bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of ground reaction force and contact time during various-direction lunges between badminton shoes without and with a lateral forefoot wedge sole
Authors: Chen Wei-Han , Chen Chi-Hsien , Yang Wen-Wen , Lin Gin-Yun , Hsu Wei-Chun , Shiang Tzyy-Yuang , Liu Chiang
Published: December 2023

This study compared the ground reaction force (GRF), GRF ratio, and contact time between badminton shoes without and with a lateral forefoot wedge sole during lunges in three directions. Fifteen collegiate athletes wore forefoot wedge shoes (5° incline) and control shoes without a lateral forefoot wedge sole (in random order) and performed three typical badminton lunge movements (forward, lateral, and backward directions). A total of nine GRF, GRF ratio, and contact time parameters were analyzed. A paired t test was performed to assess the differences between two shoes. The significance level was set at p < 0.0056 (0.05/9) based on Bonferroni correction to avoid chances of type 1 errors. In the forward lunge, the forefoot wedge shoes resulted in a significantly higher average vertical ground reaction force (GRFv, 3.9%), average horizontal GRF (GRFh, 7.8%) in the braking phase and higher average GRFh (3.9%) in the propulsion phase than the control shoes. In the lateral lunge, the forefoot wedge shoes resulted in a significantly shorter total contact time (−4.6%) than the control shoes in the backward lunge, the forefoot wedge shoes resulted in a significantly higher GRFh to GRFv ratio (6.4%) in the braking phase compared with the control shoes. Thus, shoes with a lateral forefoot wedge sole can effectively enhance mechanical performance in direction changes during forward and backward badminton lunges, and shorter the contact time during lateral badminton lunges. Shoes with a lateral forefoot wedge sole can be considered when designing athletic footwear.
The informative power of heart rate along with machine learning regression models to predict maximal oxygen consumption and maximal workload capacity
Authors: Gentilin Alessandro
Published: December 2023

Prediction of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and maximal workload capacity (MWC) through submaximal exercise tests is an important topic for sports sciences. Numerous studies highlighted the predictive power of submaximal heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) in predicting VO2max and MWC. The challenge is achieving the best possible precision and accuracy by identifying the best predictors and regression models. This project assessed the performance of different indexes along with machine learning regression models to estimate VO2max and MWC. Predictors consisted of biodata (age, weight, and height) along with different combinations of change-scores of HR and VO2 between 0–50 Watts, 50–65 Watts, and 65–80 Watts (Δ0–50, Δ50–65, and Δ65–80, respectively). The use of biodata + HR Δ50–65 + HR Δ65-80 via a Squared Exponential Gaussian Process Regression model resulted in the best performance in predicting VO2max, while the use of biodata + HR Δ0–50 via a Robust Linear Regression model resulted in the best performance in predicting MWC. These results suggest that information provided by HR only during submaximal exercise offers the best predictive mean for estimating VO2max and MWC, while the use of VO2 changes or its addition along with HR changes does not improve predictions. Moreover, different predictors need to be selected for the best estimation of VO2max and MWC. Change-scores refer to absolute value changes, providing information to develop athlete assessment protocols through standardized workloads. These results show practical applicability for sports assessments to be performed indirectly, rapidly, sub-maximally, and through the simple measurement of HR.
A Literature Review of Mad Studies as Critical Pedagogy: What is Mad Studies, and How Does it Implicate the Education of Adults?
Authors: Procknow Greg
Published: December 2023

Students diagnosed with mental illness are progressively composing the makeup of our universities’ student bodies. With more “mad” students making their way into the academy, this has encouraged many in Mad Studies to consider the challenges they confront in pursuing post-secondary studies. The purpose of this structured literature review of the Mad Studies canon is to tease out themes apropos to the education of adults through a critical pedagogy lens. Themal categories were organized around: Mad Studies course development and curriculum, popular culture and arts-based education, contesting the university seeped in sanism, surveilling mad bodies/minds, the university demands resilience, the politics of course instruction/teaching, mad disclosures, educational policy, and threat and risk management. This paper concludes by discussing the glaring voids in the literature and recommendations for future research.
Australian school psychologists’ and counsellors’ experience of stress
Authors: Pennell Donna , Campbell Marilyn , Juri M. Zahid , McMahon Mary
Published: December 2023

There are few studies examining the wellbeing of Australian school-based psychologists/counsellors (SPCs) despite the research indicating there are unique stressors associated with the role. The purpose of this study was to measure the stress perceived by working Australian SPCs. Data were collected via an online survey within which the Perceived Stress Scale – 10 item version (PSS-10) was embedded. Mean global stress for 162 participants was calculated then compared with the general population and a previous cohort of Australian SPCs. Four variables of influence were also statistically analysed: school level, years of experience, amount of time participating in supervision and alignment with two differing professional identity statements – ‘I see myself as an educator with a counselling/psychology specialisation’ or ‘as a psychologist/counsellor who works in an education setting’. Moderate – high frequency of stress, in excess of the general population and stress levels reported previously, was found. No significant relationships were found between stress and school level, years of experience or professional identity. A negative relationship was found between stress and the amount of supervision received. The level of stress experienced by Australian SPCs warrants that policies and practices monitor and protect Australian SPC wellbeing.
Up, Down, On, Off? Effects of Camera Decisions on Interpersonal Perception During Videoconferencing
Authors: Gruber Mira , Galliano Mirella , Brosnihan Annamarie , Hancock P A
Published: December 2023

Videoconferencing rapidly rose in popularity with the COVID-19 pandemic. With this recent interest in videoconferencing, discussions of how to appear one’s best on camera became similarly popular. However, despite the current interest in how one appears on camera, there is relatively little empirical research on this topic. This exploratory analysis investigates how camera usage and angle impact perceptions of videoconference users. Participants watched a brief video vignette of two actors completing a social negotiation task and evaluated the actors’ perceived experience, competence,and effort The results suggest that camera decisions can impact interpersonal perception; however, individual differences in users may moderate these effects.
Premortems in Game Development Teams: Impact and Potential
Authors: Roose Kaitlyn M. , Lehman Betsy R. , Veinott Elizabeth S.
Published: December 2023

Software design teams need methods to evaluate plans as part of agile development processes. The premortem is a cognitive, structured, analytic technique that supports team plan evaluation and re-planning. Few empirical or longitudinal studies involving premortems exist. Ten game development teams (n=68 members) conducted premortems early on during a year-long game development project. Teams provided initial ratings of their game design plan, then conducted a premortem, and revised their plans. In the premortems, teams identified 17.8 unique reasons on average for project failure and 16.7 mitigations to those failures. Reasons for project failure focused mainly on game design execution, team communication, and game complexity (e.g., too many levels, branching). While most teams identified solutions for these challenges, surprisingly few teams revised their plans to scale back the game design complexity.
Well-being and Mental Health Among MSM in India: The Fact and Challenges
Authors: Dey Soumi , Shaw Tanusree , Chaudhuri Anindita
Published: December 2023

The present research has endeavoured to study the well-being and prevalence of depression and anxiety among the urban Indian MSM (men who have sex with men). It has also tried to understand whether any regional variances exist across the different identity categories of MSM. The study was conducted in the urban setting of two states of India, that is, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The participants ( N = 700) of this research were the five different categories of MSM identified by the Kothis/ Kothmas, a subcultural local identity of Indian MSM. The participants were contacted by using the snowball technique. The present study has adopted mixed method. Ethnography was used to understand the identity issues and problems of MSM as well for providing narratives in support of their anxiety and depression, while quantitative method helped to evaluate the data regarding well-being, depression and anxiety. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. The qualitative part, data have been analysed by interpretative method. The result of one-way ANOVA confirms the statistically significant differences among different MSM categories in case of well-being, anxiety and depression. The cultural politics of sexual identity ( Kothi/ Kothma) that excludes the urban Indian MSM themselves cannot avoid the stress generated from their respective sexual practices and life events leading to increased anxiety and depression and a decline well-being. This study intends to create the attention of health planners, policy makers and activists for the welfare and health uplift of MSM in India.
Paul Klee’s progressive dyspnea: A series of historical and clinical vignettes, part V
Authors: Silver Richard M
Published: December 2023

Paul Klee (1879–1940), the 20th-century Swiss-German artist, suffered and died from complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma). This is the fifth in a series of clinical and historical vignettes wherein Klee’s cardiopulmonary symptoms are described with an emphasis on how progressive dyspnea impacted Klee’s life.
Fault-displacement models for aggregate and principal displacements
Authors: Lavrentiadis Grigorios , Abrahamson Norman
Published: December 2023

New fault-displacement models (FDMs) are developed for the aggregate and principal net surface displacement using the database developed by the Fault Displacement Hazard Initiative Project. An FDM for the aggregate displacement is developed, which is then partitioned into principal and distributed displacements. The model for the aggregate displacement is first formulated in the wavenumber domain to incorporate seismology-based constraints for the extrapolation of the magnitude scaling of median displacements to large-magnitude events. The results from the wavenumber-domain model are then adjusted to fit the empirical moderate-magnitude scaling (M < 7) and the shape of the displacement profile at the ends of the rupture. Segments are used in the model development to better capture the complexity of the variability of the surface-displacement profile along strike, including regions with zero displacements. For applications in which segments cannot be identified, simplified FDMs without segments are developed that treat the number, lengths, and locations of the segments as aleatory variability. The principal-displacement FDM is then developed as an adjustment to the aggregate-displacement FDM. The segmentation and the magnitude dependence of the taper length of individual segments lead to non-self-similar scaling of the median profile along the entire rupture that can have a significant impact on probabilistic fault-displacement hazard analysis (PFDHA) for sites near the ends of faults. A key feature of the new FDMs is the use of a power-normal [Formula: see text] distribution for the aleatory variability, which leads to narrower distributions of the displacement for large-magnitude earthquakes compared to the commonly used lognormal distribution. For large-magnitude earthquakes, the expected maximum displacements computed using the power-normal distribution of the FDM are consistent with the observed maximum displacements along strike, supporting the narrower shape of the upper tail of the power-normal distribution for large-magnitude events.
Red cell exchange for rapid leukoreduction in adults with hyperleukocytosis and leukostasis
Authors: Mack Ethan A. , Dougher Meaghan C. , Ginda Ashley M. , Cahill Caitlin , Murter Melissa , Schell Kevin , Tanhehco Yvette C. , Bhoj Vijay G. , Fesnak Andrew D. , Siegel Don L. , Kambayashi Taku , Aqui Nicole A. , O’Doherty Una
Published: December 2023

We show that red cell exchange (RCE) treats hyperleukocytosis in acute leukemia. RCE provided similar leukoreduction to standard therapeutic leukoreduction and could be superior in patients with severe anemia or monocytic leukemias or when requiring rapid treatment.
Three years of maintenance with VRD in multiple myeloma: results of total therapy IIIB with a 15-year follow-up
Authors: Al Hadidi Samer , Ababneh Obada Ehab , Schinke Carolina D. , Thanendrarajan Sharmilan , Bailey Clyde , Smith Robert , Panozzo Susan , Alapat Daisy , Cottler-Fox Michele , Tricot Guido , Shaughnessy John D. , Zhan Fenghuang , Sawyer Jeffrey , Barlogie Bart , Zangari Maurizio , van Rhee Frits
Published: December 2023

The total therapy (TT) IIIB phase 2 study incorporated bortezomib into tandem melphalan–based hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with dexamethasone, thalidomide, cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide for induction/consolidation and bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRD) for maintenance in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). This updated analysis presents a 15.4-year median follow-up. Of 177 patients, 21% patients had gene expression profile (GEP)–defined high-risk MM. 15-year progression free survival (PFS) was 27.9%. Median PFS was better in GEP–defined low-risk patients at 7.8 years and in International Staging System stage 1 patients at 8.7 years. Overall, median OS was 9.1 years, and 15-year overall survival (OS) was 35.9%. GEP–defined low-risk patients' median OS was 11.2 years, and that of GEP–defined high-risk patients was 2.8 years. There was no difference in OS between TT IIIB and TT IIIA. This study includes the longest follow-up of patients treated with maintenance VRD reported to date. In patients with GEP–defined low-risk, nearly half and one-third of patients without ongoing treatment showed no signs of progression at 10 and 15 years, respectively. One-third of patients survived more than 15 years, but 3 years of VRD maintenance did not improve outcomes for patients with GEP–defined high-risk MM. The study was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00572169.
Glycerol and reuterin-producing Limosilactobacillus reuteri enhance butyrate production and inhibit Enterobacteriaceae in broiler chicken cecal microbiota PolyFermS model
Authors: Asare Paul Tetteh , Greppi Anna , Geirnaert Annelies , Pennacchia Alessia , Babst Angela , Lacroix Christophe
Published: December 2023

Background

Administering probiotic strains of Limosilactobacillus reuteri to poultry has been shown to improve poultry performance and health. Some strains of L. reuteri taxa can produce reuterin, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound from glycerol conversion, with high inhibitory activity against enterobacteria. However, little is known about the metabolism of glycerol in the complex chicken cecal microbiota nor the effect of glycerol, either alone or combined with L. reuteri on the microbiota. In this study, we investigated the effect of L. reuteri PTA5_F13, a high-reuterin-producing chicken strain and glycerol, alone or combined, on broiler chicken cecal microbiota composition and activity using the continuous PolyFermS model recently developed to mimic chicken cecal fermentation.

Methods

Three independent PolyFermS chicken cecal microbiota models were inoculated with immobilized cecal microbiota from different animals and operated continuously. The effects of two additional levels of glycerol (50 and 100 mM) with or without daily supplementation of chicken-derived L. reuteri PTA5_F13 (107 CFU/mL final concentration) were tested in parallel second-stage reactors continuously inoculated with the same microbiota. We analyzed the complex chicken gut microbiota structure and dynamics upon treatment using 16S rRNA metabarcoding and qPCR. Microbiota metabolites, short-chain and branched-chain fatty acids, and glycerol and reuterin products were analyzed by HPLC in effluent samples from stabilized reactors.

Results

Supplementation with 100 mM glycerol alone and combined with L. reuteri PTA5_F13 resulted in a reproducible increase in butyrate production in the three modelled microbiota (increases of 18 to 25%). Glycerol alone resulted also in a reduction of Enterobacteriaceae in two of the three microbiota, but no effect was detected for L. reuteri alone. When both treatments were combined, all microbiota quantitatively inhibited Enterobacteriaceae, including in the last model that had very high initial concentrations of Enterobacteriaceae. Furthermore, a significant 1,3-PDO accumulation was measured in the effluent of the combined treatment, confirming the conversion of glycerol via the reuterin pathway. Glycerol supplementation, independent of L. reuteri addition, did not affect the microbial community diversity.

Conclusions

Glycerol induced a stable and reproducible butyrogenic activity for all tested microbiota and induced an inhibitory effect against Enterobacteriaceae that was strengthened when reuterin-producing L. reuteri was spiked daily. Our in vitro study suggests that co-application of L. reuteri PTA5_F13 and glycerol could be a useful approach to promote chicken gut health by enhancing metabolism and protection against Enterobacteriaceae.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the differential accumulation of phenylpropanoids and terpenoids in hemp autotetraploid and its diploid progenitor
Authors: Tang Qing , Xu Ying , Gao Feng , Xu Ying , Cheng Chaohua , Deng Canhui , Chen Jiquan , Yuan Xiaoge , Zhang Xiaoyu , Su Jianguang
Published: December 2023

Background

Cannabis sativa, a dioecious plant that has been cultivated worldwide for thousands of years, is known for its secondary metabolites, especially cannabinoids, which possess several medicinal effects. In this study, we investigated the autopolyploidization effects on the biosynthesis and accumulation of these metabolites, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to explore the gene expression and metabolic variations in industrial hemp autotetraploids and their diploid progenitors.

Results

Through these analyses, we obtained 1,663 differentially expressed metabolites and 1,103 differentially expressed genes. Integrative analysis revealed that phenylpropanoid and terpenoid biosynthesis were regulated by polyploidization. No substantial differences were found in the cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol content between tetraploids and diploids. Following polyploidization, some transcription factors, including nine bHLH and eight MYB transcription factors, affected the metabolic biosynthesis as regulators. Additionally, several pivotal catalytic genes, such as flavonol synthase/flavanone 3-hydroxylase, related to the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway, were identified as being modulated by polyploidization.

Conclusions

This study enhances the overall understanding of the impact of autopolyploidization in C. sativa and the findings may encourage the application of polyploid breeding for increasing the content of important secondary metabolites in industrial hemp.
Characterization of the basic leucine zipper transcription factor family of Neoporphyra haitanensis and its role in acclimation to dehydration stress
Authors: Wang Li , Mo Zhaolan , Yu Xinzi , Mao Yunxiang
Published: December 2023

Background

Neoporphyra haitanensis, a major marine crop native to southern China, grows in the harsh intertidal habitats of rocky coasts. The thallus can tolerate fluctuating and extreme environmental stresses, for example, repeated desiccation/rehydration due to the turning tides. It is also a typical model system for investigating stress tolerance mechanisms in intertidal seaweed. The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors play important roles in the regulation of plants’ responses to environmental stress stimuli. However, little information is available regarding the bZIP family in the marine cropNh.haitanensis.

Results

We identified 19bZIPgenes in theNh.haitanensisgenome and described their conserved domains. Based on phylogenetic analysis, these 19NhhbZIPgenes, distributed unevenly on the 11 superscaffolds, were divided into four groups. In each group, there were analogous exon/intron numbers and motif compositions, along with diverse exon lengths. Cross-species collinearity analysis indicated that 17 and 9NhhbZIPgenes were orthologous tobZIPgenes inNeopyropia yezoensisandPorphyra umbilicalis, respectively. Evidence from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data showed that the majority ofNhhbZIPgenes (73.68%) exhibited transcript abundance in all treatments. Furthermore, genes NN 2, 4 and 5 showed significantly altered expression in response to moderate dehydration, severe dehydration, and rehydration, respectively. Gene co-expression network analysis of the representative genes was carried out, followed by gene set enrichment analysis. TwoNhhbZIPgenes collectively responding to dehydration and rehydration and their co-expressing genes mainly participated in DNA repair, DNA metabolic process, and regulation of helicase activity. Two specificNhhbZIPgenes responding to severe dehydration and their corresponding network genes were mainly involved in macromolecule modification, cellular catabolic process, and transmembrane transport. Three specificNhhbZIPgenes responding to rehydration and their co-expression gene networks were mainly involved in the regulation of the cell cycle process and defense response.

Conclusions

This study provides new insights into the structural composition, evolution, and function of theNhhbZIPgene family. Our results will help us to further study the functions ofbZIPgenes in response to dehydration and rehydration inNh.haitanensisand improveNh.haitanensisin southern China.
Motivations for continued tobacco smoking and reasons for quitting among youths in Wakiso district, Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Daama Alex , Mugamba Stephen , Ddaaki William , Nalwoga Grace Kigozi , Kasango Asani , Nalugoda Fred , Bulamba Robert , Nkale James Menya , Kyasanku Emmanuel , Bulamu Ritah , Nakigozi Gertrude , Kigozi Godfrey , Kagaayi Joseph , Kisaka Stevens
Published: December 2023

Background

Efforts have been invested towards cessation of tobacco use among youths aged 18–35 years, however, motivators for continued tobacco smoking and reasons for quitting are limited in Ugandan settings. Therefore, this study aimed to explore motivations for continued tobacco smoking and reasons for quitting in Wakiso district Uganda.

Methods

This study used explanatory sequential method. Data from a Population-based survey collected from October 2019 to September 2020 was used to select participants for this qualitative study. Twenty-three in-depths interviews were conducted from July to October 2021 among youths (18-35years old) who reported continued tobacco use and those who quit. Data were analyzed using a team-based thematic content approach with the help of NVivo.

Results

Data was collected from a total of twenty three participants, fourteen were tobacco quitters and nine were current tobacco smokers. Recurrent habit, desire to complement the use of other drugs, peer pressure, using smoking as a replacement for alcohol consumption, low tobacco prices, smoking as a tradition were reported as motivators for continued tobacco smoking. However, reported reasons for quitting smoking by youths included; packaging health warnings, school based prevention programs, fear of associated health risks due to tobacco use, embarrassment from family members.

Conclusion

Targeted, and tailored tobacco prevention counselling through family support programs, intensified health education on the risks of smoking, and implementing stronger health warnings on tobacco packaging can be employed to reduce or stop tobacco use among urban youth.
Prognostic implications of alpha-fetoprotein and C-reactive protein elevation in hepatocellular carcinoma following resection (PACE): a large cohort study of 2770 patients
Authors: Lin Kong-Ying , Chen Qing-Jing , Tang Shi-Chuan , Lin Zhi-Wen , Zhang Jian-Xi , Zheng Si-Ming , Li Yun-Tong , Wang Xian-Ming , Lu Qiang , Fu Jun , Guo Luo-Bin , Zheng Li-Fang , You Peng-Hui , Wu Meng-Meng , Lin Ke-Can , Zhou Wei-Ping , Yang Tian , Zeng Yong-Yi
Published: December 2023

Background

Routine clinical staging for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incorporates liver function, general health, and tumor morphology. Further refinement of prognostic assessments and treatment decisions may benefit from the inclusion of tumor biological marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and systemic inflammation indicator C-reactive protein (CRP).

Methods

Data from a multicenter cohort of 2770 HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy were analyzed. We developed the PACE risk score (Prognostic implications of AFP and CRP Elevation) after initially assessing preoperative AFP and CRP’s prognostic value. Subgroup analyzes were performed in BCLC cohorts A and B using multivariable Cox analysis to evaluate the prognostic stratification ability of the PACE risk score and its complementary utility for BCLC staging.

Results

Preoperative AFP ≥ 400ng/mL and CRP ≥ 10 mg/L emerged as independent predictors of poorer prognosis in HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy, leading to the creation of the PACE risk score. PACE risk score stratified patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups with cumulative 5-year overall (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates of 59.6%/44.9%, 43.9%/38.4%, and 20.6%/18.0% respectively (all P < 0.001). Increased PACE risk scores correlated significantly with early recurrence and extrahepatic metastases frequency (all P < 0.001). The multivariable analysis identified intermediate and high-risk PACE scores as independently correlating with poor postoperative OS and RFS. Furthermore, the PACE risk score proficiently stratified the prognosis of BCLC stages A and B patients, with multivariable analyses demonstrating it as an independent prognostic determinant for both stages.

Conclusion

The PACE risk score serves as an effective tool for postoperative risk stratification, potentially supplementing the BCLC staging system.
The role of Whitnall’s ligament position in the success of levator resection surgery in congenital ptosis
Authors: Jamshidian Tehrani Mansooreh , Kasaee Abolfazl , Zeidabadinejad Haniyeh , Shahriari Mansoor , Rafizadeh Seyed Mohsen
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the role of Whitnall’s ligament position in the success of levator resection surgery in congenital ptosis.

Methods

It was an interventional case series on patients with congenital ptosis who underwent levator muscle resection in Farabi Eye Hospital (2020–2022). Patients with incomplete follow-up, a history of trauma, poor Bell’s phenomenon, previous ocular and lid surgeries, poor levator function (≤ 4mm), and syndromic ptosis or systemic diseases were excluded. During the surgery, several factors, including the distance between Whitnall’s ligament and the upper edge of the tarsus (W-distance), the vertical length of the tarsus (T-length), and the amount of levator muscle resection (LMR), were measured. A successful outcome was defined as the inter-eye difference of margin reflex distance-1 (MRD1) ≤ 1 and post-op MRD1 ≥ 3 OR the inter-eye difference of MRD1 ≤ 0.5 with any value of post-op MRD1 in unilateral cases and Postop-MRD1 > 3 in bilateral cases during the 3-months period.

Results

Thirty four eyes of 34 patients were included, and 79.4% of patients achieved successful outcomes. In univariate analysis, Preop-MRD1 and Preop-LF had meaningful negative correlations with the amount of LMR to reach the successful outcome (p < 0.05), which was only meaningful for Preop-LF in multivariable analysis (p < 0.05). Noticeably, W-distance had a significant positive correlation in univariate and multivariable linear regression (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

W-distance can be considered a significant new parameter other than Preop-LF influencing the amount of levator resection needed to achieve success in levator resection surgery.
Group brief cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention compared to dialectal behavior therapy skills group for military service members: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Baker Justin C. , Grover Shawna , Gunn Laura H. , Charles Cindy , Rikli Heather , Franks Michael J. , Khazem Lauren R. , Williams Sean , Ammendola Ennio , Washington Cherita , Bennette Marquita , Starkey Austin , Schnecke Kelly , Cain Shannon , Bryan Craig J. , Cramer Robert J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Suicide is a pressing matter for the military. Not only does it pose a health risk, but suicide also compromises operational readiness. Despite provision of suicide prevention clinical best practices, the Department of Defense suffers several challenges (e.g., clinician shortages) limiting the agency’s ability to effectively respond to service member suicide. Implementation of evidence-based suicide-specific group therapy is a possible solution to service member well-being needs and system challenges. Service members can also gain coping skills useful beyond managing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Methods

This 2-arm non-inferiority randomized controlled trial compares a group therapy format of Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (i.e., G-BCBT) with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Group. Both therapies are delivered in-person at a United States Naval Medical Center. Participants (N = 136) are active-duty service members with recent suicidal thoughts or suicidal behavior. Evaluation features electronically delivered questionnaires at baseline, after each treatment session, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up.

Discussion

The primary outcome concerns G-BCBT impacts on suicidal ideation. Secondary outcomes of interest are suicide attempt, psychological distress (e.g., symptoms of depression, anxiety), and self-regulatory skills (e.g., emotion regulation). We also examine self-regulatory skills as treatment moderators. Clinical trial strengths and limitations are reviewed.

Trial registration

This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (protocol NCT05401838).
Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder and their relationship with the fear of COVID−19 and COVID−19 burden among health care workers after the full liberalization of COVID−19 prevention and control policy in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Huan , Zhou Ningying , Zhou Zhiqing , Tao Xiubin , Kong Yan , Zhang Ming
Published: December 2023

Background

Over the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought an overwhelming impact on China’s hospital system and health care workers, which can lead to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Previous research has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic had long-term adverse effects on the mental health of health care workers. Indeed, PTSD symptoms have emerged as one of the significant mental health issues for health care workers arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we conducted this cross-sectional survey to investigate the prevalence of PTSD symptoms in health care workers and its relationship with the fear of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 burden after the full liberalization of COVID-19 prevention and control policy in China.

Methods

This study was conducted three years after the global COVID-19 pandemic (January 15 to January 16, 2023). This study was conducted via the Wenjuanxing platform and used the Chinese versions of the scales PC-PTSD-5, COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (FCV-19S), Social Support Scale, COVID-19 Stress Scale, GAD-2, and PHQ-2.

Results

The prevalence of PTSD symptoms in health care workers was 24.3% (232/955). depression(P < 0.001), anxiety(P < 0.05), the fear of COVID-19(P < 0.001), and COVID-19 burden(P < 0.001) were highly correlated with PTSD symptoms in health care workers. Social support(P < 0.05) was a protective factor of PTSD symptoms.

Conclusions

This survey shows that PTSD symptoms were highly prevalent among Chinese health care workers after the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments and leaders of medical institutions should, through psychological interventions, address the current situation of PTSD symptoms among health care workers and develop targeted programs and strategies to reduce their psychological problems.
Perceptions surrounding the possible interaction between physical activity, pollution and asthma in children and adolescents with and without asthma
Authors: Jordan Kathryn A. , Mackintosh Kelly A. , Davies Gwyneth A. , Griffiths Chris J. , Lewis Paul D. , McNarry Melitta A.
Published: December 2023

A cornerstone of asthma management is maintaining physical activity (PA), but this may lead to increased exposure to, and deeper inhalation of, pollutants. Furthermore, children and adolescents may be more susceptible to the deleterious impacts of such exposures. Despite the recent air quality campaigns and media coverage surrounding the dangers of air pollution to respiratory health, few target children and their understanding of such issues.

Using semi structured interviews, understanding of PA, air pollution and their interaction was explored with 25 youth aged 7—17 years. Utilising NVIVO 12 software, an atheoretical, inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes which were subsequently presented as pen profiles with the number of common responses within a theme indicative of its strength.

The majority (88%) of youth’s indicated traffic-related air pollution and global manufacturing as key sources of air pollution. Whilst all youths were aware of outdoor pollution, only 52% were aware of indoor air pollutants, of which 62% had asthma. Despite some uncertainty, all youths described pollution in a negative fashion, with 52% linking air pollution to undesirable effects on health, specifically respiratory health. PA in a polluted area was thought to be more dangerous than beneficial by 44%, although 24% suggested the benefits of PA would outweigh any detriment from pollution.

Youth are aware of, and potentially compensate for, the interaction between air pollution and PA. Strategies are needed to allow youth to make more informed decisions regarding how to promote PA whilst minimising exposure to air pollution.
Riding high: seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 after 4 pandemic waves in Manitoba, Canada, April 2020–February 2022
Authors: Duong Scotty , Burtniak Julian , Gretchen Ainsley , Mai Anh , Klassen Penny , Wei Yichun , Loeppky Carla , Shaw Souradet Y. , Bullard Jared , Van Caeseele Paul , Stein Derek Riley
Published: December 2023

Background

Canada is emerging from the largest SARS-CoV-2 Omicron wave to date, with over 3.3 million confirmed cases. Unfortunately, PCR confirmed cases illuminate only a small portion of infections in the community and underestimate true disease burden. Population based seroprevalence studies, which measure antibody levels against a virus can more accurately estimate infection rates in the community and identify geographical and epidemiological trends to inform public health responses.

Methods

The Manitoba COVID-19 Seroprevalence (MCS) study is a population-based cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies across the province. Residual convenience specimens (n = 14,901) were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike IgG antibodies from April 1, 2020 to February 31, 2022. We estimated the monthly and cumulative prevalence using an exponential decay model, accounting for population demographics, sensitivity/specificity, and antibody waning. This approach generated estimates of natural infection as well as total antibody including vaccine-induced immunity within the community.

Findings

After four waves of the pandemic, 60.1% (95%CI-56.6–63.7) of Manitobans have generated SARS-CoV-2 antibodies due to natural exposure independent of vaccination. Geographical analysis indicates a large portion of provincial prevalence stems from increased transmission in the Northern (92.3%) and Southern (71.8%) regional health authorities. Despite the high mortality rates reported by Manitoba, infection fatality ratios (IFR) peaked at 0.67% and declined to 0.20% following the Omicron wave, indicating parity with other national and international jurisdictions. Manitoba has achieved 93.4% (95%CI- 91.5–95.1) total antibody when including vaccination.

Interpretation

Our data shows that more than 3 in 5 Manitobans have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 after four waves of the pandemic. This study also identifies key geographical and age specific prevalence rates that have contributed greatly to the overall severity of the pandemic in Manitoba and will inform jurisdictions considering reduction of public health measures.
The dynamic nexus: exploring the interplay of BMI before, during, and after pregnancy with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) risk in Chinese lactating women
Authors: Chen Liangxia , Ma Jie , Su Guanmin , Yin Longlong , Jiang Xiuyu , Wang Xiangxiang , Liu Lele , Zhang Xiaofei , Xu Xiaohui , Li Suyun , Zhang Gaohui , Zhao Ran , Yu Lianlong
Published: December 2023

Background and aim

The health implications of BMI and MetS in lactating women are significant. This study aims to investigate the relationship between risk of Mets in lactation and BMI in four stages: pre-pregnancy, prenatal period, 42 days postpartum, and current lactation.

Methods and results

A total of 1870 Lactating Women within 2 years after delivery were included from "China Child and Lactating Mother Nutrition Health Surveillance (2016–2017)". Logistic regression model and Restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to estimate the relationship between BMI and risk of MetS. ROC analysis was used to determine the threshold for the risk of MetS. Chain mediating effect analysis was used to verify the mediating effect. BMI of MetS group in all stages were higher than non-MetS group (P < 0.0001). There were significant positive correlations between BMI in each stage and ORs of MetS during lactation (P < 0.05). The best cut-off values for BMI in the four stages were 23.47, 30.49, 26.04 and 25.47 kg/m2. The non-linear spline test at BMI in 42 days postpartum, current and MetS in lactation was statistically significant (P non-linear = 0.0223, 0.0003). The mediation effect of all chains have to work through lactation BMI. The total indirect effect accounted for 80.95% of the total effect.

Conclusions

The risk of MetS in lactating women is due to a high BMI base before pregnancy and postpartum. High BMI in all stages of pregnancy and postpartum were risk factors for MetS in lactation. BMI during lactation plays a key role in the risk of MetS.
Factors influencing poor response to type 2 targeted therapies in severe asthma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Al-Ahmad Mona , Ali Asmaa , Maher Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Background

A significant breakthrough has been made in treating severe asthma, with the recognition of various asthma phenotypes and an updated management guideline. Type 2 targeted therapies, such as benralizumab and omalizumab; have been identified as an effective treatment for severe asthma, improving patient response, lung function tests and asthma symptom control. This study aimed to evaluate factors contributing to poor response to therapy.

Methods

A retrospective single-center cohort study of 162 patients with severe asthma who started biologic therapy; their data were retrieved from medical records for further analysis. Poor responders were patients remained clinically and functionally uncontrolled despite even after augmenting all treatment options.

Results

Childhood-onset asthma, bronchiectasis, poor symptom control (ACT below 19), severe airway obstruction (< 60% predicted), and maintenance oral corticosteroid (mOCS) use were significantly associated with poor response to omalizumab and benralizumab; p = 0.0.4 and 0.01; 0.003 and 0.01; 0.01 and 0.001, 0.05 and 0.04; 0.006 and 0.02, respectively. However, chronic rhinosinusitis and IgE < 220kIU/L were associated with higher poor response rates to omalizumab (p = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). At the same time, female patients and those with blood eosinophils level < 500 cells/mm3 had a higher poor response rate to benralizumab (p = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). Ischemic heart disease (IHD), bronchiectasis, and continued use of OCS increased the likelihood of poor response to omalizumab by 21, 7, and 24 times (p = 0.004, 0.008, and 0.004, respectively). In contrast, the female gender, childhood-onset asthma and higher BMI increased the likelihood of poor response to benralizumab by 7, 7 and 2 times more, p = 0.03, 0.02 and 0.05, respectively.

Conclusion

Poor response to omalizumab treatment was independently associated with ischemic heart disease (IHD), bronchiectasis, and a history of maintenance oral corticosteroid (mOCS) use. Conversely, poor response to benralizumab therapy was independently linked to female gender, childhood-onset asthma and higher body mass index (BMI).
Risk factors for spinal subdural hematoma after minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar Interbody Fusion (MI-TLIF): a multivariate analysis
Authors: Lu Jiye , Zhang Wei , Jiang Guoqiang , Luo Kefeng , Cai Kaiwen , Zhang Kai , Lu Bin
Published: December 2023

Background

Spinal subdural hematoma (SSH) is a rare cause of compression of the neutral elements of the spinal cord. However, little is known about the presentation of acute SSH after lumbar spine surgery. The reason for this may be that symptomatic SSH occurs rarely and is not given enough attention by spine surgeons. Currently, the decision to perform MRI postoperatively is more dependent on surgeon preference; therefore, no high-quality studies have been published. Our team reports our experience in the diagnosis and management of SSH after lumbar decompression and fusion surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 215 patients who underwent routine MRI following minimal invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) between 2020-01-01 and 2022-06-30. The patients were divided into SSH group (17 cases) and non-SSH group (198 cases) according to the occurrence of SSH. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify relevant risk factors that increase the risk of SSH postoperatively.

Results

None of the patients presented with serious neurologic symptoms, such as lower extremity paralysis or cauda equina syndrome that required emergency hematoma debridement. SSH was found in 17 (7.9%) patients and non-SSH in 198 (92.1%). Factors affecting SSH were presence of hypertension, presence of diabetes and postoperative anticoagulant therapy. The significantly independent risk factor of postoperative SSH were diabetes (P = 0.008, OR: 6.988) and postoperative anticoagulant therapy (P = 0.003, OR: 8.808).

Conclusions

SSH after MI-TLIF is not a rare condition, with generally no requirement of emergency evacuation. Comprehensive anti-symptomatic treatment could achieve satisfactory results. Diabetes mellitus and postoperative anticoagulant therapy are independent risk factors for SSH. Spine surgeons should hold applicability of the use of anticoagulants after lumbar surgery.
Status of lipid control in Bangladeshi subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus on lipid-lowering drugs: a multicenter, facility-based, cross-sectional study
Authors: Selim Shahjada , Alam Muhammad Shah , Talukder Samir Kumar , Kabir Md Lutful , Gaffar Abu Jar , Kabir Md Ahamedul , Zarin Nusrat , Rahman Shahin Ibn , Nabi Md Masud Un , Mustari Marufa , Hossain Md Firoj , Raunak Ahmed Ifrad Bin , Hoque Md Azizul , Islam Md Rashedul , Akter Farhana , Hannan Mohammad Abdul , Saifuddin Mohammad , Asaduzzaman Md , Rahman Mohammad Motiur , Ahammed Afsar , Rafi Md Abdur , Hasan Mohammad Jahid , Kamrul-Hasan A. B. M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Achievement of lipid targets is crucial in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Data on lipid-control status among patients with T2DM in Bangladesh are scarce. This study was conducted to determine the lipid-control status among patients with T2DM who were on lipid-lowering drugs in the country.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the diabetes outpatient departments of several tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh from January 2022 to December 2022. Adults of both sexes diagnosed with T2DM for at least one year and were on the lipid-lowering drug(s) for a minimum of 3 months were included in the study by consecutive sampling. Patients’ data were collected by face-to-face interviews, and blood samples were collected for fasting lipid profile. The lipid target was set at < 200 mg/dL for total cholesterol (TC), < 150 mg/dL for triglyceride (TG), < 100 mg/dL for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), > 40 mg/dL for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and < 160 mg/dL for non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C).

Result

Three thousand sixty patients (age 44.7 ± 13.3 years, female 57%) with T2DM were evaluated. Overall, almost 81% of the study subjects achieved the LDL-C target. Besides, TC, TG, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C targets were achieved by 40.8, 21.6, 66.3, and 44.1% of patients, respectively. However, all the lipid parameters were under control in only 8.8% of patients. Almost 77.6% of the patients with ischemic heart disease, 81.5% of patients with stroke, and 65% of patients with CKD had LDL levels < 70 mg/dL. Only 10.03% achieved the HbA1c target of < 7%. 7.4% of patients achieved both HbA1c < 7% and LDL < 100 mg/dL and 5% achieved both HbA1c < 7% and LDL < 70 mg/dL. Advanced age (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96, 0.98, p < 0.001), longstanding T2DM (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39, 0.72, p < 0.001), and non-statin therapy (aOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.16, 0.37, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with lipid control (LDL < 100 mg/dL) while using oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.45, 2.77, p < 0.001) and having cardiovascular comorbidity (aOR 3.92, 95% CI 3.00, 5.12, p < 0.001) were positively associated with lipid control.

Conclusion

Though most patients with T2DM achieved their target LDL level, the prevalence of both glycemic and overall lipid control was low in our study despite lipid-lowering therapy.