bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing new ways to listen: the value of narrative approaches in empirical (bio)ethics
Authors: Roest Bernadette , Milota Megan , Leget Carlo
Published: September 2021

The use of qualitative research in empirical bioethics is becoming increasingly popular, but its implementation comes with several challenges, such as difficulties in aligning moral epistemology and methods. In this paper, we describe some problems that empirical bioethics researchers may face; these problems are related to a tension between the different poles on the spectrum of scientific paradigms, namely a positivist and interpretive stance. We explore the ideas of narrative construction, ‘genres’ in medicine and dominant discourses in relation to empirical research. We also reflect on the loss of depth and context that may occur with thematic or content analyses of interviews, and discuss the need for transparency about methodologies in empirical bioethics. Drawing on insights from narrative approaches in the social sciences and the clinical-educational discipline of Narrative Medicine, we further clarify these problems and suggest a narrative approach to qualitative interviewing in empirical bioethics that enables researchers to ‘listen (and read) in new ways’. We then show how this approach was applied in the first author’s research project about euthanasia decision-making. In addition, we stress the importantethicaltask of scrutinizing methodologies and meta-ethical standpoints, as they inevitably impact empirical outcomes and corresponding ethical judgments. Finally, we raise the question whether a ‘diagnostic’, rather than a ‘problem-solving’, mindset could and should be foregrounded in empirical ethics, albeit without losing a commitment to ethics’ normative task, and suggest further avenues for theorizing about listening and epistemic (in)justice in relation to empirical (bio)ethics.
How costly is the first prenatal clinic visit? Analysis of out-of-pocket expenditure in rural Sri Lanka - a country with free maternal health care
Authors: Gunarathne Sajaan Praveena , Wickramasinghe Nuwan Darshana , Agampodi Thilini Chanchala , Prasanna Indika Ruwan , Agampodi Suneth Buddhika
Published: September 2021

Background

This study aimed to determine the magnitude of and factors associated with out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) during the first prenatal clinic visit among pregnant women in Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka, which provides free maternal healthcare.

Methods

The study design was a cross-sectional study, and the study setting was 22 Medical Officers of Health (MOOH) areas in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka. Data of 1389 pregnant women were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.

Results

The mean OOPE of the first prenatal clinic visit was USD 8.12, which accounted for 2.9 and 4.5% of the household income and expenditure, respectively. Pregnant women who used only government-free health services (which are free of charge at the point of service delivery) had an OOPE of USD 3.49. A significant correlation was recorded between household expenditure (rs = 0.095,p = 0.002) and the number of pregnancies (rs = − 0.155,p < 0.001) with OOPE. Education level less than primary education is positively contributed to OOPE (p < 0.05), and utilizing government-free maternal health services lead to a decrease in the OOPE for the first prenatal clinic visit (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Despite having free maternal services, the OOPE of the first prenatal clinic visit is high in rural Sri Lanka. One-fifth of pregnant women utilize private health services, and pregnant women who used only government-free maternal health services also spend a direct medical cost for medicines/micronutrient supplements.
Costs and barriers faced by households seeking malaria treatment in the Upper River Region, The Gambia
Authors: Broekhuizen Henk , Fehr Alexandra , Nieto-Sanchez Claudia , Muela Joan , Peeters-Grietens Koen , Smekens Tom , Kalleh Momodou , Rijndertse Esmé , Achan Jane , D’Alessandro Umberto
Published: September 2021

Background

Malaria transmission in The Gambia decreased substantially over the last 20 years thanks to the scale-up of control interventions. However, malaria prevalence is still relatively high in eastern Gambia and represents both a health and a financial burden for households. This study aims to quantify the out-of-pocket costs and productivity losses of seeking malaria treatment at household level.

Methods

A household survey was carried out through in-person interviews. Respondents were asked about malaria prevention methods, their treatment-seeking behaviour, and any costs incurred for transport, services, food, and/or overnight stays. A bottom-up costing approach was used to calculate the unit cost of treatment and a tobit regression approach to investigate cost drivers.

Results

The survey included 864 respondents, mainly subsistence farmers. Most respondents (87%) considered malaria to be a problem affecting their ability to perform their regular duties. Respondents preferred going to a health facility for treatment. The primary reason for not going was related to costs; 70% of respondents incurred costs for seeking health care, with a median of £3.62 (IQR: £1.73 to £6.10). The primary driver of cost was living in one of the villages that are off the main road and/or far from health facilities. 66% reported productivity loss of 5 working days on average during a malaria episode of them or their child.

Conclusions

Although malaria prevalence is decreasing and treatment is provided free of charge, households seeking treatment are confronted with out-of-pocket expenditures and lost working days; particularly in remote villages.
Does higher health literacy lead to higher trust in public hospitals?
Authors: Bertram Maja , Brandt Urs Steiner , Hansen Rikke Klitten , Svendsen Gert Tinggaard
Published: September 2021

Background

Does higher health literacy lead to higher trust in public hospitals? Existing literature suggests that this is the case since a positive association between the level of health literacy and the level of trust in physicians and the health care system has been shown. This study aims to challenge this assumption.

Methods

Based on theoretical arguments from game theory and analysis of empirical data, we argue that the association is better described as an inversely u-shaped curve, suggesting that low and high levels of health literacy lead to a lower level of trust than a medium level of health literacy does. The empirical analysis is based on a study of the Danes’ relationship to the overall health care system. More than 6000 Danes have been asked about their overall expectations of the health service, their concrete experiences and their attitudes to a number of change initiatives.

Results

Game theory analysis show that the combined perceived cooperation and benefit effects can explain an inversely u-shaped relationship between social groups and trust in the health care system. Based on quantitative, binary regression analyses of empirical data, the lowest degree of trust is found among patients from the lowest and highest social groups, while the highest degree of trust is found in the middle group. The main driver for this result is that while patients having low health literacy perceive that the health care system is not cooperative, patients with a high level of health literacy have high expectations about the quality, which the health care system might not be able to provide. This reduces the perceived benefit from their encounter with the health care system.

Conclusion

It is important that health care professionals understand that some patient groups have a higher chance of cooperation (e.g., agreeing on the choice of treatment) or defection (e.g. passing a complaint) than others. In perspective, future research should undertake further qualitative examinations of possible patient types and their demands in relation to different health care sectors, focusing specifically on the opportunities to improve the handling of different patient types.
Mental and physical health, and long-term quality of life among service members injured on deployment
Authors: McCabe Cameron T. , Watrous Jessica R. , Eskridge Susan L. , Galarneau Michael R.
Published: September 2021

Background

More than 52,000 casualties have been documented in post-9/11 conflicts. Service members with extremity injuries (EIs) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be at particular risk for long-term deficits in mental and physical health functioning compared with service members with other injuries.

Methods

The present study combined medical records with patient reports of mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for 2,537 service members injured in overseas contingency operations who participated in the Wounded Warrior Recovery Project. Combined parallel-serial mediation models were tested to examine the pathways through which injury is related to mental and physical health conditions, and long-term HRQOL.

Results

Results revealed that injury was indirectly related to long-term HRQOL via its associations with physical health complications and mental health symptoms. Relative to TBI, EI was associated with a higher likelihood for a postinjury diagnosis for a musculoskeletal condition, which were related to lower levels of later posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and higher levels of physical and mental HRQOL. Similarly, EI was related to a lower likelihood for a postinjury PTSD diagnosis, and lower levels of subsequent PTSD symptoms, and therefore higher physical and mental HRQOL relative to those with TBI. Despite this, the prevalence of probable PTSD among those with EI was high (35%). Implications for intervention, rehabilitation, and future research are discussed.
Determination of a six-gene prognostic model for cervical cancer based on WGCNA combined with LASSO and Cox-PH analysis
Authors: Li Shiyan , Han Fengjuan , Qi Na , Wen Liyang , Li Jia , Feng Cong , Wang Qingling
Published: September 2021

Aim

This study aimed to establish a risk model of hub genes to evaluate the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

Based on TCGA and GTEx databases, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and then analyzed using GO and KEGG analyses. The weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) was then used to perform modular analysis of DEGs. Univariate Cox regression analysis combined with LASSO and Cox-pH was used to select the prognostic genes. Then, multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen the hub genes. The risk model was established based on hub genes and evaluated by risk curve, survival state, Kaplan-Meier curve, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

We screened 1265 DEGs between cervical cancer and normal samples, of which 620 were downregulated and 645 were upregulated. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that most of the upregulated genes were related to the metastasis of cancer cells, while the downregulated genes mostly acted on the cell cycle. Then, WGCNA mined six modules (red, blue, green, brown, yellow, and gray), and the brown module with the most DEGs and related to multiple cancers was selected for the follow-up study. Eight genes were identified by univariate Cox regression analysis combined with the LASSO Cox-pH model. Then, six hub genes (SLC25A5, ENO1, ANLN, RIBC2, PTTG1, and MCM5) were screened by multivariate Cox regression analysis, and SLC25A5, ANLN, RIBC2, and PTTG1 could be used as independent prognostic factors. Finally, we determined that the risk model established by the six hub genes was effective and stable.

Conclusions

This study supplies the prognostic value of the risk model and the new promising targets for the cervical cancer treatment, and their biological functions need to be further explored.
Risk of heparinoid use in cosmetics and moisturizers in individuals vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Authors: Yamamoto Kenji
Published: September 2021

Recently, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) after vaccination with the vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca and Pfizer–BioNTech has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. These reports state that heparin was not used around the vaccination period in all cases. HIT after vaccination is more common in women; thus, heparinoid use can be suspected to induce HIT.
Cross-sectional and prospective associations of sleep, sedentary and active behaviors with mental health in older people: a compositional data analysis from the Seniors-ENRICA-2 study
Authors: Cabanas-Sánchez Verónica , Esteban-Cornejo Irene , García-Esquinas Esther , Ortolá Rosario , Ara Ignacio , Rodríguez-Gómez Irene , Chastin Sebastien F. M. , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Martínez-Gómez David
Published: September 2021

Background

Most studies on the effects of sleep, sedentary behavior (SB), and physical activity (PA) on mental health did not account for the intrinsically compositional nature of the time spent in several behaviors. Thus, we examined the cross-sectional and prospective associations of device-measured compositional time in sleep, SB, light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) with depression symptoms, loneliness, happiness, and global mental health in older people (≥ 65 years).

Methods

Data were taken from the Seniors-ENRICA-2 study, with assessments in 2015–2017 (wave 0) and 2018–2019 (wave 1). Time spent in sleep, SB, LPA and MVPA was assessed by wrist-worn accelerometers. Depression symptoms, loneliness, happiness, and global mental health were self-reported using validated questionnaires. Analyses were performed using a compositional data analysis (CoDA) paradigm and adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

In cross-sectional analyses at wave 0 (n = 2489), time-use composition as a whole was associated with depression and happiness (all p < 0.01). The time spent in MVPA relative to other behaviors was beneficially associated with depression (γ = -0.397, p < 0.001), loneliness (γ = -0.124, p = 0.017) and happiness (γ = 0.243, p < 0.001). Hypothetically, replacing 30-min of Sleep, SB or LPA with MVPA was beneficially cross-sectionally related with depression (effect size [ES] ranged -0.326 to -0.246), loneliness (ES ranged -0.118 to -0.073), and happiness (ES ranged 0.152 to 0.172). In prospective analyses (n = 1679), MVPA relative to other behaviors at baseline, was associated with favorable changes in global mental health (γ = 0.892, p = 0.049). We observed a beneficial prospective effect on global mental health when 30-min of sleep (ES = 0.521), SB (ES = 0.479) or LPA (ES = 0.755) were theoretically replaced for MVPA.

Conclusions

MVPA was cross-sectionally related with reduced depression symptoms and loneliness and elevated level of happiness, and prospectively related with enhanced global mental health. Compositional isotemporal analyses showed that hypothetically replacing sleep, SB or LPA with MVPA could result in modest but significantly improvements on mental health indicators. Our findings add evidence to the emerging body of research on 24-h time-use and health using CoDA and suggest an integrated role of daily behaviors on mental health in older people.
Identification of circulating sphingosine kinase-related metabolites for prediction of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen Qi , Wang Wei , Xia Ming-Feng , Lu You-li , Bian Hua , Yu Chen , Li Xiao-Ying , Vadas Mathew A. , Gao Xin , Lin Huan-Dong , Xia Pu
Published: September 2021

Background

Sphingosine Kinase (SphK) that catalyzes sphingosine (Sph) to sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), plays a key role in both sphingolipid metabolism and cellular signaling. While SphK has been implicated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), it is unexplored in humans. Herein, we investigated whether circulating SphK-related metabolites are associated with T2DM incidence in an established prospective cohort.

Methods

Levels of SphK-related sphingolipid metabolites, including Sph, S1P, dihydrosphingosine (dhSph) and dihydro-S1P (dhS1P) in serum were measured by targeted-lipidomic analyses. By accessing to an established prospective cohort that involves a total of 2486 non-diabetic adults at baseline, 100 subjects who developed T2DM after a mean follow-up of 4.2-years, along with 100 control subjects matched strictly with age, sex, BMI and fasting glucose, were randomly enrolled for the present study.

Results

Comparison with the control group, medians of serum dhS1P and dhS1P/dhSph ratio at baseline were elevated significantly prior to the onset of T2DM. Each SD increment of dhS1P and dhS1P/dhSph ratio was associated with 53.5% and 54.1% increased risk of incident diabetes, respectively. The predictive effect of circulating dhS1P and dhS1P/dhSph ratio on T2DM incidence was independent of conventional risk factors in multivariate regression models. Furthermore, combination of serum dhS1P and dhS1P/dhSph ratio with conventional clinical indices significantly improved the accuracy of T2DM prediction (AUROC, 0.726), especially for normoglycemic subjects (AUROC, 0.859).

Conclusion

Circulating levels of dhS1P and dhS1P/dhSph ratio are strongly associated with increased risk of T2DM, and could serve as a useful biomarker for prediction of incident T2DM in normoglycemic populations.
Galantamine prevents and reverses neuroimmune induction and loss of adult hippocampal neurogenesis following adolescent alcohol exposure
Authors: Macht Victoria , Vetreno Ryan , Elchert Natalie , Crews Fulton
Published: September 2021

Background

Binge ethanol exposure during adolescence reduces hippocampal neurogenesis, a reduction which persists throughout adulthood despite abstinence. This loss of neurogenesis, indicated by reduced doublecortin+ immunoreactivity (DCX+IR), is paralleled by an increase in hippocampal proinflammatory signaling cascades. As galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, has anti-inflammatory actions, we tested the hypothesis that galantamine would prevent (study 1) or restore (study 2) AIE induction of proinflammatory signals within the hippocampus as well as AIE-induced loss of hippocampal neurogenesis.

Methods

Galantamine (4 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline) was administered to Wistar rats during adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE; 5.0 g/kg ethanol, 2 days on/2 days off, postnatal day [P] 25-54) (study 1, prevention) or after AIE during abstinent maturation to adulthood (study 2, restoration).

Results

Results indicate AIE reduced DCX+IR and induced cleaved caspase3 (Casp3) in DCX-expressing immature neurons. Excitingly, AIE induction of activated Casp3 in DCX-expressing neurons is both prevented and reversed by galantamine treatment, which also resulted in prevention and restoration of neurogenesis (DCX+IR). Similarly, galantamine prevented and/or reversed AIE induction of proinflammatory markers, including the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, suggesting that AIE induction of proinflammatory signaling mediates both cell death cascades and hippocampal neurogenesis. Interestingly, galantamine treatment increased Ki67+IR generally as well as increased pan-Trk expression specifically in AIE-treated rats but failed to reverse AIE induction of NADPH-oxidase (gp91phox).

Conclusions

Collectively, our studies suggest that (1) loss of neurogenesis after AIE is mediated by persistent induction of proinflammatory cascades which drive activation of cell death machinery in immature neurons, and (2) galantamine can prevent and restore AIE disruptions in the hippocampal environmental milieu to then prevent and restore AIE-mediated loss of neurogenesis.
NAD+ improves cognitive function and reduces neuroinflammation by ameliorating mitochondrial damage and decreasing ROS production in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion models through Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway
Authors: Zhao Yao , Zhang Jiawei , Zheng Yaling , Zhang Yaxuan , Zhang Xiao Jie , Wang Hongmei , Du Yu , Guan Jian , Wang Xiuzhe , Fu Jianliang
Published: September 2021

Background

Microglial-mediated neuroinflammation plays an important role in vascular dementia, and modulating neuroinflammation has emerged as a promising treatment target. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) shows anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in many neurodegenerative disease models, but its role in the chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is still unclear.

Methods

The bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) was performed to establish CCH models in Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were given daily intraperitoneal injection of NAD+ for 8 weeks. The behavioral test and markers for neuronal death and neuroinflammation were analyzed. Mitochondrial damage and ROS production in microglia were also assessed. RNA-seq was performed to investigate the mechanistic pathway changes. For in vitro studies, Sirt1 was overexpressed in BV2 microglial cells to compare with NAD+ treatment effects on mitochondrial injury and neuroinflammation.

Results

NAD+ administration rescued cognitive deficits and inhibited neuroinflammation by protecting mitochondria and decreasing ROS production in CCH rats. Results of mechanistic pathway analysis indicated that the detrimental effects of CCH might be associated with decreased gene expression of PPAR-γ co-activator1α (PGC-1α) and its upstream transcription factor Sirt1, while NAD+ treatment markedly reversed their decrease. In vitro study confirmed that NAD+ administration had protective effects on hypoxia-induced neuroinflammation and mitochondrial damage, as well as ROS production in BV2 microglia via Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway. Sirt1 overexpression mimicked the protective effects of NAD+ treatment in BV2 microglia.

Conclusions

NAD+ ameliorated cognitive impairment and dampened neuroinflammation in CCH models in vivo and in vitro, and these beneficial effects were associated with mitochondrial protection and ROS inhibition via activating Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway.
Influence of HFD-induced precocious puberty on neurodevelopment in mice
Authors: Bo Tingbei , Wen Jing , Gao Wenting , Tang Liqiu , Liu Min , Wang Dehua
Published: September 2021

Background

Precocious puberty is frequently associated with obesity, which will lead to long-term effects, especially on growth and reproduction. However, the effect of precocious puberty on children's neurodevelopment is still unknown.

Objectives

Here we evaluated the effect of High fat diet (HFD)-induced precocious puberty on neurodevelopment and behaviors of animals.

Methods

Ovaries sections were stained with hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) using standard techniques. Behavioral tests included elevated plus maze (EPM), open field exploration, Y-Maze, marble burying test, and novelty- suppressed feeding. The expression of genes related to puberty and neural development was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.

Results

Our results showed HFD-induced precocious puberty increased the risk-taking behavior and decreased memory of mice. The content of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and Arginine vasopressin (AVP) in hypothalamus were higher in HFD group than control group. Although the recovery of normal diet will gradually restore the body fat and other physiological index of mice, the anxiety increases in adult mice, and the memory is also damaged.

Conclusions

These findings describe the sensitivity of mice brain to HFD-induced precocious puberty and the irrecoverability of neural damage caused by precocious puberty. Therefore, avoiding HFD in childhood is important to prevent precocious puberty and neurodevelopmental impairment in mice.

Graphic abstract
Interactions of brain, blood, and CSF: a novel mathematical model of cerebral edema
Authors: Doron Omer , Zadka Yuliya , Barnea Ofer , Rosenthal Guy
Published: September 2021

Background

Previous models of intracranial pressure (ICP) dynamics have not included flow of cerebral interstitial fluid (ISF) and changes in resistance to its flow when brain swelling occurs. We sought to develop a mathematical model that incorporates resistance to the bulk flow of cerebral ISF to better simulate the physiological changes that occur in pathologies in which brain swelling predominates and to assess the model’s ability to depict changes in cerebral physiology associated with cerebral edema.

Methods

We developed a lumped parameter model which includes a representation of cerebral ISF flow within brain tissue and its interactions with CSF flow and cerebral blood flow (CBF). The model is based on an electrical analog circuit with four intracranial compartments: the (1) subarachnoid space, (2) brain, (3) ventricles, (4) cerebral vasculature and the extracranial spinal thecal sac. We determined changes in pressure and volume within cerebral compartments at steady-state and simulated physiological perturbations including rapid injection of fluid into the intracranial space, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. We simulated changes in resistance to flow or absorption of CSF and cerebral ISF to model hydrocephalus, cerebral edema, and to simulate disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

Results

The model accurately replicates well-accepted features of intracranial physiology including the exponential-like pressure–volume curve with rapid fluid injection, increased ICP pulse pressure with rising ICP, hydrocephalus resulting from increased resistance to CSF outflow, and changes associated with hyperventilation and hypoventilation. Importantly, modeling cerebral edema with increased resistance to cerebral ISF flow mimics key features of brain swelling including elevated ICP, increased brain volume, markedly reduced ventricular volume, and a contracted subarachnoid space. Similarly, a decreased resistance to flow of fluid across the BBB leads to an exponential-like rise in ICP and ventricular collapse.

Conclusions

The model accurately depicts the complex interactions that occur between pressure, volume, and resistances to flow in the different intracranial compartments under specific pathophysiological conditions. In modelling resistance to bulk flow of cerebral ISF, it may serve as a platform for improved modelling of cerebral edema and blood–brain barrier disruption that occur following brain injury.
Towards a better understanding of Fagopyrum dibotrys: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Le-Le , He Yan , Sheng Feiya , Hu Ying-Fan , Song Yu , Li Wei , Chen Jiarong , Zhang Jinming , Zou Liang
Published: September 2021

Fagopyrum dibotrys (F. dibotrys) (D.Don) H.Hara is a well-known edible herbal medicine in Asian countries. It has been widely used for the treatment of lung diseases, swelling, etc., and is also an important part of many Chinese medicine prescriptions. At present, more than 100 compounds have been isolated and identified from F. dibotrys, and these compounds can be primarily divided into flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, steroids, and fatty acids. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds are considered to be the main active ingredients of F. dibotrys. Previous pharmacological studies have shown that F. dibotrys possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-diabetic activities. Additional studies on functional genes have led to a better understanding of the metabolic pathways and regulatory factors related with the flavonoid active ingredients in F. dibotrys. In this paper, we systemically reviewed the research advances on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of F. dibotrys, as well as the functional genes related to the synthesis of active ingredients, aiming to promote the development and utilization of F. dibotrys.
Potential mechanism of Ziyin Tongluo Formula in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: based on network pharmacology and ovariectomized rat model
Authors: Chen Rong-Bin , Yang Ying-Dong , Sun Kai , Liu Shan , Guo Wei , Zhang Jin-Xin , Li Yong
Published: September 2021

Background

Amending from ancient classic, Ziyin Tongluo Formula (ZYTLF) has been prescribed to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) for decades with good curative effect. However, the possible mechanisms of it are still unknown.

Methods

Ovariectomized rat model was established to validate the therapeutic effect of ZYTLF on PMOP by Micro-CT bone analysis and pathological observation. Subsequently, active ingredients of ZYTLF and corresponding putative targets were identified by online databases. Overlapping genes were first obtained from mining genes associated with PMOP and then overlapped them with the putative targets. Key genes were selected from the multiple constructed and analyzed networks. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed by importing the key genes to the DAVID database. Moreover, validation of the binding association between key targets and their corresponding active compounds were accomplished by AutoDock Tools and other software. Lastly, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) detection and Western blot analysis were utilized to further explore the possible mechanism of ZYTLF on PMOP.

Results

With 129 target genes interacting with PMOP, 92 active compounds of ZYTLF corresponded to 243 targets, and 50 key genes were chosen. Network analysis revealed the top 10 active ingredients, such as quercetin and kaempferol and the top 50 key genes, such as ERα, p38 MAPK, p-AKT and TGF-β1. Enrichment analysis uncovered multiple signaling pathways, including estrogen signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, our finding of the foremost active compounds was tightly bound to the core proteins, which were verified by molecular docking analysis. Through experimental studies, we confirmed that the prescription of ZYTLF could ameliorate the OVX-induced bone loss, suppress the osteoclast activity and boost osteoblast ability through experimental studies.

Conclusion

The potential mechanisms and therapeutic effects of ZYTLF against PMOP may be ascribed to inhibition of osteoclast activity, boost of osteoblast activity and enhancement of the expression of ERα.
In-hospital and web-based intervention to counteract vaccine hesitancy in very preterm infants’ families: a NICU experience
Authors: Di Mauro Antonio , Di Mauro Federica , Greco Chiara , Giannico Orazio Valerio , Grosso Francesca Maria , Baldassarre Maria Elisabetta , Capozza Manuela , Schettini Federico , Stefanizzi Pasquale , Laforgia Nicola
Published: September 2021

Background

Vaccine hesitancy is a global problem, carrying significant health risks for extremely vulnerable population as that of preterm infants. Social media are emerging as significant tools for public health promotion. Our aim was to evaluate both the coverage and the timeliness of routine immunizations in a cohort of preterm infants (< 33 weeks of gestational age) at 24 months of age whose families have been subjected to in-hospital and web-based interventions to counteract vaccine hesitancy.

Methods

For a period of 2 years parents of preterm infants were instructed during their follow up visits by a member of the NICU team to get correct informations about vaccines from a social network page. Vaccination rates of preterm infants were assessed at 24 months of chronological age with an electronic database and compared to both general population and historical cohort.

Results

Coverage and timeliness of vaccinations at 24 months of age of 170 preterm infants were analyzed in December 2019. Gestational age and birth weight median (IQR) were, respectively, 31.0 (5.0) weeks and 1475.0 (843.8) g. Coverage rates were similar to those of the regional population (p > 0.05), while timeliness of administration was significantly delayed compared to the recommended schedule (p < 0.001). Age of administration was not correlated with either body weight and gestational age at birth (Spearman rank, p > 0.05). DTaP-IPV-HBV-Hib 2nd and 3rd doses, MMR and Varicella vaccines coverage data were higher compared to historical cohort (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Increasing vaccine confidence through web-based interventions could have a positive impact on vaccination acceptance of parents of preterm infants, although timeliness results still delayed. There is a strong need to develop different and effective vaccination strategies to protect this very vulnerable population.
Trends in the incidence and outcome of sepsis using data from a Japanese nationwide medical claims database-the Japan Sepsis Alliance (JaSA) study group-
Authors: Imaeda Taro , Nakada Taka-aki , Takahashi Nozomi , Yamao Yasuo , Nakagawa Satoshi , Ogura Hiroshi , Shime Nobuaki , Umemura Yutaka , Matsushima Asako , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: September 2021

Background

Trends in the incidence and outcomes of sepsis using a Japanese nationwide database were investigated.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Adult patients, who had both presumed serious infections and acute organ dysfunction, between 2010 and 2017 were extracted using a combined method of administrative and electronic health record data from the Japanese nationwide medical claim database, which covered 71.5% of all acute care hospitals in 2017. Presumed serious infection was defined using blood culture test records and antibiotic administration. Acute organ dysfunction was defined using records of diagnosis according to the international statistical classification of diseases and related health problems, 10th revision, and records of organ support. The primary outcomes were the annual incidence of sepsis and death in sepsis per 1000 inpatients. The secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality rate and length of hospital stay in patients with sepsis.

Results

The analyzed dataset included 50,490,128 adult inpatients admitted between 2010 and 2017. Of these, 2,043,073 (4.0%) patients had sepsis. During the 8-year period, the annual proportion of patients with sepsis across inpatients significantly increased (slope = + 0.30%/year,P < 0.0001), accounting for 4.9% of the total inpatients in 2017. The annual death rate of sepsis per 1000 inpatients significantly increased (slope = + 1.8/1000 inpatients year,P = 0.0001), accounting for 7.8 deaths per 1000 inpatients in 2017. The in-hospital mortality rate and median (interquartile range) length of hospital stay significantly decreased (P < 0.001) over the study period and were 18.3% and 27 (15–50) days in 2017, respectively.

Conclusions

The Japanese nationwide data indicate that the annual incidence of sepsis and death in inpatients with sepsis significantly increased; however, the annual mortality rates and length of hospital stay in patients with sepsis significantly decreased. The increasing incidence of sepsis and death in sepsis appear to be a significant and ongoing issue.
Selecting lines for spectroscopic (re)measurements to improve the accuracy of absolute energies of rovibronic quantum states
Authors: Árendás Péter , Furtenbacher Tibor , Császár Attila G.
Published: September 2021

Improving the accuracy of absolute energies associated with rovibronic quantum states of molecules requires accurate high-resolution spectroscopy measurements. Such experiments yield transition wavenumbers from which the energies can be deduced via inversion procedures. To address the problem that not all transitions contribute equally to the goal of improving the accuracy of the energies, the method of Connecting Spectroscopic Components (CSC) is introduced. Using spectroscopic networks and tools of graph theory, CSC helps to find the most useful target transitions and target wavenumber regions for (re)measurement. The sets of transitions suggested by CSC should be investigated by experimental research groups in order to select those target lines which they can actually measure based on the apparatus available to them. The worked-out examples, utilizing extensive experimental spectroscopic data on the molecules H$$_2^{~16}$$

2

16

O, $$^{32}$$

32

S$$^{16}$$

16

O$$_2$$

2

, H$$_2^{~12}$$

2

12

C$$^{16}$$

16

O, and $$^{14}$$

14

NH$$_{3}$$

3

, clearly prove the overall usefulness of the CSC method and provide suggestions how CSC can be used for various tasks and under different practical circumstances.
CERMEP-IDB-MRXFDG: a database of 37 normal adult human brain [18F]FDG PET, T1 and FLAIR MRI, and CT images available for research
Authors: Mérida Inés , Jung Julien , Bouvard Sandrine , Le Bars Didier , Lancelot Sophie , Lavenne Franck , Bouillot Caroline , Redouté Jérôme , Hammers Alexander , Costes Nicolas
Published: September 2021

We present a database of cerebral PET FDG and anatomical MRI for 37 normal adult human subjects (CERMEP-IDB-MRXFDG). Thirty-nine participants underwent static [18F]FDG PET/CT and MRI, resulting in [18F]FDG PET, T1 MPRAGE MRI, FLAIR MRI, and CT images. Two participants were excluded after visual quality control. We describe the acquisition parameters, the image processing pipeline and provide participants’ individual demographics (mean age 38 ± 11.5 years, range 23–65, 20 women). Volumetric analysis of the 37 T1 MRIs showed results in line with the literature. A leave-one-out assessment of the 37 FDG images using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) yielded a low number of false positives after exclusion of artefacts. The database is stored in three different formats, following the BIDS common specification: (1) DICOM (data not processed), (2) NIFTI (multimodal images coregistered to PET subject space), (3) NIFTI normalized (images normalized to MNI space).Bona fideresearchers can request access to the database via a short form.
Isometric multiplication operators and weighted composition operators of BMOA
Authors: Geng Ligang
Published: September 2021

Let u be an analytic function in the unit disk $\mathbb{D}$
D
and φ be an analytic self-map of $\mathbb{D}$
D
. We give characterizations of the symbols u and φ for which the multiplication operator $M_{u}$

M
u

and the weighted composition operator $M_{u,\varphi }$

M

u
,
φ

are isometries of BMOA.
A cross-sectional survey of a public, evidence-based multimodal program for cognitive health in older adults
Authors: Studer-Luethi Barbara , Brasser Maria , Lusti Simon , Schaerli Rahel
Published: September 2021

Background

In recent decades, the proportion of older adults in the population has continued to rise, and with it, the need for intervention programs to maintain cognitive functions into old age. Multiple lifestyle factors, including physical, cognitive, and social activities, are crucial to forestalling a decline in cognitive functions. However, Covid-19 curtailed most activities, and therefore, strategies are needed to support older adults in remaining cognitively healthy. This study describes a newly developed and publicly available multimodal program, called “brain coach”, to support and stimulate cognitive activity in older adults. The autonomy supportive program integrates into daily life recommendations for evidence-based physical, cognitive, social, mindful, and creative activation exercises.

Methods

The study design corresponds to a correlational, analytical, and cross-sectional study with 660 older adults, who participated in the program for at least 3 months and completed an online survey.

Results

The survey results demonstrate that the average age of the participants was 71 years and 75 % were female. Participants experienced benefits in memory, well-being, attitudes towards the brain, and lifestyle habits. Importantly, time invested in the intervention and participant’s positive attitude toward brain health and neuroplasticity, show positive relationships with the experienced benefits.

Conclusions

The results reveal the potential of a public program with a multimodal approach to increase cognitive health and promote an active lifestyle. Further research will explore the effects of such a multimodal intervention in a longitudinal randomized controlled trial study.
How does satisfaction of solar PV users enhance their trust in the power grid? - Evidence from PPAPs in rural China
Authors: Ding Liping , Shi Yin , He Chenchen , Dai Qiyao , Zhang Zumeng , Li Jiaxin , Zhou Ling
Published: September 2021

Background

Photovoltaic Poverty Alleviation Projects (PPAPs) have been implemented in Chinese rural areas since 2014. As a new energy policy, PPAPs have played an important role in alleviating rural poverty. However, the adoption of solar PV faces multiple barriers from the perspective of beneficiaries. Therefore, this study aims to discuss and analyze factors affecting beneficiaries’ satisfaction and their trust in State Grid, promoting the adoption of solar PV.

Methods

Based on the integrated American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and Unified Theory of Acception and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, this study used the Structural Equation Model (SEM) to reveal how the beneficiaries’ satisfaction enhance their trust in State Grid. The data were obtained from a survey of 928 PPAPs’ beneficiaries by stratified and random sampling in Chinese rural areas.

Results

The results confirm that environmental perception in this study has positive impact on beneficiaries’ satisfaction. In addition, perceived quality also has a positive effect on beneficiaries’ satisfaction and trust in State Grid; however, social influence has a negative impact on beneficiaries’ satisfaction; behavior expectation can directly promote beneficiaries’ satisfaction while indirectly propel their trust in State Grid.

Conclusions

This study constructs an integrated customer satisfaction model from the perspective of beneficiaries and proposes relevant measures to promote the adoption of solar PV that can be applied to poverty reduction in other developing countries worldwide.
Coping strategies and perceived barriers of women hospitality workplace employees to sexual harassment in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia: a grounded theory approach
Authors: Worke Mulugeta Dile , Koricha Zewdie Birhanu , Debelew Gurmesa Tura
Published: September 2021

Background

Coping depicts how people detect, appraise, deal with, and learn from stressful encounters. Applying preferred coping strategies in various situations makes the issue a persistent agenda in hospitality workplaces, where women are unduly victims of sexual harassment. Thus, this study aimed to develop a context specific and data-driven coping strategy framework and barriers to coping strategy mechanisms for sexual harassment victimisation against women working in hospitality workplaces.

Methods

A qualitative, grounded theory approach was used. Data were collected from female employees, managers, cashiers, and customers. Semi-structured focus-group discussions and in-depth interview guides were employed. A constant comparative approach was used to describe the meanings and summarise the data. Data were coded, categorised, and networks were visualised using the ATLAS ti version 8.4.24 software package.

Results

In this study, six focus group discussions, ten in-depth interviews, and thirteen key informant interviews were conducted. The provided context specific coping strategic framework consists of four strictly interconnected dimensions with corresponding barriers practised by female hospitality employees. These were normalisation, engagement, help-seeking, and detachment. The normalisation dimension encompasses silence, acceptance, denial, refusal, grief, and tolerance. Confrontation, negotiation, retaliation/threatening, and discrimination of the perpetrators were included in the engagement dimension. Elements such as discussing with friends, complaining with supervisors, consulting professionals, and accusing perpetrators were in the help-seeking dimension. Lastly, job-hopping, job withdrawal, work withdrawal, and distancing were in the detachment dimension. Some barriers deterred all dimensions, some factors facilitated normalisation, and some adverse outcomes ended the engagement dimension.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the coping capacities of sexual harassment among female hospitality employees have been apparent, providing space for stakeholders to intervene. Our new coping strategy framework can serve as a valuable guide for designing context-specific interventions. These interventions could help women and stakeholders prevent sexual harassment, decrease barriers, and alleviate these effects.
Mitochondrial targeted antioxidants, mitoquinone and SKQ1, not vitamin C, mitigate doxorubicin-induced damage in H9c2 myoblast: pretreatment vs. co-treatment
Authors: Sacks Brian , Onal Halil , Martorana Rose , Sehgal Amogh , Harvey Amanda , Wastella Catherine , Ahmad Hafsa , Ross Erin , Pjetergjoka Adona , Prasad Sachin , Barsotti Robert , Young Lindon H. , Chen Qian
Published: September 2021

Background

Preconditioning of the heart ameliorates doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity. We tested whether pretreating cardiomyocytes by mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants, mitoquinone (MitoQ) or SKQ1, would provide better protection against Dox than co-treatment.

Methods

We investigated the dose-response relationship of MitoQ, SKQ1, and vitamin C on Dox-induced damage on H9c2 cardiomyoblasts when drugs were given concurrently with Dox (e.g., co-treatment) or 24 h prior to Dox (e.g., pretreatment). Moreover, their effects on intracellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress were evaluated by 2,7-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and MitoSOX, respectively.

Results

Dox (0.5–50 μM, n = 6) dose-dependently reduced cell viability. By contrast, co-treatment of MitoQ (0.05–10 μM, n = 6) and SKQ1 (0.05–10 μM, n = 6), but not vitamin C (1–2000 μM, n = 3), significantly improved cell viability only at intermediate doses (0.5–1 μM). MitoQ (1 μM) and SKQ1 (1 μM) significantly increased cell viability to 1.79 ± 0.12 and 1.59 ± 0.08 relative to Dox alone, respectively (both p < 0.05). Interestingly, when given as pretreatment, only higher doses of MitoQ (2.5 μM, n = 9) and SKQ1 (5 μM, n = 7) showed maximal protection and improved cell viability to 2.19 ± 0.13 and 1.65 ± 0.07 relative to Dox alone, respectively (both p < 0.01), which was better than that of co-treatment. Moreover, the protective effects were attributed to the significant reduction in Dox-induced intracellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress.

Conclusion

The data suggest that MitoQ and SKQ1, but not vitamin C, mitigated DOX-induced damage. Moreover, MitoQ pretreatment showed significantly higher cardioprotection than its co-treatment and SKQ1, which may be due to its better antioxidant effects.
Blood biomarkers for mild traumatic brain injury: a selective review of unresolved issues
Authors: Hier Daniel B. , Obafemi-Ajayi Tayo , Thimgan Matthew S. , Olbricht Gayla R. , Azizi Sima , Allen Blaine , Hadi Bassam A. , Wunsch Donald C.
Published: September 2021

Background

The use of blood biomarkers after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has been widely studied. We have identified eight unresolved issues related to the use of five commonly investigated blood biomarkers: neurofilament light chain, ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1, tau, S100B, and glial acidic fibrillary protein. We conducted a focused literature review of unresolved issues in three areas: mode of entry into and exit from the blood, kinetics of blood biomarkers in the blood, and predictive capacity of the blood biomarkers after mTBI.

Findings

Although a disruption of the blood brain barrier has been demonstrated in mild and severe traumatic brain injury, biomarkers can enter the blood through pathways that do not require a breach in this barrier. A definitive accounting for the pathways that biomarkers follow from the brain to the blood after mTBI has not been performed. Although preliminary investigations of blood biomarkers kinetics after TBI are available, our current knowledge is incomplete and definitive studies are needed. Optimal sampling times for biomarkers after mTBI have not been established. Kinetic models of blood biomarkers can be informative, but more precise estimates of kinetic parameters are needed. Confounding factors for blood biomarker levels have been identified, but corrections for these factors are not routinely made. Little evidence has emerged to date to suggest that blood biomarker levels correlate with clinical measures of mTBI severity. The significance of elevated biomarker levels thirty or more days following mTBI is uncertain. Blood biomarkers have shown a modest but not definitive ability to distinguish concussed from non-concussed subjects, to detect sub-concussive hits to the head, and to predict recovery from mTBI. Blood biomarkers have performed best at distinguishing CT scan positive from CT scan negative subjects after mTBI.