bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health and job-related factors associated with work ability in older working populations of Korea
Authors: Park J-Y , Lee D-W , Choi J , Kim M , Kang M-Y 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Knowledge about determinants of workability is crucial for designing interventions to increase the participation of older employees in the workforce and maintain or increase their productivity levels at work.

Aims
This study explored the impact of health conditions and job characteristics on poor work ability.

Methods
This study used data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) from 2014 to 2020, which is a nationally representative population-based panel study of Korean citizens aged ≥45 years. The KLoSA survey assessed subjective work ability using work ability score. The participants were asked if they had been diagnosed with any underlying diseases by a physician. The job characteristics were assessed in terms of working conditions and satisfaction. Generalized estimating equations were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for workers’ health-related variables and job characteristics associated with poor work ability.

Results
The results showed that workers’ health-related factors were associated with poor work ability; poor vision (OR = 1.52) and bad hearing ability (OR = 2.37); low gripping strength (OR = 2.29); poor self-rated health (OR = 3.77) and various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, liver disease, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, mental illness, arthritis, prostate disease, gastrointestinal disease and disc disease. Additionally, high physical work demands (OR = 1.51) and low job satisfaction (OR = 4.23) were highly correlated with poor work ability.

Conclusions
The findings addressing poor work abilities caused by individuals’ health- and job-related factors can help prioritize worker health management and the development of more effective human capital investment strategies at the workplace.
Analysis of internal gamma-ray dose to the public from brick as building material in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Karthikayini Seenuvasan , Chandrasekaran Ananthanarayanan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Natural radioactivity due to 238U, 232Th and 40K in brick samples from Tamil Nadu was determined using gamma-ray spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K, 69 ± 6, 62 ± 6 and 462 ± 23 Bq kg−1, are slightly greater than the world recommended limits of 35, 45 and 420 Bq kg−1, respectively, and they are compared with a similar work carried out across the world. The radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity, Raeq (193 ± 17 Bq kg−1), internal hazard index, Hin (0.71 ± 0.06), and activity utilisation index, AUI (1.43 ± 0.13), was lower, whilst absorbed dose rate, DRin (89 ± 8 nGy h−1), annual effective dose equivalent, AEDEin (0.43 ± 0.04 mSv y−1), and excess lifetime cancer risk, ELCRin (1.52 ± 0.13 mSv y−1), are slightly greater than the world’s recommended limit. Bi-variate statistical analysis was performed to corroborate the relationship between radionuclides and radiological hazards.
Bacterial Leaf Spot Susceptibility Screening of Chili Pepper Cultivars Using qPCR Determination ofXanthomonas euvesicatoriapv.euvesicatoriaTiters
Authors: Utami Desi , Meale Sarah J. , Young Anthony J. 
Published: December 2023

Bacterial leaf spot is a serious disease of chili pepper ( Capsicum spp.) caused by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. euvesicatoria. Conventional resistance screening is time and resource intensive. It was considered that a quick and simple determination of cultivar susceptibility could be achieved through estimating bacterial titers of inoculated plants. A SYBR quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based assay was compared with conventional PCR, then used to detect and enumerate pathogen titers in serial dilutions and DNA extracted from infected plant leaves. The qPCR detection limit was approximately 1 CFU µl−1, 10 times more sensitive than conventional PCR. A linear correlation ( R2= 0.994) was obtained from the standard curve comparing plate-truthed serial dilutions of the pathogen with the qPCR cycle threshold. Six strains were used to inoculate cultivars Hugo and Warlock. One strain, X. euvesicatoria pv. euvesicatoria BRIP62403, was consistently the most virulent based on visual symptoms and pathogen titers in planta inferred by qPCR performed on DNA extracted from infected leaves 2 and 6 weeks postinoculation. Visual observations 6 weeks after inoculation were highly correlated ( R2 = 0.8254) to pathogen titers. The qPCR method was used to categorize 20 chili pepper cultivars 2 weeks after inoculation. A high positive correlation ( R2= 0.6826) was observed between visual scoring and pathogen titers from 20 chili pepper cultivars, facilitating categorization of susceptible, intermediate, and resistant cultivars. The qPCR approach developed here facilitates susceptibility screening of chili pepper cultivars at an early stage of selection and could be readily adapted to a range of other pathosystems.
Synergistic effects of resveratrol with gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer chemotherapy by inhibiting the c-Met/PARP1 axis
Authors: Wu Shuai , Ren Jiaqiang , Qian Weikun , Gong Mengyuan , Li Jie , Qin Tao , Zhang Simei , Zhang Wunai , Sun Hao , Wu Zheng , Wang Zheng , Ma Qingyong , Duan Wanxing 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor of the digestive tract with a dismal prognosis. A key challenge of pancreatic cancer is its resistance to chemotherapy. The C-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met)/poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) axis plays an important role in the therapeutic resistance of breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, this study aims to explore potential therapeutic targets for improving chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods:
Gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cell lines were constructed by our laboratory using a continuous low-concentration gemcitabine induction method. The proliferation and apoptosis of combination therapy were examined using flow cytometry and comet assay. Synergistic effects of 2 drugs were determined by Chou–Talalay combination index (CI). The interactions between proteins were predicted using the AutoDock model and detected through coimmunoprecipitation assays.

Results:
The combination of resveratrol and gemcitabine inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. We found that c-Met and PARP1 were highly expressed in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells. However, resveratrol inhibited their expression and improved the effectiveness of gemcitabine-induced DNA damage. In addition, our data demonstrated that resveratrol and gemcitabine had synergistic effects (CI < 1). Furthermore, the protein interactions between c-Met and PARP1 were attenuated after the early stage of resveratrol intervention. Using AutoDock models, we predicted the potential binding sites where resveratrol could impact the protein interaction between c-Met (tyrosine kinase domain) and PARP1 (CAT domain).

Conclusion:
Our results suggested that the synergistic effects of resveratrol with gemcitabine depend on the c-Met/PAPR1 axis. Using resveratrol as a combined chemotherapy agent may have clinical benefits for patients with refractory pancreatic cancer.
Clinical Nurse Well-being Improved Through Transcendental Meditation
Authors: Bonamer Jennifer I. , Kutash Mary , Hartranft Susan R. , Aquino-Russell Catherine , Bugajski Andrew , Johnson Ayesha 
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) practice on the multidimensional well-being of nurse clinicians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND
The health of clinical nurses has substantial impact on both the availability of a nursing workforce and the quality and safety of patient care. TM improved health and coping strategies across many populations.

METHODS
Clinical nurses were recruited from 3 Magnet®-designated hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Well-being outcomes included flourishing, burnout, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Participants were randomized following completion of baseline surveys into immediate (intervention) or delayed (control) TM instruction. Surveys were repeated at 1 and 3 months following baseline survey or TM instruction. Repeated-measures analysis of variance compared differences in groups over time.

RESULTS
Across the 3 sites, there were 104 clinical nurse participants. Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant medium to large effects in improvement over time in well-being measures for the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS
TM improved multidimensional well-being of clinical nurses by reducing posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and burnout and improving flourishing. TM is easy to practice anywhere. The benefits are immediate and cumulative. Organizations and individual nurses can use TM to support clinical nurses in the difficult and meaningful work of patient care, especially in challenging times. Future studies may consider the feasibility of integrating TM into clinical shifts and evaluating its impact on patient and organizational outcomes.
Reducing the Time to Action on Bilirubin Results Overnight in a Newborn Nursery
Authors: Beverstock Andrew M. , Rubin Lily , Akerman Meredith , Noyola Estela 
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Infants commonly require phototherapy in the nursery to prevent kernicterus, but it can interfere with parent-infant bonding. Minimizing unnecessary phototherapy is important. We noticed frequent delays in initiating and discontinuing phototherapy at our hospital. Our primary aim was to start or stop phototherapy within 3 hours of the intended blood draw time for more than 80% of patients by August 2022. Our secondary aims were to have the bilirubin result available within two hours of the intended draw time and for the result to be actioned upon within 1 hour of becoming available.

Methods:
We audited all patients requiring phototherapy, from January 2021 to December 2021 (n = 250). In PDSA cycle 1, we used electronic medical record result alerts. In cycle 2, we educated residents on the importance of acting promptly on results. In cycle 3, we asked residents to message the nurse to alert them to any laboratory draws for that shift. In cycle 4, we implemented a standardized laboratory draw policy.

Results:
We increased the percentage of results acted upon within 3 hours from 56% to more than 80%. We also reduced the mean time from blood draw to action from 184 minutes to 134 minutes. The time from intended draw to result availability decreased from 115 minutes to 95 minutes, and the time to action decreased from 67 minutes to 42 minutes.

Conclusions:
Combining resident education, electronic medical record result alerts, and policy standardization allowed us to achieve our stated aim and improved care for our neonates.
Sustainability Standards in Pediatric Anesthesia: Quality Initiative to Reduce Costly Environmentally Harmful Volatile Anesthetics
Authors: Waberski Andrew T. , Pestieau Sophie R. , Vazquez-Colon Caroll , Cronin Jessica , Braffett Barbara H. 
Published: December 2023

Background:
The emission and entrapment of greenhouse gases (GHG) inside the atmosphere is one of the leading causes of global warming. Commonly administered anesthetics have global warming potential up to 2,000 times greater than carbon dioxide. This Quality Improvement (QI) initiative aimed to develop a set of sustainability standards to reduce volatile anesthetic GHG emissions and costs at a children’s hospital.

Methods:
In January 2020, the QI project team implemented education sessions for clinical staff on the environmental impact of volatile anesthetics, bedside clinical reminders, resource guides on sustainable anesthesia practices, preset low-flow gas levels on anesthesia machines, relocated and reduced the number of available vaporizers, and implemented policies to standardize clinical practice. Using hospital pharmacy purchase order data between 2018 and 2022, GHG emissions and costs from three commonly used volatile anesthetics (Isoflurane, Sevoflurane, and Desflurane) were compared using metric ton carbon dioxide equivalents.

Results:
During 3 years, GHG emissions from volatile anesthetics were significantly reduced by 77%, with most of the reduction attributed to the reduced use and eventual elimination of Desflurane. Purchase costs were also significantly reduced during this period by 41%.

Conclusions:
This QI project successfully decreased GHG emissions over 3 years by simultaneously reducing the use of costly and environmentally harmful volatile anesthetic, Desflurane, and increasing the use of low-flow anesthesia. This study addresses our anesthesia practices and healthcare system’s impact on the pediatric population and proposes simple interventions to mitigate the negative consequences of current practices.
Cerebrospinal fluid CXCL13 concentration for diagnosis and monitoring of neurosyphilis in people with HIV
Authors: Carvalho Ricardo de S. , Rangel Isabelle de C. , Soane Michel M. , Bacarov Natália B.S. , Herbst Victor , Ferry Fernando R.A. 
Published: December 2023

Objectives:
The study aimed to assess and compare cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-CXCL13 levels in People with HIV (PWH) with suspected neurosyphilis (NS), those with syphilis but without NS, and patients without treponema infection. Additionally, it aimed to evaluate changes in CSF-CXCL13 concentrations before and after antibiotic treatment.

Design:
This was a prospective cohort study involving 93 PWH suspected of NS. All participants underwent lumbar puncture, with CSF-CXCL13 levels measured at baseline and during follow-up in patients diagnosed with NS.

Methods:
CSF-CXCL13 levels were quantified using ELISA. The Mann−Whitney U test was used to analyze differences between groups, while the Wilcoxon test assessed within subject changes. ROC curve analysis determined the diagnostic efficacy of CSF-CXCL13 for NS.

Results:
Significantly higher CSF-CXCL13 levels were observed in patients with NS compared to those with syphilis without NS and non-syphilis patients. Posttreatment, a decline in CSF-CXCL13 levels was noted in all NS cases. A CSF-CXCL13 threshold exceeding 60.0 pg/ml, in conjunction with reactive CSF-FTA-ABS, yielded a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 97.6% for NS diagnosis.

Conclusions:
CSF-CXCL13 emerges as a valuable adjunctive biomarker for detecting NS in PWH, especially in cases with nonreactive CSF-VDRL. Monitoring CSF-CXCL13 levels also appears effective in evaluating therapeutic response in PWH undergoing NS treatment.
Effect of a Perioperative Educational Video in Patients Undergoing Mohs Reconstruction
Authors: Das Rishub K. , Kalmar Chris L. , McLawhorn Justin , Clayton Anna S. , Thayer Wesley P. 
Published: December 2023

Background
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and most are treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) by fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeons. Complex reconstruction in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas often requires a plastic surgery consult. The uncertainty regarding reconstructive options and cosmetic appearance is difficult emotionally and cognitively for patients.

Objectives
To improve patient understanding about MMS reconstruction with plastic surgeons, we investigated the utility of a multimedia presentation during perioperative education.

Methods
A randomized clinical trial was conducted at a hospital-affiliated outpatient MMS clinic and surgery center in the United States. Patients in the intervention arm were given a tablet or Web site link to watch a multimedia presentation about reconstruction after MMS. All patients were given a questionnaire about their understanding of MMS reconstruction and satisfaction with the reconstructive care they received.

Results
A total of 46 patients were recruited for the study and completed the questionnaire. Of these patients, 22 were randomized to the test intervention arm, and the remaining 24 were in the control group. Among participants in the test intervention arm, feedback regarding the platform was positive with more than 90% of patients reporting that the video was engaging, useful, and easy to understand. Patient understanding and satisfaction scores in the test intervention arm ranked higher across all domains than those of the control group.

Conclusions
This randomized clinical trial showed increases in patient understanding and satisfaction among patients undergoing MMS reconstruction with the implementation of a perioperative educational video.
Easy and Safe Clamping of the Internal Jugular Vein and Internal Carotid Artery for End-to-Side Anastomosis in the Vessel-Depleted Neck
Authors: De La Parra-Marquez Miguel , Aguilar-Torres Carlos , Charles-Lozoya Sergio 
Published: December 2023

Background
Damage to the vascular system resulting from radiotherapy and previous surgeries in patients with recurrent neck tumors has a negative impact on secondary reconstructions. In this study, we describe a simple method for occlusion of the great vessels of the neck in patients with difficult access to recipient vessels for anastomosis.

Methods
A 1 or 0 gauge silk ligature is placed at a circumference of 540 degrees around the vessel, holding the base of the suture with a fine hemostatic clamp exerting sufficient pressure to stop the blood flow in the vessel (internal carotid artery or internal jugular vein), to prepare the end-to-side anastomosis to the flap.

Results
From 90 head a neck reconstructions for oncologic patients using microvascular flaps performed between April 2011 and April 2021, 8 of them (8.8%) were performed in patients with multiple previous surgeries and/or radiotherapy, with lesion of the arterial thyrolyngopharyngofacial trunk and secondary recipient veins, being the internal carotid and internal jugular the only available recipient vessels in the neck.

Conclusions
Occlusion of the great vessels of the neck with a thick silk at 540 degrees held by a hemostatic clamp at its base is a safe and reproducible method for occlusion of these vessels to perform end-to-side anastomosis in patients with difficult vascular access in the neck without increasing the risk of endothelial damage and thrombosis from the anastomosis.
Robotic-Assisted Proctosigmoidectomy vs. Laparoscopic-Assisted Soave Pull-Through for Hirschsprung’s Disease: Medium-Term Outcomes From a Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Zhang Mengxin , Zhang Xi , Chi Shuiqing , Chang Xiaopan , Zeng Jixiao , Bian Hongqiang , Cao Guoqing , Li Shuai , Zhou Ying , Rong Liying , Tang Shao-tao 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
To compare the surgical outcomes of robotic-assisted proctosigmoidectomy (RAP) and laparoscopic-assisted Soave pull-through (LAP) for children with Hirschsprung’s disease (HD).

Summary Background Data:
LAP and RAP have been developed for minimally invasive pull-through of HD, but the clinical benefits of robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic-assisted approaches have yet to be proven in a multicenter prospective study.

Methods:
This study was a prospective multicenter clinical trial conducted on children with rectosigmoid/descending HD from July 2015 to June 2022, with registration in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000035220). The primary outcome was the medium-term functional outcomes in children aged ≥4 years based on bowel functional scores, which were assessed and compared between LAP and RAP.

Results:
A total of 328 consecutive patients (RAP=165, LAP=163) were approached who were considered eligible for elective minimally invasive endorectal pull-through, and 219 patients aged ≥4 years of age completed follow-up (RAP=109, LAP=110). The transanal dissection length and anal traction time were significantly shorter in RAP than those in LAP (0.30 cm vs. 3.70 cm, P <0.001; 45 min vs. 62 min, P <0.001). The RAP group had significantly lower urinary retention rate (0% vs. 5.52%, P=0.006), while other short-term results between two groups were not significantly different. The medium-term overall BFS scores were comparable between two groups; however, among the subgroup of children aged ≤ 3 months at surgery, the RAP group had better anal canal resting pressure at one year postoperatively and amounted to better annual POFC scores at 4-7 years old postoperatively (all P <0.05).

Conclusions:
RAP and LAP should have similar medium-term bowel functional outcomes in HD children, but RAP may be associated with a slight functional benefit in infants operated on below age 3 months, requiring further investigation in larger case cohorts.
Investigation of the Relationship Between Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Using 24-hour Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance With pH Testing According to Current Consensus
Authors: Teke Emre , Esen Bulut Nuriye , Onur Ender , Güneş Yasin , Fersahoglu Mehmet Mahir , Ergin Anil , Taşdelen İksan , Köroğlu Mehmet , Çavuş Bilger , Akyüz Ümit , Akyüz Filiz 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a popular weight loss procedure with potential effects on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, research on the association between LSG and GERD using objective evaluation criteria, such as multichannel intraluminal impedance combined with pH testing (MII-pH), is limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of LSG on GERD using MII-pH and current consensus guidelines.

Materials and Methods:
It was conducted as a prospective clinical study on 33 patients who underwent LSG between January 2022 and August 2022. MII-pH and high-resolution manometry were performed preoperatively and 3 to 6 months postoperatively. GERD diagnosis was based on MII-pH results using the Lyon and Update Porto consensus guidelines.

Results:
Postoperative MII-pH analysis revealed a significant increase in acid reflux time, acid exposure time, reflux index, esophageal clearance, total reflux time, and longest reflux period. Weak acid reflux episodes decreased, while Demeester score and alkaline reflux showed nonsignificant increases. Pathologic reflux significantly increased postoperatively based on MII-pH diagnosis. High-resolution manometry showed a significant increase in unsuccessful motility.

Conclusion:
Although the Demeester score calculation consists of 6 metrics, including acid exposure time, the acid exposure time is more specific in detecting pathologic reflux. Pathologic GERD increases significantly with LSG in the early period. Therefore, preoperative and postoperative endoscopy and MII-pH can provide valuable information regarding the need for closer follow-up after LSG.