bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peripheral blood complement factor C3 as a biomarker of clinical efficacy in patients with first-episode schizophrenia before and after treatment
Authors: Cao Yin , Liang Jun , Dai Biao , Shan Feng , Xia Qingrong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To observe the changes of serum complement factor before and after treatment in patients with first-episode schizophrenia, the main purpose is to find the biomarkers of clinical efficacy based on serum complement factor.
Methods
A total of forty patients with first-episode schizophrenia from Hefei Fourth People's Hospital from July 2022 to December 2023 were selected as the study group after being treated with a single anti-schizophrenia drug aripiprazole for 4 weeks. The study group consisted of a before treatment group and a after treatment group. 40 healthy volunteers in physical examination center were selected as control group. The levels of serum complement factors C1, C2, C3, C4 and CH50 in the study group and the control group were detected. Patients in the study group were evaluated with positive and negative Symptom scales (PANSS). Pearson's correlation test was used to assess the relationships the levels of serum complement factors C1, C2, C3, C4 and CH50 and the reduction rate of PANSS score.
Results
Compared with before treatment group, the PANSS total score, positive symptom score and negative symptom score were decreased after treatment group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The levels of serum C1, C2, C3, C4 and CH50 in control group were lower than those in before treatment group, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). After treatment with aripiprazole, the serum levels of C1, C2, C3 and C4 were significantly lower than those in the before treatment group, but the level of CH50 was significantly increased. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the serum C3 level was negatively correlated with the reduction rate of PANSS total score, the reduction rate of positive symptoms score and the reduction rate of negative symptoms score in the before treatment group (r=-0.467, -0.476, -0.367, all P < 0.05). The change of serum C3 level before and after treatment was negatively correlated with the reduction rate of PANSS total score, the reduction rate of positive symptom score and the reduction rate of negative symptom score (r=-0.458, -0.435, -0.420, all P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The serum levels of C1, C2, C3, C4 and CH50 in patients with first-episode schizophrenia are higher than those in healthy patients. After aripiprazole treatment, the serum levels of C1, C2, C3 and C4 are decreased, and the CH50 level is further increased. Changes in serum C3 levels before and after treatment in patients with first-episode schizophrenia can be used as a biomarker to predict clinical efficacy.
Preliminary Exploration of the Relationship between Tumor Microenvironment in Malignant Ascites and Patient Prognosis
Authors: Wang Qingzhe , Cheng Chong , Wang Rui , Zhang Shuang , Jiang Yong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Malignant ascites (MA) is a common complication of tumors which related to poor prognosis. With the deepening of the research on tumor microenvironment (TME), the influence of TME on prognosis is gradually understood. As a special TME, the relationship between MA and prognosis of patients need to be explored. 39 samples of MA in West China Hospital from 2018 to 2022 were collected for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of CD4, CD8, CD11b, CD11c, CD16, CD19, CD163 and FOXP3. Through analyzing the relationship between the proportion of positive cells and the ascites-specific survival (ASS) of patients, immune cells infiltration score (ICIS) related to immune cell infiltration was established. Based on Kruskal-Wallis H test, the expression of CD8 in MA of different tumor types was significantly different (P = 0.014), the proportion of CD8 positive cells in biliary tract tumors is significantly higher than that in gastrointestinal (GI) tract tumors (P = 0.032). According to the multivariate cox regression analysis, only whether to receive chemotherapy was an independent prognostic risk factor. ICIS 1 (CD4, CD8, CD163, FOXP3) and ICIS2 (CD4, CD8, CD11b, CD11c, CD16, CD19, CD163, FOXP3) constructed according to immune cell infiltration can effectively predict the ASS of patients (ICIS1: High expression vs low expression, HR, 0.43, 95%CI (0.22–0.84), P = 0.0065; ICIS2: high vs. low expression, HR, 0.36, 95%CI (0.16–0.79), P = 0.0007). In general, the immune cells in MA are related to the survival of patients. The distribution model of immune cells based on TME has a good predictive value for the survival of patients.
Tracing gender variation in traditional knowledge: participatory tools to promote conservation in a Quilombola community in Brazil
Authors: Cantelli Daniele , Gonçalves Maiara Cristina , Silva Vilson Omar da , Silva Dirceu Nunes da , Hanazaki Natalia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Based on participatory research tools and analysis with a gender focus, we aim to identify the knowledge associated with native plants of the Atlantic Forest in a Quilombola community whose territory is juxtaposed with a protected area, in South Brazil.
Methods
Through the perception of the local residents of the Quilombola community of São Roque, we classified the availability, harvesting intensity, abundance and importance of fourteen plants native to the Atlantic Forest found in their territory. A participatory workshop was built with the community to collect data through three activities: four-cell tool, environment matrix, and importance matrix. In order to identify the diversity of intracultural knowledge, all activities were separated into two groups based on the gender of the participants and researchers.
Results
The species Pau-pra-tudo (Picrasma crenata), Quina (Coutarea hexandra) and Cipó-milome (Aristolochia triangularis) were similarly classified as important by both groups, which indicates the cultural and environmental relevance associated with them disregarding gender. The perception of other species were expressed in different ways between the groups, showing the variance of the ecological knowledge and the relationship between the socio-cultural contexts of gender with the knowledge manifested. The final part of the workshop was a lecture given by two community experts about herbal medicines based on forest species found in the territory.
Conclusions
Based on the plural results recorded in the workshops, we discuss the demand of traditional communities inclusion in land management plans of environmental agencies, highlighting how individual characteristics, such as gender, can fill gaps in data about local biodiversity.
Transcultural Adaptation and Validation of the Eating Self-Efficacy Brief Scale (ESEBS): The Brazilian version
Authors: Feoli Ana Maria Pandolfo , Silva Tainá Lopes da , Urbanetto Janete de Souza , D'Amico Monica , Cerolini Silvia , Lombardo Caterina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to develop and validate the Brief Eating Self-Efficacy Scale (ESEBS-BR) in Brazilian Portuguese, addressing the lack of tools to assess eating self-efficacy beliefs in Portuguese-speaking populations.
Method
The study sought to cross-culturally adapt the scale, evaluate its internal structure, validate its reliability and validity, and explore potential associations between eating self-efficacy and eating behaviors. The cross-cultural adaptation process followed guidelines proposed by Beaton et al. (2007), involving translation and back-translation, expert committees, and pre-testing. Scale validation was conducted with 228 participants, including reliability analyses, confirmatory factor analysis, and correlations with established measures of eating behavior.
Results
The ESEBS-BR, maintaining all 8 original items, demonstrated high reliability, with a two-factor structure model confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Significant correlations were found between ESEBS-BR scores and measures of binge eating and eating behaviors, validating its criterion validity.
Conclusions
The development and validation of the ESEBS-BR represent a significant contribution to the assessment of eating self-efficacy in the Brazilian population. The scale proved to be sensitive, reliable, and valid, offering an important tool for research and clinical interventions related to eating behavior.
Level of evidence
V, descriptive cross sectional study
Impact of Exon 1 Polymorphism in the MBL2 Gene on MBL Serum Levels and Infection Susceptibility in Acute Lymphoid Leukemia
Authors: Oliveira Leonardo Calheiros , Barbosa Anderson Nogueira , Mineiro Luma Silva , de Souza Paulo Henrique Rodrigues , Pontes Gemilson Soares 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene exon 1 can decrease serum levels of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), increasing the risk of infection in immunocompromised individuals. This study evaluated the association between the polymorphism in exon 1 of the MBL2 gene, genotypes, serum MBL levels, and infection in 122 patients with acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). The MBL*A allele exhibited the highest frequency (0.37) within the study population. The MBL*D (0.32) was the predominant variant. The combined frequency of O polymorphic alleles (either B or D) was 0.63. The frequencies of the A/A, A/O and O/O genotypes were 0.13, 0.49 and 0.38, respectively. All patients exhibited consistently low levels of serum MBL, irrespective of their exon 1 genotype. Parasitic infections (n = 103), bacterial (n = 69) and viral (n = 48). A/O genotype (0.49) had higher infection rates, A/A (0.13) had lower rates, and O/O showed increased viral susceptibility (OR: 0.37; 95% CI 0.13–1.06; p = 0.05). Our findings demonstrated that the study population were MBL-deficient, regardless of their MLB2 genotype. Individuals with the A/O genotype had more infections, while those with the O/O genotype appeared more susceptible to viral infections. These findings highlight the impact of MBL levels and genetic variants on infection susceptibility in ALL patients.
Natal factors influencing newborn’s oral microbiome diversity: beyond mother-to-newborn microbial transmission
Authors: Kim Yoon-Hee , Lee Tae yang , Kim Hyun-Yi , Jeong Su Jin , Han Jung Ho , Shin Jeong Eun , Lee Jae-Ho , Kang Chung-Min 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The early microbiota of neonates is crucial for developing the postnatal immune system and establishing normal physiological, metabolic, and neurological functions. This study investigates the pattern of mother-to-newborn microbial transmission and identify factors influencing the diversity of the neonatal oral microbiome. The study includes a prospective cohort comprising 73 mothers and 87 neonates and a retrospective cohort comprising 991 mothers and 1,121 neonates. Samples from the maternal cervix and neonatal gastric, bronchial, and oral cavities were analyzed using culture-based methods. 16S rRNA gene sequencing using oral swab samples to characterize microbial diversity and composition. Similar genera were detected in the neonatal gastric, bronchial, and oral samples, and the neonatal gastric culture was the most similar to the maternal cervical culture. In addition to mother-to-newborn transmission of microbes, various natal factors including birth type, birth weight, delivery mode, maternal chorioamnionitis, maternal diabetes and the presence of microbes in other sites influenced the diversity of the neonatal oral microbiome. Among these factors, the birth type was the most significant. The composition of the oral microbiome differed significantly according to the birth type, and preterm neonates exhibited decreased oral microbiome diversity, with fewer beneficial bacteria and more pathogens.
Posterior inclinatory approach for degenerative foraminal stenosis with the biportal endoscopic technique: clinical and radiological outcomes
Authors: Xu Zhengyu , Hu Qingfeng , Zhong Zhuolin , Jing Xiaowei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Although there are several surgical applications to treat foraminal stenosis, difficulties in some cases need novel access to decompression and preserve normal structure simultaneously. Biportal endoscopic spine surgery (BESS) presents a multitude of advantages, including enhanced flexibility, improved magnification, and an expanded field of view. We introduce a novel posterior inclinatory access in BESS (PIA-BESS) that is specifically designed to treat some specific degenerative foraminal stenosis and evaluate its clinical and radiological outcomes.
Methods
Between March 2021 and July 2023, 19 patients presenting with symptomatic nerve root involvement due to foraminal stenosis underwent the PIA-BESS surgical procedure. Preoperative and postoperative assessments involved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans to measure changes in the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores for buttock and radicular pain. The dynamic intervertebral angle (IVA) and vertebral slip rate, as determined from preoperative and postoperative X-rays, were employed to evaluate post-surgical vertebral stability.
Results
The intervertebral foraminal area increased significantly from the initial measurement of 32.26 ± 13.49 mm2 to 79.95 ± 19.78 mm2 (P<0.05). Similarly, the spinal canal area also showed a significant increase, from 105.37 ± 21.66 mm2 to 145.63 ± 17.86 mm2 (P<0.05). ODI scores reduced significantly from 73.27 ± 13.21 to 9.26 ± 7.65 (P<0.05), and VAS scores reduced significantly from 5.79 ± 1.08 to 0.84 ± 0.90 (P<0.05). Notably, there were significant differences between the pre-operation and post-operation measurements. However, no significant changes were observed in the dynamic IVA and vertebral slip rate.
Conclusions
The PIA-BESS approach is an effective and low-complication method for addressing stenosis in the lumbar foraminal region. It provides effective decompression for bony stenosis or extruded and sequestered discs in the foraminal region, while preserving the normal structure to maintain the spine stability.
Transferring Health Personnel's Human Factor Skills to competency in clinical practice: Key Findings from a Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Abildgren Lotte , Lebahn-Hadidi Malte , Mogensen Christian Backer , Toft Palle , Steffensen Sune Vork , Hounsgaard Lise 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Research shows that simulation-based training can increase knowledge and skills among pregraduate healthcare students, that simulation-based training of technical skills places the participants higher on the learning curve in practice, and that simulation-based training can improve participants’ human factor skills. Nevertheless, how cognitive and social knowledge and skills are transferred into clinical practice competency remains unknown. This study aims to explore qualified in-hospital health personnel’s transfer of human factor skills from a simulation-based training course to competency in everyday clinical practice.
Method: A qualitative phenomenological-hermeneutic methodology and an ethnographic study investigate qualified health personnel’s transfer of human factor skills before, during, and after a simulation-based training course. The data collection comprises three phases: a clinical phase, a simulation-based training phase and a transfer phase; each phase is based on a subsequent analysis of the previous phase. Data consist of approximately 107 hours of video recordings, field notes and reflections within the research team. Data are analysed with RICEA, a qualitative hybrid method of a Ricɶur-Inspired Analysis and Cognitive Event Analysis.
Findings: The analysis reveals three key themes: Individual transfer of learning, Intercollegiate transfer of learning and Organisational transfer of learning. The findings imply that transfer of human factor skills happens on an individual and intercollegiate level. Still, transfer needs to be scaffolded on an organisational level so that cognitive and social knowledge becomes competency in clinical practice. Further, the findings imply that transferring human factor skills needs another focus than transferring technical skills. Transfer, internalisation and retention of human factor skills are inadequate because of insufficient organisational focus on transferring human factor skills.
Conclusion: Findings suggest a need for a broader and more profound focus on transferring human factor skills to competency in clinical practice. Involving local ambassadors and increased collaboration between simulation centres and organisations around the transfer phase could optimise the transfer of human factor skills. However, further research is needed in this area.
Trial registration: N/A
Vessel Wall Enhancement and High-Sensitivity CRP as Prognostic Markers in Non-Cardioembolic Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Na Seunghee , Kim Taewon , Koo Jaseong , Hong Yun Jeong , Kim Seong-Hoon 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
Eccentric vessel wall enhancement (EVWE) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are inflammatory biomarkers associated with atherosclerotic disease. We investigated their prognostic value in patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving guideline-adherent medical treatment.
Methods
In this prospective observational cohort study, patients with acute non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke underwent vessel wall MRI and hs-CRP testing. The primary outcome was subsequent ischemic stroke during the follow-up period. The median follow-up duration was 21 months. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis was used to determine the associations between EVWE, hs-CRP levels, and subsequent ischemic stroke.
Results
Among 191 patients, 81 (42.4%) had EVWE. EVWE positivity showed a trend towards a lower risk of subsequent ischemic stroke compared to EVWE negativity (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12–0.87; P = 0.061). Hs-CRP levels were not significantly associated with recurrent stroke risk. The combination of EVWE positivity and low hs-CRP levels (< 1.25 mg/L) was associated with the most favorable outcome, while EVWE negativity and high hs-CRP levels (≥ 1.25 mg/L) were associated with the worst outcome (HR 0.143, 95% CI 0.04–0.50; P = 0.031).
Conclusions
In patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving optimal medical therapy, EVWE positivity may paradoxically indicate a lower risk of recurrent stroke. The combination of EVWE and hs-CRP status provides prognostic information, with EVWE positivity and low hs-CRP levels associated with the most favorable outcome. These findings highlight the potential role of integrating imaging and serum inflammatory biomarkers in risk stratification and management of acute ischemic stroke patients.
Mental health and psychosocial support in the context of peacebuilding: lessons learned from Somalia
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed , Malik Mamunur Rahman , Noor Zeynab , Ndithia James , Salad Abdulwahab 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Conflict tends to break down health systems by damaging health care infrastructure, forcing health care workers to flee from dangerous work environments, and causing an upsurge in displacement, starvation and recurrent epidemics. In Somalia, three decades of conflict and ongoing humanitarian crises have profoundly impacted the physical and psychological well-being of the people. As part of the World Health Organization’s Health and Peace Initiative, the Government of Somalia, WHO and partners have implemented a project to integrate mental health and psychosocial support in the context of peacebuilding, the first of its kind in Somalia. The project encompassed training of health workers on mental health, provision of services, awareness and addressing the stigma and discrimination. Drawing on the project evaluation as well as primary research conducted as part of the project to understand the epidemiology of mental health and substance use issues in the project sites, valuable lessons have been learned from this multi-agency project implemented in a challenging context during the COVID-19 pandemic and an ongoing complex conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Central Somalia. This case study provides an overview of the project, delving into its conceptual framework, activities and outcomes. It highlights the challenges, lessons learned and recommendations. The lessons discussed below are derived from the implementation process, project outcomes, research findings, training and evaluation reports. The case study considered every aspect of the project to enable us to capture the process as well as outcomes.
Impact of arterial system alterations due to amputation on arterial stiffness and hemodynamics: a numerical study
Authors: Hasan OBEID , BIKIA Vasiliki , Patrick SEGERS , PARE Mathilde , Pierre BOUTOUYRIE , Nikos STERGIOPULOS , Mohsen AGHARAZII 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Subjects with amputation of the lower limbs are at increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. We hypothesize that amputation-induced alterations in the arterial tree negatively impact arterial biomechanics, blood pressure and flow behavior. These changes may interact with other biological factors, potentially increasing cardiovascular risk. To evaluate this hypothesis regarding the purely mechanical impact of amputation on the arterial tree, we used a simulation computer model including a detailed one-dimensional (1D) arterial network model (143 arterial segments) coupled with a zero-dimensional (0D) model of the left ventricle. Our simulations included five settings of the arterial network: 1) 4-limbs control, 2) unilateral amputee (right lower limb), 3) bilateral amputee (both lower limbs), 4) trilateral amputee (lower-limbs and right upper-limb), and 5) quadrilateral amputee (lower and upper limbs). Analysis of regional stiffness, as calculated by pulse wave velocity (PWV) for large-, medium- and small-sized arteries, showed that, while aortic stiffness did not change with increasing degree of amputation, stiffness of medium and smaller-sized arteries increased with greater amputation severity. Despite a staged decrease in cardiac output, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure values increased, resulting in an increase in both central and peripheral pulse pressures but with an attenuation of pulse pressure amplification. The most significant increase in peak systolic pressure and decrease in peak systolic blood flow was observed at the site of the abdominal aorta. Wave separation analysis indicated no changes in the shape of the forward and backward wave components. However, the results from wave intensity analysis showed that with extended amputation, there was an increase in peak forward wave intensity and a rise in the inverse peak of the backward wave intensity, suggesting potential alterations in cardiac hemodynamic load. In conclusion, this simulation study showed that biomechanical and hemodynamic changes in the arterial network geometry could interact with additional risk factors to increase the cardiovascular risk in patients with amputations.