bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between the serum albumin–creatinine ratio and 28-day intensive care unit mortality among patients with sepsis: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Weiguo , Fu Cheng , Miao Jiangwei , Hong WeiLi , Chen Xinglin , Yan Shaorong , Lin Yuzhan
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Sepsis is a substantial global health challenge with a considerable disease burden. Despite advancements in sepsis research, the mortality rates associated with this condition remain high. The relationship between the serum albumin-to-creatinine ratio (sACR) and mortality in patients with sepsis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the sACR and 28-day mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with sepsis.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we used data sourced from the eICU Collaborative Research Database. The primary exposure variable was sACR, and the primary outcome measure was mortality within 28 days after ICU admission. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, generalized additive models, and two-piecewise linear regression models, which were employed to explore non-linear relationships and threshold effects between sACR and mortality.

Results

The study cohort comprised 9,690 ICU patients with sepsis, with a 28-day mortality rate of 9.99%. The results of the multivariate logistic regression model indicated that elevated sACR levels were significantly associated with a reduced risk of mortality (odds ratio = 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.71–0.87, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Curve fitting revealed a non-linear relationship between sACR and 28-day mortality, with an inflection point of 4.79.

Discussion

This study demonstrated that sACR is an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality in ICU patients with sepsis, exhibiting a non-linear negative dose–response relationship and a threshold effect. These findings may serve as early warning indicators in high-risk populations.
Seasonality influences skin bacterial community structure and anti-Bd function in two anuran species
Authors: Zhang Han , Ma Hongying , Deng Jie , Zhao Hu , Fang Cheng , Zhang Jianlu , Wang Qijun , Zhang Hongxing , Jiang Wei , Kong Fei
Published: November 2024

Microorganisms on amphibian skin reduce disease susceptibility and play an important role in pathogen defense. We hypothesized that anuran skin bacterial communities would change in response to seasonal variation and host species. To test this hypothesis, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to identify cutaneous bacterial communities of two frogs from the Qinling Mountains of China, Pelophylax nigromaculatus and Nanorana quadranus. We matched the amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of microbes exhibiting protective effects against the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), using a database containing over 1900 16S rRNA gene sequences from amphibian skin bacteria. The results showed that seasonal variation had a stronger effect than host species on the structure (alpha-diversity, beta-diversity, species composition and abundance, and biomarkers) and anti-Bd function of cutaneous bacterial communities. These communities were highly dynamic but varied similarly between hosts. Their structural similarities were more consistent at the phylum level, but markedly less so at finer taxonomic levels. The highest relative abundance of anti-Bd reads was observed in P. nigromaculatus during summer, but anti-Bd reads were present in both frog species during different seasons. Therefore, the protective function of cutaneous microbial communities appears to be continuous despite between-species differences in anti-Bd ASV abundance. This observation does not directly explain why Bd infections have not been recorded in the region, butprovides important insight on anuran pathogen defense mechanisms. Our findings also suggest that specific seasons can be periods of high infection risk, with major implications for research on amphibian ecology and conservation.
Unveiling genome plasticity as a mechanism of non-antifungal-induced antifungal resistance in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Zheng Lijun , Xu Yi , Guo Liangsheng
Published: November 2024

Cryptococcus neoformans, a critical priority pathogen designated by the World Health Organization, poses significant therapeutic challenges due to the limited availability of treatment options. The emergence of antifungal resistance, coupled with cross-resistance, further hampers treatment efficacy. Aneuploidy, known for its ability to induce diverse traits, including antifungal resistance, remains poorly understood in C. neoformans. We investigated the impact of tunicamycin, a well-established ER stress inducer, on aneuploidy formation in C. neoformans. Our findings show that both mild and severe ER stress induced by tunicamycin lead to the formation of aneuploid strains in C. neoformans. These aneuploid strains exhibit diverse karyotypes, with some conferring resistance or cross-resistance to antifungal drugs fluconazole and 5-flucytosine. Furthermore, these aneuploid strains display instability, spontaneously losing extra chromosomes in the absence of stress. Transcriptome analysis reveals the simultaneous upregulation of multiple drug resistance-associated genes in aneuploid strains. Our study reveals the genome plasticity of C. neoformans as a major mechanism contributing to non-antifungal-induced antifungal resistance.
Association of serum klotho with cognitive function among individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wu Feilong , Pan Jie , Chen Mingtao , Lai Xuye , Gu Yingying , Pei Lei , Yang Lili
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This study investigated the potential link between serum klotho levels and cognitive function in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Materials and Methods

Utilizing NHANES data from 2011 to 2014, the research included 356 eligible participants. NAFLD was identified with the United States Fatty Liver Index (US-FLI), and cognition was measured by various tests including the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Immediate Recall Test (IRT), and Delayed Recall Test (DRT). Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were employed to analyze the relationship between klotho levels and cognitive scores.

Results

A significant nonlinear association was observed between klotho levels and the performance in DSST and Delayed Recall Test (DRT). After controlling for confounding factors, the study found a positive association between higher serum klotho levels and improved cognitive performance in both AFT and DSST. However, there was no significant relationship between klotho levels and the IRT or DRT, regardless of whether the natural logarithm or quartile was considered.

Discussion

The findings suggest that a higher serum klotho level may be positively correlated with better cognitive performance in NAFLD patients.
Efficacy and safety of drug-eluting stents versus bare-metal stents in symptomatic intracranial and vertebral artery stenosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yidan , Li Wenbin , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study aims to present the first comprehensive meta-analysis assessing the effectiveness and safety of drug-eluting stents (DES) versus bare-metal stents (BMS) in treating intracranial and vertebral artery stenosis.

Methods

A comprehensive examination was undertaken to compare the effectiveness and safety of DES and BMS in individuals experiencing symptomatic stenosis in the intracranial and vertebral arteries through an in-depth analysis of clinical research. We conducted an extensive search across multiple databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to September 2024. The emphasis of our investigation was on various outcomes including rates of in-stent restenosis, symptomatic occurrences of in-stent restenosis, incidence of stroke, procedural success, mortality rates, complications associated with the procedure, and any adverse events.

Results

Our analysis included 12 studies with a total of 1,243 patients (562 in the DES group and 681 in the BMS group). The findings demonstrated a significantly lower rate of in-stent restenosis in the DES group for both intracranial [odds ratio (OR): 0.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13 to 0.41; p < 0.00001] and vertebral artery stenosis (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.72; p = 0.003) compared to the BMS group. Additionally, the DES group showed a significantly reduced rate of postoperative strokes in vertebral artery stenosis cases (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.90; p = 0.03), with no significant differences noted in the intracranial artery stenosis comparison (OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.20 to 1.95; p = 0.42). The study also revealed no significant disparities in symptomatic in-stent restenosis, procedural success, mortality, adverse effects, and perioperative complications between the two groups across the conditions studied.

Conclusion

The comparison indicates that DES significantly reduces the risk of in-stent restenosis and postoperative strokes in patients with vertebral artery stenosis, compared to BMS. For both intracranial and vertebral artery stenosis, DES and BMS exhibit comparable safety profiles.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=439967.
Effects of high-intensity interval training in a cold environment on arterial stiffness and cerebral hemodynamics in sedentary Chinese college female students post-COVID-19
Authors: Chen Xiangyuan , Hu Niyuan , Han Huifeng , Cai Guoliang , Qin Ying
Published: November 2024

Many patients with COVID-19 experience increased arterial stiffness and abnormal cerebral hemodynamics. Although previous studies have explored the effects of cold environments on cardiovascular health and cerebral hemodynamics, there is still no research on the changes in cardiovascular and cerebral hemodynamics in sedentary female students recovering from COVID-19 while performing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in cold environments. This study investigates the effects of 1 week of HIIT in a cold environment on cerebral hemodynamics and arterial stiffness (AS) in sedentary female college students, providing new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms in this specific context. Thirty-six participants were randomly divided into a control group (n = 12), a room temperature (RE) group (n = 12), and a cold environment (CE) group (n = 12). HIIT was performed for four 4-min running training sessions, with a 4-min interval between each training session, The training duration was 1 week, with a frequency of 2 sessions per day, while the control group did not undergo any training. After training, the AS in the CE group significantly decreased (p < 0.05), with an average reduction of 11% in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, showing a significantly greater improvement compared to the RE group and the control group (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the RE group (p > 0.05). In the Y-Balance Tests (YBTs), the concentrations of cerebral oxygenated hemoglobin and total hemoglobin significantly increased (p < 0.05) during unilateral leg support tests in both the CE and RE groups, and the increase of CE group is greater than that of RE group. In contrast, in the control group, the concentrations of cerebral oxygenated hemoglobin and total hemoglobin significantly decreased during left leg support (p < 0.05). Our study found that performing HIIT in a cold environment not only effectively reduces AS in sedentary female college students after COVID-19, improves cardiovascular function, but also significantly enhances cerebral hemodynamics, helping them alleviate the negative impacts of post-COVID-19 sequelae and sedentary behavior on health. Future research should further explore the mechanisms by which sedentary behavior, post-COVID-19 recovery status, and adaptation to cold environments collectively influence cardiovascular function and cerebral hemodynamics, providing a more comprehensive understanding of these factors.
Association of blood vitamin A with osteoarthritis: a nationally representative cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Ao , Wu Ning-ning , Xu Peng-hui , Jin Yao , Yang Zhi-kai , Teng Jia-wen
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Vitamin A plays an important role in health, especially regarding its impact on bone tissue. Vitamin A can lead to bone damage and deformity, thus becoming an important causative factor in osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of serum vitamin A with osteoarthritis.

Methods

We included participants who self-reported whether they had OA in NHANES 2001–2006 and NHANES 2017–2018 to explore the association and dose–response relationship between vitamin A concentration and risk of osteoarthritis through weighted multivariate logistic models and restricted cubic splines. Sensitivity and stratification analyses were also used to assess the robustness of the results.

Results

A total of 18,034 participants were included in this study, and a linear association between serum vitamin A concentration and osteoarthritis risk was observed. The OR of osteoarthritis was 1.22 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.52), 1.40 (95% CI: 1.05,1.85), and 1.47 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.91) for participants in the second, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively, compared with the lowest vitamin A reference group. Similar results were obtained when sensitivity and stratification analyses were performed.

Conclusion

Serum vitamin A is positively associated with osteoarthritis risk. Within a certain range of vitamin A concentrations, vitamin A is a protective factor against osteoarthritis, beyond which it becomes a causative factor for osteoarthritis.
Evaluating nivolumab plus gemcitabine–cisplatin’s cost-effectiveness for aUC in China
Authors: Meng Kehui , Xiang Heng , Wu Meiyu , Xie Ouyang , Li Andong , Tan Chongqing , Wan Xiaomin
Published: November 2024

Aims

Assessing the cost-effectiveness of Nivolumab with Gemcitabine–Cisplatin for Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma (aUC) treatment from the perspective of Chinese payers.

Methods

A Markov model assessed economic outcomes, estimating health outcomes in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of uncertainties on the results.

Results

The base-case analysis showed Nivolumab plus Gemcitabine–Cisplatin yielded 0.59 QALYs at an extra cost of $78,780.61, leading to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) of $133,526.46/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis highlighted Nivolumab’s cost as the key factor, while probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed a 0% chance of cost-effectiveness for Nivolumab plus Gemcitabine–Cisplatin in aUC treatment.

Conclusion

Nivolumab plus Gemcitabine–Cisplatin is not cost-effective in the treatment of aUC.
Development of prediction models for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae acquisition and prognosis in adult patients
Authors: Yao Huijuan , Yang Yu , Yao Huimin , Bu Shuhong , Li Lixia , Wang Fang , Zhang Jian , Chen Jihui
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To explore the risk factors and clinical outcomes of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infection and establish nomograms to predict the probability of CRKP infection and mortality in adult patients.

Methods

Patients infected with KP from August 2019 to April 2021 in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai were enrolled. Risk factors associated with CRKP and 30-day mortality were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis and Cox regression analysis.

Results

Overall, 467 patients with KP infection were enrolled, wherein 210 (45.0%) patients were infected with CRKP and 257 (55.0%) patients with carbapenem-susceptible K. pneumoniae (CSKP). Five factors, namely Charlson’s Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥ 3, the use of central venous catheterization, prior hospitalization during the 3 months before infection, and previous exposure to carbapenems and broad-spectrum β-lactams, were found to be independently associated with CRKP infection. Based on these parameters, the nomogram showed a better performance as indicated by C-index of 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92–0.96) and well-fitted calibration curves. CRKP was independently associated with 30-day mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age ≥65 years, higher CCI scores, higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, the presence of respiratory failure, albumin levels ≤30 g/L, and non-appropriate treatments in 3 days, were associated with 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

The predictive nomogram established in this study can facilitate the clinicians to make better clinical decisions when treating patients with KP infection.
Chaihu Shugan powder restores fatty acid synthesis to alleviate insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome by regulating the LXRα/SREBP-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Lei Sisi , Peng Weihang , Wu Lulu , Yu Liyuan , Wang Meida , Li Qingmin , Deng Yi , Zhao Shuai , Huang Peiying , Chen Bojun
Published: November 2024

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, primarily driven by insulin resistance (IR). Although the herbal compound Chaihu Shugan powder (CSP) has demonstrated the potential to improve IR in animal models of MS, its mechanism of action remains incompletely understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the biological pathways through which CSP exerts its therapeutic effects on IR in MS using both in vitro and in vivo methods.

Methods

The primary metabolites of CSP aqueous extract and CSP-containing serum were measured by LC-MS/MS. A mouse model of MS-related IR was induced by a high-fat, high-fructose diet combined with chronic immobilization stress. The CSP’s therapeutic potential was evaluated through glucose and insulin tolerance tests and hepatic insulin signaling molecules (p-IRS-1, IRS-1, p-Akt, and Akt). The expression of lipid metabolism-related factors (FFA, DAG, LXRα, SREBP-1, FASN, and ACC) in the liver was also measured. Hepatocyte IR was modeled using high-glucose and high-insulin conditions, and CSP impact was evaluated using 2-NBDG uptake and insulin signaling molecule expression. The specific mechanism of CSP was explored using the LXRα agonist T0901317.

Results

The MS-related IR model exhibited a decreased p-Akt/Akt ratio and increased fasting glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of IR, and hepatic lipid metabolism factors. Treatment with CSP mitigated these effects. In the hepatocyte IR model, CSP-containing serum improved glucose uptake and modulated the expression of insulin signaling and lipid metabolism factors. Furthermore, T0901317 reversed the beneficial effects of CSP, indicating the role of LXRα in CSP’s therapeutic action.

Conclusion

The CSP ameliorated IR in MS by restoring fatty acid metabolism through the regulation of the LXRα/SREBP-1 signaling pathway.
Knowledge domain and trends in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) research based on CiteSpace bibliometrics analysis
Authors: Cai Haipeng , Du Ruonan , Zhang Jianyi , Wang Xin , Li Wei , Yang Kebing , Wang Zhiren
Published: November 2024

Background

Although the number of studies on treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) has been increasing, the global research hotspots and future research trends have not yet been established.

Objective

This study identify the hotspots of TRS research and predict future research trends using a bibliometric analysis.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection was searched using the keyword “TRS”, econometric and co-occurrence analyses were conducted using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software, and the results were visualised. PRISMA reporting guidelines were used for this study.

Results

In total, 912 publications were included in the analysis. The number of publications on TRS has shown an increasing trend over the past 20 years. The United States and University of London were the countries and institutions with the highest total number of publications, respectively. Schizophrenia Research was the journal with the highest number of articles. American Journal of Psychiatry was the most cited journal. Based on the results of this analysis, cognitive impairment, clozapine-resistant schizophrenia, early-onset schizophrenia, and early recognition of TRS will be hotspots for future research in this field.

Conclusion

There has been an upward trend in the number of publications on TRS each year. However, issues such as how to use antipsychotics more efficiently to treat TRS and how to predict the emergence of TRS as early as possible are still in urgent need of research and are current challenges for clinicians. The results of this study not only predict and analyse future research hotspots but also help researchers identify appropriate research directions and partners.
Exploring the mechanism of sesamin for the treatment of PM2.5-induced cardiomyocyte damage based on transcriptomics, network pharmacology and experimental verification
Authors: Zhang Yadong , Wen Rui , Ren Jingyi , Zhang Fan , Pei Huanting , Zuo Jinshi , Ma Yuxia
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is known to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. Sesamin (Ses) is a natural phenolic compound found in sesame seeds and sesame oil. Ferroptosis is a novel mode of cell death characterised by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. This study aims to explore whether PM2.5 can induce ferroptosis in H9C2 cells and to investigate the precise protective mechanism of Ses.

Methods

Based on transcriptomic data, PM2.5 may induce ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes. The ferroptosis inducer erastin and ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) were used to illustrate the mechanisms involved in PM2.5-induced H9C2 cell injury. Using network pharmacology, the pharmacological mechanism and potential therapy targets of Ses were explored for the treatment of PM2.5-induced cardiomyocyte injury. H9C2 cells were cultured and pretreated with Fer-1 or different concentrations of Ses, and then cardiomyocyte injury model was established using erastin or PM2.5. Indicators of oxidative responses, including total superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde, were measured. The expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins were determined through Western blot analysis.

Results

Results demonstrate that PM2.5 induces ferroptosis in H9C2 cells and Ses exerts a protective effect by suppressing ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis.

Discussion

Overall, these findings elucidate a novel mechanism by which Ses ameliorates the detrimental effects of PM2.5 on cardiomyocytes.
Thanatin and vinyl sulfide analogues as narrow spectrum antimicrobial peptides that synergise with polymyxin B
Authors: Shepperson Oscar A. , Harris Paul W. R. , Brimble Margaret A. , Cameron Alan J.
Published: November 2024

Thanatin is a β-hairpin antimicrobial peptide cyclised by a single disulfide bond that has shown potent broad-spectrum activity towards bacterial and fungal pathogens. Towards Gram-negative species, thanatin acts both by forming trans-membranal pores and inhibiting outer membrane biogenesis by binding to LptA and blocking lipopolysaccharide (LPS) transport. Inspired by previous modifications of thanatin, an analogue was prepared which demonstrated potent but selective activity towards E. coli. Furthermore, this compound was shown to act in synergy with the highly potent FDA-approved lipopeptide antibiotic polymyxin B, which engages LPS at the cytoplasmic membrane. Four analogues of thanatin in which the disulfide was substituted for vinyl sulfide bridge mimetics were prepared, all of which retained similar secondary structures. Two of these retained substantial potency and selectivity towards E. coli. Importantly, synergy with polymyxin B was also maintained for the lead analogue. The vinyl sulfide potentially offers a facile replacement strategy for labile disulfide bonds and the selective activity and drug synergy of the reported thanatin analogues is promising for the development of narrow spectrum antimicrobials with reduced likelihood of resistance emerging in clinical settings.
Long-term hypoxia modulates depolarization activation of BKCa currents in fetal sheep middle cerebral arterial myocytes
Authors: Nelapudi Nikitha , Boskind Madison , Hu Xiang-Qun , Mallari David , Chan Michelle , Wilson Devin , Romero Monica , Albert-Minckler Eris , Zhang Lubo , Blood Arlin B. , Wilson Christopher G. , Puglisi Jose Luis , Wilson Sean M.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Previous evidence indicates that gestational hypoxia disrupts cerebrovascular development, increasing the risk of intracranial hemorrhage and stroke in the newborn. Due to the role of cytosolic Ca2+ in regulating vascular smooth muscle (VSM) tone and fetal cerebrovascular blood flow, understanding Ca2+ signals can offer insight into the pathophysiological disruptions taking place in hypoxia-related perinatal cerebrovascular disease. This study aimed to determine the extent to which gestational hypoxia disrupts local Ca2+ sparks and whole-cell Ca2+ signals and coupling with BKCa channel activity.

Methods

Confocal imaging of cytosolic Ca2+ and recording BKCa currents of fetal sheep middle cerebral arterial (MCA) myocytes was performed. MCAs were isolated from term fetal sheep (∼140 days of gestation) from ewes held at low- (700 m) and high-altitude (3,801 m) hypoxia (LTH) for 100+ days of gestation. Arteries were depolarized with 30 mM KCl (30K), in the presence or absence of 10 μM ryanodine (Ry), to block RyR mediated Ca2+ release.

Results

Membrane depolarization increased Ry-sensitive Ca2+ spark frequency in normoxic and LTH groups along with BKCa activity. LTH reduced Ca2+ spark and whole-cell Ca2+ activity and induced a large leftward shift in the voltage-dependence of BKCa current activation. The influence of LTH on the spatial and temporal aspects of Ca2+ sparks and whole-cell Ca2+ responses varied.

Discussion

Overall, LTH attenuates Ca2+ signaling while increasing the coupling of Ca2+ sparks to BKCa activity; a process that potentially helps maintain oxygen delivery to the developing brain.
The relationship between distress tolerance and life satisfaction among young adults in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abd Ellatif Elsayed Hala , Aleriani Fatemah
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examined the relationship between Distress Tolerance, defined as the individual’s ability to withstand psychological stress or endure negative emotions, and Life Satisfaction, the cognitive component of the individual’s subjective wellbeing, among Saudi young adults aged 20–30. The study aimed to understand the overall scores of distress tolerance, life satisfaction, and gender differences in these variables.

Methods

Online questionnaires were distributed to 348 participants selected based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, using self-report scales: the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The sample consisted of 77 males and 271 females, with a mean age of 1.8793 years (SD = 0.81931). Data were analyzed using the SPSS program.

Results

The findings supported our hypotheses that (1) Saudi young adults have high overall scores of distress tolerance and life satisfaction, (2) there is a significant positive correlation between distress tolerance and life satisfaction, (3) there are no significant differences between males and females regarding overall distress tolerance and life satisfaction levels, although (4) a significant gender difference was found in the emotional regulation subscale of DTS. A linear regression analysis also showed that distress tolerance significantly predicts life satisfaction.

Conclusion

Distress tolerance and life satisfaction are positively associated among Saudi young adults, with no significant gender differences in overall levels. However, differences in specific subscales, such as emotional regulation, warrant further investigation. These findings provide valuable insights for interventions to enhance this population’s wellbeing.
Treatment strategies for smartphone addiction: efficacy study of transcranial direct current stimulation and exergaming
Authors: Chen Jun , Jia YuQing , Zhu YanXia , Liu Qin , Cheng Fan , Yang Bo , Zhang EnMing
Published: November 2024

Objective

Smartphone addiction is on the rise globally. This study aimed to compare the rehabilitative effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and exergames on smartphone addiction among college students. Additionally, we discussed the central mechanisms through changes in electroencephalography (EEG) to provide clinical insights.

Methods

Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to three groups: control group, tDCS group (bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex stimulation), and exergame group. The intervention lasted for 4 weeks with twice-weekly sessions. Outcome measures included the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Chinese Version (SAS-C), Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) net scores, and event-related potential (ERP) data collected during the IGT, focusing on P300 and feedback-related negativity (FRN) amplitudes.

Results

All groups showed significant reductions in SAS-C scores post-intervention. Behaviorally, post-intervention scores improved, indicating significant effects of different interventions on participants’ strategy choices. P300 amplitudes increased significantly at outcome electrode sites for all groups, with the most notable increase in tDCS group FC2 and CP1. FRN amplitudes decreased significantly post-intervention in the control and tDCS groups, with significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

All three interventions appeared to have alleviating effect on smartphone addiction. After 4 weeks, participants showed improved executive control and decision-making abilities. Specifically, significant effects were observed in the tDCS group, with increased P300 amplitudes in the frontal, parietal, and central regions, as well as FRN amplitudes in the central and frontal regions. This suggested that tDCS enhanced psychological resources and improved inhibition control capabilities.
Professional values, ethical climate and job satisfaction of nurses and their selected sociodemographic and occupational characteristics
Authors: Ozdoba Patrycja , Jurek Krzysztof , Dobrowolska Beata
Published: November 2024

Aim

To explore the relationship of selected socio-demographic and occupational characteristics of nurses and their level of professional values, hospital ethical climate and job satisfaction.

Methods

Cross-sectional study was conducted among 388 Polish nurses from the spring of 2021 to winter of 2023, in the eastern part of Poland; and followed by Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Four research tools were used to collect data together with questionnaire for socio-demographic and occupational characteristics.

Results

Professional values such as activism correlate negatively with religious beliefs (Z = −1.789; p = 0.044), this means that nurses who are more involved in professional change activities are likely to be less associated with religious beliefs. A positive correlation was observed between the Ethical Hospital Climate Survey subscale—peer relations and nurses’ education level (H = 5.638; p = 0.048), indicating that a higher education level was associated with better relationships with colleagues at work. A negative relationship was identified between nurses’ external job satisfaction and their marital status (Z = −1.958; p = 0.040), that is, married nurses feel less satisfaction with the external aspects of their jobs than their single colleagues.

Discussion

These findings underscore that medical staff management should take into account both sociodemographic factors [e.g., age, education, place of residence, marital status, religious beliefs, as well as professional factors (working hours, qualification course, etc.)] that affect nurses’ professional values, job satisfaction and the ethical climate of the hospital. These underscore the need to adapt management strategies to the individual needs of employees, which can contribute to improving working conditions in healthcare facilities.

Data collection tool

The data collection tool consists of four sections.

Demographics

Collected background and demographic information.

Nurses’ professional values scale (NPVS-3)

Assessed professional values among nurses.

Hospital ethical climate survey (HECS)

Assessed hospital ethical climate among nurses.

Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire-short form (MSQ-SF)

Assessed job satisfaction levels among nurses.
Catalyzing IVF outcome prediction: exploring advanced machine learning paradigms for enhanced success rate prognostication
Authors: Sadegh-Zadeh Seyed-Ali , Khanjani Sanaz , Javanmardi Shima , Bayat Bita , Naderi Zahra , Hajiyavand Amir M.
Published: November 2024

This study addresses the research problem of enhancing In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) success rate prediction by integrating advanced machine learning paradigms with gynecological expertise. The methodology involves the analysis of comprehensive datasets from 2017 to 2018 and 2010–2016. Machine learning models, including Logistic Regression, Gaussian NB, SVM, MLP, KNN, and ensemble models like Random Forest, AdaBoost, Logit Boost, RUS Boost, and RSM, were employed. Key findings reveal the significance of patient demographics, infertility factors, and treatment protocols in IVF success prediction. Notably, ensemble learning methods demonstrated high accuracy, with Logit Boost achieving an accuracy of 96.35%. The implications of this research span clinical decision support, patient counseling, and data preprocessing techniques, highlighting the potential for personalized IVF treatments and continuous monitoring. The study underscores the importance of collaboration between gynecologists and data scientists to optimize IVF outcomes. Prospective studies and external validation are suggested as future directions, promising to further revolutionize fertility treatments and offer hope to couples facing infertility challenges.
Predicting patient reported outcome measures: a scoping review for the artificial intelligence-guided patient preference predictor
Authors: Balch Jeremy A. , Chatham A. Hayes , Hong Philip K. W. , Manganiello Lauren , Baskaran Naveen , Bihorac Azra , Shickel Benjamin , Moseley Ray E. , Loftus Tyler J.
Published: November 2024

Background

The algorithmic patient preference predictor (PPP) has been proposed to aid in decision making for incapacitated patients in the absence of advanced directives. Ethical and legal challenges aside, multiple practical barriers exist for building a personalized PPP. Here, we examine previous work using machine learning to predict patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for capacitated patients undergoing diverse procedures, therapies, and life events. Demonstrating robust performance in predicting PROMs for capacitated patients could suggest opportunities for developing a model tailored to incapacitated ones.

Methods

We performed a scoping review of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines to capture studies using machine learning to predict PROMs following a medical event alongside qualitative studies exploring a theoretical PPP.

Results

Sixty-eight studies used machine learning to evaluate PROMs; an additional 20 studies focused on a theoretical PPP. For PROMs, orthopedic surgeries (n = 33) and spinal surgeries (n = 12) were the most common medical event. Studies used demographic (n = 30), pre-event PROMs (n = 52), comorbidities (n = 29), social determinants of health (n = 30), and intraoperative variables (n = 124) as predictors. Thirty-four different PROMs were used as the target outcome. Evaluation metrics varied by task, but performance was overall poor to moderate for the best reported scores. In models that used feature importance, pre-event PROMs were the most predictive of post-event PROMs. Fairness assessments were rare (n = 6). These findings reinforce the necessity of the integrating patient values and preferences, beyond demographic factors, to improve the development of personalized PPP models for incapacitated patients.

Conclusion

The primary objective of a PPP is to estimate patient-reported quality of life following an intervention. Use of machine learning to predict PROMs for capacitated patients introduces challenges and opportunities for building a personalized PPP for incapacitated patients without advanced directives.
Controller design and experimental validation of walking for a musculoskeletal bipedal lower limb robot based on the spring-loaded inverted pendulum model
Authors: Li Yiqi , Jiang Yelin , Hosoda Koh
Published: November 2024

In the study of PAM (McKibben-type pneumatic artificial muscle)-driven bipedal robots, it is essential to investigate whether the intrinsic properties of the PAM contribute to achieving stable robot motion. Furthermore, it is crucial to determine if this contribution can be achieved through the interaction between the robot’s mechanical structure and the PAM. In previous research, a PAM-driven bipedal musculoskeletal robot was designed based on the principles of the spring-loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP) model. The robot features low leg inertia and concentrated mass near the hip joint. However, it is important to note that for this robot, only the design principles were based on the SLIP model, and no specialized controller was specifically designed based on the model. To address this issue, based on the characteristics of the developed robot, a PAM controller designed also based on the SLIP model is developed in this study. This model-based controller regulates ankle flexion PAM to adjust the direction of the ground reaction force during robot walking motion. The results indicate that the proposed controller effectively directs the leg ground reaction force towards the center of mass during walking.
Survey of learning-based approaches for robotic in-hand manipulation
Authors: Weinberg Abraham Itzhak , Shirizly Alon , Azulay Osher , Sintov Avishai
Published: November 2024

Human dexterity is an invaluable capability for precise manipulation of objects in complex tasks. The capability of robots to similarly grasp and perform in-hand manipulation of objects is critical for their use in the ever changing human environment, and for their ability to replace manpower. In recent decades, significant effort has been put in order to enable in-hand manipulation capabilities to robotic systems. Initial robotic manipulators followed carefully programmed paths, while later attempts provided a solution based on analytical modeling of motion and contact. However, these have failed to provide practical solutions due to inability to cope with complex environments and uncertainties. Therefore, the effort has shifted to learning-based approaches where data is collected from the real world or through a simulation, during repeated attempts to complete various tasks. The vast majority of learning approaches focused on learning data-based models that describe the system to some extent or Reinforcement Learning (RL). RL, in particular, has seen growing interest due to the remarkable ability to generate solutions to problems with minimal human guidance. In this survey paper, we track the developments of learning approaches for in-hand manipulations and, explore the challenges and opportunities. This survey is designed both as an introduction for novices in the field with a glossary of terms as well as a guide of novel advances for advanced practitioners.
Deservingness and temporal borders: the reproduction of global mobility hierarchies in Swedish family reunification
Authors: Gustafsson Hilda , Engblom Rikard
Published: November 2024

European immigration policy is increasingly selective and stratified, favoring immigrants considered productive in the eyes of society. Using the case of Swedish family reunification, this article investigates how ideas of deservingness underlie this selection process and how it intersects with temporal bordering, impacting hierarchies of transnational mobility. Through qualitative interviews with individuals across a spectrum of legal statuses, the study finds that the increased connection between immigration policy and the housing and labor markets, combined with restrictions concerning visas, age, and legal status, induce and reproduce inequalities in waiting times and access to reunification. Within these restrictions, however, families find ways to circumvent the wait and get family time. The study contributes to the temporal turn in migration studies by exploring reunification among families with diverse backgrounds, complementing previous literature’s focus on the experiences of forced migrants. By considering how deservingness and temporal bordering shape mobility, the article offers both conceptual and empirical contributions to mobility and migration studies. Ultimately, the study brings forward a nuanced analysis of the consequences of restrictive shifts in Swedish immigration policy, contributing to the broader understanding of the current, transnational, mobility regimes.
Innovating neurosurgical training: a comprehensive evaluation of a 3D-printed intraventricular neuroendoscopy simulator and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Saemann Attill , De Rosa Adriana , Zubizarreta Oteiza Jokin , Sharma Neha , Thieringer Florian M. , Soleman Jehuda , Guzman Raphael
Published: November 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a low-cost 3D-printed simulator to improve the ability of neurosurgical residents to handle and coordinate endoscopes in performing technically demanding procedures such as neuroendoscopic removal of ventricular tumors or endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).

Methods

The simulator was developed, printed in-house, and evaluated in a trial involving neurosurgery residents who performed ETV and intraventricular tumor resection tasks using it. Participants completed a questionnaire that assessed various aspects of the simulator's effectiveness, including anatomical visualization, procedural understanding, competency enhancement, and subjective impressions.

Results

A total of 12 participants were included in the evaluation. The majority (n = 7, 53.85%) were male, with a mean age of 29.8 ± 3.27 years and 4 ± 2 years of neurosurgical experience. All participants agreed or strongly agreed (4.5 ± 0.50) that the 3D printed simulator helped develop systematic intraventricular visualization and understanding of surgical steps (4.42 ± 0.64). The handling of the endoscope was rated as realistic (4.5 ± 0.50), while the haptic qualities of the tumor were rated lower (3.83 ± 0.80; 3.92 ± 0.64). Training increased competence (4.25 ± 0.45) and coordination skills (4.5 ± 0.50), with 75% (n = 9) feeling more confident with neuroendoscopic instruments and 91.7% (n = 11) in future procedures.

Conclusion

The developed 3D-printed simulator offers an accessible and practical training resource for neurosurgical residents, addressing the limitations of traditional training methods. The simulator appears to improve procedural skills and the competence of future neurosurgeons, potentially improving patient safety and outcomes in neurosurgical practice.
Use of serum-free media for peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture and the impact on T and B cell readouts
Authors: Cochrane Stella , Saib Ouarda , Sheffield David
Published: November 2024

Introduction

As part of a wider programme of work developing next-generation risk assessment approaches (NGRA) using non-animal methods (NAMs) for safety assessment of materials, Unilever SEAC is exploring the use of a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) system to investigate how cells from different arms of the human immune system are impacted by different treatments. To maximise human relevance, the cell cultures are supported by human serum, but this came with some challenges, including an inability to measure induced levels of immunoglobulins due to high background levels. Therefore, a study comparing use of human sera containing media with three different chemically defined serum-free media was undertaken.

Materials and Methods

PBMC were isolated from healthy donors and cultured in the absence (media alone) or presence of stimulation reagents (CpG-ODN plus IL-15, Pokeweed Mitogen (PWM) or Cytostim (CS)), in RPMI plus human serum, AIM-V, CTS OpTmizer T cell expansion SFM or X-VIVO 15 media. T cell (CD4+ and CD8+) and B cell proliferation and viability were measured after 6 days, along with levels of total IgG in the cell culture supernatants.

Results

Each of the serum-free media tested supported good levels of viable and proliferating T cells and B cells over the 6 days of culture, with only a few, small differences across the media, when there was no stimulation. They also enabled detection of a stimulation-evoked increase in IgG levels. There were however some differences in the viability and proliferation responses of T and B cells, to different stimuli, across the different media.

Discussion

The serum-free media formulations tested in this study offer defined systems for. measuring B cell IgG responses, in vitro, in either a ‘T cell-independent’ (CpG + IL-15) or “T cell-dependent” (PWM or CS) manner and for assessing B cell proliferation, particularly in response to a “T cell-independent” stimulus. However, there are some characteristics and features endowed by human serum that appear to be missing. Therefore, further work is required to optimise animal-free, chemically defined culture conditions for PBMC based assays for inclusion in tiered safety assessments.
Network and Business Performance Installed in Coworking Spaces: Evidence and Associations
Authors: Lima Hérique Costa Ribeiro de , Filho Rodolfo Araujo de Moraes , Oliveira Brigitte Renata Bezerra de , Lima Telma Lúcia de Andrade , Sobral Marcos Felipe Falcão
Published: November 2024

Space sharing for companies has become a trend in the last decade. Many of the benefits of these spaces go beyond the financial scope, creating real value-added processes from these spaces. This study examines the associations between networks developed in coworking spaces and business performance. This research was quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive ex post facto. A survey was conducted among companies installed in coworking spaces in Recife, Brazil. The sample consisted of 77 valid respondents, and the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics that measure central tendency, factor analysis, and Spearman (ordinal indicators) and Pearson (resulting factors) correlations, in addition to reliability tests and adequacy of the sample, necessary in the refinement of the scales. This study makes a theoretical contribution by specifying the concept of coworking, a topic still underexplored in the literature, and by defining networks in this context, which allowed for the development of a measurement scale. It also discusses the performance construct and its measurement classes, which showed significant internal consistency. Despite the consistency in the data, only the hypothesis of a positive and significant association between network and market performance was partially accepted, demonstrating that more than the network alone was needed to generate results among coworkers. This lack of association contradicts the literature as it is the most discussed aspect in qualitative studies on coworking and suggests that the network may not be a final resource but rather a means by which users obtain benefits such as benchmarks, creative ideas, and adaptation of business practices.