bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial discrimination is associated with food insecurity, stress, and worse physical health among college students
Authors: Gamba Ryan , Toosi Negin , Wood Lana , Correia Alexandra , Medina Nomar , Pritchard Maria , Venerable Jhamon , Lee Mikayla , Santillan Joshua Kier Adrian
Published: March 2024

Background

Students of color disproportionately experience racial discrimination and food insecurity, which both lead to poor academic and health outcomes. This study explores the extent to which the location of racial discrimination experienced is associated with food insecurity, stress, physical health and grade point average among college students

Methods

A cross sectional study design was implemented to survey 143 students from a racially diverse public university. Logistic regression models assessed if discrimination at various locations was associated with food insecurity and linear models assessed how racial discrimination was associated with physical health, stress and grade point average

Results

Student’s experiencing food security had an average discrimination score of 2.3 (1.23, 3.37), while those experiencing food insecurity had a statistically significant (P < 0.001) higher average discrimination score 7.3 (5.4, 9.21). Experiencing any racial discrimination was associated with increased odds of experiencing food insecurity when experienced from the police (OR 11.76, 95% CI: 1.41, 97.86), in the housing process (OR 7.9, 95% CI: 1.93, 32.34) and in the hiring process (OR 6.81, 95% CI: 1.98, 23.48) compared to those experiencing no racial discrimination after adjusting for race, gender, age and income.

Conclusion

The location in which a student experienced racial discrimination impacted the extent to which the racial discrimination was associated with food security status. Further research is needed to explore potential mechanisms for how racial discrimination may lead to food insecurity.
Efficacy of health literacy interventions aimed to improve health gains of higher education students—a systematic review
Authors: Rosário Jorge , Raposo Beatriz , Santos Eunice , Dias Sónia , Pedro Ana Rita
Published: March 2024

Background

Health literacy (HL) among higher education students is low, making them vulnerable about their health. To reverse this trend, higher education institutions promote HL interventions with various topics and methods. A comprehensive understanding of HL interventions is essential to determine whether these interventions meet the health information needs to improve health outcomes (health gains). The aim of this review was to identify and synthesise evidence on the efficacy of HL interventions implemented in academic settings to improve health outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review was performed followed the PRISMA guidelines, protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022369869). A search strategy was performed in the EBSCO Host Web platform, the time limit placed was: 01/01/2017 to 30/09/2022. Eligible studies were those published in peer-reviewed journals and involved higher education students over the age of 18 as the subject of the intervention. Eligible interventions included any interventions evaluated in a study with comparison group that included a pre-post measure of health outcomes, were conducted in an academic setting. To methodology quality of included studies, it was used the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. To synthesise results narrative and thematic synthesis was conducted.

Results

A total of 9 articles were included in this review, identified health literacy interventions with an impact on health outcomes. The total studies involved 2902 higher education students. All 9 studies were randomised controlled trials. The synthesised evidence supports the efficacy of interventions that contributed to positive changes in mental health, attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy of condom use, emotional, social, and psychological well being, subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and habitual sleep efficiency, physical activity, and self-reported servings fried foods. HL interventions were educational or motivational and related to health promotion, disease prevention or healthcare.

Conclusions

HL interventions in higher education students can significantly improve health outcomes protecting them from the negative effects of threats for their health. The interventions designed with different strategies are more effective. HL interventions are associated with health benefits on health promotion, disease prevention and healthcare. For the attendance of higher education to be a successful experience, continuity of HL interventions developed in academic settings is necessary.
Effects of mind–body exercise on knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Qiao Hujun , Hao Xin , Wang Guoxiang
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effect of mind–body exercise on improving knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and thereby informing osteoarthritis exercise rehabilitation.

Methods

The China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO, Embase, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that involved tai chi, yoga, and baduanjin interventions for KOA. The search period ranged from inception to October 25, 2022. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated by the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool, and the included data were statistically analyzed and plotted using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 14.0 software.

Results

We included 17 articles with a total of 1122 patients. Compared with the control group, mind–body exercise significantly improved patient pain (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.87, -0.42], p < 0.00001), stiffness (SMD = -0.75, 95% CI [-1.05, -0.45], p < 0.00001), physical function (SMD = -0.82, 95% CI [-1.03, -0.62], p < 0.00001), mental health (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI [0.11, 0.51], p = 0.002), and depression (SMD = -0.32, 95% CI [-0.50, -0.15], p = 0.0003). In terms of motor ability, mind–body exercise significantly increased the 6-min walking distance (SMD = 18.45, 95% CI [5.80, 31.10], p = 0.004) and decreased timed up and go test time (SMD = -1.15, 95% CI [-1.71, -0.59], p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The current study showed that mind–body exercise is safe and effective for KOA patients. However, given the methodological limitations of the included studies, additional high-quality evidence is needed to support the conclusions of this study.
Mass spectrometry-based proteomics profiling of dogs with and without oral diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Ahmad Paras , Siqueira Walter L.
Published: March 2024

Background

Understanding the distinct proteomics profiles in dogs’ oral biofluids enhances diagnostic and therapeutic insights for canine oral diseases, fostering cross-species translational research in dentistry and medicine. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to investigate the similarities and differences between the oral biofluids’ proteomics profile of dogs with and without oral diseases.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched with no restrictions on publication language or year to address the following focused question: “What is the proteome signature of healthy versus diseased (oral) dogs’ biofluids?” Gene Ontology enrichment and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of the most abundant proteins were performed. Moreover, protein-protein interaction analysis was conducted. The risk of bias (RoB) among the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data.

Results

In healthy dogs, the proteomic analysis identified 5,451 proteins, with 137 being the most abundant, predominantly associated with ‘innate immune response’. Dogs with oral diseases displayed 6,470 proteins, with distinct associations: ‘defense response to bacterium’ (periodontal diseases), ‘negative regulation of transcription’ (dental calculus), and ‘positive regulation of transcription’ (oral tumors). Clustering revealed significant protein clusters in each case, emphasizing the diverse molecular profiles in health and oral diseases. Only six studies were provided to the JBI tool, as they encompassed case-control evaluations that compared healthy dogs to dogs with oral disease(s). All included studies were found to have low RoB (high quality).

Conclusion

Significant differences in the proteomics profiles of oral biofluids between dogs with and without oral diseases were found. The synergy of animal proteomics and bioinformatics offers a promising avenue for cross-species research, despite persistent challenges in result validation.
The evaluation of synchronous and asynchronous online learning: student experience, learning outcomes, and cognitive load
Authors: Hung Chih-Tsung , Wu Shou-En , Chen Yi-Hsien , Soong Chen-Yeu , Chiang Chien‑Ping , Wang Wei‑Ming
Published: March 2024

Background

The abrupt onset of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled universities to swiftly establish online teaching and learning environments that were not only immediately deployable but also conducive to high-quality education. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the online synchronous and asynchronous teaching formats in the dermatology lecture for undergraduate medical students, including academic performance, self-efficacy, and cognitive load.

Methods

A total of 170 fourth-year undergraduate medical students attending the dermatology lecture were included. The lecture was delivered using both the synchronous method (live online lecture via Webex meeting) and the asynchronous method (lecture videos shared on YouTube). The students had the freedom to choose their preferred method of attending the online lecture. The study assessed three main aspects: (1) learning outcomes measured through pretest, posttest, and retention test scores; (2) cognitive load experienced by students, including mental load and mental effort measured using eight items; and (3) satisfaction levels with each online teaching format.

Results

In this study, 70 students opted for the synchronous online lecture, while 100 students chose the asynchronous online lecture. Both synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods exhibited significant improvements in post and retention test scores compared to the pretest. Satisfaction levels, rated on a scale of 0–5, were generally high for both teaching methods, with no significant differences observed (4.6 for synchronous, 4.53 for asynchronous;p =.350). Regarding cognitive load, the synchronous method showed a significantly lower level than the asynchronous method (p =.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed no difference in mental effort (p =.0662), but the level of mental load was lower in the synchronous method (p =.0005).

Conclusions

Both synchronous and asynchronous online teaching methods demonstrated improvements in learning outcomes and high levels of student satisfaction. However, the cognitive load experienced by students was lower in the synchronous setting compared to the asynchronous setting. These findings remind health professions educators that they would consider the students’ cognitive load when designing online curricula.
How external and agency characteristics are related to coordination in homecare – findings of the national multicenter, cross-sectional SPOTnat study
Authors: Möckli Nathalie , Simon Michael , Denhaerynck Kris , Trutschel Diana , Martins Tania , Meyer-Massetti Carla , Zúñiga Franziska
Published: March 2024

Background

Homecare client services are often distributed across several interdependent healthcare providers, making proper care coordination essential. However, as studies exploring care coordination in the homecare setting are scarce, serious knowledge gaps exist regarding how various factors influence coordination in this care sector. To fill such gaps, this study’s central aim was to explore how external factors (i.e., financial and regulatory mechanisms) and homecare agency characteristics (i.e., work environment, workforce, and client characteristics) are related to care coordination in homecare.

Methods

This analysis was part of a national multicentre, cross-sectional study in the Swiss homecare setting that included a stratified random sample of 88 Swiss homecare agencies. Data were collected between January and September 2021 through agency and employee questionnaires. Using our newly developed care coordination framework, COORA, we modelled our variables to assess the relevant components of care coordination on the structural, process, and outcome levels. We conducted both descriptive and multilevel regression analyses—with the latter adjusting for dependencies within agencies—to explore which key factors are associated with coordination.

Results

The final sample size consisted of 1450 employees of 71 homecare agencies. We found that one explicit coordination mechanism (“communication and information exchange” (beta = 0.10, p <.001)) and four implicit coordination mechanisms—“knowledge of the health system” (beta = -0.07, p <.01), “role clarity” (beta = 0.07, p <.001), “mutual respect and trust” (beta = 0.07, p <.001), and “accountability, predictability, common perspective” (beta = 0.19, p <.001)—were significantly positively associated with employee-perceived coordination. We also found that the effects of agency characteristics and external factors were mediated through coordination processes.

Conclusion

Implicit coordination mechanisms, which enable and enhance team communication, require closer examination. While developing strategies to strengthen implicit mechanisms, the involvement of the entire care team is vital to create structures (i.e., explicit mechanisms) that enable communication and information exchange. Appropriate coordination processes seem to mitigate the association between staffing and coordination. This suggests that they support coordination even when workload and overtime are higher.
OsmiR319-OsPCF5 modulate resistance to brown planthopper in rice through association with MYB proteins
Authors: Sun Bo , Shen Yanjie , Zhu Lin , Yang Xiaofang , Liu Xue , Li Dayong , Zhu Mulan , Miao Xuexia , Shi Zhenying
Published: March 2024

Background

The brown planthopper (BPH) is a kind of piercing-sucking insect specific to rice, with the damage tops the list of pathogens and insects in recent years. microRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal regulators of plant–environment interactions, while the mechanism underlying their function against insects is largely unknown.

Results

Here, we confirmed that OsmiR319, an ancient and conserved miRNA, negatively regulated resistance to BPHs, with overexpression of OsmiR319 susceptible to BPH, while suppression of OsmiR319 resistant to BPH in comparison with wild type. Meanwhile, we identified several targets of OsmiR319 that may mediate BPH resistance. Among them, OsPCF5 was the most obviously induced by BPH feeding, and over expression of OsPCF5 was resistance to BPH. In addition, various biochemical assays verified that OsPCF5 interacted with several MYB proteins, such as OsMYB22, OsMYB30, and OsMYB30C.Genetically, we revealed that both OsMYB22 and OsMYB30C positively regulated BPH resistance. Genetic interaction analyses confirmed that OsMYB22 and OsMYB30C both function in the same genetic pathway with OsmiR319b to mediate BPH resistance.

Conclusions

Altogether, we revealed that OsPCF5 regulates BPH resistance via association with several MYB proteins downstream of OsmiR319, these MYB proteins might function as regulators of BPH resistance through regulating the phenylpropane synthesis.
Enhancing effect of oregano essential oil and Bacillus subtilis on broiler immune function, intestinal morphology and growth performance
Authors: El-Sayed Yehia , Khalil Waleed , Fayez Nada , Mohamed Abdel-Fattah Abdel-Fattah
Published: March 2024

The present study evaluated the effect of two categories of feed additives on chicken performance through immunological and intestinal histo-morphometric measurements. A total of 150 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb) were randomly assigned to three groups. Group I received a non-supplemented basal diet. While groups II and III were treated with a basal diet supplemented with oregano essential oil (OEO) and Bacillus subtilis, respectively, in water for 28 days. Blood samples were taken at 6, 18 and 28 days for hematological analysis, phagocytosis, lymphocyte proliferation and measuring antibody responses. Additionally, growth performance indices were recorded weekly. The results showed that groups supplemented with OEO and B. subtilis improved growth performance expressed by a significant increase in weight gain (P < 0.05), with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hematological findings indicated a significant increase in blood parameters as well as a significant increase in phagocytic % & phagocytic index at all time points with a greater probiotic effect. On the other hand, OEO produced a significant increase in lymphocyte proliferation at 18 & 28 days. Humoral immunity revealed a significant increase in serum antibody titer phytobiotic & probiotic-fed groups at time points of 18 & 28 days with a superior phytobiotic effect. The histological examination showed a significant increase in villi length, villi width, crypt depth & V/C ratio. In conclusion, these results indicated positive effects of B. subtilis & OEO on both growth and immunity and could be considered effective alternatives to the antibiotic.
The economic and fiscal impact of incremental use of cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine for the prevention of seasonal influenza among healthcare workers in Italy
Authors: Calabrò Giovanna Elisa , Rumi Filippo , Ricciardi Roberto , Cicchetti Americo
Published: March 2024

Background

Seasonal influenza has a significant impact on public health, generating substantial direct healthcare costs, production losses and fiscal effects. Understanding these consequences is crucial to effective decision-making and the development of preventive strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the economic and the fiscal impact of implementing an incremental strategy for seasonal influenza prevention using the cell-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIVc) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Italy.

Methods

To estimate the economic impact of implementing this strategy, we performed a cost analysis that considered direct healthcare costs, productivity losses and fiscal impact. The analysis considered a 3-year time horizon. A deterministic sensitivity analysis was also conducted.

Results

Assuming a vaccination coverage rate of 30% among HCWs, the analysis considered a total of 203 018 vaccinated subjects. On analysing the overall differential impact (including direct costs, indirect costs and fiscal impact), implementing QIVc vaccination as a preventative measure against influenza among HCWs in Italy would yield societal resource savings of €23 638.78 in the first year, €47 277.56 in the second year, and €70 916.35 in the third year, resulting in total resource savings of €141 832.69.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that implementing the incremental use of QIVc as part of a preventive strategy for seasonal influenza among HCWs in Italy could yield positive economic outcomes, especially in terms of indirect costs and fiscal impact. The resources saved could be utilized to fund further public health interventions. Policy-makers should consider these findings when making decisions regarding influenza prevention strategies targeting HCWs.
Acylcarnitines promote gallbladder cancer metastasis through lncBCL2L11-THOC5-JNK axis
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Huaifeng , Liu Ke , Zou Lu , Xiang Shanshan , Geng Yajun , Li Xuechuan , Qiu Shimei , Yang Jiahua , Cui Xuya , li Lin , Li Yang , Li Weijian , Yan Siyuan , Liu Liguo , Wu Xiangsong , Liu Fatao , Wu Wenguang , Chen Shili , Liu Yingbin
Published: March 2024

Background

The progression of gallbladder cancer (GBC) is accompanied by abnormal fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) metabolism. Different types of lipids perform various biological functions. This study aimed to determine the role of acyl carnitines in the molecular mechanisms of GBC progression.

Methods

Distribution of lipids in GBC was described by LC–MS-based lipidomics. Cellular localization, expression level and full-length of lncBCL2L11 were detected using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays, subcellular fractionation assay and 5′ and 3′ rapid amplification of the cDNA ends (RACE), respectively. In vitro and in vivo experiments were used to verify the biological function of lncBCL2L11 in GBC cells. Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) was performed to detect the methylation levels of lncBCL2L11. RNA pull-down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to identify lncBCL2L11 interacting proteins. Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and Western blot assay were performed to validate the regulatory mechanism of lncBCL2L11 and THO complex.

Results

Acylcarnitines were significantly up-regulated in GBC tissues. High serum triglycerides correlated to decreased survival in GBC patients and promoted tumor migration. LncBCL2L11 was identified in the joint analysis of highly metastatic cells and RNA sequencing data. LncBCl2L11 prevented the binding of THOC6 and THOC5 and causes the degradation of THOC5, thus promoting the accumulation of acylcarnitines in GBC cells, leading to the malignant progression of cancer cells. In addition, highly expressed acylcarnitines stabilized the expression of lncBCL2L11 through N6-methyladenosine methylation (m6A), forming a positive feedback regulation in tumor dissemination.

Conclusions

LncBCL2L11 is involved in gallbladder cancer metastasis through FAO metabolism. High lipid intake is associated with poor prognosis of GBC. Therefore, targeting lncBCL2L11 and its pathway-related proteins or reducing lipid intake may be significant for the treatment of GBC patients.
Depletion of lamins B1 and B2 promotes chromatin mobility and induces differential gene expression by a mesoscale-motion-dependent mechanism
Authors: Pujadas Liwag Emily M. , Wei Xiaolong , Acosta Nicolas , Carter Lucas M. , Yang Jiekun , Almassalha Luay M. , Jain Surbhi , Daneshkhah Ali , Rao Suhas S. P. , Seker-Polat Fidan , MacQuarrie Kyle L. , Ibarra Joe , Agrawal Vasundhara , Aiden Erez Lieberman , Kanemaki Masato T. , Backman Vadim , Adli Mazhar
Published: March 2024

Background

B-type lamins are critical nuclear envelope proteins that interact with the three-dimensional genomic architecture. However, identifying the direct roles of B-lamins on dynamic genome organization has been challenging as their joint depletion severely impacts cell viability. To overcome this, we engineered mammalian cells to rapidly and completely degrade endogenous B-type lamins using Auxin-inducible degron technology.

Results

Using live-cell Dual Partial Wave Spectroscopic (Dual-PWS) microscopy, Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM), in situ Hi-C, CRISPR-Sirius, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we demonstrate that lamin B1 and lamin B2 are critical structural components of the nuclear periphery that create a repressive compartment for peripheral-associated genes. Lamin B1 and lamin B2 depletion minimally alters higher-order chromatin folding but disrupts cell morphology, significantly increases chromatin mobility, redistributes both constitutive and facultative heterochromatin, and induces differential gene expression both within and near lamin-associated domain (LAD) boundaries. Critically, we demonstrate that chromatin territories expand as upregulated genes within LADs radially shift inwards. Our results indicate that the mechanism of action of B-type lamins comes from their role in constraining chromatin motion and spatial positioning of gene-specific loci, heterochromatin, and chromatin domains.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that, while B-type lamin degradation does not significantly change genome topology, it has major implications for three-dimensional chromatin conformation at the single-cell level both at the lamina-associated periphery and the non-LAD-associated nuclear interior with concomitant genome-wide transcriptional changes. This raises intriguing questions about the individual and overlapping roles of lamin B1 and lamin B2 in cellular function and disease.
Exploring the role of flavin-dependent monooxygenases in the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds
Authors: Shi Tong , Sun Xinxiao , Yuan Qipeng , Wang Jia , Shen Xiaolin
Published: March 2024

Hydroxylated aromatic compounds exhibit exceptional biological activities. In the biosynthesis of these compounds, three types of hydroxylases are commonly employed: cytochrome P450 (CYP450), pterin-dependent monooxygenase (PDM), and flavin-dependent monooxygenase (FDM). Among these, FDM is a preferred choice due to its small molecular weight, stable expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic fermentation systems, and a relatively high concentration of necessary cofactors. However, the catalytic efficiency of many FDMs falls short of meeting the demands of large-scale production. Additionally, challenges arise from the limited availability of cofactors and compatibility issues among enzyme components. Recently, significant progress has been achieved in improving its catalytic efficiency, but have not yet detailed and informative viewed so far. Therefore, this review emphasizes the advancements in FDMs for the biosynthesis of hydroxylated aromatic compounds and presents a summary of three strategies aimed at enhancing their catalytic efficiency: (a) Developing efficient enzyme mutants through protein engineering; (b) enhancing the supply and rapid circulation of critical cofactors; (c) facilitating cofactors delivery for enhancing FDMs catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the current challenges and further perspectives on improving catalytic efficiency of FDMs are also discussed.
Biological assessment of the omega-3 status after omega-3 enriched dietary during an active seasonal performance on soccer players
Authors: Kim Haeyoung , Shin Seungho , Jeon In-ho , Kwak Jae-Man
Published: March 2024

Background

To assess the physiological change of blood fatty acid composite during the seasonal performance of soccer players with omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid balanced dietary supplementation.

Methods

This study included 20 healthy and trained male soccer players. During the study, data collection was performed three times (pre-, mid-, post-season). Anthropometric data collection and blood sampling for the assessment of the omega index were performed. The mid- and post-seasonal data were compared with baseline data collected before the starting season (pre-seasonal data).

Results

Elevated levels of omega-3, HS-omega, and trans fatty acid were observed in both the mid- and post-seasonal data. During the season, the levels of omega-6/omega-3 and saturated fatty acid decreased, whereas there were no differences in total cholesterol, cholesterol LDL, HDL, BUN/Cr, HbA1c (NGSP), and cystatin C.

Conclusions

n-3 PUFA-enriched dietary supplementation might alter blood omega-3 indices in soccer players during the season.
Acute physiological responses and muscle recovery in females: a randomised controlled trial of muscle damaging exercise in hypoxia
Authors: Hohenauer Erich , Bianchi G , Wellauer V , Taube W , Clijsen R
Published: March 2024

Background

Studies have investigated the effects of training under hypoxia (HYP) after several weeks in a male population. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on the acute hypoxic effects on physiology and muscle recovery in a female population.

Methods

This randomized-controlled trial aimed to investigate the acute effects of muscle damaging exercise, performed in HYP and normoxia (CON), on physiological responses and recovery characteristics in healthy females. Key inclusion criteria were recreationally active female participants between the age of 18 to 35 years without any previous surgeries and injuries, whilst key exclusion criteria were acute pain situations, pregnancy, and medication intake. The females conducted a muscle-damaging protocol, comprising 5 × 20 drop-jumps, in either HYP (FiO2: 12%) or CON (FiO2: 21%). Physiological responses, including capillary oxygenation (SpO2), muscle oxygenation (SmO2), heart rate (HR), core- (Tcore) and skin- (Tskin) temperature were assessed at the end of each exercise set. Recovery characteristics were quantified by taking venous blood samples (serum creatine-kinase [CK], C-reactive protein [CRP] and blood sedimentation rate [BSR]), assessing muscle swelling of the quadriceps femoris muscle, maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensor muscles, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance and muscle soreness ratings (DOMS) at 24-, 48- and 72-hrs post-exercise.

Results

SpO2 (HYP: 76.7 ± 3.8%, CON: 95.5 ± 1.7%, p < 0.001) and SmO2 (HYP: 60.0 ± 9.3, CON: 73.4 ± 5.8%, p = 0.03) values were lower (p < 0.05) in HYP compared to CON at the end of the exercise-protocol. No physiological differences between HYP and CON were observed for HR, Tcore, and Tskin (all p > 0.05). There were also no differences detected for any recovery variable (CK, CRP, BSR, MVIC, CMJ, and DOMS) during the 72-hrs follow-up period between HYP and CON (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our results showed that muscle damaging exercise under HYP leads to reduced capillary and muscle oxygenation levels compared to normoxia with no difference in inflammatory response and muscle recovery during 72 h post-exercise.

Trial registration

NCT04902924, May 26th 2021.
Diagnostic prediction of gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease based on a clinical- CT- signs nomogram model
Authors: Feng Qing , Xu Fengming , Guan Kaiming , Li Tao , Sheng Jing , Zhong Wei , Wu Haohua , Li Bing , Peng Peng
Published: March 2024

Objective

Gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease (GI-GVHD) is one of the complications that can easily occur after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Timely diagnosis and treatment are pivotal factors that greatly influence the prognosis of patients. However, the current diagnostic method lacks adequate non-invasive diagnostic tools.

Methods

A total of 190 patients who suspected GI-GVHD were retrospectively included and divided into training set (n = 114) and testing set (n = 76) according to their discharge time. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to screen for clinically independent predictors. Based on the logistic regression results, both computed tomography (CT) signs and clinically independent predictors were integrated in order to build the nomogram, while the testing set was verified independently. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC), area under the curve (AUC), decision curve, and clinical impact curve were used to measure the accuracy of prediction, clinical net benefit, and consistency of diagnostic factors.

Results

Four key factors, including II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), the circular target sign, multifocal intestinal inflammation, and an increased in total bilirubin, were identified. The combined model, which was constructed from CT signs and clinical factors, showed higher predictive performances. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of the training set were 0.867, 0.787, and 0.811, respectively. Decision curve analysis (DCA), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) showed that the developed model exhibited a better prediction accuracy than the others.

Conclusions

This combined model facilitates timely diagnosis and treatment and subsequently improves survival and overall outcomes in patients with GI-GVHD.

Critical relevance statement

GI-GVHD is one of the complications that can easily occur after HSCT. However, the current diagnostic approach lacks adequate non-invasive diagnostic methods. This non-invasive combined model facilitates timely treatment and subsequently improves patients with GI-GVHD survival and overall outcomes.

Key points

• There is currently lacking of non-invasive diagnostic methods for GI-GVHD.

• Four clinical CT signs are the independent predictors for GI-GVHD.

• Association between the CT signs with clinical factors may improve the diagnostic performance of GI-GVHD.

Graphical Abstract
Soft rough sets based on covering and their applications
Authors: Mareay Roshdey
Published: March 2024

Soft rough based on covering $\mathcal {S}RC$
S
R
C
theory has become a useful and well-known area of research in theories of uncertainty. The present work follows up on this flourishing research topic. We introduce a new model of $\mathcal {S}RC$
S
R
C
in a fusion of soft set theory $\mathcal {S}ST$
S
S
T
and rough set depending on covering $\mathcal {C}RS$
C
R
S
. We put forth a definition of soft rough covering approximation space $\mathcal {S}CAS$
S
C
A
S
via neighborhood concept. Some axiomatic systems of our model of $\mathcal {S}RC$
S
R
C
are discussed. We study the relationship between our model of $\mathcal {S}RC$
S
R
C
and three other $\mathcal {S}RC$
S
R
C
-models. An algorithm for reduction of the attributes of the information systems using $\mathcal {S}CAS$
S
C
A
S
is established. Based on the theoretical discussion, we set forth some applications of our model which will be helpful in decision making process via $\mathcal {S}RC$
S
R
C
theory.
Biodistribution and dosimetry of 177Lu-DOTA-IBA for therapy of bone metastases
Authors: Li Hongmei , Pei Wenjie , Yang Xiqun , Qu Gengcuo , Hua Qingchu , Liu Lin , Wang Yudi , Xu Tingting , Chen Yue
Published: March 2024

Background

We designed and synthesized a novel bisphosphonate radiopharmaceutical (68 Ga- or 177Lu-labeled DOTA-ibandronate [68 Ga/177Lu-DOTA-IBA]) for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of bone metastases. The biodistribution and internal dosimetry of a single therapeutic dose of 177Lu-DOTA-IBA were evaluated using a series of single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) images and blood samples. Five patients with multiple bone metastases were included in this prospective study. After receiving 1110 MBq 177Lu-DOTA-IBA, patients underwent whole-body planar, SPECT/CT imaging and venous blood sampling over 7 days. Dosimetric evaluation was performed for the main organs and tumor lesions. Safety was assessed using blood biomarkers.

Results

177Lu-DOTA-IBA showed fast uptake, high retention in bone lesions, and rapid clearance from the bloodstream in all patients. In this cohort, the average absorbed doses (ADs) in the bone tumor lesions, kidneys, liver, spleen, red marrow, bladder-wall, and osteogenic cells were 5.740, 0.114, 0.095, 0.121, 0.095, and 0.333 Gy/GBq, respectively. Although no patient reached the predetermined dose thresholds, the red marrow will be the dose-limiting organ. There were no adverse reactions recorded after the administration of 1110 MBq 177Lu-DOTA-IBA.

Conclusion

Dosimetric results show that the ADs for critical organs and total body are within the safety limit and with high bone retention. It is a promising radiopharmaceutical alternative for the targeted treatment of bone metastases, controlling its progression, and improving the survival and quality of life of patients with advanced bone metastasis.
Social determinants of health and disparities in pediatric trauma care: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gnanvi Janyce Eunice , Yanchar Natalie , Freire Gabrielle , Beaulieu Emilie , Tardif Pier-Alexandre , Bérubé Mélanie , Macpherson Alison , Pike Ian , Zemek Roger , Gagnon Isabelle J. , Carsen Sasha , Gabbe Belinda , Gnanou Soualio , Duval Cécile , Moore Lynne
Published: March 2024

Background

Social determinants of health (SDH), including “the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, work, live and age” affect child health and well-being. Several studies have synthesized evidence about the influence of SDH on childhood injury risks and outcomes. However, there is no systematic evidence about the impact of SDH on accessing care and quality of care once a child has suffered an injury. We aim to evaluate the extent to which access to care and quality of care after injury are affected by children and adolescents’ SDH.

Methods

Using Cochrane methodology, we will conduct a systematic review including observational and experimental studies evaluating the association between social/material elements contributing to health disparities, using the PROGRESS-Plus framework: place of residence, race/ethnicity/culture/language, occupation, gender/sex, religion, education, socioeconomic status, and social capital and care received by children and adolescents (≤ 19 years of age) after injury. We will consult published literature using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Academic Search Premier and grey literature using Google Scholar from their inception to a maximum of 6 months prior to submission for publication. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment for included studies. The risk of bias will be assessed using the ROBINS-E and ROB-2 tools respectively for observational and experimental study designs. We will analyze data to perform narrative syntheses, and if enough studies are identified, we will conduct a meta-analysis using random effects models.

Discussion

This systematic review will provide a synthesis of evidence on the association between SDH and pediatric trauma care (access to care and quality of care) that clinicians and policymakers can use to better tailor care systems and promote equitable access and quality of care for all children. We will share our findings through clinical rounds, conferences, and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42023408467
Synchronous timing of return to breeding sites in a long-distance migratory seabird with ocean-scale variation in migration schedules
Authors: van Bemmelen Rob S. A. , Moe Børge , Schekkerman Hans , Hansen Sveinn Are , Snell Katherine R. S. , Humphreys Elizabeth M. , Mäntylä Elina , Hallgrimsson Gunnar Thor , Gilg Olivier , Ehrich Dorothée , Calladine John , Hammer Sjúrður , Harris Sarah , Lang Johannes , Vignisson Sölvi Rúnar , Kolbeinsson Yann , Nuotio Kimmo , Sillanpää Matti , Sittler Benoît , Sokolov Aleksandr , Klaassen Raymond H. G. , Phillips Richard A. , Tulp Ingrid
Published: March 2024

Background

Migratory birds generally have tightly scheduled annual cycles, in which delays can have carry-over effects on the timing of later events, ultimately impacting reproductive output. Whether temporal carry-over effects are more pronounced among migrations over larger distances, with tighter schedules, is a largely unexplored question.

Methods

We tracked individual Arctic Skuas Stercorarius parasiticus, a long-distance migratory seabird, from eight breeding populations between Greenland and Siberia using light-level geolocators. We tested whether migration schedules among breeding populations differ as a function of their use of seven widely divergent wintering areas across the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.

Results

Breeding at higher latitudes led not only to later reproduction and migration, but also faster spring migration and shorter time between return to the breeding area and clutch initiation. Wintering area was consistent within individuals among years; and more distant areas were associated with more time spent on migration and less time in the wintering areas. Skuas adjusted the period spent in the wintering area, regardless of migration distance, which buffered the variation in timing of autumn migration. Choice of wintering area had only minor effects on timing of return at the breeding area and timing of breeding and these effects were not consistent between breeding populations.

Conclusion

The lack of a consistent effect of wintering area on timing of return between breeding areas indicates that individuals synchronize their arrival with others in their population despite extensive individual differences in migration strategies.
Optimal liquidation using extended trading close for multiple trading days
Authors: Zhu Jianchang , Zhang Leilei , Sun Xuchu
Published: March 2024

The extended trading close (ETC) provides institutional investors an opportunity to trade at the closing price after the regular trading session (RTS) and disclosing the order imbalances to other market participants. ETCs exist in the Nasdaq, the SSE STAR, the SZSE ChiNext and the TWSE. To help a risk-averse institutional investor take advantage of the RTS and the ETC for liquidation, we develop a multistage dynamic programming model including the ETC, and derive recursive solutions for the multiple trading days scenario with closed-form solutions for the scenario with only two trading days. We also verify that the ETC is able to mitigate extreme price movements caused by fast liquidation, which is also a goal of the ETC set out by the SSE STAR and the SZSE ChiNext. Finally, we derive three results. First, an institutional investor can reduce execution costs after the introduction of the ETC. Second, a critical trading day exists, and to avoid prematurely revealing trading intentions, the investor should not trade in the ETC until such day. Third, even though the ETC orders submitted by the investor are unfilled, implementation of the ETC encourages the investor to change the liquidation strategy in the RTS, which reduces extreme price movements. In summary, the practical implications of this paper are that the investor should not trade during the ETC on the front few days to avoid prematurely revealing the investor’s trading intention by unfilled orders in the ETC and that introducing the ETC can reduce liquidation costs and extreme price movements.
The macro-financial effects of Climate Policy Risk: evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Berthold Brendan
Published: March 2024

This paper quantifies empirically the macroeconomic and financial effects of Climate Policy Risk (CPR) in Switzerland. To do so, I develop a new CPR index using text analysis techniques on a large dataset of Swiss media articles. The identification of CPR shocks is achieved by using narrative restrictions around events which are likely to have coincided with an increase in the probability of adopting tighter climate policies. I find that CPR shocks are associated with a significant decline in real GDP and a decline in firm-level CO2 emissions. Using firm-level equity price data and rolling linear panel regressions, I document that CPR is increasingly reflected in asset prices. I further find that CO2-intensive firms perform significantly worse than their greener counterparts following events which increased transition risk. The results are in line with recent theoretical contributions.
A retrospective comparative study of double cleavage-stage embryo transfer versus single blastocyst in frozen-thawed cycles
Authors: Lim Yun-Hsuen , Sim Poo Keen , Nadkarni Prashant
Published: March 2024

Background

This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcomes of day 3 double embryo transfer (DET) with single blastocyst transfer (SBT) during frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. A total of 999 women below the age of 38 years who underwent FET at Malaysia’s KL Fertility and Gynaecology Centre from January 2019 to December 2021 were analyzed. Patients with autologous eggs were recruited in the study. All the eggs were inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The embryos were vitrified on day 3 cleavage-stage or blastocyst stage with Cryotop® method. The FET was performed following natural cycle (NC), modified natural cycle (m-NC), or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycles. The NC and m-NC groups received oral dydrogesterone for luteal phase support.

Results

There were no statistical differences in the rates of positive pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy between the two groups. However, implantation rates were significantly higher in the SBT group (50.1% versus 37.6%, p < 0.05). The day 3 DET group had significantly higher multiple pregnancy rates (28.7% versus 1.1%, p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis of embryo transfers performed following NC, m-NC, or HRT cycles showed similar results.

Conclusions

This study suggests that SBT is the better choice for embryo transfers as it had higher implantation rates and its pregnancy rates were similar to day 3 DET. The SBT also significantly reduced the incidence of multiple pregnancies without compromising pregnancy rates.
Assessing the socio-cultural impact of urban revitalisation using Relative Positive Impact Index (RPII)
Authors: Abdurahiman Shahim , Kasthurba A. K. , Nuzhat Afifa
Published: March 2024

Urban heritage is a vital resource that connects communities to their local identity. Unplanned developments and rapid urbanisation often harm the authenticity of historic areas, disrupting the cultural fabric and altering their character. This study introduces the Relative Positive Impact Index (RPII), a novel technique for assessing the socio-cultural impacts of urban revitalisation. The significance of RPII lies in its ability to quantitatively evaluate the impacts on the cultural fabric and integrity of historic urban areas, which is crucial for sustainable urban development. The study’s objective is to apply RPII in evaluating qualitative socio-cultural characteristics in historic urban areas, with a focus on four main criteria and 16 sub-criteria, in the case of the Kuttichira precinct. The methodology integrates the analysis of published literature, a quantitative survey mapping the stakeholders’ perception, and qualitative insights. This approach facilitates an in-depth understanding of how urban revitalisation affects local socio-cultural dynamics, preserving the authenticity and character of historic areas. The study reveals that the revitalisation project in Kuttichira positively impacts the socio-cultural fabric of the area, maintaining cultural integrity and addressing social challenges. These findings offer valuable insights for sustainable urban development and policymaking in historic areas. The study recommends the application of RPII in other urban precincts for comparative analysis and further development of urban development practices, contributing to informed urban policy and planning decisions.
Seismic characterization of individual geologic factors with disentangled features
Authors: Fei Yifeng , Cai Hanpeng , Zhou Cheng , He Xin , Liang Jiandong , Su Mingjun , Hu Guangmin
Published: March 2024

Seismic attributes are critical in understanding geologic factors, such as sand body configuration, lithology, and porosity. However, existing attributes typically reflect the combined response of multiple geologic factors. The interplay between these factors can obscure the features of the target factor, posing a challenge to its direct seismic characterization, particularly when the factor is subtle. To address this, we develop an innovative neural network designed to disentangle and characterize the individual geologic factors within seismic data. Our approach divides the geologic information in the seismic data into two categories: a single geologic factor of interest and an aggregate of all other information. A novel feature-swapping mechanism within our network facilitates the disentanglement of these two categories, providing an interpretable representation. We use a triplet loss function to differentiate data samples with similar waveforms but varying subtle geologic details, thus enhancing the extraction of distinct features. In addition, our network uses a cotraining strategy to integrate the synthetic and actual field data during the training process. This strategy helps mitigate the potential performance degradation arising from the discrepancies between simulated and actual field data. We apply our method to synthetic data experiments and field data from two geologically distinct areas. Current results indicate that our method surpasses traditional approaches, such as a deep autoencoder and a convolutional neural network classifier, in extracting seismic attributes with more explicit geophysical implications.