bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sufi Glimpses in the Representation of Tolstoy’s Hadji Murat
Authors: Leccese Francesco Alfonso
Published: February 2024

Literature, not infrequently, provides a starting point to learn about the cultural framework of specific historical events. It is the case of Tolstoy’s novel Hadji Murat (published posthumously in 1912). By analysing this work, we can catch a Sufi dimension in the author’s representation of the Caucasian resistance movement, so the novel can be seen as a tool that brings out the hidden Sufi heritage of the Caucasian society. As a matter of fact, the words Sufi or Sufism are never mentioned in the novel, even though, from a peculiar historical prospective, the Sufi characterization of this resistance movement is a well-known fact.

Yet, the religious practices of the main characters of the Caucasian resistance described by Tolstoy, as well as some specific Arabic terms related to them, represent a clear, albeit unaware, echo of a Sufi imprinting, through Sufism’s peculiar institutions and religious rituals, on the 19th century Caucasian society.
Two new species of ant-loving beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from Jiulong National Wetland Park, China
Authors: ZHANG YONG-QIN , WEI GUO-HAO , YIN ZI-WEI
Published: February 2024

Continued collecting efforts at the Jiulong National Wetland Park, Zhejiang, East China revealed two additional species of the ant-loving beetle subfamily Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae): Trisiniotus jiulong sp. nov. and Arthromelodes lianghongbini sp. nov. Both new species are diagnosed, described, and their important characters are illustrated.
Examining correlates of police officers’ attitudes towards seeking mental health support: A scoping review
Authors: Grumley Traynor Imogen Elizabeth , Rydon-Grange Michelle
Published: February 2024

Police officers are often unwilling to seek psychological support when needed. This scoping review explored research into the correlates of police help-seeking attitudes. Searches returned 1754 initial results, with 21 quantitative, peer-reviewed studies retained (published 1995–2022 across six countries; of moderate quality). The most consistent positive associates of police help-seeking attitudes were past help-seeking, perceived service availability, and having a mental health diagnosis. Current PTSD symptoms were the most consistent negative associate. However, of the 102 correlates identified, most were under-researched and/or had inconsistent findings. The operationalisation of terms also varied greatly. High-quality replication of current research is now needed.
Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Performance: The Role of Green Human Resource Management and Green Transformational Leadership
Authors: Nguyen Tho Hoang , Van Hien Vo , Afifa Malik Abu , Nguyen Nha Minh
Published: February 2024

The environment issue is currently receiving a lot of attention due to the trend of economic development associated with environmental protection, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study investigates the relationships between environmental corporate social responsibility (ESCR), green human resource management (GHRM), green transformational leadership (GTL), and environmental performance (EP) in Vietnamese manufacturing companies. The study uses partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data from 168 managers who are working in Vietnamese manufacturing companies. The study results show that the ECSR positively impacts GHRM, and GHRM positively impacts EP. Furthermore, ECSR has an indirect effect on EP via the mediating role of GHRM, and the influence of GHRM on EP is moderated by GTL. Finally, the findings empirically contribute to the body of literature in the context of ECSR, EP, GHRM, and GTL, utilizing the natural resource-based view theory and the Ability, Motivation, and Opportunity (AMO) theory.
An overview of the peer review process in biomedical sciences
Authors: Miller Edward , Weightman Michael James , Basu Ashna , Amos Andrew , Brakoulias Vlasios
Published: February 2024

Objective

This paper aims to provide an introductory resource for beginner peer reviewers in psychiatry and the broader biomedical science field. It will provide a concise overview of the peer review process, alongside some reviewing tips and tricks.

Conclusion

The peer review process is a fundamental aspect of biomedical science publishing. The model of peer review offered varies between journals and usually relies on a pool of volunteers with differing levels of expertise and scope. The aim of peer review is to collaboratively leverage reviewers’ collective knowledge with the objective of increasing the quality and merit of published works. The limitations, methodology and need for transparency in the peer review process are often poorly understood. Although imperfect, the peer review process provides some degree of scientific rigour by emphasising the need for an ethical, comprehensive and systematic approach to reviewing articles. Contributions from junior reviewers can add significant value to manuscripts.
Is antipsychotic augmentation associated with improved functioning in patients on clozapine?
Authors: Cho Jae Hee , Mukherjee Hindol , Sazhin Vladimir
Published: February 2024

Objective

We aimed at exploring the relationship between functional outcomes in patients on clozapine augmented with antipsychotics in treatment-resistant schizophrenia using standard outcome measures Health of Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) and Life Skills Profile (LSP-16).

Method

In a cross-sectional study of 83 patients on clozapine treated in a psychiatric rehabilitation hospital, the association between the primary outcome measure, LSP-16 including its subscales, and treatment with antipsychotic augmentation (AA) were analysed using linear regression.

Result

The presence of moderate-to-severe positive symptoms on the HoNOS 6 dichotomised item measure was the only statistically significant predictor of functional impairment as determined by total LSP-16 score. The group of patients with ongoing positive symptoms (partial responders) were characterised by higher total LSP-16 scores, higher numbers of AA agents, and higher chlorpromazine equivalence. There was an inverse linear relationship between chlorpromazine equivalence of AA and total score of LSP-16 scale in the group of partial responders.

Conclusion

Augmentation with other antipsychotic agents was associated with higher functioning in a cross-sectional study of patients with schizophrenia with poor response of positive symptoms to clozapine. This might be an important clinical factor to consider when prescribing antipsychotics to patients with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia.
Scoliosis and kyphosis in blue-spotted and marbled flathead fish associated with a Myxobolus acanthogobii–like parasite
Authors: Ngo Angel L. , Go Jeffrey , Spiers Zoe B. , Jenkins Cheryl
Published: February 2024

Spinal deformities in finfish have the potential to impact aquaculture industries and wild populations by increasing morbidity, mortality, and reducing growth rates. Myxobolus acanthogobii has been implicated in causing scoliosis and lordosis in various aquatic species in Japan. We investigated 4 cases of spinal deformity in 2 flathead ( Platycephalus) species that were submitted to the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, between 2015 and 2021. Flathead are commercially significant species that are popular among Australian consumers, and are also sought-after species targeted by recreational fishers. Gross deformities are concerning to the community and may impact the quality and quantity of specimens available for consumption. Three blue-spotted flathead ( P. caeruleopunctatus) and one marbled flathead ( P. marmoratus) were submitted, all with marked scoliosis and kyphosis; 1–2-mm cysts were present on the dorsum of the brain, most often over the optic lobe or cerebellum. Cytology and differential interference microscopy of cyst material revealed numerous oval spores, x̄ 14 ± SD 0.75 µm × x̄ 11.5 ± SD 0.70 µm, with 2 pyriform polar capsules, the morphology of which is consistent with a Myxobolus sp. PCR assay and 18S rDNA sequencing of the cyst material identified a Myxobolus sp. with 96% identity to M. acanthogobii. The identification of this Myxobolus sp. confirms the presence of parasites with the potential to cause spinal deformity in significant aquatic species in NSW waterways.
Unique Patterns of Eye Movements Characterizing Inattentive Reading in ADHD
Authors: Stern Pnina , Kolodny Tamar , Tsafrir Shlomit , Cohen Galit , Shalev Lilach
Published: February 2024

Objective:

We aimed to identify unique patterns of eye-movements measures reflecting inattentive reading among adults with and without ADHD.

Method & Results:

We recorded eye-movements during uninterrupted text reading of typically developed (TD) and ADHD adults. First, we found significantly longer reading time for the ADHD group than the TD group. Further, we detected cases in which words were reread more than twice and found that such occasions were much more frequent in participants with ADHD than in TD participants. Moreover, we discovered that the first reading pass of these words was less sensitive to the length of the word than the first pass of words read only once, indicating a less meaningful reading.

Conclusion:

We propose that high rate of words that were reread is a correlate of inattentive reading which is more pronounced among ADHD readers. Implications of the findings in the context of reading comprehension are discussed.
The Collaborative Effort of Zoltán Kodály and His Students in the Development of the Kodály Concept
Authors: Mattingly Beth T.
Published: February 2024

The Kodály Concept is known as a highly respected approach to music education, having had a great influence on the development of music education methodologies in many countries. Zoltán Kodály (1882–1967) was a Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, philosopher, and educator who achieved a high level of recognition and respect during his lifetime. The development of this methodology has been attributed to him when, in fact, its creation was the result of the collaboration between Kodály and several of his students, including Jenő Ádám (1896–1982), Lajos Bárdos (1899–1986), Gyula Kertész (1900–1967), György Kerényi (1902–1986), Erzsébet Szőnyi (1924–2019), and Katalin Forrai (1926–2004). Despite the political turmoil of this time (1914–1989), Kodály and his students were able to establish a very effective music education system for the entire Hungarian population. Not only was Kodály held in high regard by the people of his country, but he also had the respect of the communist party that ruled Hungary. Although he never became a communist, he managed to use the government to achieve his goals for music education. Had they won the Revolution of 1956, when the Hungarian people tried to overthrow Soviet rule of their country, many people believe Kodály would have been elected president.
Repeated foreign body ingestion as a dynamic game: A case report
Authors: Prokop Jacek , Prokop Mateusz
Published: February 2024

In this case report, we correct the analysis of mitigating intentional foreign body ingestion offered by Sarah J. Diamond and Amnon Sonnenberg. Patients who notoriously swallow foreign objects generate significant economic costs to hospitals. In previous publications, it has been argued that hospitals might reduce the need for endoscopy by offering such patients a paid position to discourage foreign body ingestions. However, the game-theoretical analysis offered in the literature was based on a static game which did not justify the relevant equilibrium. To obtain the actual goal of keeping the patient away from foreign body ingestion, we consider a repeated game with an infinite horizon. We show that there exists a combination of strategies applied by the hospital and the patient that leads to a steady state in which the patient will be discouraged from foreign body ingestion.
Return to Play, Performance, and Earnings Analysis After Lumbar Disc Herniation in National Hockey League Players
Authors: Gaudiani Michael A. , Castle Joshua P. , Easton Matthew K. , Sprys-Tellner Thomas J. , Wolterink Trevor D. , Haan Jager W. , George Gary F. , Wager Susan G. , Lynch T. Sean , Berger Ryan J.
Published: February 2024

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective

Professional hockey players have a high incidence of lumbar disc herniations (LDH). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of LDH on the performance and financial earnings of National Hockey League (NHL) players.

Methods

NHL players who sustained a LDH were retrospectively reviewed utilizing an online database and a 2:1 matched control cohort. Player performance and game usage was compared at one- and three-season(s) pre- and post-injury season within the cohorts. Injured and matched players were divided into 3 groups based on the player’s adjusted index season salary.

Results

A total of 181 players were included, with 62 LDH players matched to 119 healthy controls. Return to play after LDH was 79%. The LDH cohort had fewer seasons played throughout their career compared to the matched group (12.5 ± 4.3 vs 14.2 ± 3.8; P = .031). At 1 season post-index, the LDH cohort had significantly fewer goals per 60 and points per 60 when compared to pre-index. At 3 seasons post-index, the LDH cohort exhibited a significant decline in time-on-ice per game played, goals per 60, and points per 60 compared to pre-index.

Conclusion

The majority of NHL players who sustained a LDH returned to play (79%) but had shorter careers overall and decreased performance outcomes when compared to matched cohorts at both 1 and 3 seasons post-injury.
The Intersections among Race, Religion, and Science in Explaining Mental Health Conditions
Authors: Bolger Daniel , Henderson Andrea K. , Mabute-Louie Bianca , Howard Ecklund Elaine
Published: February 2024

Racial minority groups in the United States often seek out religious support for mental health struggles. Yet past studies have often overlooked religion as a key explanatory factor shaping racial-ethnic differences in perceptions of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. The authors examine whether views of the relationship between religion and science shape agreement with different explanations for mental health conditions. Drawing on a national probability survey collected in 2021 ( n = 3,390), the authors find that individuals who draw boundaries between religion and science had higher odds of rejecting biological and social explanations of mental health conditions, whereas individuals who see religion and science as collaborative had higher odds of affirming biological and social explanations. Belief that we trust science too much (and religion not enough) helped explain Black respondents’ support for religious explanations. The findings underscore the importance of beliefs about religion and science in understanding racial-ethnic differences in views of mental health.
Globe in the Heart: A Rare Case Report of Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Naeem Qureshi , Kumar Abhishek , G. Rajesh
Published: February 2024

A 22-year-old male having cardiomegaly with prominent right atrium (RA) enlargement in his chest X-ray underwent echocardiography which revealed an anterior mediastinal cystic lesion. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the thorax showed saccular contrast filling outpouching from ostia of the right coronary artery (RCA) of size 5.9 × 6.4 cm in anterior atrioventricular groove compressing RA and right ventricle along the RCA course. The left main coronary artery also appeared to be dilated with a diameter of 1.1 cm proximally. The patient denied any prior angina, palpitation, and dyspnea on exertion. This case is reported for its rarity and the dilemma involving its appropriate medical and surgical management.
Home noninvasive ventilation in severe COPD: in whom does it work and how?
Authors: Raveling Tim , Vonk Judith M. , Hill Nicholas S. , Gay Peter C. , Casanova Ciro , Clini Enrico , Köhnlein Thomas , Márquez-Martin Eduardo , Schneeberger Tessa , Murphy Patrick B. , Struik Fransien M. , Kerstjens Huib A.M. , Duiverman Marieke L. , Wijkstra Peter J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Not all hypercapnic COPD patients benefit from home noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and mechanisms through which NIV improves clinical outcomes remain uncertain. We aimed to identify “responders” to home NIV, denoted by a beneficial effect of NIV on arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and survival, and investigated whether NIV achieves its beneficial effect through an improvedPaCO2.

Methods

We used individual patient data from previous published trials collated for a systematic review. Linear mixed-effect models were conducted to compare the effect of NIV onPaCO2, HRQoL and survival, within subgroups defined by patient and treatment characteristics. Secondly, we conducted a causal mediation analysis to investigate whether the effect of NIV is mediated by a change inPaCO2.

Findings

Data of 1142 participants from 16 studies were used. Participants treated with lower pressure support (<14versus≥14 cmH2O) and with lower adherence (<5versus≥5 h·day−1) had less improvement inPaCO2(mean difference (MD) −0.30 kPa, p<0.001 and −0.29 kPa, p<0.001, respectively) and HRQoL (standardised MD 0.10, p=0.002 and 0.11, p=0.02, respectively), but this effect did not persist to survival.PaCO2improved more in patients with severe dyspnoea (MD −0.30, p=0.02), and HRQoL improved only in participants with fewer than three exacerbations (standardised MD 0.52, p=0.03). The results of the mediation analysis showed that the effect on HRQoL is mediated partially (23%) by a change inPaCO2.

Interpretation

With greater pressure support and better daily NIV usage, a larger improvement inPaCO2and HRQoL is achieved. Importantly, we demonstrated that the beneficial effect of home NIV on HRQoL is only partially mediated through a reduction in diurnalPaCO2.
vissE: a versatile tool to identify and visualise higher-order molecular phenotypes from functional enrichment analysis
Authors: Bhuva Dharmesh D. , Tan Chin Wee , Liu Ning , Whitfield Holly J. , Papachristos Nicholas , Lee Samuel C. , Kharbanda Malvika , Mohamed Ahmed , Davis Melissa J.
Published: February 2024

Functional analysis of high throughput experiments using pathway analysis is now ubiquitous. Though powerful, these methods often produce thousands of redundant results owing to knowledgebase redundancies upstream. This scale of results hinders extensive exploration by biologists and can lead to investigator biases due to previous knowledge and expectations. To address this issue, we present vissE, a flexible network-based analysis and visualisation tool that organises information into semantic categories and provides various visualisation modules to characterise them with respect to the underlying data, thus providing a comprehensive view of the biological system. We demonstrate vissE’s versatility by applying it to three different technologies: bulk, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Applying vissE to a factor analysis of a breast cancer spatial transcriptomic data, we identified stromal phenotypes that support tumour dissemination. Its adaptability allows vissE to enhance all existing gene-set enrichment and pathway analysis workflows, empowering biologists during molecular discovery.
Systematic evaluation of B-cell clonal family inference approaches
Authors: Balashova Daria , van Schaik Barbera D. C. , Stratigopoulou Maria , Guikema Jeroen E. J. , Caniels Tom G. , Claireaux Mathieu , van Gils Marit J. , Musters Anne , Anang Dornatien C. , de Vries Niek , Greiff Victor , van Kampen Antoine H. C.
Published: February 2024

The reconstruction of clonal families (CFs) in B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoire analysis is a crucial step to understand the adaptive immune system and how it responds to antigens. The BCR repertoire of an individual is formed throughout life and is diverse due to several factors such as gene recombination and somatic hypermutation. The use of Adaptive Immune Receptor Repertoire sequencing (AIRR-seq) using next generation sequencing enabled the generation of full BCR repertoires that also include rare CFs. The reconstruction of CFs from AIRR-seq data is challenging and several approaches have been developed to solve this problem. Currently, most methods use the heavy chain (HC) only, as it is more variable than the light chain (LC). CF reconstruction options include the definition of appropriate sequence similarity measures, the use of shared mutations among sequences, and the possibility of reconstruction without preliminary clustering based on V- and J-gene annotation. In this study, we aimed to systematically evaluate different approaches for CF reconstruction and to determine their impact on various outcome measures such as the number of CFs derived, the size of the CFs, and the accuracy of the reconstruction. The methods were compared to each other and to a method that groups sequences based on identical junction sequences and another method that only determines subclones. We found that after accounting for data set variability, in particular sequencing depth and mutation load, the reconstruction approach has an impact on part of the outcome measures, including the number of CFs. Simulations indicate that unique junctions and subclones should not be used as substitutes for CF and that more complex methods do not outperform simpler methods. Also, we conclude that different approaches differ in their ability to correctly reconstruct CFs when not considering the LC and to identify shared CFs. The results showed the effect of different approaches on the reconstruction of CFs and highlighted the importance of choosing an appropriate method.
Regulation of overexpressed efflux pump encoding genes by cinnamon oil and trimethoprim to abolish carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical strains
Authors: Saleh Neveen M. , Ezzat Hadeer , El-Sayyad Gharieb S. , Zedan Hamdallah
Published: February 2024

Resistance mechanisms are a shelter for Acinetobacter baumannii to adapt to our environment which causes difficulty for the infections to be treated and WHO declares this organism on the top of pathogens priority for new drug development. The most common mechanism that develops drug resistance is the overexpression of the efflux pump, especially Resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) family, to almost most antibiotics. The study is designed to detect RND efflux pump genes in A. baumannii, and its correlation to multidrug resistance, in particular, the carbapenems resistance Acinetobacterbaumannii (CRAB), and using different inhibitors that restore the antibiotic susceptibility of imipenem. Clinical A. baumannii isolates were recovered from different Egyptian hospitals in Intensive care unit (ICU). The expression of genes in two strains was analyzed using RT-PCR before and after inhibitor treatment. About 100 clinical A. baumannii isolates were recovered and identified and recorded as MDR strains with 75% strains resistant to imipenem. adeB, adeC, adeK, and adeJ were detected in thirty- seven the carbapenems resistance Acinetobacterbaumannii (CRAB) strains. Cinnamomum verum oil, Trimethoprim, and Omeprazole was promising inhibitor against 90% of the carbapenems resistance Acinetobacterbaumannii (CRAB) strains with a 2-6-fold decrease in imipenem MIC. Downregulation of four genes was associated with the addition of those inhibitors to imipenem for two the carbapenems resistance Acinetobacterbaumannii (CRAB) (ACN15 and ACN99) strains, and the effect was confirmed in 24 h killing kinetics. Our investigation points to the carbapenems resistance Acinetobacterbaumannii (CRAB) strain’s prevalence in Egyptian hospitals with the idea to revive the imipenem activity using natural and chemical drugs as inhibitors that possessed high synergistic activity.
Transcriptomic and physiological analysis of the response of Spirodela polyrrhiza to sodium nitroprusside
Authors: Zhang Yamei , Jia Rong , Hui Tanyue , Hu Yue , Wang Wenjing , Wang Yi , Wang Yong , Zhu Yerong , Yang Lin , Xiang Beibei
Published: February 2024

Background

Spirodela polyrrhiza is a simple floating aquatic plant with great potential in synthetic biology. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) stimulates plant development and increases the biomass and flavonoid content in some plants. However, the molecular mechanism of SNP action is still unclear.

Results

To determine the effect of SNP on growth and metabolic flux in S. polyrrhiza, the plants were treated with different concentrations of SNP. Our results showed an inhibition of growth, an increase in starch, soluble protein, and flavonoid contents, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity in plants after 0.025 mM SNP treatment. Differentially expressed transcripts were analysed in S. polyrrhiza after 0.025 mM SNP treatment. A total of 2776 differentially expressed genes (1425 upregulated and 1351 downregulated) were identified. The expression of some genes related to flavonoid biosynthesis and NO biosynthesis was upregulated, while the expression of some photosynthesis-related genes was downregulated. Moreover, SNP stress also significantly influenced the expression of transcription factors (TFs), such as ERF, BHLH, NAC, and WRKY TFs.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of underlying the SNP stress response in S. polyrrhiza and show that the metabolic flux of fixed CO2 is redirected into the starch synthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways after SNP treatment.
Risk factors and the CCTA application in patients with vulnerable coronary plaque in type 2 diabetes: a retrospective study
Authors: He Weihong , Fang Tingsong , Fu Xi , Lao Meiling , Xiao Xiuyun
Published: February 2024

Background

Diabetes is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for vulnerable coronary plaques (VCPs), which are associated with adverse cardiovascular events, and to determine the value of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and VCPs.

Methods

Ninety-eight T2DM patients who underwent CCTA and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were retrospectively included and analyzed. The patients were grouped and analyzed according to the presence or absence of VCPs.

Results

Among the patients with T2DM, time in range [TIR {the percentage of time blood glucose levels were in the target range}] (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.89–0.96; P < 0.001) and the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration (OR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.09–0.63; P = 0.04) were correlated with a lower risk of VCP, but the triglycerides (TG) concentration was correlated with a higher risk of VCP (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.01–3.18; P = 0.045). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of TIR, and HDL-C and TG concentrations were 0.76, 0.73, and 0.65, respectively. The combined predicted AUC of TIR, and HDL-C and TG concentrations was 0.83 (P < 0.05). The CCTA sensitivity, specificity, false-negative, and false-positive values for the diagnosis of VCP were 95.74%, 94.12%, 4.26%, and 5.88%, respectively. The identification of VCP by CCTA was positively correlated with IVUS (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.90).

Conclusions

The TIR and HDL-C concentration are related with lower risk of VCP and the TG concentration was related with higher risk of VCP in patients with T2DM. In clinical practice, TIR, HDL-C and TG need special attention in patients with T2DM. The ability of CCTA to identify VCP is highly related to IVUS findings.
Effects of high-intensity training on fatty infiltration in paraspinal muscles in elderly males with osteosarcopenia – the randomized controlled FrOST study
Authors: Kircher Kaja , Chaudry Oliver , Nagel Armin M. , Ghasemikaram Mansour , Uder Michael , Jakob Franz , Kohl Matthias , Kemmler Wolfgang , Engelke Klaus
Published: February 2024

Background

Osteosarcopenia is a common geriatric syndrome with an increasing prevalence with age, leading to secondary diseases and complex consequences such as falls and fractures, as well as higher mortality and frailty rates. There is a great need for prevention and treatment strategies.

Methods

In this analysis, we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the randomised controlled FrOST trial, which enrolled community-dwelling osteosarcopenic men aged > 72 years randomly allocated to 16 months of twice-weekly high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) or a non-training control group. MR Dixon imaging was used to quantify the effects of HIRT on muscle fat infiltration in the paraspinal muscles, determined as changes in muscle tissue, fat faction and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) in the erector spinae and psoas major muscles. Intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputation was used to analyse the data set.

Results

After 16 months of intervention, 15 men from the HIRT and 16 men from the CG were included in the MRI analysis. In summary, no positive effects on the fat infiltration of the erector spinae and psoas major muscles were observed.

Conclusions

The previously reported positive effects on lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) suggest that mechanotransduction induces tropic effects on bone, but that fat infiltration of the erector spinae and psoas major muscles are either irreversible or, for some unknown reason, resistant to exercise. Because of the beneficial effects on spinal BMD, HIRT is still recommended in osteosarcopenic older men, but further research is needed to confirm appropriate age-specific training exercises for the paraspinal muscles. The potential of different MRI sequences to quantify degenerative and metabolic changes in various muscle groups must be better characterized.

Trial registrations

FrOST was approved by the University Ethics Committee of the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (number 67_15b and 4464b) and the Federal Office for Radiation Projection (BfS, number Z 5–2,246,212 – 2017–002). Furthermore, it fully complies with the Declaration of Helsinki and is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03453463 (05/03/2018). JAMA 310:2191–2194, 2013.
“They choke to death in front of your very eyes”: nurses’ lived experiences and perspectives on end-of-life care during COVID-19
Authors: Sperling Daniel
Published: February 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an intensified fear and threat of dying, combined with dying and grieving in isolation, in turn significantly impacting nursing in end-of-life situations. The study aims (1) to understand the lived experiences of nurses who provided care to end-of-life patients during COVID-19; and (2) to explore whether providing care under such circumstances altered the perspectives of these nurses regarding end-of-life care.

Methods

Applying the phenomenological-interpretive qualitative approach, 34 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted between March 2020-May 2021 with nurses from eight hospitals in Israel who were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Thematic analysis was applied to identify major themes from the interviews.

Results

Five main themes emerged from the analysis, including: (1) a different death; (2) difficulties in caring for the body after death; (3) the need for family at end-of-life; (4) weaker enforcement of advance care directives; and (5) prolonging the dying process.

Discussion

During the pandemic, nurses encountered numerous cases of death and dying, while facing ethical and professional issues regarding end-of-life care. They were required to administer more aggressive care than usual and even necessary, leading to their increased moral distress. The nurses’ ethical concerns were also triggered by the requirement to wrap the corpse in black garbage-like bags to prevent contagion, which they felt was abusing the dead. The findings also demonstrate how family presence at end-of-life is important for the nursing staff as well as the patient. Finally, end-of-life situations during the pandemic in Israel were managed in an individual and personal manner, rather than as a collective mission, as seen in other countries.

Conclusions

The study offers insights into the nurses’ attitudes towards death, dying, and end-of-life care. An emphasis should be placed on the key elements that emerged in this study, to assist nurses in overcoming these difficulties during and after medical crises, to enhance end-of-life care and professionalism and decrease burnout.
Determinants of unmet need for family planning among currently married reproductive age women at Dewa Chefa District of Oromia special zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2021; a case-control study
Authors: Ammie Mohammed , Arefaynie Mastewal , Adane Bezawit , Hussein Kedir , Hassan Mohammedsani
Published: February 2024

Background

Unmet need for family planning is a proportion of women among reproductive age group who want to stop or delay childbearing but are not using any method of contraception. One in ten married women face unmet need for family planning world-wide whereas, one in five women in Africa. Thus, by understanding factors associated with unmet need specific to the study area; the study contributes to planning and intervention of programs, gives additional finding for controversies in earlier studies, and also helps as a baseline for other researchers conducting studies on similar topics.

Methods

A community-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from March 29-April 25, 2021 G.C on 462 currently married reproductive age women (154 cases and 308 controls) in Dewa Chefa District. Currently married reproductive-age women who were fecund, and wanted to limit or delay childbearing but were not using any contraceptive methods were taken as cases and currently married reproductive-age women who were using family planning or did not want to use were taken as controls. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Collected data were entered into Epi-data 3.1 and exported to SPSS 23 for analysis. Binary Logistic regression was conducted and variables with p-value < 0.05 were taken as statistically significant.

Results

A total of 462 women participated in this study, with 100% response rate. The mean age of the respondents was 27.92 years (with SD of ± 6.3) Age of woman 35–49 [AOR = 6.6 (1.1–39)], having poor knowledge on family planning [AOR = 1.9 (1.1–3.1)], using family planning decided by husband [AOR = 3.8 (2.1–6.9)], using family planning decided together [AOR = 2.3 (1.07–5.1)] and have no support and disapproval of husband for family planning use [AOR = 2.1 (1.08-4)] were factors significantly associated with unmet need.

Conclusion and recommendations

Age of the woman, main decider of family planning use, knowledge about family planning and support and approval of spouse for family planning use were found to have significant association with unmet need for family planning. Thus, family planning providers, District health office, and other concerned bodies should strengthen female empowerment and male involvement in the program with strong couple counseling to reduce unmet need.
Translation and validation of the Persian version of the perception to care in acute situations (PCAS-P) scale in novice nurses
Authors: Nemati-Vakilabad Reza , Khoshbakht-Pishkhani Maryam , Maroufizadeh Saman , Javadi-Pashaki Nazila
Published: February 2024

Background

Novice nurses providing care in acute conditions should have satisfactory performance. Accurate and appropriate evaluation of the performance of novice nurses in providing care in acute situations is essential for planning interventions to improve the quality of patient care. This study was conducted to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Perception to Care in Acute Situations (PCAS-P) scale in novice nurses.

Methods

In this methodological study, 236 novice nurses were selected by the convenience sampling method. 17-item scale PCAS-P was translated into Persian by the forward-backward process. Then, this version was used for psychometric evaluation. For this purpose, face validity, content validity, and construct validity were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency and stability reliability were calculated. The data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software.

Results

The PCAS-P scale maintained the meaning of the original English version and was clear, explicit, and understandable for novice nurses. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that this Persian version is consistent with the proposed model and confirmed the fit of the three-factor model. The values of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, McDonald’s omega, CoefficientH, and average inter-item correlation were excellent for the overall scale and its dimensions, and the three latent factors had good convergent and discriminant validity. Additionally, the average measurement size was 0.944 ICC (95% CI 0.909 to 0.969).

Conclusion

The PCAS-P scale is valid and reliable for measuring novice nurses’ perception of acute situations.
Left coronary sinus of valsalva aneurysm dissecting into interventricular septum: a case report
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ji Dong-hui , Li Xiao-yun , Liang Kuo-peng
Published: February 2024

Background

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is an extremely rare condition, and its rupture causes acute symptoms such as chest pain and dyspnea. Ruptured SVA is frequently associated with other congenital defects.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old male presented with SVA originating from the left coronary sinus that ruptured into the interventricular septum. SVA was diagnosed by echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and confirmed during the operation.

Conclusions

SVA is a rare cardiac abnormality which can lead to severe clinical symptoms upon rupture. Immediate surgery is necessary to repair the ruptured SVA.
Similar survival after endoscopic submucosal dissection and esophagectomy in early esophageal cancer and synchronous or metachronous head and neck cancer
Authors: Ke Ruei-Ti , Hsiao Yu-Hsin , Tai Wei-Chen , Li Shau-Hsuan , Yao Chih-Chien , Chuang Kai-Hao , Lai Hsing-Hua , Chen Yu , Chen Li-Chun , Lu Hung-I , Chen Yen-Hao , Lo Chien-Ming
Published: February 2024

Background

Early-stage esophageal cancer is treated using endoscopic submucosal dissection and esophagectomy. Field cancerization in patients with early-stage esophageal cancer affects treatment outcomes and causes synchronous or metachronous head and neck cancers. We hypothesized that esophagectomy could provide better overall and relapse-free survivals in patients with esophageal cancer and synchronous or metachronous head and neck cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and synchronous or metachronous head and neck cancers. We separated the patients into endoscopic submucosal dissection and esophagectomy groups to compare overall and relapse-free survivals.

Results

The study included 106 patients, 25 of whom underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection and 81 underwent esophagectomy. Overall and relapse-free survivals did not show significant differences between the two groups for both synchronous and metachronous head and neck cancers.

Conclusions

Endoscopic submucosal dissection could provide similar overall and relapse-free survivals in patients with esophageal cancer and synchronous or metachronous head and neck cancer.
Spontaneous dissection of celiacomesenteric trunk with isolated extension and thrombosis in the superior mesenteric artery: a case report and literature review
Authors: Rangankar Varsha , Kapoor Reetika , Kumar Divyajat , Durgi Eshan
Published: February 2024

Background

Celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT) is one of the rare congenital anomalies of the splanchnic vasculature, characterized by the common trunk origin of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and celiac trunk from the abdominal aorta. Dissection of CMT with isolated SMA involvement without bowel ischemia has been rarely reported in the literature.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old male presented with generalized abdominal pain for 20 days, which increased after food intake. He also gave a history of passing loose stools on and off in the last 10–15 days, associated with melena for 4–5 days. Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA) study of the abdomen demonstrated the common trunk origin of SMA and celiac trunk from the abdominal aorta at the D12–L1 disk level, consistent with the celiacomesenteric trunk (CMT). CTA also revealed dissection of CMT with isolated extension in the SMA origin and thrombosis in the mid and distal SMA. No bowel or mesenteric ischemia was seen due to extensive collateral supply to distal-most SMA and its branches, mainly through the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) via an arc of Riolan and artery of Drummond. The patient was managed conservatively with bowel rest, anti-thrombolytics, and anticoagulant therapy based on imaging findings of short-segment dissection with no signs of bowel or mesenteric ischemia.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of rare vascular anomalies like CMT with associated complications of dissection and thrombosis is critical in patients with abdominal pain for prompt and precise management. CTA of the abdomen is essential for accurate diagnosis and characterization of the abnormality, which helps decide between conservative and surgical treatments.
Association of cognitive reserve with the risk of dementia in the UK Biobank: role of polygenic factors
Authors: Yang Wenzhe , Wang Jiao , Dove Abigail , Dunk Michelle M. , Qi Xiuying , Bennett David A. , Xu Weili
Published: February 2024

Background

It remains unclear whether cognitive reserve can attenuate dementia risk among people with different genetic predispositions.

Aims

We aimed to examine the association between cognitive reserve and dementia, and further to explore whether and to what extent cognitive reserve may modify the risk effect of genetic factors on dementia.

Method

Within the UK Biobank, 210 631 dementia-free participants aged ≥60 years were followed to detect incident dementia. Dementia was ascertained through medical and death records. A composite cognitive reserve indicator encompassing education, occupation and multiple cognitively loaded activities was created using latent class analysis, categorised as low, moderate and high level. Polygenic risk scores for Alzheimer's disease were constructed to evaluate genetic risk for dementia, categorised by tertiles (high, moderate and low). Data were analysed using Cox models and Laplace regression.

Results

In multi-adjusted Cox models, the hazard ratio (HR) of dementia was 0.66 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.70) for high cognitive reserve compared with low cognitive reserve. In Laplace regression, participants with high cognitive reserve developed dementia 1.62 (95% CI 1.35–1.88) years later than those with low cognitive reserve. In stratified analysis by genetic risk, high cognitive reserve was related to more than 30% lower dementia risk compared with low cognitive reserve in each stratum. There was an additive interaction between low cognitive reserve and high genetic risk on dementia (attributable proportion 0.24, 95% CI 0.17–0.31).

Conclusions

High cognitive reserve is associated with reduced risk of dementia and may delay dementia onset. Genetic risk for dementia may be mitigated by high cognitive reserve. Our findings underscore the importance of enhancing cognitive reserve in dementia prevention.
Body Composition and Metabolism in Adults With Molecularly Confirmed Silver-Russell Syndrome
Authors: Lokulo-Sodipe Oluwakemi , Inskip Hazel M , Byrne Christopher D , Child Jenny , Wakeling Emma L , Mackay Deborah J G , Temple I Karen , Davies Justin H
Published: February 2024

Context

Low birth weight, as seen in Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS), is associated with later cardiometabolic disease. Data on long-term outcomes and adult body composition in SRS are limited.

Objective

To evaluate body composition and metabolic health in adults with SRS.

Methods

This was an observational study of 25 individuals with molecularly confirmed SRS, aged ≥ 18 years, from research facilities across the UK. Body composition and metabolic health were assessed at a single appointment. Individuals with SRS were compared with unaffected men and women (from the Southampton Women's Survey [SWS]). Fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral density (BMD), blood pressure, lipids, and blood glucose were measured.

Results

Twenty-five adults with SRS were included (52% female). The median age was 32.9 years (range, 22.0 to 69.7). Fat percentage was greater in the SRS group than the SWS cohort (44.1% vs 30.3%, P < .001). Fat mass index was similar (9.6 vs 7.8, P = .3). Lean mass percentage (51.8% vs 66.2%, P < .001) and lean mass index (13.5 kg/m2 vs 17.3 kg/m2, P < .001) were lower in the SRS group than the SWS cohort. BMD was lower in the SRS group than the SWS cohort (1.08 vs 1.24, P < .001; all median values). Total cholesterol was ≥ 5 mmol/L in 52.0%. Triglyceride levels were ≥ 1.7 mmol/L in 20.8%. Fasting blood glucose levels were ≥ 6.1 mmol/L in 25.0%. Hypertension was present in 33.3%.

Conclusion

Adults with SRS have an unfavorable body composition and predisposition to cardiometabolic disease. These results support the need for a health surveillance strategy to mitigate adverse outcomes.
Glycemic Management Around Postprandial Exercise in People With Type 1 Diabetes: Challenge Accepted
Authors: Helleputte Simon , Stautemas Jan , Jansseune Laura , De Backer Tine , Marlier Joke , Lapauw Bruno , Calders Patrick
Published: February 2024

Context

The precise glycemic impact and clinical relevance of postprandial exercise in type 1 diabetes (T1D) has not been clarified yet.

Objective

This work aimed to examine acute, subacute, and late effects of postprandial exercise on blood glucose (BG).

Methods

A randomized, controlled trial comprised 4 laboratory visits, with 24-hour follow-up at home. Participants included adults with T1D (n = 8), aged 44 ± 13 years, with body mass index of 24 ± 2.1. Intervention included 30 minutes of rest (CONTROL), walking (WALK), moderate-intensity (MOD), or intermittent high-intensity (IHE) exercise performed 60 minutes after a standardized meal. Main outcome measures included BG change during exercise/control (acute), and secondary outcomes included the subacute (≤2 h after) and late glycemic effects (≤24 h after).

Results

Exercise reduced postprandial glucose (PPG) excursion compared to CONTROL, with a consistent BG decline in all patients for all modalities (mean declines −45 ± 24, −71 ± 39, and −35 ± 21 mg/dL, during WALK, MOD, and IHE, respectively (P < .001). For this decline, clinical superiority was demonstrated separately for each exercise modality vs CONTROL. Noninferiority of WALK vs MOD was not demonstrated, noninferiority of WALK vs IHE was demonstrated, and equivalence of IHE vs MOD was not demonstrated. Hypoglycemia did not occur during exercise. BG increased in the hour after exercise (more than after CONTROL; P < .001). More than half of participants showed hyperglycemia after exercise necessitating insulin correction. There were more nocturnal hypoglycemic events after exercise vs CONTROL (P < .05).

Conclusion

Postprandial exercise of all modalities is effective, safe, and feasible if necessary precautions are taken (ie, prandial insulin reductions), as exercise lowered maximal PPG excursion and caused a consistent and clinically relevant BG decline during exercise while there was no hypoglycemia during or shortly after exercise. However, there seem to be 2 remaining challenges: subacute postexercise hyperglycemia and nocturnal hypoglycemia.