bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implant replacement and anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with breast implants: a quantitative analysis
Authors: Vittorietti Martina , Mazzola Sergio , Costantino Claudio , De Bella Daniele Domenico , Fruscione Santo , Bonaccorso Nicole , Sciortino Martina , Costanza Davide , Belluzzo Miriam , Savatteri Alessandra , Tramuto Fabio , Contiero Paolo , Tagliabue Giovanna , Immordino Palmira , Vitale Francesco , Di Napoli Arianna , Mazzucco Walter
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma associated with breast reconstruction post-mastectomy or cosmetic-additive mammoplasty. The increasing use of implants for cosmetic purposes is expected to lead to an increase in BIA-ALCL cases. This study investigated the main characteristics of the disease and the factors predicting BIA-ALCL onset in patients with and without an implant replacement.

Methods

A quantitative analysis was performed by two independent researchers on cases extracted from 52 primary studies (case report, case series, and systematic review) published until April 2022 and searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Google-Scholar databases using “Breast-Implant” AND/OR “Associated” AND/OR “Anaplastic-Large-Cell-Lymphoma”. The statistical significance was verified by Student’s t-test for continuous variables, while Fisher’s exact test was applied for qualitative variables. Cox model with time-dependent covariates was used to estimate BIA-ALCL’s onset time. The Kaplan–Meier model allowed the estimation of the probability of survival after therapy according to breast implant exposure time.

Results

Overall, 232 patients with BIA-ALCL were extracted. The mean age at diagnosis was 55 years old, with a mean time to disease onset from the first implant of 10.3 years. The hazard of developing BIA-ALCL in a shorter time resulted significantly higher for patients not having an implant replacement (hazard ratio = 0.03; 95%CI: 0.005–0.19; p-value < 0.01). Patients with implant replacement were significantly older than patients without previous replacement at diagnosis, having a median time to diagnosis since the first implant of 13 years (7 years in patients without replacement); anyway, the median time to BIA-ALCL occurrence since the last implantation was equal to 5 years.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that, in BIA-ALCL patients, the implant substitution and/or capsulectomy may delay the disease’s onset. However, the risk of reoccurrence in an earlier time should be considered in these patients. Moreover, the time to BIA-ALCL onset slightly increased with age. Selection bias, lack of awareness, misdiagnosis, and limited data availability could be identified as limits of our study. An implant replacement should be considered according to a risk stratification approach to delay the BIA-ALCL occurrence in asymptomatic patients, although a stricter follow-up after the implant substitution should be recommended.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42023446726.
In-depth single-cell and bulk-RNA sequencing developed a NETosis-related gene signature affects non-small-cell lung cancer prognosis and tumor microenvironment: results from over 3,000 patients
Authors: Zhang Liangyu , Zhang Xun , Guan Maohao , Yu Fengqiang , Lai Fancai
Published: October 2023

Background

Cell death caused by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is known as NETosis. Despite the increasing importance of NETosis in cancer diagnosis and treatment, its role in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 3298 NSCLC patients from different cohorts were included. The AUCell method was used to compute cells’ NETosis scores from single-cell RNA-sequencing data. DEGs in sc-RNA dataset were obtained by the Seurat’s “FindAllMarkers” function, and DEGs in bulk-RNA dataset were acquired by the DESeq2 package. ConsensusClusterPlus package was used to group patients into different NETosis subtypes, and the Enet algorithm was used to construct the NETosis-Related Riskscore (NETRS). Enrichment analyses were conducted using the GSVA and ClusterProfiler packages. Six distinct algorithms were utilized to evaluate patients’ immune cell infiltration level. Patients’ SNV and CNV data were analyzed by maftools and GISTIC2.0, respectively. Drug information was obtained from the GDSC1, and predicted by the Oncopredict package. Patient response to immunotherapy was evaluated by the TIDE algorithm in conjunction with the phs000452 immunotherapy cohort. Six NRGs’ differential expression was verified using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Among all cell types, neutrophils had the highest AUCell score. By Intersecting the DEGs between high and low NETosis classes, DEGs between normal and LUAD tissues, and prognostic related genes, 61 prognostic related NRGs were identified. Based on the 61 NRGs, all LUAD patients can be divided into two clusters, showing different prognostic and TME characteristics. Enet regression identified the NETRS composed of 18 NRGs. NETRS significantly associated with LUAD patients’ clinical characteristics, and patients at different NETRS groups showed significant differences on prognosis, TME characteristics, immune-related molecules’ expression levels, gene mutation frequencies, response to immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity. Besides, NETRS was more powerful than 20 published gene signatures in predicting LUAD patients’ survival. Nine independent cohorts confirmed that NETRS is also valuable in predicting the prognosis of all NSCLC patients. Finally, six NRGs’ expression was confirmed using three independent datasets, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion

NETRS can serves as a valuable prognostic indicator for patients with NSCLC, providing insights into the tumor microenvironment and predicting the response to cancer therapy.
Network pharmacology‒based analysis of marine cyanobacteria derived bioactive compounds for application to Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xie Rui , Chen Feng , Ma Yixuan , Hu Wen , Zheng Qiang , Cao Jinguo , Wu Yi
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) epidemic has become one of the largest global healthcare crises. Besides, the available systemic therapies for AD are still inadequate. Due to the insufficient therapeutic options, new treatment strategies are urgently needed to achieve a satisfactory therapeutic effect. Marine bio-resources have been accepted as one of the most economically viable and sustainable sources with potential applications for drug discovery and development. In this study, a marine cyanobacteria–Synechococcus sp. XM-24 was selected as the object of research, to systematically investigate its therapeutic potential mechanisms for AD. The major active compounds derived from the Synechococcus sp. biomass were identified via pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and 22 compounds were identified in this strain. The most abundant chemical compounds was (E)-octadec-11-enoic acid, with the peak area of 30.6%. Follow by tridecanoic acid, 12-methyl- and hexadecanoic acid, with a peak area of 23.26% and 18.23%, respectively. GC-MS analysis also identified indolizine, isoquinoline, 3,4-dihydro- and Phthalazine, 1-methyl-, as well as alkene and alkane from the strain. After the chemical toxicity test, 10 compounds were finally collected to do the further analysis. Then, network pharmacology and molecular docking were adopted to systematically study the potential anti-AD mechanism of these compounds. Based on the analysis, the 10 Synechococcus-derived active compounds could interact with 128 related anti-AD targets. Among them, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) were the major targets. Furthermore, the compounds N-capric acid isopropyl ester, (E)-octadec-11-enoic acid, and 2H-Pyran-2,4(3H)-dione, dihydro-6-methyl- obtained higher degrees in the compounds-intersection targets network analysis, indicating these compounds may play more important role in the process of anti-AD. In addition, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that these active compounds exert the anti-AD effects mainly through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and ras signaling pathway. Our study identified Synechococcus-derived bioactive compounds have the potential for application to AD by targeting multiple targets and related pathways, which will provide a foundation for future research on applications of marine cyanobacteria in the functional drug industry.
Simulating clinical trials for model-informed precision dosing: using warfarin treatment as a use case
Authors: Augustin David , Lambert Ben , Robinson Martin , Wang Ken , Gavaghan David
Published: October 2023

Treatment response variability across patients is a common phenomenon in clinical practice. For many drugs this inter-individual variability does not require much (if any) individualisation of dosing strategies. However, for some drugs, including chemotherapies and some monoclonal antibody treatments, individualisation of dosages are needed to avoid harmful adverse events. Model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) is an emerging approach to guide the individualisation of dosing regimens of otherwise difficult-to-administer drugs. Several MIPD approaches have been suggested to predict dosing strategies, including regression, reinforcement learning (RL) and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modelling. A unified framework to study the strengths and limitations of these approaches is missing. We develop a framework to simulate clinical MIPD trials, providing a cost and time efficient way to test different MIPD approaches. Central for our framework is a clinical trial model that emulates the complexities in clinical practice that challenge successful treatment individualisation. We demonstrate this framework using warfarin treatment as a use case and investigate three popular MIPD methods: 1. Neural network regression; 2. Deep RL; and 3. PKPD modelling. We find that the PKPD model individualises warfarin dosing regimens with the highest success rate and the highest efficiency: 75.1% of the individuals display INRs inside the therapeutic range at the end of the simulated trial; and the median time in the therapeutic range (TTR) is 74%. In comparison, the regression model and the deep RL model have success rates of 47.0% and 65.8%, and median TTRs of 45% and 68%. We also find that the MIPD models can attain different degrees of individualisation: the Regression model individualises dosing regimens up to variability explained by covariates; the Deep RL model and the PKPD model individualise dosing regimens accounting also for additional variation using monitoring data. However, the Deep RL model focusses on control of the treatment response, while the PKPD model uses the data also to further the individualisation of predictions.
Efficacy of ferulic acid in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke injury in rats: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Jiashan , Tang Meiqi , Xie Xiuzhen , Xu Yingqi , Su Pingping , Jin Zhuqing
Published: October 2023

Background: Intravenous thrombolysis is commonly used in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke damage. The existing thrombolytic drugs still suffer significant shortcomings, including a limited fibrin specificity and bleeding complications. Ferulic acid can directly bind the key thrombus enzymes and target to blood clots, suggesting its thrombolytic potency that may be beneficial with thrombolytic potency for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke damage.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of ferulic acid in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke injury in rats and its potential mechanism of action.

Materials and methods: We conducted a literature search in six databases, including CNKI, up to July 2023.

Results: Sixteen trials were included in the meta-analysis, which demonstrated that ferulic acid significantly reduced infarct size, neurological deficit score, apoptosis index, cleaved caspase-3, and cytochrome C levels (all p < 0.05). In addition, ferulic acid significantly increased the levels of phosphorylated Akt, mitochondrial Bcl-xL/Bax, phosphorylated astrocyte PEA15, hippocampal calcium binding protein, and mitochondrial Bcl-2/Bax ratio (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that ferulic acid protects against acute ischemic stroke injury in rats by inhibiting ischemia-induced excitotoxicity, inflammatory response, and apoptosis.
Capparis cartilaginea decne (capparaceae): isolation of flavonoids by high-speed countercurrent chromatography and their anti-inflammatory evaluation
Authors: Alsharif Bashaer , Hante Nadhim , Govoni Bruna , Verli Hugo , Kukula-Koch Wirginia , Jose Santos-Martinez María , Boylan Fabio
Published: October 2023

Introduction:Capparis cartilaginea Decne. (CC) originates from the dry regions of Asia and the Mediterranean basin. In traditional medicine, tea of CC leaves is commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis, and gout. Due to the limited studies on the phytochemistry and biological activity of CC compared to other members of the Capparaceae family, this work aims to: 1) Identify the chemical composition of CC extract and 2) Investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of CC extract, tea and the isolated compounds.

Methods: To guarantee aim 1, high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCC) method; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Electrospray Ionisation and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESIQTOF-MS/MS) were employed for this purpose. To guarantee aim 2, we studied the effect of the isolated flavonoids on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) −9 and −2 in murine macrophages. Molecular docking was initially performed to assess the binding affinity of the isolated flavonoids to the active site of MMP-9.

Results and discussion:In silico model was a powerful tool to predict the compounds that could strongly bind and inhibit MMPs. CC extract and tea have shown to possess a significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, which can partially explain their traditional medicinal use.
Numerical treatment of a magnetized electron fluid model in a 3D simulator of plasma thruster plumes
Authors: Modesti Alberto , Cichocki Filippo , Ahedo Eduardo
Published: October 2023

Simulations of energetic plumes from plasma thrusters are of great interest for estimating performances and interactions with the spacecraft. Both in fully fluid and hybrid (particle/fluid) models, the electron population is described by a set of fluid equations whose resolution by different numerical schemes can be strongly affected by convergence and accuracy issues. The case of magnetized plumes is more critical. Here, the numerical discretization of the electron fluid model of a 3D hybrid simulator of plasma plumes was upgraded from a finite-differences (FD) formulation in a collocated grid to a finite-volumes (FV) approach in a staggered grid. Both approaches make use of structured meshes of different resolutions and are compared in two scenarios of interest: 1) an unmagnetized plasma plume around a spacecraft and 2) a magnetized plume expansion in free space. In both physical scenarios, the FD scheme exhibits a global continuity error related to truncation errors that can be reduced only by refining the mesh. The origin of this error is further investigated and explained here. The FV scheme instead can save much computational time using coarser meshes since it is unaffected by these errors due to the conservativeness of its formulation. The physical advantage of the FV scheme over the FD approach is more evident for magnetized plumes with high Hall parameters since it allows us to reach higher anisotropy conditions, here assessed in order to gain insights into the plume magnetization effects, finding that the already foreseen saturation of circulating electric current occurs for Hall parameters of several hundreds.
Therapist use of cognitive behavior therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing components for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in practice settings
Authors: Neill Erin L. , Zarling Amie , Weems Carl F.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Treatment practice guidelines for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) recommend both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT); however, implementation in practice setting remains challenging. Here we aim to foster implementation efforts for PTSD by identifying the relative use of the various components of empirically supported treatments by therapists and the characteristics that predict their use.

Methods

Surveyed 346 therapists (84.07% female) of whom 272 participants (78.61%) were trained primarily in CBT and 135 participants (39.02%) were trained in primarily in EMDR. Assessed relative use of various EMDR and CBT components as well as several training and personality factors.

Results

Psychoeducation about trauma was the most common element used. “Off label” use of components was also identified with application of EMDR techniques to other diagnoses. Findings also suggest underutilization of in vivo exposure techniques across therapists. EMDR therapists reported relatively high use of core EMDR techniques (i.e., greater use of EMDR core techniques). Big five personality factors, therapy efficacy, and anxiety were associated with differential component use.

Discussion

Results identify trends in empirically supported component use and therapist characteristics that are associated with the use of various techniques for PTSD. The findings suggest implementation efforts could foster training in underused techniques, address barriers to their utilization and develop knowledge of effective packages of components.
Understanding psychology students’ perspective on video psychotherapy and their intention to offer it after graduation: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Meier Jennifer Virginie , Noel Josephine Alexandra , Kaspar Kai
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Video psychotherapy (VPT) demonstrated strong clinical efficacy in the past, with patients and psychotherapists expressing satisfaction with its outcomes. Despite this, VPT only gained full recognition from the German healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. As society increasingly relies on new media, it seems likely that VPT will become even more relevant. Previous studies surveyed practicing psychotherapists and patients about advantages and disadvantages of VPT. In contrast, our approach targets a younger generation, specifically psychology students intending to become licensed practitioners after graduation.

Methods

Our mixed-methods study was conducted in an online survey format and had two main objectives. Firstly, we investigated which person-related variables are associated with psychology students’ behavioral intention to offer VPT after graduation, using a multiple regression analysis. Secondly, we explored psychology students’ perception of advantages and disadvantages of VPT and identified their desired learning opportunities regarding VPT in their study program, using qualitative content analysis.

Results

A sample of 255 psychology students participated. The multiple regression model explains 73% of inter-individual variance in the intention to offer VPT, with attitudes toward VPT showing the strongest relationship with intention to offer VPT. Expected usefulness, satisfaction with video conferencing, and subjective norm also showed significant relations. The students provided 2,314 statements about advantages, disadvantages, and desired learning opportunities, which we coded by means of three category systems. In terms of advantages, the most frequently mentioned categories were low inhibition threshold, flexibility in terms of location, and no need to travel. For disadvantages, the predominant categories included lack of closeness between patient and psychotherapist, lack of nonverbal cues, and problems with technology or internet connection. Regarding desired learning opportunities, training for technical skills, practical application through role-playing and self-experience, and general information about VPT were the most mentioned categories. In addition, we identified numerous other aspects related to these topics, reflecting a differentiated and balanced assessment of VPT.

Discussion

We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for training the next generation of psychotherapists and outline a specific five-step plan for integrating VPT into study programs.
Examining the psychometric properties of the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q) with basketball players in China and Spain
Authors: Wang Jingfei , Cordente-Martínez Carlos , Ospina-Betancurt Jonathan
Published: October 2023

The study examines the complex interactions between coaches and athletes in federative basketball in two different cultural contexts: China and Spain. The paper examines the interpersonal psychological dimensions from a direct viewpoint and a meta-perspective, drawing on the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q) and guided by the 3Cs model (Closeness, Commitment, and Complementarity). The CART-Q was translated and modified for use in both nations’ federative basketball organizational systems to guarantee cross-cultural applicability. Careful translation techniques were used to achieve semantic homogeneity between the Spanish and Chinese versions of the questionnaire, including talks with knowledgeable linguists. The translated versions improved response comparability and kept the same item numbers as the original 2012 instrument. Out of the 771 distributed questionnaires, 763 legitimate answers were gathered via online surveys conducted using secure platforms (Google Forms for Spain and Wenjuanxing for China). The research included a three-step mediation study using structural equation modeling, which allowed for a thorough investigation of the concurrent validity of the modified CART-Qs. The findings indisputably support the reliability and validity of the CART-Qs translated into Chinese and Spanish. The research shows small but significant cultural disparities in the comprehensive perspective of coach-athlete interactions. These results have extensive ramifications for the sport and highlight how crucial it is to consider cultural differences when coaching and developing athletes.
Revisiting the work-suicide link: renewed evidence and models of analysis in workplace contexts
Authors: Llosa José Antonio , Agulló-Tomás Esteban , Menéndez-Espina Sara , Oliveros Beatriz
Published: October 2023

Suicide is a priority public health problem for the World Health Organization. It is a multifactorial phenomenon, for which there is no effective strategy for prevention and reduction. The scientific knowledge generated has not paid much attention to the differentiating role of work and employment on the phenomenon of suicide. This article first presents Abrutyn’s recent conceptual model of suicide, which has a psychosocial, holistic and integrated approach. Based on this model, it examines the most recent and solid evidence and trends linking working conditions and phenomenon of suicide, identifying the most relevant findings in work stress theories. It concludes by pointing out avenues of development for a more holistic and ecological understanding of suicide.
Enhancing panic disorder treatment with mobile-aided case management: an exploratory study based on a 3-year cohort analysis
Authors: Tsai Chan-hen , Christian Mesakh , Lai Feipei
Published: October 2023

Background

Individuals with panic disorder frequently face ongoing symptoms, suboptimal treatment adherence, and increased relapse rates. Although mobile health interventions have shown promise in improving treatment outcomes for numerous mental health conditions, their effectiveness, specifically for panic disorder, has yet to be determined.

Objective

This study investigates the effects of a mobile-aided case management program on symptom reduction and quality of care among individuals with panic disorder.

Methods

This 3-year cohort study enrolled 138 participants diagnosed with panic disorder. One hundred and eight participants joined the mobile-aided case management group and 30 in the treatment-as-usual group. Data were collected at baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month treatment checkpoints using self-report questionnaires, in-depth interviews, direct observation, and medical record analysis.

Results

During the maintenance treatment phase, the mobile-assisted case management group decreased both panic severity (p = 0.008) and state anxiety (p = 0.016) more than the control group at 6 months. Participants who underwent case management experienced enhanced control over panic symptoms, heightened self-awareness, and elevated interpersonal support.

Conclusion

The mobile-aided case management is beneficial in managing panic disorder, especially maintenance treatment.
Arabic validation of the “Mental Health Knowledge Schedule” and the “Reported and Intended Behavior Scale”
Authors: Ben Amor Maryem , Zgueb Yosra , Bouguira Emna , Metsahel Amani , Aissa Amina , Thonicroft Graham , Ouali Uta
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Mental illness affects one in eight people in the world according to the WHO. It is a leading cause of morbidity and a major public health problem. Stigma harms the quality of life of people with mental illness. This study aimed at validating the Arabic version of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS) and the Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS) in a sample of Tunisian students and determining socio-demographic and clinical factors correlated with stigma.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,501 Tunisian students who filled in the MAKS, the RIBS, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. The validation of the questionnaires in Arabic was carried out using the validity criteria: face and content validity, reliability, and construct validity. Next, the associations between stigma and sample characteristics have been studied using multivariate linear regression.

Results

Face and content validity of the measures MAKS and RIBS were satisfactory, with adequate internal consistency. There were significant positive correlations between the items and scales, and test–retest reliability was excellent. The internal validity showed that the items were well-aligned with the intended factors, and the external validity revealed a significant positive relationship between the MAKS and RIBS. Besides, gender, the field of study, psychiatric history, and contact with someone with a mental illness were all contributing factors to mental illness stigma. Additionally, men performed better than women in terms of behavior toward people with mental illness, while women had a greater level of knowledge about mental health.

Conclusion

The Arabic versions of the MAKS and RIBS have appropriate psychometric properties, making them effective tools for evaluating mental illness stigma. With multiple factors contributing to this issue, these instruments can help focus anti-stigma efforts and promote a more inclusive society.
More patient-centered care, better healthcare: the association between patient-centered care and healthcare outcomes in inpatients
Authors: Yu Chenhao , Xian Yun , Jing Tiantian , Bai Mayangzong , Li Xueyuan , Li Jiahui , Liang Huigang , Yu Guangjun , Zhang Zhiruo
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective of this study is to explore the association between patient-centered care (PCC) and inpatient healthcare outcomes, including self-reported physical and mental health status, subjective necessity of hospitalization, and physician-induced demand behaviors.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess patient-centered care among inpatients in comprehensive hospitals through QR codes after discharge from September 2021 to December 2021 and had 5,222 respondents in Jiayuguan, Gansu. The questionnaire included a translated 6-item version of the PCC questionnaire, physician-induced behaviors, and patients' sociodemographic characteristics including gender, household registration, age, and income. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess whether PCC promoted self-reported health, the subjective necessity of hospitalization, and decreased physician-induced demand. The interactions between PCC and household registration were implemented to assess the effect of the difference between adequate and inadequate healthcare resources.

Results

PCC promoted the patient's self-reported physical (OR = 4.154, p < 0.001) and mental health (OR = 5.642, p < 0.001) and subjective necessity of hospitalization (OR = 6.160, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, PCC reduced physician-induced demand in advising to buy medicines outside (OR = 0.415, p < 0.001), paying at the outpatient clinic (OR =0.349, p < 0.001), issuing unnecessary or repeated prescriptions and medical tests (OR = 0.320, p < 0.001), and requiring discharge and readmitting (OR = 0.389, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

By improving health outcomes for inpatients and reducing the risk of physician-induced demand, PCC can benefit both patients and health insurance systems. Therefore, PCC should be implemented in healthcare settings.
What motivates food workers to adhere with WHO guidelines to combat the COVID-19? A social cognitive theory perspective
Authors: Wang Mingliang , Gong Shunlong , Tang Jin , Weng Zhenlin , Wu Xingtong
Published: October 2023

Background

COVID-19 has become a public health emergency and pandemic of global concern, and the hundreds of millions of foodborne illnesses that occur each year also wreak havoc on human lives, society and the economy. Promoting workers in food service establishments to adhere to the hygiene practices in the WHO guidelines is a two-birds-one-stone strategy in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and limiting the occurrence of foodborne illness. The aim of this study was to determine the drivers that motivate workers to adhere to hygiene practices based on social cognitive theory.

Methods

The cross-sectional survey targeting food workers using face-to-face interviews was conducted from July to September 2022. Stratified random sampling and convenience sampling were employed to locate survey sites and respondents, respectively. The survey uses a credible questionnaire evaluated by multiple reliability and validity measures. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify significant determinants of adherence to WHO-initiated hygiene practices.

Results

A total of 900 workers were interviewed and 609 valid questionnaires were received. The study showed that the average correct rate of knowledge about hygiene practices was only 51.09%, that perceived non-adherence to hygiene practices was most likely to result in lower customer satisfaction and the spread of COVID-19, and that only about 11.7% of the workers always adhered to hygiene practices. Three of the cognitive dimensions in the personal factors, self-efficacy, risk perception, and knowledge, had significant positive effects on adherence practices. Among the demographic variables, there were significant differences in adherence practices differing by income level and place of residence.

Conclusion

It was found that workers’ knowledge of the WHO-initiated hygiene practices is insufficient and that the frequency of adherence to hygiene practices is poor and require improvement. The significant drivers and effects of demographic variables provide evidence-based guidance to identify priority intervention information and populations to improve worker hygiene practices.
Geoepidemiological perspective on COVID-19 pandemic review, an insight into the global impact
Authors: Vallée Alexandre
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic showed major impacts, on societies worldwide, challenging healthcare systems, economies, and daily life of people. Geoepidemiology, an emerging field that combines geography and epidemiology, has played a vital role in understanding and combatting the spread of the virus. This interdisciplinary approach has provided insights into the spatial patterns, risk factors, and transmission dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic at different scales, from local communities to global populations. Spatial patterns have revealed variations in incidence rates, with urban-rural divides and regional hotspots playing significant roles. Cross-border transmission has highlighted the importance of travel restrictions and coordinated public health responses. Risk factors such as age, underlying health conditions, socioeconomic factors, occupation, demographics, and behavior have influenced vulnerability and outcomes. Geoepidemiology has also provided insights into the transmissibility and spread of COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission, super-spreading events, and the impact of variants. Geoepidemiology should be vital in understanding and responding to evolving new viral challenges of this and future pandemics.
Is food produced by farmers healthier, more natural, and gaining more popularity? Research on the influencing mechanism of food producer labels on consumers’ food choices
Authors: Zhu Yong , Jin Xiaotong
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Extant studies have demonstrated the relationship between naturalness and healthiness, and the effectiveness of various food labels in influencing consumers’ perception of food and subsequent food choices. However, little attention has been given to food producer labels.

Methods

Drawing on Stimulation-Organism-Response theory, the current study explored the causal relationship between food producer labels and consumers’ food choices. Three studies (562 participants) were employed to test the main effect, the mediating effect, and the moderating effect.

Results

The results showed that: (1) food producer label could influence consumers’ food choice, that is, produced-by-farmer label (vs. produced-by-enterprise label vs. control group) could significantly increase consumers’ food choices, while there is no significant difference between produced-by-enterprise label and control group. (2) Perceived naturalness and standardization perception mediate the effects on consumers’ food choices of food producer labels. (3) Food processing level moderates the effect of food producer label on consumers’ food choices.

Discussion

The current study enriches the research of food label and food choice, expands the application of Stimulation-Organism-Response theory in consumer behavior, and provides some practical suggestions for consumers, enterprise and policy-maker. Various kinds of experiments (online and offline) enhanced the conclusions’ ecological validity. Finally, the limitations and future research are discussed.
Naegleria fowleri outbreak in Pakistan: unveiling the crisis and path to recovery
Authors: Nadeem Abdullah , Malik Inshal Arshad , Afridi Eesha Khan , Shariq Fariha
Published: October 2023

The outbreak of Naegleria fowleri in Pakistan presents a significant public health concern due to its high fatality rate and limited treatment options. This review explores the impact of the outbreak on communities and the challenges faced in combating the disease. It evaluates available treatment options and highlights the need for early diagnosis and intervention. The study proposes recommendations to improve public health preparedness, including public awareness campaigns, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and robust water surveillance systems. Collaboration between research institutions and public health organizations is emphasized to develop effective outbreak response strategies.
Public school teachers' occupational stress across different school types: a nationwide survey during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic in Japan
Authors: Tsubono Kenjiro , Mitoku Sachiko
Published: October 2023

Objectives

School teaching is regarded as one of the most stressful professions worldwide. To maintain schoolteachers' mental health, the factors influencing occupational stress among schoolteachers must be clarified. This study aimed to investigate public school teachers' work-related stress considering the differences in school types using data from a large-scale nationwide survey conducted during the prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Japan.

Methods

Data from a nationwide survey of public school teachers performed between June 2019 and December 2022 were analyzed. The dataset consisted of repeated cross-sectional data. The total number of participants was 270,777 in 2019, 296,599 in 2020, 299,237 in 2021, and 307,866 in 2022. Information on working hours, job demands, workplace support, stress response, and perceived main stressors were assessed for each type of public school.

Results

Regardless of school type, quantitative workload and long working hours were the most significant factors affecting teachers' stress responses. However, stress-related factors among teachers varied significantly between school types. The percentage of junior high school teachers who perceived “extra-curricular club activities” as their main stressor was the highest among all school types. The highest proportion of elementary school teachers perceived “dealing with difficult students” as their main stressor. Meanwhile, interpersonal conflict scores were the highest among special needs school teachers. Teachers' workload and stress levels significantly increased in the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2022) compared to the pre-pandemic year (2019) in all school types despite the marginally small score differences.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the importance of reducing teachers' workload for their mental health regardless of school types. Meanwhile, perceived work-related stress among teachers differed significantly between school types. Given the possible prolonged impacts of the pandemic on teachers' occupational stress, teachers' stress levels must be monitored throughout and after the pandemic. The results suggest that increasing the number of schoolteachers and support staff and providing adequate organizational support are necessary to prevent teachers' sick leave due to mental disorders. In addition, taking comprehensive countermeasures against teachers' occupational stress, considering the differences in school types, is crucial for safeguarding schoolteachers' mental health.
Components of navigation ability and their predictors in a community-dwelling sample of older adults
Authors: Prevratil Michael J. , Kossowska-Kuhn Dorota , Gray Nicholas , Charness Neil
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Navigation, as a complex skill important for independent living, requires a variety of cognitive processes. Current scales tapping components are lengthy and can be burdensome for older adults.

Methods: Community-dwelling older adults (n = 380, age 60–90 years) completed an online survey tapping wayfinding, being lost navigating, and needing help navigating. Participants then completed objective measures of navigation ability and self-reported memory ability. Cronbach’s α was calculated for navigation subscales consisting of subsets of the Wayfinding Questionnaire and Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Questionnaire, and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted. Regression analyses were used to test whether objective navigation, memory, and demographic information navigation predicted navigation subscale performance.

Results: Each of the individual subscales demonstrated high reliability. EFA generated five unique factors: routing, mental mapping, navigation in near vicinities, feeling lost in far vicinities, and needing help in far vicinities. Across regression analyses, memory, gender, and performance on the Spatial Orientation Test were significant predictors.

Discussion: Navigation is a multi-faceted construct that can be reliably measured using concise surveys. Further research is necessary to understand the intricacies of aging and navigation.
Quadriceps strength, patellar tendon quality, relative load exposure, and knee symptoms in male athletes before the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Pereira Carla S. , Klauznicer Jasenko , Maree Dustin , McAuliffe Sean , Farooq Abdulaziz , Whiteley Rod , Finni Taija
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries cause knee instability, knee pain, weight-bearing adjustments, and functional deficits but their association to patellar tendon quality is unknown. Our purpose was to investigate quadriceps strength, patellar tendon quality, relative load exposure, perceived knee stability, knee pain, extension angle, and time from ACL injury; in addition to examining their relative associations.

Methods

Injured and uninjured legs of 81 male athletes of different sports with a unilateral ACL injury (18–45 years) were examined. Participants reported location and intensity of knee pain and their perceived stability using a numerical rating scale (NRS 0–10). Strength was tested with an isokinetic device. Tendon quality was measured using ultrasound tissue characterization. Means ± standard deviation (SD) of perceived knee stability, knee extension angle, knee pain, isokinetic quadriceps strength in relation to body mass, proportion of echo-types (I–IV), tendon volume, and number of days from ACL injury to assessment are reported. Values of effect sizes (ES) and correlations (rs) were calculated.

Results

ACL injured leg demonstrated reduced reported knee stability (6.3 ± 2.5), decreased knee extension angle (−0.7 ± 3.1° vs. −2.7 ± 2.2°; ES = 0.7; P < 0.001), greater knee pain (NRS 3.1 ± 2.2 vs. 0.0 ± 0.1; ES = 2.0; P < 0.001), and 22% lower quadriceps strength (228.0 ± 65.0 vs. 291.2 ± 52.9 Nm/kg: ES = 1.2; P < 0.001) as compared to the uninjured leg. However, patellar tendons in both legs displayed similar quality. Quadriceps strength was associated with stability (rs = −0.54; P < 0.001), pain (rs = −0.47; P < 0.001), extension angle (rs = −0.39; P < 0.001), and relative load exposure (rs = −0.34; P < 0.004). Echo-types distribution was beneficially associated with time from ACL injury (rs range: −0.20/ −0.32; P < 0.05).

Discussion

ACL injured athletes displayed knee pain, extension deficit, and weaker quadriceps in the injured leg. While there were no differences in patellar tendon quality between legs, longer time from ACL injury showed better tendon quality.
A holistic approach to integrating patient, family, and lived experience voices in the development of the BrainHealth Databank: a digital learning health system to enable artificial intelligence in the clinic
Authors: Yu Joanna , Shen Nelson , Conway Susan , Hiebert Melissa , Lai-Zhao Benson , McCann Miriam , Mehta Rohan R. , Miranda Morena , Putterman Connie , Santisteban Jose Arturo , Thomson Nicole , Young Courtney , Chiuccariello Lina , Hunter Kimberly , Hill Sean
Published: October 2023

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital health innovations have tremendous potential to advance patient-centred, data-driven mental healthcare. To enable the clinical application of such innovations, the Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada's largest mental health hospital, embarked on a journey to co-create a digital learning health system called the BrainHealth Databank (BHDB). Working with clinicians, scientists, and administrators alongside patients, families, and persons with lived experience (PFLE), this hospital-wide team has adopted a systems approach that integrates clinical and research data and practices to improve care and accelerate research. PFLE engagement was intentional and initiated at the conception stage of the BHDB to help ensure the initiative would achieve its goal of understanding the community's needs while improving patient care and experience. The BHDB team implemented an evolving, dynamic strategy to support continuous and active PFLE engagement in all aspects of the BHDB that has and will continue to impact patients and families directly. We describe PFLE consultation, co-design, and partnership in various BHDB activities and projects. In all three examples, we discuss the factors contributing to successful PFLE engagement, share lessons learned, and highlight areas for growth and improvement. By sharing how the BHDB navigated and fostered PFLE engagement, we hope to motivate and inspire the health informatics community to collectively chart their paths in PFLE engagement to support advancements in digital health and artificial intelligence.
Ancient Antarctica—A Journey From Forests to Ice
Authors: Duncan Bella , Giovanardi Simone , Golledge Nicholas R.
Published: October 2023

When you think of Antarctica, what pictures come to your mind? Ice, penguins, frozen ocean? While this is what Antarctica looks like now, hidden in its rocks and ice are clues that Antarctica has not always been a freezing, white land. Fossils of plants and animals tell us that, millions of years ago, Antarctica was warm and covered in forests. Dolphins swam in the sea and crocodiles wallowed in the shallows! So what happened to turn this green world into the icy continent it is today? In this article, we go on a journey back through time, exploring ancient Antarctica and discovering what caused ice and snow to creep over the land.
Genetic analysis of the equine orthologues for human CYP2D6: unraveling the complexity of the CYP2D family in horses
Authors: Scantamburlo Giada , Nofziger Charity , Paulmichl Markus , Vanoni Simone
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Because of their importance as companion animals or as racehorses, horses can be treated with various drugs. Although it is known that drug withdrawal times can vary for each horse, pharmacogenetics for these animals has not been adequately studied and requires further development. Since CYP2D6 is responsible for the metabolism of 25–30% of drugs in humans, including some used to treat horses, a study of the CYP2D family in horses was conducted to define its genetic structure as well as its expression pattern in the liver.

Methods

Genomic DNA extracted from venous blood and mRNA from fresh liver tissue were amplified and sequenced to analyze the genomic structure, genotype, and expression of the various enzymes that are part of the equine orthologous family for CYP2D6.

Results

Amplification and sequencing of the gDNA of CYP2D50, the major CYP2D6 orthologue identified in previous studies, revealed a novel putative genomic structure for this gene compared with that reported from the EquCab3.0 assembly, including the formation of a hybrid structure similar to what happens in human CYP2D6. At the mRNA level, transcripts from six different members of the equine CYP2D family were detected in horse liver. In addition, genotyping of CYP2D50 and CYP2D82 revealed the presence of several polymorphisms, six of which result in novel, nonsynonymous amino acid changes for each of the two genes.

Discussion

This study aimed to elucidate the pharmacogenetic analysis of the CYP2D family in horses and resulted in the identification of a novel gene structure for CYP2D50, the expression of six different members of the CYP2D family in horse liver, and several novel polymorphisms for CYP2D50 and CYP2D82.