bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of early mobilisation on physical function in patients after heart valve surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Shawk Abdulrahman , Moffatt Fiona , ALaseem Aram
Published: October 2024

Background/Aims

Literature suggests that early mobilisation, defined as the initiation of physical activity within 48 hours following surgery, improves outcomes after cardiac surgery. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of early mobilisation on physical function and other outcomes, including length of hospital stay and cost following heart valve surgery.

Methods

The Physiotherapy Evidence Database, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception until May 2022 using relevant key words. Randomised controlled trials comparing early mobilisation and usual care for patients who had received heart valve surgery were included in the review. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. The data were narratively synthesised.

Results

The search identified 210 articles, with 98 remaining after duplicates were removed. Upon screening for eligibility, nine articles were assessed in full and three randomised controlled trials involving 161 patients were included in the review. Early mobilisation protocols varied across trials. Two trials (n=124) reported significantly greater improvement in physical function with early mobilisation compared to usual care, including handgrip strength (P=0.001). One study (n=41) found early mobilisation significantly reduced the length of hospital stay (P=0.000), in-hospital care costs (P=0.000) and intensive care unit stay (P=0.000) compared to usual care. Methodological quality scores ranged from six to nine on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The risk of biased judgement was ‘low’ in one study and ‘some concerns’ in two studies.

Conclusions

Early mobilisation may improve physical function and reduce hospital and intensive care unit stays after heart valve surgery. However, differences in protocols and limited studies indicate further high-quality research is needed, particularly regarding cost-effectiveness. Establishing clear early mobilisation protocols could enhance recovery in this population.

Implications for practice

Early mobilisation may require the coordinated effort of a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists, nurses and possibly other medical professionals. For its seamless and effective implementation, it is essential to understand whether this intervention falls under the domain of physiotherapists or requires broader team collaboration. Given these complexities, strategies targeting early mobilisation that balance both safety and resource considerations are advised to improve physical function after heart valve surgery, especially among patients who are frail.
Thinking machines: artificial intelligence in rehabilitation and beyond
Authors: Polastri Massimiliano
Published: October 2024

In this editorial, Massimiliano Polastri discusses the potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
Advances in the management of arteriosclerosis of the lower extremity: Integrating Western and Chinese medicine approaches
Authors: Cheng Sha , Xu Jia-Xin , Long Wen-Jie
Published: October 2024

This editorial provides a commentary on the recent article. The paper reviews current literature and explores innovative treatment strategies for lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (LEASO) through an integrative approach. It highlights the effectiveness of combination therapies that merge traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Western medical practices, suggesting that such integrative methods may improve patient compliance and outcomes through personalized care. This paper stresses the importance of rigorous clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM interventions within LEASO treatment protocols, advocating for evidence-based validation of these combined therapies. Our recommendations emphasize accurate diagnosis, appropriate pharmacological interventions, the use of advanced surgical and endovascular techniques, and the inclusion of TCM to address underlying dysfunctions. Additionally, continuous monitoring, patient education, and lifestyle modifications are essential to slow disease progression and achieve optimal patient outcomes. The paper concludes by calling for further research to develop standardized treatment protocols that effectively integrate both Western and Chinese medical approaches in managing LEASO.
MiRNA-200a and miRNA-200b expression, and vitamin-D level: Prognostic significance in obese non-diabetic and obese type 2 diabetes mellitus individuals
Authors: Alshahrani Abrar Fahad , Ashfaq Fauzia , Alsayegh Abdulrahman A , Bajahzer Mohammed , Khan Mohammad Idreesh , Beg Mirza Masroor Ali
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are frequent co-occurring disorders that affect regular metabolic functions. Obesity has also been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes. Obesity and diabetes are on the rise, increasing healthcare costs and raising mortality rates. Research has revealed that the expression profile of microRNAs (miRNAs) changes as diabetes progresses. Furthermore, vitamin D may have an anti-obesity effect and inverse association with body weight and body mass index (BMI). Low vitamin D levels do not solely cause obesity, which could be a factor in the etiology of T2DM.

AIM

To evaluate miRNA-200a and miRNA-200b expression, and vitamin-D levels in obese and obese T2DM individuals.

METHODS

This study included 210 participants, of which, 82 were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) without T2DM, 28 were obese with T2DM, and 100 were healthy controls. BMI was evaluated and both fasting and postprandial blood glucose were used to confirm T2DM. Exosomal miRNA-200a and miRNA-200b expression were analyzed using real-time PCR using Taqman probes, and vitamin-D levels were evaluated using an electrochemiluminescence-based immunoassay technique. All data analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0 and GraphPad Prism 5 software.

RESULTS

Overall, a 2.20- and 4.40-fold increase in miRNA-200a and miRNA-200b expression was observed among participants compared to healthy controls. MiRNA-200a and miRNA-200b expression among obese participants increased 2.40-fold and 3.93-fold, respectively, while in obese T2DM participants these values were 2.67-fold, and 5.78-fold, respectively, and these differences were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.02) (P < 0.0001). Obese participants showed a vitamin D level of 34.27 ng/mL, while in obese-T2DM participants vitamin D level was 22.21 ng/mL (P < 0.0001). Vitamin D was negatively correlated with miRNA-200a (r = -0.22, P = 0.01) and miRNA-200b (r = -0.19, P = 0.04). MiRNA-200a sensitivity was 75%, and specificity was 57%, with a cutoff value of 2.07-fold. MiRNA-200b sensitivity was 75%, and specificity was 71% with a cutoff value of 4.12-fold, suggesting that miRNA-200a and miRNA-200b with an increased expression of 2.07- and 4.12-fold could be predictive indicators for the risk of diabetes in obese participants.

CONCLUSION

MiRNA-200a and miRNA-200b were higher in diabetic obese participants vs non-diabetic obese participants, and insufficient vitamin D levels in obese T2DM participants may be involved in poor clinical outcome.
Growing Up as Bridge Generation Members: Two Daughters in Chicago
Authors: Posadas Barbara M.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: "Growing Up as Bridge Generation Members: Two Daughters in Chicago" compares and contrasts the formative years of Fran Alayu Womack (1931–2014) and Barbara M. Posadas (1945–present), who were both born in Chicago before 1946 — Womack to Filipino immigrant parents and Posadas to a Filipino immigrant father and a Polish American mother. Their experiences are cast against those of West Coast Bridge Generation members examined by Peter Jamero in Growing Up Brown: Memoirs of a Filipino American (2006) and Vanishing Filipino Americans: The Bridge Generation (2011). Like Posadas in Chicago, Donald L. Guimary and Albert A. Acena, both on the West Coast, earned doctorates and participated in FANHS.
Compulsory Etiquette: Emotionality and the Constraints of Urban Indigenous Life
Authors: Ridgway Morgan L.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The infrastructures of urban Indigenous life are marked by a type of dissonance that constantly confronts settler narratives of who and how Indigenous peoples are. The myriad violences that mark colonial power order urban Indigenous life within an unbearable nexus of assimilation, terror, and dispossession. Such violence places considerable demands on Indigenous peoples’ social and material worlds, such that the pressures to visualize, embody, and narrate Indigeneity in the service of a multicultural state are unending. In this article, I outline the politics of emotionality as both threatening to the settler state and a fissure that reveals a desiring for another world. I examine the fixation on the bickering in community meetings at the only urban Indian center in Philadelphia during the 1970s and 1980s to take stock of the ways negative affect is a signal of Indigenous refusals of settler values and marks the city as a zone of affective struggle. The contracts into which Indigenous peoples enter as forms of material survival get leveraged by the state, which demands Indigenous people relinquish sovereignty over their bodies. In the process, the state continues its primary mission to destabilize Indigenous community development and deny the possibilities of futurity. Yet, as Indigenous people push against settler-colonial regulations, the outbursts generated from bickering are affects at the point of refusal of the settler state to determine the totality of Indigenous life. Thus, negative affect, while tense, can generate community by offering an opportunity to reconfigure the terms of social life according to multitribal dialogue as a move toward reclaiming the future.
Fast and customizable image formation model for optical coherence tomography
Authors: Mazzolani Andrea , Macdonald Callum , Munro Peter R. T.
Published: October 2024

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a technique that performs high-resolution, three-dimensional, imaging of semi-transparent scattering biological tissues. Models of OCT image formation are needed for applications such as aiding image interpretation and validating OCT signal processing techniques. Existing image formation models generally trade off between model realism and computation time. In particular, the most realistic models tend to be highly computationally demanding, which becomes a limiting factor when simulating C-scan generation. Here we present an OCT image formation model based on the first-order Born approximation that is significantly faster than existing models, whilst maintaining a high degree of realism. This model is made more powerful because it is amenable to simulation of phase sensitive OCT, thus making it applicable to scenarios where sample displacement is of interest, such as optical coherence elastography (OCE) or Doppler OCT. The low computational cost of the model also makes it suitable for creating large OCT data sets needed for training deep learning OCT signal processing models. We present details of our novel image formation model and demonstrate its accuracy and computational efficiency.
Inverse-designed polarization-insensitive metasurface holography fabricated by nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Yu Gang , Mao Xu , Ding Hongsheng , Yang Fuhua , Wang Xiaodong
Published: October 2024

Metasurface holography, capable of fully engineering the wavefronts of light in an ultra-compact manner, has emerged as a promising route for vivid imaging, data storage, and information encryption. However, the primary manufacturing method for visible metasurface holography remains limited to the expensive and low-productivity electron-beam lithography (EBL). Here, we experimentally demonstrate the polarization-insensitive visible metasurface holography fabricated by high-throughput and low-cost nanoimprint lithography (NIL). The high-index titanium dioxide (TiO2) film is thinly deposited on the imprinted meta-atoms via atomic layer deposition (ALD) to achieve sufficient phase coverage. The calculated high-fidelity holograms are obtained by an inverse design method based on gradient-descent (GD) optimization. Under the various polarized light incidence, the correlation coefficients between the experimental reconstructed images and the target images all exceed 0.7 and the measured efficiencies are approximately 20%. The results demonstrate the high-precision, high-throughput, and cost-effective production of visible metaholograms, paving the way for the commercialization of meta-optics.
Enhancing Optical Microscopy with Quantum Entanglement
Authors: Tong Xin , ide Zhang Yide , ihong V. Wang Lihong
Published: October 2024

Drawing on the unique properties of entangled photons, quantum approaches can overcome the limitations of classical methods, enhance spatial resolution and reduce stray light and shot noise.
Hydrogel Optical Fibers
Authors: Wills Stewart
Published: October 2024

Researchers are working to coax a class of superbly biocompatible polymer�water hybrids into light-guiding channels for sensing, optogenetics and more.
Association between school commuting and adolescent mental health: Insights from a longitudinal study amid the pandemic
Authors: Ferreira Lima Gesse , Nascimento Neto Paulo , Akira Hino Adriano , Duarte Fabio
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the relationship between transportation modes and adolescent mental health, employing a natural experiment design to longitudinally track Brazilian high-school students amid the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions. We surveyed 213 students in the city of Curitiba during and after the COVID-19 lockdown period using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) combined with a socioeconomic questionnaire. To analyze changes in DASS between these two times we used the paired-sample T-test, exploring association with school commuting modes through binomial logistic regression models. The use of public transportation emerges as a significant factor associated with a threefold odds of increasing depression levels among students (OR = 3.08). This likelihood nearly quadrupled (OR = 3.81) when considering students living 5 km or more from school. These findings unveil public transportation and home-school distance as critical factors in the development of depression among adolescents. For example, individuals who commute via individual motorized transportation demonstrate a markedly lower likelihood of experiencing depression, pointing to broader societal and environmental factors such as family income and access to opportunities. Despite appearing contradictory to the commonly understood impacts of car use on mental health, this observation may unveil overlapping layers of spatial inequality and underscore the nuanced dynamics between transportation modes and adolescent mental well-being.
Effects of a feed supplement, containing undenatured type II collagen (UC II®) and Boswellia Serrata, in the management of mild/moderate mobility disorders in dogs: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study
Authors: Stabile Marzia , Fracassi Laura , Lacitignola Luca , Garcia-Pedraza Elena , Girelli Chiara Roberta , Calculli Crescenza , D’Uggento Angela Maria , Ribecco Nunziata , Crovace Antonio , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo , Staffieri Francesco
Published: October 2024

This study was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, cross-over trial performed to investigate the effects of a dietary supplement containing undenatured type II collagen (UCII®) and Boswellia Serrata on mobility, pain and joint metabolism in mild moderate osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. A total of 60 dogs with mobility problems were evaluated and enrolled in the study. Seventeen of these dogs with mild/moderate OA were randomized to receive the product A (UCII® + Boswellia Serrata supplement–UCII®-BW) or product B (Placebo -PL), 1 chew per day for 8 weeks by oral route, and repeated in a crossover design after 4 weeks of washout period. All the subjects had veterinary evaluations during the trial and owners were requested to fill out a questionnaire on mobility impairment using the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in dogs scale (L.O.A.D.) at each time of the study. Objective tools were used to assess mobility, activity, and pain. Metabolomic analysis was performed on synovial fluid of most affected joint at the beginning and the end of the study. The results proved that UCII®+Boswellia serrata supplemented group over a period of eight weeks results in an improvement of mobility impairment, already at 4 weeks of administration, according to the owner´s evaluation. In contrast, its absence increased the risk of OA crisis and decreased the pain threshold on the most affected joint. Furthermore, the synovial fluid metabolic profile showed moderate differences between the beginning and the end of the supplementation period, with a particular influence associated to the time of UCII®-BW administration.
The impact of team psychological safety on employee innovative performance a study with communication behavior as a mediator variable
Authors: Jin Hao , Peng Yan
Published: October 2024

This study aims to delve into the impact of team psychological safety on employee innovative performance and to analyze the mediating role of communication behavior in this process. Given the central role of innovation in the sustained competitiveness of enterprises, understanding how team psychological safety promotes employee innovation through communication behavior is of significant theoretical and practical importance. The study employs a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze survey data from 580 employees across various high-tech enterprises. The results indicate that the three dimensions of team psychological safety—team collaboration and understanding, team information sharing, and team give-and-take balance—have a significant positive impact on employee innovative performance. Moreover, communication behavior plays a significant mediating role between team psychological safety and employee innovative performance. This study reveals the positive influence of team psychological safety on employee innovative performance through communication behavior, emphasizing the importance of building a positive team psychological safety environment to stimulate employee innovation potential. It provides empirical evidence for enterprise managers to optimize team communication strategies and enhance employee innovative performance.
Treatment patterns and characteristics of patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A retrospective claims analysis among commercially insured population
Authors: Stanicic Filip , Zah Vladimir , Grbic Dimitrije , De Angelo Debra , Bibeau Wendy
Published: October 2024

Objective

This retrospective claims analysis explored the treatment utilization and characteristics among patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of different severity.

Methods

The index date was the first PTSD claim. The analysis observed 12 months pre- and 24 months post-index. Adults with insurance gaps, cancer, or acute PTSD during the observation were excluded. Patients were categorized into three severity cohorts based on treatment and healthcare services utilization for PTSD: 1. Baseline PTSD (BP) (no PTSD visits post-index, no FDA-approved medications/ psychotherapy, and no severe mental health comorbidities); 2. PTSD without Comorbidities (PwoC) (≥1 PTSD visits post-index and no severe mental health conditions); 3. PTSD with Comorbidities (PwC) (≥1 PTSD visits post-index and severe mental health comorbidities present). For the primary analysis, cohorts were propensity-score matched. A sub-analysis examined patients with PTSD and Substance or Alcohol Use Disorder (SUD/AUD).

Results

The primary analysis observed 1714 BP, 1681 PwoC, and 1681 PwC patients. Treatment utilization rates were highest among PwC vs. other cohorts (84.5% psychotherapy, 76.1% off-label medications, and 26.1% FDA-approved medications [p<0.001]). PwC cohort also had the highest number of psychotherapy sessions and medication prescriptions per patient (20.1 sessions, 12.6 off-label prescriptions, and 2.0 FDA-approved prescriptions [p<0.001]). The proportion of days covered (PDC) indicated low medication adherence (0.25–0.40) with adherent patient rates (PDC ≥0.80) between 8.0–17.5%. The SUD/AUD sub-analysis identified 85 BP, 537 PwoC, and 3154 PwC patients. Conclusions were similar, with PwC cohort having highest treatment utilization rates (87.1% psychotherapy, 85.0% off-label medications, 28.2% FDA-approved medications [p≤0.013] with 24.4 sessions, 16.1 off-label prescriptions, and 2.0 FDA-approved prescriptions per patient [p≤0.002]). Only 4.7–11.4% of patients were adherent.

Conclusions

PwC patients received psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy more frequently than PwoC and BP patients. Medication adherence among treated patients was low. Patients with SUD/AUD had numerically higher treatment utilization and lower medication adherence.
Locally advanced cervical cancer: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radical surgery an alternative approach to chemo-radiation in a low-income setting: A descriptive study
Authors: Birara Malede , Urgie Tadesse , Sium Abraham Fessehaye
Published: October 2024

Objective

To describe the treatment outcomes of locally advanced cervical cancer managed with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) plus radical surgery at a gynecology oncology center in Ethiopia.

Methods

This was a retrospective descriptive study of management of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (Ethiopia) over 5 years. Data were collected by reviewing patient records. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Simple descriptive analysis was employed to analyze clinical, histologic, and treatment outcomes of LACC managed with NACT+ radical surgery. Frequency and proportions were used to present the results’ significance.

Results

A total of 98 patients were analyzed. One-third (31.6%) of cervical cancer patients with locally advanced disease were operable after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Out of this, nodal metastasis was found in 2 patients (all pelvic lymph node metastasis). Disease recurrence within 2 years was 3% (1 recurrence within 6–12 months and 2 recurrences at 12–24 months).

Conclusion

This study supports utilization of NACT plus radical surgery for locally advanced cervical cancer, where chemoradiation is not readily available. Our findings imply that this treatment modality is a life-saving alternative treatment in a low-income setting, which is often married by shortage or unavailability of radiotherapy at the needed time before disease progression ensues.
Enterprise digitization and marine economic performance: An empirical study of listed enterprises in China’s maritime economy
Authors: Zhang Quanjun , Chen Jian , Zhang Xiangyu
Published: October 2024

The scale and connectivity of marine resources make them more complex than land resource management. Although digitization has been recognized as an organizational change process that can effectively improve resource efficiency and enhance network resilience, however, gaps remain in establishing the theoretical links between digitization and marine economic performance. Based on a panel fixed-effects model, this study evaluates the interrelationships and potential mechanisms of different firms with data from annual reports of listed firms in the marine economy in the eastern coastal region of China. The results indicate that there is a ‘U-shaped’ relationship between digitalization and enterprise efficiency in the maritime sector, and significant heterogeneity exists in the characteristics of these enterprises. Notably, firms’ technological innovation capability can modulate the ‘U-shaped’ relationship through the interaction of economies of scale and economies of scope. This paper highlights how digitization mitigates the fragmentation and sectionalization of marine information and addresses the digital overload and productivity paradox that firms may face in the early stages of digitization. The study suggests that institutional diversity shapes resilience. Governments need to promote top-down regulation and industry collaboration, while marine enterprises need to coevolve collaboratively with them through bottom-up internal communication and external interaction to enhance the value chain of marine enterprises.
Spatial correlation effect of haze pollution in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China
Authors: Fang Zihai , Liu Zuhan , Hu Yuanhao
Published: October 2024

With the rapid development of industry, haze pollution has become an urgent environmental problem. This study innovatively utilizes network-based methods to investigate the spatial correlation effects of haze pollution transmission between urban clusters in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. A spatial correlation network of haze pollution in the Yangtze River Economic Belt was constructed using 328 urban meteorological data collection points as research samples, and its structural characteristics were examined. Main findings are as follows: (1) The spatial correlation network of PM2.5 in the Yangtze River Economic Belt urban agglomeration exhibits typical network structural characteristics: obvious spatial correlation within the network. (2) Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Nanchang, Yichang, Changsha and Yueyang are located at the center of the spatial network. They have more receiving and sending relationships. (3) 36 cities can be divided into four types: bilateral overflow, net beneficiary, net overflow and broker. Each type has different functional characteristics and linkage effects in the network. (4) Haze pollution positively correlates with the city’s synergistic development capacity and urbanization rate, the higher the city’s development level and the higher the Urbanization rate, the stronger its haze pollution capacity. This study provides new insights into the study of the spatial correlation and impact of haze pollution.
‘Unmasking Pain’ through creativity: A phenomenological study of person-centred pain exploration for people living with chronic pain
Authors: Thompson Kate , Milligan James , Murphy Angela , Tabasam Ghazala , Johnson Mark I.
Published: October 2024

‘Unmasking Pain’ is an innovative artist-led project to explore creative approaches for telling stories of life with persistent pain. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and describe the lived experience of taking part in ‘Unmasking Pain’ from the perspectives of people living with pain (workshop attendees), artists (workshop facilitators) and pain rehabilitation specialists. Informed by descriptive phenomenology, data was collected via semi-structured interviews with three artists (workshop facilitators), five workshop attendees (all living with persistent pain) and one pain rehabilitation specialist. Data was analysed using thematic analysis for descriptive phenomenology. Three themes emerged from the analysis: Theme 1 Space to Breathe, reflects the context of ‘Unmasking Pain’ such as the conditions, environment and setting that people experienced; Theme 2 Flexibility to Participate, reflects the experience of the process of ‘Unmasking Pain’ such as the actions or internal workings/behaviours of the experience; and Theme 3 Possibility for Change, reflects the cognitive or emotional experience of ‘Unmasking Pain’. There were nine sub-themes: 1(a) Dissolved hierarchy, 1(b) Human connection, and 1(c) Personally meaningful; 2(a) Go with the flow, 2(b) Enjoyable experience, and 2(c) Curiosity to step into the unknown; and 3(a) Reforming pain, 3(b) Liberating in the moment (now), and 3(c) Gives you a boost (future). In conclusion, the uniqueness of ‘Unmasking Pain’ was to creatively facilitate curiosity and exploration of pain in a non-clinical, sociocultural, humanised context, to enable the possibility of a different pain experience. The findings from this qualitative study exploring the lived experience of taking part in ‘Unmasking Pain’ demonstrates the power and opportunity of the Arts sector and artist-led activities to support people with chronic pain to have a better pain experience.
Real world data on cervical cancer treatment patterns, healthcare access and resource utilization in the Brazilian public healthcare system
Authors: Campuzano Thabata Martins Ferreira , Borba Maria Amelia Carlos Souto Maior , de Mendonça Batista Paula , Nadalin Michelle , Marcelino Cicera Pimenta , Pungartnik Paula Cristina , dos Santos Angélica Carreira , Garmatter Letícia Paula Leonart , Rego Maria Aparecida do Carmo , Nogueira-Rodrigues Angélica
Published: October 2024

The aim of the study is to evaluate the treatment patterns, time to start treatment, and healthcare resources utilization (HCRU) of cervical cancer (CC) patients within the Brazilian public health system (SUS). This is an observational retrospective study using SUS administrative database (DATASUS). Data from January-2014 to December-2020 was gathered from patients with the ICD-10 C53 codes. From 2014 to 2020, 206,861 women were included, among whom 90,073 (43.5%) had stage information. Of staged patients, 60.7% (54,719) had advanced disease (stages III and IV) and the most performed treatments were chemoradiotherapy (CRT) (41.6%), surgery + CRT (19.1%), radiotherapy (RT) only (16.8%) and chemotherapy (CT) only (13.3%). The proportion of patients submitted to CT in advanced stages was higher than in non-advanced stages (I and II), in contrast to RT, which was more frequent in stage I than stage IV. Median time to initiate treatment surpassed two months in approximately 30% of the cases, regardless of stage. Conization was the most performed surgical procedure. The hospitalization rate per patient per month for stage IV was twice as high as stage I (0.05 [95%CI 0.05–0.05] and 0.11 [0.11–0.11], respectively). The same trend was observed for outpatient visits (0.54 [95%CI 0.53–0.55] and 0.96 [0.93–0.98], respectively). This study demonstrated a high proportion of advanced CC at diagnosis in Brazil. The treatment pattern showed that chemoradiotherapy was the most frequent regimen overall and the use of chemotherapy and HCRU increased with staging. These results could provide information to improve public policies towards access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CC in Brazil.
Burden of diabetes mellitus in Weifang: Changing trends in prevalence and deaths from 2010 to 2021
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Ye Danyang , Chen Min , Song Liwen , Bian Jiaxiang , Huang Lingyu , Cheng Lixia
Published: October 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to analyze the death characteristics and burden of disease (BOD) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in Weifang from 2010 to 2021. The findings will serve as a foundational data source and theoretical framework for public health administrative departments in the formulation of DM-related policies.

Methods

The annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) of the disability-adjusted life years (DALY), years of life lost (YLL), and years lived with disability (YLD) in DM residents from 2010 to 2021 were analyzed using the Joinpoint software to reflect the changing trend of the BOD in DM patients. Additionally, we conducted an analysis of the various causes of death among these patients and compared BOD in diabetic patients with different backgrounds.

Results

From 2010 to 2021, the burden of disease, which includes DALY, YL, and YLD, has been increasing among patients with DM in Weifang. It is noteworthy that the burden of disease is particularly pronounced among male patients and those aged 75 or above. Additionally, it is observed that widowed and illiterate DM patients have comparatively longer survival times. Furthermore, among the DM patients who have unfortunately passed away, it has been identified that unspecified DM with ketoacidosis accounts for 10.03% of the deaths as a direct cause of death. In contrast, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with kidney complications contributes to 10.23% of the deaths as the fundamental cause of death.

Conclusion

The city is faced with a significant challenge of diabetes, which is influenced by factors such as gender, age, cultural background, and marital status. Unspecified diabetes mellitus (DM) with ketoacidosis (10.03%) and T2DM with renal complications (0.23%) are identified as the primary direct and underlying causes of death among diabetic patients, respectively. This study serves as a valuable reference for other regions in terms of diabetes prevention, control, and the management of chronic diseases.
In vitro antibacterial activity of Morinda citrifolia extracts against eight pathogenic bacteria species
Authors: Obeng-Boateng Frederick , Kpordze Stephen Wilson , Addy Francis
Published: October 2024

Medical professionals continue to face a severe issue with the evolution of resistance to conventional antibiotics. The search for new novel compounds from plants has been proven to be the alternative solution. Morinda citrifolia is used traditionally for the treatment of infectious diseases. The present study investigates the antibacterial properties of M. citrifolia root, leaf, and fruit (fresh, dried, and fermented) extracts on three-gram-positive and five-gram-negative bacteria. The plant parts were processed and extracted in distilled water and ethanol (60%, 80%, and absolute (100%)). The antibacterial activities of the extracts were assessed in vitro using the agar well diffusion method, with Ciprofloxacin serving as the positive control. All the tests were conducted three times to obtain the average value of inhibition zones. Overall, root extracts showed the most significant antibacterial activity, followed by dried fruit, fermented fruit extract, fresh fruit, and the least leaf extract. Using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests, the statistical analysis revealed significant differences in antibacterial activity among the extracts and solvent concentrations. The 100% ethanol extracts had significantly higher zones of inhibition compared to the other solvents. The most inhibitory activity was against Campylobacter spp. (21.33±1.80) for the 80% ethanol root extract. All the extracts of M. citrifolia were found to exhibit moderate antibacterial activity against all the bacteria pathogens. However, Enterococcus faecium, Campylobacter spp., and Bacillus cereus were most sensitive to all the plant extracts while Shigella spp. and Klebsiella spp. showed resistance to most extracts. This observed difference is significant for each strain extract depending on the bacteria strain and the type of solvent extract (p < 0.001). The findings indicate a promising antimicrobial potential of M. citrifolia extracts.
Musical Theatre for the Female Voice: The Sensation, Sound and Science of Singing, Shaun Aquilina (2023)
Authors: Macpherson Ben
Published: October 2024

Review of: Musical Theatre for the Female Voice: The Sensation, Sound and Science of Singing, Shaun Aquilina (2023)

London and New York: Routledge, 105 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-03226-159-1, p/bk, $42.95
Role of Nanomaterials in Degradation of Cosmetics and Pharmaceutical Wastewater: A Review
Authors: Mandavgane Susmita A. , Banginwar Ashwini D. , Meshram Rani S.
Published: October 2024

Biodiversity progress impacts the quality and availability of renewable natural resources. Ecological concerns about air and water pollution have been raised on communal and commercial levels. The continuous release and accumulation of cosmetics and pharmaceutical items in the environment pose significant threats to both ecosystems and human health. The presence of these emerging pollutants from pharmaceutical and cosmetic products has been reported in wastewater streams coming from industrial as well as wastewater treatment plants. This need has driven the development of technologies like advanced oxidation processes such as ozonation, Fenton’s oxidation, photocatalysis, etc. for conventional wastewater treatments. Among these, the photocatalytic processes are presently being efficient since they not only utilize UV light but also visible light. This article mainly focuses on the review of preparation and comparative activity of photocatalysts on cosmetic as well as pharmaceutical wastes degradation. Photocatalysts, in their different forms like nanoparticles, nanorods and nanocomposites, hold great promise due to their stability, non-toxicity and reusability.
Phytochemical Profiling and in silico Anticancer Activity of Plant Extract Phytocompounds against Non-Small Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Subbulakshmi E. , Palanisamy P.
Published: October 2024

In this study, the in vitro results confirmed the anticancer efficacy of ethanolic extracts obtained from leaves of Ocimum basilicum, Aegle marmelos and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids and flavonoids were all present in significant amounts in all the ethanolic extract. The O. basilicum extract contained 16 phytochemicals, of which 10 showed indications of bioactivity. A. marmelos extract contains 20 phytocompounds, 13 of which were bioactive, whereas the H. rosa-sinensis extract comprised total 25 different compounds and only 11 compounds of which have bioactive properties. The study examined the phytocompounds found in the leaves of O. basilicum, A. marmelos and H. rosa-sinensis plants and their ability to inhibit certain lung cancer cell lines proteins (PDB ID: 6LTK). The O. basilicum plant leaves contain phytocompounds, which are more active against lung cancer than A. marmelos and H. rosa-sinens extracts. The molecular docking research results indicated that mesterolone (-8.8 kcal/mol) possesses significant potential as an inhibitor of the lung cancer (6LTK) cell line protein as a prospective therapeutic option and analogous to the conventional application of the studied plants.
Preparation of Polycarbazole and Polyaniline Conducting Thin Films and Coating on Indium Tin Oxide by Spin Coating, Dip Coating and Drop Casting
Authors: Renita A. Annam , Salla Sunitha , Krishnamoorthy N.R. , Kanakaraju P. , Sangeetha K. , Selvakumar S. , Gokul D. , Giridhar Ankireddy
Published: October 2024

Conducting polymers such as polyaniline (PANI), polycarbazole (PC) and polythiophene (PT) have gained attraction among researchers owing to their outstanding electrical and optical properties. In present study, polyaniline (PANI), polycarbazole (PC) and polythiophene (PT) were prepared by oxidative chemical polymerization followed by their characterization using techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Raman spectroscopy. The synthesized polymers were further coated with indium tin oxide (ITO) using three different methods viz. spin coating, dip coating and drop casting. The thickness of the films was measured using a Stylus Profilometer and found to be 400 nm for PC and 500 nm for PANI and PT. Therefore, it can be concluded that using suitable process parameters, thin films can be easily obtained from conducting polymers, thus opening new avenues in their application towards sensors, supercapacitors and optoelectronic devices.
Structural Characterization and Optical Properties of BiFeO3 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Propylene Glycol-Gel Route
Authors: Verma Madhu , Suman Swetangi , Mishra Prem Mohan , Srivastav Simant Kumar
Published: October 2024

This work focuses on the synthesis of phase-pure rhombohedral (R3c) nanocrystalline BiFeO3. The BiFeO3 nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method with propylene glycol as the complexing agent. The formation mechanism was investigated through thermal analysis and IR spectroscopy. The phase purity, crystal structure and nanocrystalline properties were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The elemental composition and bonding states were analyzed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD and Raman spectra confirmed the formation of pure and well-crystallized BiFeO3 nanoparticles at 400 ºC. The optical band gap, determined by UV-visible spectroscopy, was found to be 2.08 eV, indicating that the synthesized BiFeO3 nanoparticles could be an effective photocatalyst in the visible light region.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Studies of Gemifloxacin Mesylate with Nickel(II) and Copper(II)
Authors: Dey Shuchismita , Sultan Md. Zakir , Salam Md. Abdus
Published: October 2024

Gemifloxacin mesylate, a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone-type antibiotic, is widely used for community treatment of acquired pneumonia and severe bacterial infections. The Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes of gemifloxacin mesylate were synthesized by refluxing an aqueous solution of the ligand with the required amount of metal(II) salts in a round bottom flask with 2:1 (L:M) ratio in an oil bath at 90 ºC with a continuous stirring for 4 h. The mixture was kept overnight to obtain a coloured solid complex. The synthesized metal(II) complexes were characterized by physico-chemical parameters and spectral analyses, including UV-Vis, FT-IR and 1H NMR. The structures of the complexes were further confirmed by elemental (CHNS) and TG-DTA analyses. The spectral findings revealed that metal-ligand interaction has successfully occurred where the ligand acted as a bidentate chelate in the synthesized metal(II) complexes. The IR studies showed that upon complexation the characteristic carboxylic stretching frequency at 1714 cm-1 disappeared and the pyridone stretching frequency shifted to a lower frequency region. The 1H NMR data of the complexes confirm the effective interaction between the metal and the ligand via 3-carboxyl group and 4-oxo groups. The thermal and elemental analyses data were also in agreement with the proposed interaction. The ligand as well as its metal(II) complexes showed significant activity against all the studied 11 bacterial strains and one of the fungal strains, Candida sp.
Preparation of Tectona grandis Leaves derived Activated Carbon for High-Performance Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Pratheep C. , Ramesh K. , Kiruthiga M. , Saravanan M. , Sugirtha M. , Suridha K.
Published: October 2024

In energy-based applications, biomass porous micro/nanostructures activated carbon materials are the significant candidates, because of their high specific surface area, superior electrical conductivity, affordability and environmental friendliness. In this work, the activated carbon was prepared from Tectona grandis leaves as a biomass, and thus activated by 25% K2CO3 solution. The prepared carbon was designated as TGLAC. Second carbon was prepared from TGLAC was doped with urea and named as N-doped TGLAC. The physico-chemical analytical methods were employed to access the phase structure, bonding nature and morphological properties of the freshly prepared activated carbon material. Three electrode systems were utilized to estimate the supercapacitor features in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. The prepared activated carbon electrode provides a specific capacitance of 371 F g–1 at 1 A g–1 and a 62% rate capability at 5 A g–1. It retains 94% of its initial capacitance during the cyclic stability analysis at 5 A g–1 over 5,000 cycles. This study demonstrates that carbon based materials obtained from sustainable waste biomass can exhibit favourable electrochemical performance in energy applications, providing a clear and feasible synthetic approach and strategy for their utilization.
Synthesis of Novel Quinoline containing 1,2,3-Triazole Hybrids: Evaluation of Anticancer Activity and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Sunkara Sreenivas , Baka Durga Prasad , Edigi Praveen Kumar , Kishore Ravada
Published: October 2024

Newscaffolds consists of 1,2,3-triazole linked quinoline derivatives (9a-l) were synthesized and confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and ESI-MS spectra. Using the MTT assay and doxorubicin as the standard dugs, all the synthesized compounds were further investigated for their anticancer efficacy against the two cancer cell lines, HT-1080 and A-549. When compared to doxorubicin, compounds 9c, 9j and 9d showed the strongest efficacy against the tested cancer cell lines, HT-1080 and A-549. Using the PyRx tool’s Autodock Vina, the molecular docking investigations on enoyl reductase were carried out. It is interesting to note that the interactions and binding energies determined by docking molecules match the data under investigation.
Positive psychological capital in health professionals: A systematic literature review
Authors: Pinheiro Santana Ruiz Ana Paula , Ribeiro Viseu João Nuno , Cifuentes-Tinjaca Cristian David , Neves de Jesus Saúl
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Health organisations need to attract and retain health professionals as well as protect and improve their mental health following the premises of positive psychology, particularly with regard to positive psychological capital. Objective: This review aimed to map studies that addressed positive psychological capital in empirical research with samples of health professionals. Method: A systematic literature review of articles addressing positive psychological capital in samples of physicians and nurses was conducted. The search for primary studies was carried out in April 2023, in the databases: PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Nursing & Allied Health Collection, Scopus and Web of Science. Results: 20 articles were included in the review in which the main concepts with which positive psychological capital was related were analysed, according to their nature, positive or negative, observing the role that positive psychological capital assumed as a variable, the instruments used to measure this concept and the statistical analysis performed. Conclusions: Positive psychological capital was positively associated with work engagement, perceived organisational support, intention to stay, positive aspects of the work environment, innovative behaviours, and leader-member exchange. Furthermore, this concept was negatively related to work stressors, emotional exhaustion, and psychological distress. The main gap highlighted in the primary studies was the use of cross-sectional designs, which prevent the inference of causality. These results reinforce the need for an intervention with regards to physicians and nurses based on the development of positive psychological capital.