’s self-consciousness, family factors, social relationships, belief in a just world and legal consciousness, adolescents’ self- consciousness and social relationships can be utilized to predict and classify the groups of delinquent and non-delinquent adolescents effectively. Therefore, the key to preventing juvenile delinquency is to improve their self-consciousness and develop their prosocial relationships.
The effects of Latino Dance intervention on academic and general self-efficacy with left-behind children: An experimental study in China
Authors: Zhou Zhenqian , Zhou Yutao , Ferraro Francesco Vincenzo , Hooton Andy , Ribchester Chris
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Although there is considerable research indicating that physical exercise and dance can strengthen children’s self-efficacy, and children’s self-efficacy can predict students’ academic achievement at a wide range of academic levels. Few studies have been conducted using Latino Dance to improve self-efficacy in Left-Behind Children (LBC), especially the two aspects of student academic self-efficacy and general self-efficacy, while the mediator role of self-esteem between student academic self-efficacy and general self-efficacy has been less explored in previous research.

Methods

This study proposed to examine Latino Dance interventions to improve general self-efficacy and students’ academic self-efficacy among LBC students in rural areas to boost students’ academic performance, and the research team hypothesised that general self-efficacy, students’ academic self-efficacy and self-esteem would improve following the intervention and that outcomes will have a significant positive correlation as students’ self-esteem can mediate both their academic self-efficacy and their general self-efficacy. Dates were collected from 305 LBCs children (160 boys and 145 girls) from 6 left-behind schools in Hunan province, China. Ralf Schwarzer’s general self-efficacy scale, Morgan-Jinks Student academic Self-Efficacy Scale, and Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale were administered to LBCs between September 2020 and January 2022.

Results

The results revealed that the Latino Dance intervention significantly increased the LBC student’ academic self-efficacy and general self-efficacy, which also involved a positive effect on the three sub-dimensions (talent, context, and effort) of students’ academic self-efficacy. Further, multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that self-esteem (positive esteem/self-deprecation) acted as a partial mediator between student academic self-efficacy and general self-efficacy; perceived self-esteem played a mediating role between them.

Discussion

This study filled a gap in the literature concerning the psychological reinforcement effect of Latino Dance on LBC groups and demonstrated that Latino Dance improved the student’ academic self-efficacy and general self-efficacy among the LBCs. Our results suggest that Latino Dance can be beneficial for LBC in school by including Latino Dance in Physical Education or Art courses and improving students’ self-esteem may lead to an increase in student academic self-efficacy as well as general self-efficacy, thereby improving and enhancing the learning of LBCs.
Personality predicts self-rated health: considering age differences
Authors: Kang Weixi
Published: May 2023

Self-rated health (SRH) refers to the subjective evaluation of one’s own health. Big Five personality traits including Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Openness, Conscientiousness, and Extraversion have been consistently found as significant predictors of SRH. In addition, SRH declines with age, and personality traits change with age. Thus, it is reasonable to speculate that age might moderate the associations between personality traits and SRH. The current study analyzed data from 33,256 participants with a mean age of 45.78 years old and 55.92% females. The current study found that age significantly moderates the associations between Agreeableness, Openness, and Conscientiousness and SRH after controlling for demographic covariates. The current study implies that personality traits relate to SRH differently at different ages. Thus, studies regarding the associations between personality traits and SRH must take the interactions between age and personality traits into account.
The use of gaze to study cognition: limitations, solutions, and applications to animal welfare
Authors: Wilson Vanessa A. D. , Bethell Emily J. , Nawroth Christian
Published: May 2023

The study of gaze responses, typically using looking time paradigms, has become a popular approach to improving our understanding of cognitive processes in non-verbal individuals. Our interpretation of data derived from these paradigms, however, is constrained by how we conceptually and methodologically approach these problems. In this perspective paper, we outline the application of gaze studies in comparative cognitive and behavioral research and highlight current limitations in the interpretation of commonly used paradigms. Further, we propose potential solutions, including improvements to current experimental approaches, as well as broad-scale benefits of technology and collaboration. Finally, we outline the potential benefits of studying gaze responses from an animal welfare perspective. We advocate the implementation of these proposals across the field of animal behavior and cognition to aid experimental validity, and further advance our knowledge on a variety of cognitive processes and welfare outcomes.
Exploring the relationship between metacognitive awareness and Chinese EFL learners’ listening skills
Authors: Fu Ying , Wang Min , Min Shangchao , Zhou Songbo , Pan Xunyi
Published: May 2023

Listening causes great difficulties for EFL learners and little is known concerning the contribution of EFL learners’ metacognitive awareness to their listening performance and to their mastery of listening subskill. In the present study, the Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire (MALQ) and an in-house listening test were used to collect data from 567 Chinese EFL college students. The G-DINA package in R was adopted to identify students’ mastery patterns of listening subskills. The correlations of test takers’ MALQ results and their listening scores and listening subskills mastery probability were analyzed, respectively, to investigate how test participants’ metacognitive awareness relates to their language proficiency and listening subskills. According to the study, learners’ metacognitive awareness has a significant positive relationship with their listening performance at overall and subskills levels. The findings of the study provide additional evidence for using the MALQ as an instrument to interpret learners’ metacognitive awareness of listening strategies. It is thus recommended that theorists and language teachers involve metacognitive awareness of strategies in listening instructions.
Translation directionality and the Inhibitory Control Model: a machine learning approach to an eye-tracking study
Authors: Chang Vincent Chieh-Ying , Chen I-Fei
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Based on such physiological data as pupillometry collected in an eye-tracking experiment, the study has further confirmed the effect of directionality on cognitive loads during L1 and L2 textual translations by novice translators, a phenomenon called “translation asymmetry” suggested by the Inhibitory Control Model, while revealing that machine learning-based approaches can be usefully applied to the field of Cognitive Translation and Interpreting Studies.

Methods

Directionality was the only factor guiding the eye-tracking experiment where 14 novice translators with the language combination of Chinese and English were recruited to conduct L1 and L2 translations while their pupillometry were recorded. They also filled out a Language and Translation Questionnaire with which categorical data on their demographics were obtained.

Results

A nonparametric related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank test on pupillometry verified the effect of directionality, suggested by the model, during bilateral translations, verifying “translation asymmetry” at atextuallevel. Further, using the pupillometric data, together with the categorical information, the XGBoost machine-learning algorithm yielded a model that could reliably and effectively predict translation directions.

Conclusion

The study has shown that translation asymmetry suggested by the model was valid at atextuallevel, and that machine learning-based approaches can be gainfully applied to Cognitive Translation and Interpreting Studies.
The gene expression patterns as surrogate indices of pH in the brain
Authors: Hagihara Hideo , Murano Tomoyuki , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2023

Hydrogen ion (H+) is one of the most potent intrinsic neuromodulators in the brain in terms of concentration. Changes in H+ concentration, expressed as pH, are thought to be associated with various biological processes, such as gene expression, in the brain. Accumulating evidence suggests that decreased brain pH is a common feature of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and Alzheimer's disease. However, it remains unclear whether gene expression patterns can be used as surrogates for pH changes in the brain. In this study, we performed meta-analyses using publicly available gene expression datasets to profile the expression patterns of pH-associated genes, whose expression levels were correlated with brain pH, in human patients and mouse models of major central nervous system (CNS) diseases, as well as in mouse cell-type datasets. Comprehensive analysis of 281 human datasets from 11 CNS disorders revealed that gene expression associated with decreased pH was over-represented in disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and brain tumors. Expression patterns of pH-associated genes in mouse models of neurodegenerative disease showed a common time course trend toward lower pH over time. Furthermore, cell type analysis identified astrocytes as the cell type with the most acidity-related gene expression, consistent with previous experimental measurements showing a lower intracellular pH in astrocytes than in neurons. These results suggest that the expression pattern of pH-associated genes may be a surrogate for the state- and trait-related changes in pH in brain cells. Altered expression of pH-associated genes may serve as a novel molecular mechanism for a more complete understanding of the transdiagnostic pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
Documenting fall episodes: a scoping review
Authors: Pernes Mafalda , Agostinho Inês , Bernardes Rafael A. , Belo Fernandes Júlio , Baixinho Cristina Lavareda
Published: May 2023

Documentation is an important measure for the management of fall risk because it concentrates the attention of professionals, raises awareness of the existence of fall risk factors, and promotes action to eliminate or minimize them. This study aimed to map the evidence on information to document episodes of falls in older adults. We opted for a scoping review, which followed the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol for this kind of study. The research question that guided the research strategy was “What recommendations emerge from the research on the documentation of falls of the older person?” The inclusion criteria defined were older adults who had at least one fall; nursing documentation after a fall has occurred; and nursing homes, hospitals, community, and long-term care. The search was performed on the following platforms: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in January 2022 and allowed the identification of 854 articles, which after analysis resulted in a final sample of six articles. The documentation of fall episodes should answer the following questions: Who? What? When? Where? How? Doing what? What was said? What were the consequences? and What has been done? Despite the recommendations for the documentation of fall episodes as a preventive measure for their recurrence, there are no studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of this measure. Future studies should explore the association between fall documentation, fall recurrence prevention programs, and their impact on the prevalence rate of the second and subsequent falls, as well as the severity of injuries and fear of falling.
Prevalence of suicide ideation, self-harm, and suicide among Chinese patients with schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Yiying , Wu Manqi , Zou Yanqiu , Wan Xiaoyan , Liu Yuanyuan , Liu Xiang
Published: May 2023

Aims

Suicide ideation, self-harm, and suicide are common in patients with schizophrenia, but the reported prevalence vary largely across studies. Improved prevalence estimates and identification of moderators of the above self-directed violence are needed to enhance recognition and care, and to guide future management and research. This systematic review aims to estimate the pooled prevalence and identify moderators of suicide ideation, self-harm, and suicide among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in China.

Methods

Relevant articles published until September 23, 2021, were searched using PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, CNKI, CBM, VIP, and Wanfang databases. Eligible studies published in English or Chinese which reported the prevalence of suicide ideation, self-harm, or suicide among Chinese patients with schizophrenia were collected. All studies passed a quality evaluation. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020222338). PRISMA guidelines were used in extracting and reporting data. Random-effects meta-analyses were generated using the meta package in R.

Results

A total of 40 studies were identified, 20 of which were evaluated as high-quality studies. Based on these studies, the prevalence of lifetime suicide ideation was 19.22% (95% CI: 7.57–34.50%), prevalence of suicide ideation at the time of investigation was 18.06% (95% CI: 6.49–33.67%), prevalence of lifetime self-harm was 15.77% (95% CI: 12.51–19.33%), and prevalence of suicide was 1.49% (95% CI: 0.00–7.95%). Multivariate meta-regression analysis revealed that age (β = − 0.1517, p = 0.0006) and dependency ratio (β = 0.0113, p < 0.0001) were associated with the lifetime prevalence of self-harm. Study assessment score (β = 0.2668, p < 0.0001) and dependency ratio (β = 0.0050, p = 0.0145) were associated with the lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation. Results of the spatial analysis showed that the prevalence of self-directed violence varied greatly across different provinces.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides estimates of the prevalence of self-directed violence among Chinese patients with schizophrenia and explores its moderators and spatial patterns. Findings also have important implications for allocating prevention and intervention resources to targeted high-risk populations in high prevalence areas.
Severe trauma in Germany and Israel: are we speaking the same language? A trauma registry comparison
Authors: Kaim Arielle , Bodas Moran , Bieler Dan , Radomislensky Irina , Matthes Gerrit , Givon Adi , Trentzsch Heiko ,   Israel Trauma Group, Waydhas Christian , Lefering Rolf
Published: May 2023

Background

Trauma registries are a crucial component of trauma systems, as they could be utilized to perform a benchmarking of quality of care and enable research in a critical but important area of health care. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of two national trauma systems: Germany (TraumaRegister DGU®, TR-DGU) and Israel (Israeli National Trauma Registry, INTR).

Methods

The present study was a retrospective analysis of data from the described above trauma registries in Israel and Germany. Adult patients from both registries treated during 2015–2019 with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 points were included. Patient demographics, type, distribution, mechanism, and severity of injury, treatment delivered and length of stay (LOS) in the ICU and in the hospital were included in the analysis.

Results

Data were available from 12,585 Israeli patients and 55,660 German patients. Age and sex distribution were comparable, and road traffic collisions were the most prevalent cause of injuries. The ISS of German patients was higher (ISS 24 vs. 20), more patients were treated on an intensive care unit (92 vs. 32%), and mortality was higher (19.4 vs. 9.5%) as well.

Conclusion

Despite similar inclusion criteria (ISS ≥ 16), remarkable differences between the two national datasets were observed. Most probably, this was caused by different recruitment strategies of both registries, like trauma team activation and need for intensive care in TR-DGU. More detailed analyses are needed to uncover similarities and differences of both trauma systems.
Determinants of Bangladeshi patients' decision-making process and satisfaction toward medical tourism in India
Authors: Zakaria Muhammad , Islam Muhammad Aminul , Islam Md Khadimul , Begum Aklima , Poly Nahida Akter , Cheng Feng , Xu Junfang
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The aims are to explore the factors influencing Bangladeshi patients' decision-making process and their satisfaction level toward medical tourism in India.

Methods

The study used a quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from the patients or their relatives (N = 388) who would have decided to travel to India for medical and treatment purposes at the Chittagong Indian visa center (IVAC). Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, and facilitator-administered questionnaire, which mainly included the social demographic characteristics, health status, medical tourism information and medical tourism index. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to explore the factors influencing their satisfaction level toward medical tourism in India.

Results

More than three-fourths of the participants had visited India for self-treatment. Of the participants, 14% were cardiology patients, and 13% suffered from cancer. The relatives were the key source of information regarding medical tourism for more than one-fourth of the respondents. India's availability of well-experienced doctors, hospital/medical facilities with high standards, well-trained doctors, reputable doctors, and quality treatments and medical materials were top-ranked items. Regression results depict that facility and services appeared as the strongest factor (β = 0.24, t = 4.71, p < 0.001) followed by tourism destination factor (β = 0.16, t = 3.11, p = 0.002), medical tourism costs factor (β = 0.16, t = 3.24, p = 0.001) and country environment factor (β = 0.15, t = 2.69, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

We found that the factor related to facility and services is one of the strongest predictors in our models. Therefore, home countries must strengthen the health care providers' advanced professional training, including service attitudes. Moreover, it is important to lessen the language barrier, reduce the airfare for medical tourists, and make the treatment cost more affordable for patients.
Influence of different functionalized CdTe quantum dots on the accumulation of metals, developmental toxicity and respiration in different development stages of the zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Bosch Suanne , Botha Tarryn Lee , Wepener Victor
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The bioaccumulation and differential effects of cadmium tellurium quantum dot (CdTe QDs) nanomaterials with different functional groups are poorly understood in aquatic organisms. This study aimed to investigate the metal uptake, developmental effects, and respiratory effects of CdTe QDs with different functional groups (COOH, NH3, and PEG) on zebrafish embryos.

Methods: Zebrafish embryos were exposed to carboxylate (COOH), ammonia (NH3), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized CdTe QDs at nominal concentrations of 0.5, 2, 4, 6, and 20 mg QDs/L. The materials were characterized in E3 exposure media and the metal uptake, developmental effects, and respiratory effects of zebrafish embryos were recorded.

Results: The total Cd or Te concentrations in the larvae could not be explained by the metal concentrations or dissolution of the materials in the exposure media. The metal uptake in the larvae was not dose-dependent, except for the QD-PEG treatment. The QD-NH3 treatment caused respiration inhibition at the highest exposure concentration and hatching delays and severe malformations at low concentrations. The toxicities observed at low concentrations were attributed to particles crossing the pores in the chorion, and toxicities at higher concentrations were linked to the aggregation of particle agglomerates to the surface of the chorion impairing respiration. Developmental defects were recorded following exposure to all three functional groups, but the QD-NH3 group had the most severe response. The LC50 values for embryo development of QD-COOH and QD-PEG groups were higher than 20 mg/L, and the LC50 of the QD-NH3 group was 20 mg/L.

Discussion: The results of this study suggest that CdTe QDs with different functional groups have differential effects on zebrafish embryos. The QD-NH3 treatment caused the most severe effects, including respiration inhibition and developmental defects. These findings provide valuable information for understanding the effects of CdTe QDs on aquatic organisms and highlight the need for further investigation.
High-density SNP markers elucidate the genetic divergence and population structure of Noticiana sheep breed in the Mediterranean context
Authors: Chessari Giorgio , Criscione Andrea , Tolone Marco , Bordonaro Salvatore , Rizzuto Ilaria , Riggio Silvia , Macaluso Vito , Moscarelli Angelo , Portolano Baldassare , Sardina Maria Teresa , Mastrangelo Salvatore
Published: May 2023

Among livestock species, sheep have played an early major role in the Mediterranean area. Italy has a long history of sheep breeding and, despite a dramatic contraction in numbers, still raise several local populations that may represent a unique source of genetic diversity. The Noticiana is a breed of the south-eastern part of Sicily appreciated both for its dairy products and for its resistance to harsh environment. In this study, the high-density Illumina Ovine SNP600K BeadChip array was used for the first genome-wide characterization of 48 individuals of Noticiana sheep to investigate its diversity, the genome structure and the relationship within the context of worldwide and Italian breeds. Moreover, the runs of homozygosity (ROH) pattern and the pairwise FST-outliers were examined. Noticiana reported moderate levels of genetic diversity. The high percentage of short and medium length ROH segments (93% under 4 Mb) is indicative of a within breed relatedness dating back to ancient times, despite the absence of management for the mating plans and the reduced population size. In the worldwide context, the Southern Italian, Spanish and Albanian breeds overlapped in a macro cluster which also included the Noticiana sheep. The results highlighted ancestral genetic components of Noticiana shared with Comisana breed, and showed the clear separation from the other Italian sheep. This is likely the consequence of the combined effects of genetic drift, small population size and reproductive isolation. ROH islands and FST-outliers approaches in Noticiana identified genes and QTLs involved in milk and meat production, as well as related to the local adaptation, and therefore are consistent with the phenotypic traits of the studied breed. Although a wider sampling could be useful to deepen the genomic survey on Noticiana, these results represent a crucial starting point for the characterization of an important local genetic resource, with a view of supporting the local economy and preserving the biodiversity of the sheep species.
Pathological effects due to metacercariae of Clinostomum piscidium migration in snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis) in Thailand
Authors: Islam Sk Injamamul , Rodkhum Channarong , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan
Published: May 2023

Clinostomumspp. is a fish-borne pathogen and a digenetic trematode with a global range. Despite its zoonotic relevance, the pathogenic impact of the parasite in Thai aquaculture is currently unclear. The present study deals with the pathogenic changes that fluke causes in their host,Trichopodus pectoralis, and the molecular confirmation of theClinostomum piscidiumby targeting 18 s rDNA and ITS gene. The metacercariae ofC. piscidiumwere discovered in the body cavity of infected fish. The gross pathological examination revealed a few white migratory tracks on the surface of the liver and spleen. The migratory track showed histologically as a primary hemorrhage and necrosis of hepatic cells surrounded by a layer of macrophages and epithelioid cells, inflammatory cells, and eosinophilic granular cells in the cytoplasm of liver cells and close to the epithelial cells of the intestine. Also, the migratory track in the spleen appeared as a marked decrease of Red Blood Cell (RBC) count and changes in the necrotic tissue. Infection with this metacercaria produced hepatic tissue injury, which disrupted hepatic metabolism and decreased body weight in the fish hosts. The findings of the study suggest that the pathological effect ofC. piscidiumon farmT. pectoraliscan cause significant economic loss by stunting fish development and predisposing fish to opportunistic pathogens in the environment. Hence, the treatment and control ofC. piscidiuminfections are crucial for the viability of the aquaculture sector since this parasite has been found to cause pathological damage to the vital organs of fish.
Exploring the Causality Between Body Mass Index and Sepsis: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Juntao , Hu Yanlan , Zeng Jun , Li Quan , He Lanfen , Hao Wenjie , Song Xingyue , Yan Shijiao , Lv Chuanzhu
Published: May 2023

Objective: Observational epidemiological studies have shown a link between obesity and sepsis, but any causal relationship is not clear. Our study aimed to explore the correlation and causal relationship between body mass index and sepsis by a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods: In large sample genome-wide association studies, single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to body mass index were screened as instrumental variables. Three MR methods, MR-Egger regression, weighted median estimator, and inverse variance-weighted, were used to evaluate the causal relationship between body mass index and sepsis. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as the evaluation index of causality, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess pleiotropy and instrument validity.

Results: By two-sample MR, the inverse variance weighting method results suggested that increased body mass index was associated with an increased risk of sepsis (odds ratio 1.32; 95% CI 1.21–1.44; p = 1.37 × 10−9) and streptococcal septicemia (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.11–1.91; p = 0.007), but there was no causal relationship with puerperal sepsis (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.87–1.28; p = 0.577). Sensitivity analysis was consistent with the results, and there was no heterogeneity and level of pleiotropy.

Conclusion: Our study supports a causal relationship between body mass index and sepsis. Proper control of body mass index may prevent sepsis.
A System-Oriented Dialogue Model to Design Community Partnerships for More Effective Sars-Cov-2 Prevention in Schools: The Case of Spain
Authors: Malagrida Rosina , Fernández Jessica , Casabona Jordi , Broerse Jacqueline E. W.
Published: May 2023

Objectives: The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) COVID-19 guidelines for non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) identify safety, hygiene and physical distancing measures to control SARS-Cov-2 transmission in schools. Because their implementation requires complicated changes, the guidelines also include “accompanying measures” of risk communication, health literacy and community engagement. Although these are considered crucial, their implementation is complex. This study aimed to co-define a community partnership that a) identifies systemic barriers and b) designs recommendations on how to implement the NPI to improve SARS-Cov-2 prevention in schools.

Methods: We designed and piloted a System-Oriented Dialogue Model with the participation of 44 teachers and 868 students and their parents from six Spanish schools during 2021. The results were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Participants identified 406 items addressing issues related to system characteristics, which is indicative of the complexity of the challenge. Using a thematic analysis, we defined 14 recommendations covering five categories.

Conclusion: These findings could help in developing guidelines for initiating community engagement partnerships in schools to provide more integrated prevention interventions.
The Influence of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) on the Productivity and Well-Being of Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO)-Certified Independent Smallholders in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Suib Nurul Atiqah binti , Salleh Norlida Hanim Mohd , Shukor Md Shafiin , Chamhuri Norshamliza , Shahimi Shahida , Salleh Kamalrudin Mohamed , Hashim Khairuman
Published: May 2023

Good agricultural practice (GAP) helps increase productivity by producing fresh fruit bunches (FFBs), and selling FFBs will increase Independent Smallholders’ (ISH) income. However, although GAP promotes increased productivity, the effectiveness of GAP in delivering the well-being of the ISH in oil palm production areas remains to be determined. To that end, this study (i) measures the smallholder’s well-being index, (ii) compares the well-being index by states in Malaysia, and (iii) maps the relationship between GAP implementation, productivity, and well-being. The study selected respondents using purposive sampling (PS). PS identifies and selects individuals with Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification and knowledge and experience of GAP. As a result, the research interviewed 564 ISHs with MSPO certification from 162 Sustainable Palm Oil Clusters (SPOC). The study used Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and the Structural Equation Model (SEM) framework to achieve the objectives. The study found that the average ISH well-being index was 0.62, and ISHs in Sabah had the highest well-being, with 0.73 compared to other states. The study also found that GAP influences productivity and is positively and significantly related to well-being. Therefore, it indicates to ISHs and the government the importance of GAP implementation to increase ISHs’ productivity and well-being.
Design and Test of Dislocation Baffle Roller Bionic Picking Device for Fresh Corn
Authors: Luo Huizhong , Nie Junshan , Zhang Lihua
Published: May 2023

Considering the problems of the low mechanical work rate and the high picking damage rate of baffle roller bionic picking devices in the harvesting process of fresh corn in China, a method of fresh corn harvesting based on dislocation baffle roller bionic picking is proposed. When the picking device is in operation, the dislocation baffle roller assists with picking by applying deflecting torque to the corn cob. The mechanical properties of the bottom kernel were significantly better than those of the top kernel, according to the results of a triaxial compression test on fresh corn kernels, and the force applied by the picking device from the bottom kernel’s side could successfully prevent cob breakage. To determine the optimal combination of operating parameters for the bionic picking device, a three-factor, three-level virtual response surface optimization test was conducted using Box–Behnken’s central combination method with the baffle roller tilt angle, the baffle roller gap, and the stalk speed as the test factors, and the maximum contact force as the test indexes. Based on the theoretical analysis results, a test bench of the dislocation baffle roller bionic picking device was made. When the picking damage rate was 0.32%, the baffle roller dislocation was 5 mm, the baffle roller tilt angle was 41°, the baffle roller gap was 25 mm, and the stalk speed was 338 mm/s. This study can provide a reference for researching low-damage picking of fresh corn cob.