bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective associations between changes in physical activity and sedentary time and subsequent lean muscle mass in older English adults: the EPIC-Norfolk cohort study
Authors: Yerrakalva Dharani , Hajna Samantha , Khaw Kay-Tee , Griffin Simon J. , Brage Soren
Published: January 2024

Background

The longitudinal associations between physical behaviours and lean muscle mass indices need to be better understood to aid healthy ageing intervention development.

Methods

We assessed physical behaviours (total physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity, total sedentary time and prolonged sedentary bout time) for 7 days using hip-worn accelerometers. We also assessed domain-specific physical behaviours (walking, cycling, gardening and housework time) with self-report questionnaires at baseline (2006–2011) and follow-up (2012–2016) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk study. We assessed body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at follow-up in 1535 participants (≥ 60 years at baseline). From this, we derived appendicular lean muscle mass (ALM) indices (% relative ALM = (ALM/total body weight)*100), body mass index (BMI)-scaled ALM (ALM/BMI, kg/kg/m2) and height-scaled ALM (ALM/height2, kg/m2)). We evaluated the prospective associations of both baseline and change in physical behaviours with follow-up muscle mass indices using multivariable linear regression.

Results

Over 5.5 years (SD 14.8) follow-up, higher baseline accelerometer-measured physical activity and lower sedentary time were associated with higher subsequent relative ALM and BMI-scaled ALM, but not height-scaled ALM (e.g. 0.02% higher subsequent relative ALM per minute/day of baseline MVPA for men). Greater increases in physical activity and greater declines in sedentary time variables were associated with higher subsequent relative ALM and BMI-scaled ALM, but not height-scaled ALM (e.g. 0.001 kg/kg/m2 subsequent BMI-scaled ALM and 0.04% subsequent relative ALM per min/day/year increases in LPA over follow-up; 0.001 kg/kg/m2 subsequent BMI-scaled ALM and -0.03% subsequent relative ALM per min/day/year less of total sedentary time over follow-up).

Greater increases in women’s cycling and gardening over follow-up were associated with greater subsequent relative ALM (cycling 0.9% per hour/week/year; gardening 0.2% per hour/week/year) and BMI-scaled ALM (cycling 0.03 kg/kg/m2 per hour/week/year; gardening 0.004 kg/kg/m2 per hour/week/year).

Conclusion

Physical behaviours across all intensities, and in women more specifically cycling and gardening, may help prevent age-related declines in muscle mass.
Trajectories of lifestyle patterns from 2 to 8 years of age and cardiometabolic risk in children: the GUSTO study
Authors: Chia Airu , Toh Jia Ying , Natarajan Padmapriya , Cai Shirong , Ong Yi Ying , Descarpentrie Alexandra , Lioret Sandrine , Bernard Jonathan Y , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Godfrey Keith M , Tan Kok Hian , Chong Yap Seng , Eriksson Johan G , Chong Mary F-F
Published: January 2024

Background

Tracking combinations of lifestyle behaviours during childhood (“lifestyle pattern trajectories”) can identify subgroups of children that might benefit from lifestyle interventions aiming to improve health outcomes later in life. However, studies on the critical transition period from early to middle childhood are limited. We aimed to describe lifestyle patterns trajectories in children from 2 to 8 years of age and evaluated their associations with cardiometabolic risk markers at age 8 years in a multi-ethnic Asian cohort.

Methods

Twelve lifestyle behaviours related to child’s diet, physical activity, screen use, and sleep were ascertained using questionnaires at ages 2, 5, and 8 years. Age-specific lifestyle patterns were derived using principal component analysis and trajectories were determined using group-based multi-trajectory modelling. Child cardiometabolic risk markers were assessed at age 8 years, and associations with trajectories examined using multiple regression, adjusted for confounders.

Results

Among 546 children, two lifestyle patterns “healthy” and “unhealthy” were observed at ages 2, 5, and 8 years separately. Three trajectory groups from 2 to 8 years were identified: consistently healthy (11%), consistently unhealthy (18%), and mixed pattern (71%). Children in the consistently unhealthy group (vs. mixed pattern) had increased odds of pre-hypertension (OR = 2.96 [95% CI 1.18–7.41]) and higher levels of diastolic blood pressure (β = 1.91 [0.27–3.55] mmHg), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (β = 0.43 [0.13–0.74]), triglycerides (β = 0.11 [0.00-0.22] mmol/L), and metabolic syndrome score (β = 0.85 [0.20–1.49]), but not with BMI z-score or any anthropometric measurements. The consistently healthy group showed no differences in cardiometabolic outcomes compared to the mixed pattern group.

Conclusion

Three distinct lifestyle pattern trajectories were identified from early to middle childhood. Children in the consistently unhealthy lifestyle group did not have a raised BMI but was associated with several elevated cardiometabolic risk markers. These findings suggest the potential benefits of initiating holistic lifestyle interventions to improve children’s health and well-being from an early age.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: NCT01174875. Name of registry: ClinicalTrials.gov. URL of registry: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01174875. Date of registration: August 4, 2010. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: June 2009.
Current evidence regarding the cellular mechanisms associated with cancer progression due to cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Attachaipanich Tanawat , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: January 2024

Several large cohort studies in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients have shown an increased incidence of cancer. Previous studies in a myocardial infarction (MI) mouse model reported increased colon, breast, and lung cancer growth. The potential mechanisms could be due to secreted cardiokines and micro-RNAs from pathological hearts and immune cell reprogramming. A study in a MI-induced heart failure (HF) mouse demonstrated an increase in cardiac expression of SerpinA3, resulting in an enhanced proliferation of colon cancer cells. In MI-induced HF mice with lung cancer, the attenuation of tumor sensitivity to ferroptosis via the secretion of miR-22-3p from cardiomyocytes was demonstrated. In MI mice with breast cancer, immune cell reprogramming toward the immunosuppressive state was shown. However, a study in mice with renal cancer reported no impact of MI on tumor growth. In addition to MI, cardiac hypertrophy was shown to promote the growth of breast and lung cancer. The cardiokine potentially involved, periostin, was increased in the cardiac tissue and serum of a cardiac hypertrophy model, and was reported to increase breast cancer cell proliferation. Since the concept that CVD could influence the initiation and progression of several types of cancer is quite new and challenging regarding future therapeutic and preventive strategies, further studies are needed to elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms which will enable more effective risk stratification and development of potential therapeutic interventions to prevent cancer in CVD patients.
Molecular epidemiology of pregnancy using omics data: advances, success stories, and challenges
Authors: Rahnavard Ali , Chatterjee Ranojoy , Wen Hui , Gaylord Clark , Mugusi Sabina , Klatt Kevin C. , Smith Emily R.
Published: January 2024

Multi-omics approaches have been successfully applied to investigate pregnancy and health outcomes at a molecular and genetic level in several studies. As omics technologies advance, research areas are open to study further. Here we discuss overall trends and examples of successfully using omics technologies and techniques (e.g., genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics) to investigate the molecular epidemiology of pregnancy. In addition, we outline omics applications and study characteristics of pregnancy for understanding fundamental biology, causal health, and physiological relationships, risk and prediction modeling, diagnostics, and correlations.
Our experience diagnosing 225 patients with cervical glandular lesions: current technologies, lessons learned, and areas for improvement
Authors: Qin Yan , Deng Junyi , Ling Yuexian , Chen Tao , Gao Hongyi
Published: January 2024

Objective

To explore the relative sensitivity of different methods for detecting cervical glandular lesions.

Methods

A total of 225 patients with cervical glandular lesions diagnosed from January 2018 to February 2023 were retrieved from the pathology database of Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital, and their clinicopathological features were reviewed.

Results

Four human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes: HPV18, 16, 45, and 52, dominated all glandular lesions, and accounting for 74.10% of HPV-positive tumors. Furthermore, 36.89% of abnormal squamous cells were diagnosed as abnormal based on cytological examinations leading to the detection of cervical glandular lesions; only 16.89% were diagnosed based on the initial detection of abnormal glandular cytology. The most common abnormal cervical screening result was ASC-US on cytology (14.22%), followed by HSIL (11.56%). Only few number of patients were diagnosed with or suspected of having cervical adenopathy via a Pap test (18.22%). Nearly one-third of cervical glandular lesions cases were not detected on the Pap test; but were diagnosed upon cervical biopsy or based on the histological examination of ECC, LEEP, or CKC specimens. The LEEP or CKC biopsy specimens had negative margins in 49 cases (40.83%), while the margins were positive in the other 71 cases (59.17%). Five cases (10.20%) with negative margins still had residual lesions following total hysterectomy, and 19 (26.76%) with positive margins had no residual lesions after total hysterectomy.

Conclusion

The ability to detect cervical glandular lesions varies for routine HPV genotyping, Pap test, or biopsy/ECC, with different sensitivities and advantages and disadvantages for each method.
The importance of accounting method and sampling depth to estimate changes in soil carbon stocks
Authors: Raffeld Anna M. , Bradford Mark A. , Jackson Randall D. , Rath Daniel , Sanford Gregg R. , Tautges Nicole , Oldfield Emily E.
Published: January 2024

Background

As interest in the voluntary soil carbon market surges, carbon registries have been developing new soil carbon measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) protocols. These protocols are inconsistent in their approaches to measuring soil organic carbon (SOC). Two areas of concern include the type of SOC stock accounting method (fixed-depth (FD) vs. equivalent soil mass (ESM)) and sampling depth requirement. Despite evidence that fixed-depth measurements can result in error because of changes in soil bulk density and that sampling to 30 cm neglects a significant portion of the soil profile’s SOC stock, most MRV protocols do not specify which sampling method to use and only require sampling to 30 cm. Using data from UC Davis’s Century Experiment (“Century”) and UW Madison’s Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trial (WICST), we quantify differences in SOC stock changes estimated by FD and ESM over 20 years, investigate how sampling at-depth (> 30 cm) affects SOC stock change estimates, and estimate how crediting outcomes taking an empirical sampling-only crediting approach differ when stocks are calculated using ESM or FD at different depths.

Results

We find that FD and ESM estimates of stock change can differ by over 100 percent and that, as expected, much of this difference is associated with changes in bulk density in surface soils (e.g., r = 0.90 for Century maize treatments). This led to substantial differences in crediting outcomes between ESM and FD-based stocks, although many treatments did not receive credits due to declines in SOC stocks over time. While increased variability of soils at depth makes it challenging to accurately quantify stocks across the profile, sampling to 60 cm can capture changes in bulk density, potential SOC redistribution, and a larger proportion of the overall SOC stock.

Conclusions

ESM accounting and sampling to 60 cm (using multiple depth increments) should be considered best practice when quantifying change in SOC stocks in annual, row crop agroecosystems. For carbon markets, the cost of achieving an accurate estimate of SOC stocks that reflect management impacts on soils at-depth should be reflected in the price of carbon credits.
Enhancing osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells through rosuvastatin loaded niosomes optimized by Box-Behnken design and modified by hyaluronan: a novel strategy for improved efficiency
Authors: Sadeghi Ghadi Zaynab , Asadi Amin , Pilehvar Younes , Abasi Mozhgan , Ebrahimnejad Pedram
Published: January 2024

Bone tissue engineering necessitates a stem cell source capable of osteoblast differentiation and mineralized matrix production. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), a subtype of mesenchymal stem cells from human teeth, present such potential but face challenges in osteogenic differentiation. This research introduces an innovative approach to bolster DPSCs’ osteogenic potential using niosomal and hyaluronan modified niosomal systems enriched with rosuvastatin. While rosuvastatin fosters bone formation by regulating bone morphogenetic proteins and osteoblasts, its solubility, permeability, and bioavailability constraints hinder its bone regeneration application. Using a Box-Behnken design, optimal formulation parameters were ascertained. Both niosomes were analyzed for size, polydispersity, zeta potential, and other parameters. They displayed average sizes under 275 nm and entrapment efficiencies exceeding 62%. Notably, niosomes boosted DPSCs’ cell viability and osteogenic marker expression, suggesting enhanced differentiation and bone formation. Conclusively, the study underscores the potential of both niosomal systems in ameliorating DPSCs’ osteogenic differentiation, offering a promising avenue for bone tissue engineering and regeneration.

Graphical Abstract
SRT-Server: powering the analysis of spatial transcriptomic data
Authors: Yang Sheng , Zhou Xiang
Published: January 2024

Background

Spatial resolved transcriptomics (SRT) encompasses a rapidly developing set of technologies that enable the measurement of gene expression in tissue while retaining spatial localization information. SRT technologies and the enabled SRT studies have provided unprecedent insights into the structural and functional underpinnings of complex tissues. As SRT technologies have advanced and an increasing number of SRT studies have emerged, numerous sophisticated statistical and computational methods have been developed to facilitate the analysis and interpretation of SRT data. However, despite the growing popularity of SRT studies and the widespread availability of SRT analysis methods, analysis of large-scale and complex SRT datasets remains challenging and not easily accessible to researchers with limited statistical and computational backgrounds.

Results

Here, we present SRT-Server, the first webserver designed to carry out comprehensive SRT analyses for a wide variety of SRT technologies while requiring minimal prior computational knowledge. Implemented with cutting-edge web development technologies, SRT-Server is user-friendly and features multiple analytic modules that can perform a range of SRT analyses. With a flowchart-style interface, these different analytic modules on the SRT-Server can be dragged into the main panel and connected to each other to create custom analytic pipelines. SRT-Server then automatically executes the desired analyses, generates corresponding figures, and outputs results—all without requiring prior programming knowledge. We demonstrate the advantages of SRT-Server through three case studies utilizing SRT data collected from two common platforms, highlighting its versatility and values to researchers with varying analytic expertise.

Conclusions

Overall, SRT-Server presents a user-friendly, efficient, effective, secure, and expandable solution for SRT data analysis, opening new doors for researchers in the field. SRT-Server is freely available at https://spatialtranscriptomicsanalysis.com/.
Mild behavioral impairment in early Alzheimer’s disease and its association with APOE and BDNF risk genetic polymorphisms
Authors: Matuskova Veronika , Veverova Katerina , Jester Dylan J. , Matoska Vaclav , Ismail Zahinoor , Sheardova Katerina , Horakova Hana , Cerman Jiri , Laczó Jan , Andel Ross , Hort Jakub , Vyhnalek Martin
Published: January 2024

Background

Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) has been commonly reported in early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) but rarely using biomarker-defined samples. It is also unclear whether genetic polymorphisms influence MBI in such individuals. We thus aimed to examine the association between the cognitive status of participants (amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI-AD) vs cognitively normal (CN) older adults) and MBI severity. Within aMCI-AD, we further examined the association between APOE and BDNF risk genetic polymorphisms and MBI severity.

Methods

We included 62 aMCI-AD participants and 50 CN older adults from the Czech Brain Aging Study. The participants underwent neurological, comprehensive neuropsychological examination, APOE and BDNF genotyping, and magnetic resonance imaging. MBI was diagnosed with the Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist (MBI-C), and the diagnosis was based on the MBI-C total score ≥ 7. Additionally, self-report instruments for anxiety (the Beck Anxiety Inventory) and depressive symptoms (the Geriatric Depression Scale-15) were administered. The participants were stratified based on the presence of at least one risk allele in genes for APOE (i.e., e4 carriers and non-carriers) and BDNF (i.e., Met carriers and non-carriers). We used linear regressions to examine the associations.

Results

MBI was present in 48.4% of the aMCI-AD individuals. Compared to the CN, aMCI-AD was associated with more affective, apathy, and impulse dyscontrol but not social inappropriateness or psychotic symptoms. Furthermore, aMCI-AD was related to more depressive but not anxiety symptoms on self-report measures. Within the aMCI-AD, there were no associations between APOE e4 and BDNF Met and MBI-C severity. However, a positive association between Met carriership and self-reported anxiety appeared.

Conclusions

MBI is frequent in aMCI-AD and related to more severe affective, apathy, and impulse dyscontrol symptoms. APOE and BDNF polymorphisms were not associated with MBI severity separately; however, their combined effect warrants further investigation.
Protective effects of SCFAs on organ injury and gut microbiota modulation in heat-stressed rats
Authors: Yang Zhan , Tang Chengliang , Sun Xuewei , Wu Zihan , Zhu Xiaojing , Cui Qian , Zhang Ruonan , Zhang Xinrui , Su Yunxin , Mao Yinghua , Wang Chunhui , Zheng Feng , Zhu Jin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This research was conducted to investigate the potential of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in protecting organs from heat stress-induced injuries and gut microbiota modulation.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to various groups including a control group, a room temperature training group, a hyperthermia training group, SCFAs pretreatment group, and recipients received feces from the HT group. After strenuous training at high temperatures, the levels of plasma enzymes AST, ALT, BUN, and Cr were evaluated. The changes in gut microbiota and fecal metabolites were detected using 16S rRNA sequencing and GC–MS methods. Pathological examination of colon and liver tissues was conducted, and immunohistochemical techniques were employed to assess intestinal barrier function.

Results

The findings indicate that SCFAs hold the potential for mitigating liver and colon damage caused by heat stress. With the intervention of SCFAs, there were observable changes in the structure and metabolites of the intestinal microbiota, as well as improvements in intestinal barrier function. Further support for the benefits of SCFAs was found through fecal microbiota transplantation, which demonstrated that modified gut microbiota can effectively reduce organ damage.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that SCFAs, as metabolites of the gut microbiota, have a valuable role to play in regulating gut health and mitigating the harmful effects of heat stress.
From obscurity to urgency: a comprehensive analysis of the rising threat of duck circovirus
Authors: Lei Xinnuo , Wang Anping , Zhu Shanyuan , Wu Shuang
Published: January 2024

Duck circovirus (DuCV) is a small, nonenveloped, single-stranded DNA virus with immunosuppressive effects on ducks that leads to slow growth and elevated mortality following mixed infections. Its infection manifests as feather loss, slow growth, swelling of respiratory tissue, and damage to immune organs in ducks. Although single infections with DuCV do not cause noticeable clinical symptoms, its ability to compromise the immune system and facilitate infections caused by other pathogens poses a serious threat to duck farming. Given the prevalence of this disease and the increasing infection rates in recent years, which have resulted in significant economic losses in duck farming and related sectors, research and control of DuCV infection have become especially important. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the current understanding of DuCV, serving as a reference for subsequent research and effective control of the virus. We focus mainly on the genetics and molecular biology, epidemiology, clinical symptoms, and pathology of DuCV. Additionally, topics such as the isolation and culture of the virus, vaccines and antiviral therapies, diagnostics, and preventative measures are discussed.
Study on spatial form evolution of traditional villages in Jiuguan under the influence of historic transportation network
Authors: Lin Zurui , Liang Yuan , Liu Xiaohui
Published: January 2024

Traditional villages are China's cultural heritage resources; they carry rich historical and cultural information and have important historical significance and cultural value. Studying their spatial forms can suggest new ideas for the protection of traditional villages. The spatial configuration of traditional villages is shaped by a complex interplay of natural geography, socio-economic factors, transportation infrastructure, and essential facilities. Various developmental scenarios lead to diverse spatial development patterns, each demonstrating unique dynamic characteristics throughout its evolution. This article focuses on the exploration of the spatial morphology of Jiuguan Village, located along the Jingxing Ancient Post Road. By using kernel density analysis, space syntax, spatial form index, and so on, the spatial form of Jiuguan Village was studied from three aspects: public facilities clustering degree, road system, and spatial form index. Through a hierarchical approach involving points, lines, and planes, our study unveils the multifaceted influence of transportation factors on the village's historical development and its dynamic adaptive attributes within the context of traditional village spatial morphology. The results indicated that the location advantage of traffic is the driving force behind land expansion. Secondly, the areas with high traffic accessibility tend to be public spaces in villages. Third, the change in the transportation market will lead to a change in village land use functions. Finally, the renewal of transportation modes will change the spatial scale of the village. This research offers a deeper comprehension of the historical context surrounding traditional villages and provides a scientifically guided framework for heritage preservation and sustainable village development.
Advances of radiolabeled GRPR ligands for PET/CT imaging of cancers
Authors: Ma Yuze , Gao Feng
Published: January 2024

GRPR is a type of seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor that belongs to the bombesin protein receptor family. It is highly expressed in various cancers, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and so on. As a result, molecular imaging studies have been conducted using radiolabeled GRPR ligands for tumor diagnosis, as well as monitoring of recurrence and metastasis. In this paper, we provided a comprehensive overview of relevant literature from the past two decades, with a specific focus on the advancements made in radiolabeled GRPR ligands for imaging prostate cancer and breast cancer.
Get Back, a person-centred digital programme targeting physical activity for patients undergoing spinal stenosis surgery—a study protocol of a randomized feasibility study
Authors: Karlsson Emelie , Hanafi Rikard , Brisby Helena , Fors Andreas , Kemani Mike , Hedman Håkan , Nijs Jo , Lundberg Mari
Published: January 2024

Background

Spinal stenosis is the most common reason for elective spine surgery, and the cardinal symptom is leg pain and discomfort when walking. Patients with spinal stenosis have a decreased level of physical activity and thereby an increased risk of poor health. Get Back is a person-centred digital programme that strives to support patients being physically active after surgery. The aim is to explore if Get Back, in its present format (referred to as Get Backfeasibility), is feasible and contributes to detectable change in variables related to intervention content.

Methods

Thirty patients planned for decompression surgery due to central lumbar spinal stenosis who present with low physical activity, pain catastrophizing or fear of movement, will be included in a randomized feasibility study. All patients will be randomly allocated to either Get Backfeasibility or usual physical therapy. Get Backfeasibility aims to increase the patient’s physical activity level by combining a person-centred and cognitive behavioural approach. It comprises 10 video and telephone sessions led by a physical therapist over 12 weeks (pre/postoperatively). Outcomes are treatment fidelity (treatment dose, adherence, and content), process feasibility (recruitment, intervention use, and acceptability of measurements and intervention), and variables related to the intervention content (steps per day, physical activity level, pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, and general self-efficacy). Treatment fidelity and feasibility data will be assessed during the full study period (12 weeks). Physical activity, physical capacity, and patient-reported outcomes will be assessed digitally at baseline (2 weeks preoperatively) and 11–12 weeks postoperatively. Variables related to the intervention content will be monitored weekly through a digital application. Feasibility data will be analysed descriptively and inferentially using a nonparametric approach, data from repeated measures will be displayed graphically and data from telephone interviews will be analysed using content analysis with a descriptive manifest approach.

Discussion

The results will provide information on whether Get Back in its present format is feasible and can be evaluated for effectiveness in a larger randomized controlled trial, for patients with a low physical activity level and a high fear of movement who are undergoing decompression surgery.

Trial registration

Registered at ClinicalTrails.gov 04/08/2023, registration no. NCT05806593.
Investigating relationships between community of inquiry perceptions and attitudes towards reading circles in Chinese blended EFL learning
Authors: Teng Yilian , Yin Zhuhui , Wang Xia , Yang Hanyu
Published: January 2024

Little research has been conducted to investigate relationships between students’ community of inquiry (CoI) perceptions and their attitudes towards reading circles (ARC). To bridge the gap this quantitative research reports a cohort of Chinese students’ perceptions of CoI and its prediction for their attitudes towards reading circles (RC) in English as a Foreign Language learning. The researchers administered and collected 202 valid questionnaires. They analyzed the correlations between CoI and ARC dimensions, did regression analyses and came up with insightful findings. It’s found that, concerning CoI, students have more positive perceptions of teaching and cognitive presences than of social presence. Meanwhile teaching presence, cognitive presence, social presence of CoI and usefulness, affect, and behavior of ARC are closely correlated. CoI teaching presence and cognitive presence are significant predictors for usefulness and behavior of ARC, while the combination of the three CoI presences predicts affect of ARC. Investigating the relationships between a longstanding CoI framework and a fledging ARC scale provides great implications for Chinese blended EFL teaching, especially in reading courses.
Evaluation of potential association of metabolic syndrome in obese and non-obese PCOS women
Authors: Kaur Raminder , Kaur Maninder
Published: January 2024

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an escalating endocrinal and reproductive disorder among women of reproductive age and is considered the foremost health burden. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to estimate the potential association of metabolic syndrome in obese and non-obese PCOS women. A total of 250 PCOS women ranging in age from 18 to 45 years and living in the Chandigarh Capital Region were selected from the OPD, PGIMER, Chandigarh, (North India). Rotterdam Criteria (2003) was employed to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome among women.

Results

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) as assessed by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III) was found to be 30% (4% in non-obese and 26% in obese) in PCOS women. Waist circumference > 88 cm is the most prevalent feature in PCOS women (67.2%) followed by HDL < 50 mg/dL (56.8%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis exhibited that visceral adiposity index (VAI) was a significant determinant of metabolic syndrome in obese (OR = 1.17, p < 0.01) and non-obese (OR = 1.2, p < 0.01) PCOS women. Results of ROC analysis further established visceral adiposity index as a potential determinant in metabolic syndrome in both the groups of PCOS women. In obese PCOS women, the W/H ratio also depicted accuracy in predicting metabolic syndrome risk.

Conclusions

Visceral adiposity index is a significant tool to assess the metabolic syndrome in both groups, i.e., obese and non-obese. However, the waist/hip ratio can be considered as a predictive tool in obese women only. Thus, it could be used as a significant and inexpensive tool in clinical practices for early detection of metabolic syndrome in PCOS women.
Pediatric anterior thoracic wall reconstruction: a successful case of extensive resection and repair
Authors: Valdez García Izchel , Barraza Tinajero Alfa Guadalupe , Carrillo Ibarra Nayely , Brenes Guzmán Sofia
Published: January 2024

Background

Thoracic tumors are a challenge for pediatric surgeons. They comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms classified based on histological variety, location, presentation, biological behavior, treatment response, and prognosis. Primary tumors of the thoracic wall in children and adolescents are sporadic, accounting for only 1–2% of all pediatric thoracic neoplasms, with two-thirds of them being malignant.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 16-year-old male patient with osteoblastic osteosarcoma localized in the right anterior rib cage. The patient underwent extensive tumor resection using titanium bars.

Conclusion

Thoracic reconstruction following extensive resection in pediatric cancer patients has been underexplored and poorly described. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated to be feasible, particularly considering the 5-year survival rate of 60% following tumor resection. This approach helps prevent anatomical and physiological complications that may arise without reconstruction. We report a successful single-stage resection and thoracic reconstruction case in a pediatric patient. This case underscores the importance of considering reconstruction in patients with thoracic tumors, as it can contribute to improving prognosis and preventing associated complications.
The interprofessional collaboration between police and crisis response team in managing
suicide-related cases in Singapore
Authors: Chan V. , Ng K. , Shariffuddin U. K. , Tang X.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The Crisis Response Team (CRT) is an interprofessional collaboration between the
Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Mental Health Helpline (MHH) of the Institute of Mental
Health (IMH). Supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising of the SPF, IMH psychiatrists,
community psychiatric nurses and crisis counsellors, and community partners, this
intervention aims to support suicidal individuals, depending on their risk severity, residing
in the community.

Objectives

To present the CRT work process and to explore the characteristics and outcomes of
suicide-related cases referred.

Methods

In this descriptive research study, a quantitative approach is adopted. An Excel file
shared across the helpline counsellors is used to collate information of the referred cases.
Data collected from October 2021 to August 2022 were evaluated using the IBM SPSS Statistics
for Windows v28.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the characteristics and
outcomes of the cases.

Results

Figure 1 shows the CRT work process. To standardise the method of assessing both
suicide ideation and behaviour, the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is
utilised. As compared to other suicide ideation and behaviour scales, the C-SSRS has
demonstrated good convergent and divergent validity, high sensitivity and specificity for
suicidal classifications, and moderate to strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.73 -
0.95) (Posner et al. AJP 2011; 168(12) 1266-1277). A total of 3,386 suicide-related cases was
referred. The age range of the suicide-related cases range from 8 – 97 years old (M = 36, SD
= 17.33). Of these 3,386 cases, 627 cases were discharged back to their family
members/employer/friend/partner and with follow-up check-in calls by the MHH counsellors, 416
cases were sent to the restructured hospitals for organic workup, 2,268 cases were brought
back to IMH, 55 cases were discharged back to the SPF for further investigation, and 20 cases
warranted CRT home visit activations. Figure 2 shows the total number of referred cases and
outcome of these cases in each month.

Image:

Image 2:

Conclusions

The CRT intervention could mitigate suicide risk and pressure on the mental health
system (i.e., reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital admissions), create
greater mental health awareness, and facilitate individuals’ connection to mental healthcare
services (i.e., in hospitals and/or in the community) as evidenced by the increasing number
of cases referred, and increased collaboration with the various stakeholders, ensuring timely
intervention and necessary follow-ups thereafter.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Comparative Efficacy of First and Second Generation long-acting injectable antipsychotic
upon schizophrenic patients: a systematic review and network metaanalysis.
Authors: Medrano R. , Saucedo E. , Mancias C. , Saucedo C.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIAs) are currently the most effective
alternative for patients with schizophrenia who exhibit poor adherence. LAIAs can lead the
course of treatment with the potential to increase adherence in schizophrenia
treatment.

Objectives

Present the results of a network metaanalysis on the comparative efficacy of LAIs in
schizophrenia.

Methods

Included trials of adults with schizophrenia compared the efficacy of LAI vs LAI or
placebo through the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Efficacy was evaluated
through the standarized mean differences (SMD) from baseline to endpoint in the PANSS total
scores.

Results

Results from 15 studies reported usable results for PANSS score (five antipsychotics
compared) are shown in Figure 1. In hierarchical order, haloperidol, aripiprazole,
risperidone, and paliperidone reduced the PANSS score significantly more than other
drugs.

Image:

Conclusions

Most LAIAs are equally efficient at reducing overall symptoms, and differences between
individual LAIAs are non-significant.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Claudin-5, occludin, zonulin and tricellulin levels of children with attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Ferahkaya H. , Akca O. F. , Kılınç I. , Baysal T.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Accumulating studies have pointed out that gut-blood and blood-brain barrier
dysfunctions due to the alterations in permeability may play a role in the pathophysiology of
neurodevelopmental disorders. Tight junctions are crucial components of these barriers and
some peptides including claudin-5, occludin, zonulin and tricellulin are important components
of these structures.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between these molecules and attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents.

Methods

A total of 57 children with ADHD and 60 controls aged between 6 and 12 years were
included in the study. The severity of ADHD symptoms was assessed through a parent-rated
questionnaire and Conner’s Continuous Performance Test. Serum levels of biochemical variables
were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Results

Serum claudin-5 and tricellulin levels were significantly lower in the ADHD group
compared to the control group. The difference between the groups in terms of serum claudin-5
and tricellulin levels remained significant after controlling for confounding factors such as
age, gender and autistic characteristics. There was no significant difference between the
groups in terms of serum zonulin and occludin levels. (Table 1)
Table 2.

Serum claudin-5, occludin, zonulin and tricellulin levels of ADHD and
controls

ADHD
(n=57)
Controls
(n=60)
Statistical
Analysis

ANCOVAc

Mean ± SD
Mean ± SD
z/t
p
F
p
ηp2

Claudin-5
*(ng/mL)
2,14 ± 0,71
2,47 ± 0,71
-3,702
P<
0,001a
10,196
0,002
0,083

Occludin
*(ng/mL)
3,75 ± 7,17
2,99 ± 2,75
-0,136
p=
0,892a
0,264
0,608
0,002

Zonulin
*(ng/mL)
4,82 ± 5,89
5,06 ± 5,53
-0,076
p=
0,939a
0,008
0,930
< 0,001

Tricellülin
(ng/mL)
3,04 ± 0,56
3,34 ± 0,71
-2,552
p=
0.012b
6,650
0,011
0,56

Conclusions

These results suggest that claudin-5 and tricellulin may be involved in the
etiopathogenesis of ADHD. Alterations in these peptides may affect the brain by leading a
dysregulation in intestinal or blood-brain barrier permeability that eventually affects the
gut-brain axis. The causal relationship between these peptides and ADHD requires further
investigation.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Transdiagnostic and Disorder-Specific Resting-State Functional Network Alterations in
Alcohol Use Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Affective Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder
Authors: Khadse P. A. , Holla B. , G V. , John J. P. , Benegal V.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The ICD and DSM diagnostic categories do not represent entirely distinct entities
because several cognitive impairments are shared across psychiatric disorders. Such shared
cognitive impairments are hypothesized to be caused by common neurobiological substrates, one
of which is transdiagnostic alterations in functional network connectivity (FNC).

Objectives

To investigate and compare the within-network functional connectivity (WNFC) and
between-network functional connectivity (BNFC) in alcohol use disorder (AUD), schizophrenia
(SCZ), bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy
controls (HC) using resting-state fMRI employing a data-driven exploratory approach.

Methods

The current study was a secondary analysis of data from the ADBS project in India.
After pre-processing of fMRI data, a spatially and temporally constrained group-independent
component analysis in the GIFT toolbox was performed using the NeuroMark templates to
generate 53 independent components (ICs). These components were divided into seven functional
domains including subcortical (SC), auditory (AU), sensorimotor (SM), visual (VI),
cognitive-control (CC), default-mode (DM), and cerebellar (CB). To investigate the FNC
correlations associated with group status (patients or HC) univariate models were applied
which were subjected to corrections for multiple comparisons at an alpha=0.05 significance
level using the FDR.

Results

The overall sample size was 249 [AUD=35, SCZ=44, BPAD=48, OCD=53, and HC=69].
Transdiagnostic WNFC alterations largely involved dysconnectivity in the CC, DM, and SC
domains, resulting in ICs with both increased and decreased WNFC. Transdiagnostic BNFC
alterations were primarily in the form of increased connectivity of the SC domain with
various cortical domains whereas reduced connectivity was noted between AU, VI, SM, and CB
domains. There was AUD-specific hyperconnectivity in the CC domain and SCZ-specific
hyperconnectivity in the DM domain, and dysconnectivity in the SC domain. BPAD-specific
hyperconnectivity was identified in DM and SC domains in addition to increased connectivity
between CB and SM domains and decreased connectivity between CB and SC domains. All results
were significant at p ≤ 0.05; [FDR] q= 0.05.

Conclusions

Our transdiagnostic WNFC alterations corresponded to the central executive network,
default mode network, salience network, and CSTC loop, which provided transdiagnostic
evidence for the triple network model of psychopathology and underlined the relevance of
subcortical dysconnectivity in this model. Furthermore, our BNFC changes showed subcortical
hyperconnectivity with many cortical networks, underscoring its relevance as a potential
target for transdiagnostic therapeutic interventions.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Acute mutism in a young female. A case report of a 20-year-old female who presents a
3-month mutism
Authors: Gonzalez-Mota A. , Gonzalez-Gil A. , Martin-Gomez C. , Benito-Sanchez J. A. , Peso-Navarro I. M. , Fernandez-Alonso L.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

A 20-year-old female presents with a progressive 3-month mutism, hyporexia (20kg
weight loss), abulia, anhedonia, apathy, social isolation,seeking company of her parents even
at night, bradypsychia, sialorrhea, psychomotor slowdown and hypomimia. She is hospitalized
in the Psychiatric Brief Hospitalization Unit (PBHU).Her parents relate the beginning of this
symptomatology to a breakup and gender violence,which the patient confirms during the
interview by eye/cephalic movements and single words jotted down.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to describe the evolution of the patient during her
hospitalization in the PBHU of Salamanca and to look into the available bibliography about
mutism related to stress and sialorrhea.

Methods

We carried out a follow-up of the hospitalization of the patient and a structured
search in PubMed with the keywords “mutism”,“sialorrhea” and “stress” in the last 10 years in
English,Spanish and French.

Results

Few or no articles where found.Therefore, the articles about mutism and stress were
analyzed, which focused mostly in selective mutism. Regarding fear,the response to cope with
the threat(fight, flight, freeze) is mediated by the autonomic system. The “Polyvagal Theory”
speaks about the vagus nerve participating in emotion regulation (social communication and
mobilization). Dissociation, in this context,has adaptive and defensive purposes and its
threshold can be reduced by repeated stress situations.Long-term alteration of the autonomic
nervous system has been described in selective mutism.This malfunction can be related to an
elevated production of saliva due to the activation of the parasympathetic in the salivary
glands, causing sialorrhea in our patient.

The patient began treatment with sertraline 100mg and risperidone 2mg with the aim of
its antidepressive and major tranquilizer effects, she also began individual and family
psychotherapy, we assured her sleep and intakes and she began to progressively recover her
speech and mobility,identifying a possible trigger for the symptomatology: a physical beating
of gender violence after her breakup.

Conclusions

Dissociation and “freeze” response can be a maladaptative mechanism to fear.The
malfunction of the autonomic nervous system can explain the disconnection,poor gaze,low
facial and body expression and inability to speak.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Integrating Social Needs Screening and Resource Referral Into Standard Ambulatory Oncology Care: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Wethington Stephanie L. , Rositch Anne F. , Yu Ruoxi , Bielman Marie , Topel Kristin , Stone Rebecca L. , Ferriss James Stuart , Fader Amanda N. , Beavis Anna L.
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

We previously implemented paper-based screening for health-related social resource needs (HRSN) in our gynecologic oncology clinic and found that 36% of patients who completed the screening reported HRSN. We identified two primary deficiencies with our process. First, only 52% of patients completed the screening. Second, 37% of patients with needs failed to indicate if they desired resource referral or not. Therefore, we conducted a quality improvement project to integrate screening and referral processes into the electronic medical record (EMR) and routine clinic workflow to achieve at least 90% screening compliance and 90% elicited referral preference.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, a health outcomes researcher, a computer programmer, project assistants, and the staff of a partner community organization designed and implemented an intervention that screened for HRSN online via the EMR patient platform or in person during visits. The primary outcome was the percentage of eligible patients who completed the HRSN screening (ie, reach). Outcomes were reviewed weekly, and feedback was provided to stakeholders monthly. Iterative changes were incorporated into five successive Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles completed from January 2021 to March 2023.

RESULTS

Screening compliance increased from the baseline of 52% (paper-based) to 97% in PDSA 4. Completion via the online patient portal increased from 17% in prelaunch to 49% in PDSA 4. Of patients who reported needs, 100% had a documented referral preference.

CONCLUSION

Compared with paper-based screening, an EMR-integrated HRSN screening and referral system significantly improved reach to patients at a gynecologic oncology clinic. Implementation efforts to expand to other ambulatory clinic settings are in process.
The formation of large aggregates by Brownian growth and the onset of a runaway process
Authors: Schubert B. , Blum J. , Isensee M. , Molinski N. S. , Pöppelwerth A. , von Borstel I. , Schräpler R. , Balapanov D. , Vedernikov A.
Published: January 2024

In an experiment onboard a microgravity sounding rocket, we observed the growth of agglomerates consisting of

silica spheres under well-defined conditions. After an initial short charge-induced growth phase, the charge-neutralized agglomerates grew due to Brownian-motion–induced collisions, first in an orderly fashion and thereafter, due to the temporal increase in particle concentration, in a runaway process. The latter is characterized by the detachment of large oligarch agglomerates. We modeled the growth using a mean-field approximation as well as a Monte Carlo technique.