bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between red blood cell distribution width and left ventricular hypertrophy in pediatric essential hypertension
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Liu Yang , Liu Yanyan , Wang Hui , Liu Bo , Shi Lin 
Published: February 2023

AimLeft ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is one of the most common types of target organ damage in hypertension. The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is closely related to many cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the RDW level and LVH in pediatric essential hypertension.Materials and methodsA total of 429 untreated children and adolescents with essential hypertension were recruited and divided into an LVH group (n = 114) and non-LVH group (n = 315) according to left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT) by color Doppler ultrasound. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between RDW and LVMI, RWT. The effect of RDW on LVH was determined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. To assess the predictive value of RDW on LVH, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used.ResultsThe level of RDW in children with hypertension in the LVH group was significantly higher than that in the non-LVH group (13.0 [12.0, 13.0] vs. 12.4 [12.0, 13.0] %, P = 0.001). The incidence of low and high quantiles of LVH was 21.0% and 32.0%, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed that RDW was positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP), LVMI, RWT, and red blood cell (RBC) count (P all &lt; 0.05), and negatively correlated with hemoglobin (HGB) level, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (P all &lt; 0.05). After adjusting for various confounding factors, a multivariate logistic regression model revealed that RDW was an independent risk factor for LVH (OR = 1.946, 95% CI: 1.324–2.861, P = 0.001). The area under the ROC curve of RDW predicting centripetal hypertrophy was 0.700 (95% CI: 0.541–0.859, P &lt; 0.05) in pediatric essential hypertension.ConclusionsIncreased RDW levels are an independent risk factor for LVH in pediatric essential hypertension, and RDW may be a predictor of LVH in untreated pediatric essential hypertension.
Anti-malarial artesunate ameliorates atherosclerosis by modulating arterial inflammatory responses via inhibiting the NF-κB–NLRP3 inflammasome pathway
Authors: Cen Yanyan , Xiong Yalan , Qin Rongxin , Tao Hui , Yang Qunfang , Pan Xichun 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Chronic inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS), and involves a complex interplay between blood components, macrophages, and arterial wall. Therefore, it is valuable in the development of targeted therapies to treat AS.Methods: AS rat model was induced by atherogenic diet plus with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then treated by anti-malarial artesunate (Art), a succinate derivative of artemisinin. The arterial morphology was observed after Oil red O, hematoxylin—eosin, and Masson’s staining. The arterial protein level was detected by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. The expression level of mRNA was determined by PCR array or real-time PCR.Results: Herein, we showed that Art possessed a dose-dependently protective effect on AS rats. In detail, Art showed a comparable inhibitory effect on arterial plaque and serum lipids compared to those of rosuvastatin (RS), and further showed a better inhibition on arterial lipid deposition and arterial remodeling comprised of arterial wall thicken and vascular collagen deposition, than those of RS. The improvement of Art on AS rats was related to inhibit arterial macrophage recruitment, and inhibit nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-related excessive arterial inflammatory responses. Critically, Art showed significant inhibition on the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in both arterial wall and arterial macrophages, by down-regulating the expression of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) and apoptosis associated speckle-like protein containing CARD (ASC), leading to less production of the NLRP3 inflammasome—derived caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, and subsequent transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in AS rats.Conclusion: We propose that Art is an anti-AS agent acts through modulating the arterial inflammatory responses via inhibiting the NF-κB – NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
Numerical hemolysis performance evaluation of a rotary blood pump under different speed modulation profiles
Authors: Huang Feng , Lei Huan , Ying Shunv , Fu Yang , Li Qipeng , Ruan Xiaodong 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Speed modulation methods have been studied and even used clinically to create extra pulsation in the blood circulatory system with the assistance of a continuous flow rotary blood pump. However, fast speed variations may also increase the hemolysis potential inside the pump.Methods: This study investigates the hemolysis performance of a ventricular assist rotary blood pump under sinusoidal, square, and triangular wave speed modulation profiles using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The CFD boundary pressure conditions of the blood pump were obtained by combining simulations with the pump’s mathematical model and a complete cardiovascular lumped parameter model. The hemolysis performance of the blood pump was quantified by the hemolysis index (HI) calculated from a Eulerian scalar transport equation.Results: The HI results were obtained and compared with a constant speed condition when the blood pump was run under three speed profiles. The speed modulations were revealed to slightly affect the pump hemolysis, and the hemolysis differences between the different speed modulation profiles were insignificant.Discussion: This study suggests that speed modulations could be a feasible way to improve the flow pulsatility of rotary blood pumps while not increasing the hemolysis performance.
Temperature sensing by the calcium-sensing receptor
Authors: Brennan Sarah C. , Mun Hee-chang , Delbridge Leigh , Kuchel Philip W. , Conigrave Arthur D. 
Published: February 2023

Whether GPCRs support the sensing of temperature as well as other chemical and physical modalities is not well understood.Introduction: Extracellular Ca2+ concentration (Ca2+o) modulates core body temperature and the firing rates of temperature-sensitive CNS neurons, and hypocalcemia provokes childhood seizures. However, it is not known whether these phenomena are mediated by Ca2+o-sensing GPCRs, including the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). In favor of the hypothesis, CaSRs are expressed in hypothalamic regions that support core temperature regulation, and autosomal dominant hypocalcemia, due to CaSR activating mutations, is associated with childhood seizures.Methods: Herein, we tested whether CaSR-dependent signaling is temperature sensitive using an established model system, CaSR-expressing HEK-293 cells.Results: We found that the frequency of Ca2+o-induced Ca2+i oscillations but not the integrated response was linearly dependent on temperature in a pathophysiologically relevant range. Chimeric receptor analysis showed that the receptor’s C-terminus is required for temperature-dependent modulation and experiments with the PKC inhibitor GF109203X and CaSR mutants T888A and T888M, which eliminate a key phosphorylation site, demonstrated the importance of repetitive phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.Discussion and Conclusion: CaSRs mediate temperature-sensing and the mechanism, dependent upon repetitive phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, suggests that GPCRs more generally contribute to temperature-sensing.
Analysis of factors influencing the job satisfaction of medical staff in tertiary public hospitals, China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shi Xiang , Xiong Dekai , Zhang Xingmin , Han Miaomiao , Liu Liu , Wang Jinian 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionSince the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19), China has entered normalization phase of its epidemic prevention and control measures that emphasizes ‘precise prevention and control,’ ‘dynamic zeroing’, and ‘universal vaccination’. However, medical staff continue to face physical and mental stress. The present study aimed to investigate the job satisfaction of medical staff in China, as well as any associated factors.Methods2,258 medical staff completed a questionnaire specially designed for this study. Independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze associated factors.ResultsOverall, 48.4% of the participants expressed satisfaction with their job; the highest-scoring dimension was interpersonal relationships (3.83 ± 0.73), while the lowest scoring dimension was salary and benefits (3.13 ± 0.94). The logistic regression model indicated that job satisfaction among medical staff is associated with being aged 40–49 years [odds ratio (OR) = 2.416] or &gt; 50 years (OR = 2.440), having an above-undergraduate education level (OR = 1.857), holding a position other than doctor [i.e., nurse (OR = 3.696) or ‘other’ (OR = 2.423)], having a higher income (OR = 1.369), and having fewer monthly overtime shifts (OR = 0.735–0.543). Less than half of the medical staff expressed satisfaction with their job, indicating that the overall level is not high.DiscussionThis research enriches the study of medical workers’ job satisfaction during periods when epidemic prevention and control has become familiar and routine. To improve medical workers’ job satisfaction, administrators should seek to enhance medical staff’s remuneration, reduce their work pressure, and meet their needs (where reasonable).
Examining the validity of the polish short form version of the self-regulated learning—sport practice survey among competitive athletes
Authors: Siekanska Malgorzata , Wilson Stuart G. , Blecharz Jan , Young Bradley W. 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionSelf-regulated learning entails psychological processes that elite athletes employ to optimize their practice. Although self-regulated learning provides insights into athlete-led practice, research has been limited to few cultures, and the particularities of how SRL surveys perform in new cultural contexts require attention. Moreover, there exists no measure to assess SRL and its relationship to quality sport practice in Polish. Thus, we examined the Short Form of the Self-Regulated Learning—Sport Practice survey in Polish. Analyses addressed the factorial validity and reliability, the criterion validity (by assessing differences in scores between competition levels), and the concurrent validity (by correlating scores with conceptually related constructs) of a Polish Short Form survey.MethodsAthletes (N = 324, Mage = 21.4, nfemales = 144, nmales = 180) from amateur, regional, national, and international-elite levels completed the survey, along with concurrent subscales (General Self-Efficacy Scale; GSES; Metacognitive-Self Scale; MS-24; Action Control Scale; ACS-90).ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis indicated a two-factor (metacognitive; motivational) model (RMSEA = 0.082, SRMR = 0.057, CFI = 0.89). Between-group tests showed international-elite scoring higher than all other groups on metacognitive and motivational subscales. On both subscales, significant trends indicated that more skilled levels consistently reported higher scores than lesser-skilled levels. The short form scores were associated with certain concurrent variables, including GSES (rmeta = 0.41, rmotiv = 0.48), MS-24 (rmeta = 0.39, rmotiv = 0.24), and ACS-90 (AOF subscale: rmotiv = 0.26).DiscussionOn the basis of strong criterion validity, and moderate evidence for concurrent validity, we conclude that the Polish Short Form of the Self-Regulated Learning—Sport Practice survey is a promising tool for use in Polish sport and we discuss future avenues of work to enhance its validation. Limitations that inform future research include our reliance on a mixed-sport sample, the lack of priming of obstacles/challenge ahead of self-report, and a lack of consideration of sport-specific practice variables in analyses.
What I missed from my online therapist: A survey-based qualitative investigation of patient experiences of therapist contact in guided internet interventions
Authors: Sayar Hanna , Vøllestad Jon , Nordgreen Tine 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThe effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) in alleviating symptoms of psychological disorders has been demonstrated across qualitative and quantitative studies. Generally, guided ICBT is considered more effective than unguided ICBT. Yet, what therapist contact and guidance specifically add to the treatment is less clear. There is a need for more knowledge about how patients experience the relationship with their therapist in guided ICBT. The aim of the study was to explore what patients missed in the contact with their therapist in guided ICBT in routine care.MethodsThe study used a qualitative design to explore patients´ experiences of the therapist contact in guided ICBT for social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and major depressive disorder. Following treatment, 579 patients received a survey with the open-ended question “What did you miss in the contact with your therapist?” The responses were explored thematically using qualitative content analysis.ResultsA total of 608 unique responses were provided. Of these, 219 responses gave voice to some degree of perceived lack or limitation in their interaction with the therapist or the treatment in general. The analysis yielded three main categories: The first theme, Therapist-ascribed shortcomings, concerned experiences of something missing or lacking in the contact with the ICBT therapist. More specifically, the patients expressed a need for more emotionally attuned and tailored interaction. The second theme was Program obstacles, encompassing expressed wishes for increased therapist responsivity and more contact face-to-face. Self-attributed limitations, the third category, concerned patient experiences of barriers to treatment engagement as originating in themselves.ConclusionThis study sheds light on what patients receiving guided ICBT in routine care missed in the contact with their therapist. The patients who expressed that something was missing in the contact with their therapist constituted a small part of the responses in the sample, even after being directly asked. The themes that emerged point to significant experiences of being inadequately related and responded to, both with potential adverse consequences for the treatment. These findings give new insights to the role of the guidance in ICBT and have implications for the training and supervision of guided ICBT therapists.
Accelerated theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation of the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a patient with post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder: Case report
Authors: Chang Chun-Hung , Liu Chieh-Yu , Chen Shaw-Ji , Tsai Hsin-Chi 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundTheta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation has demonstrated promising effectiveness as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. However, the effect of accelerated theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in comorbid with PTSD and depression remains unknown.Case presentationWe report a case of a 25-year-old woman with PTSD and depression whose symptoms markedly improved after continuous TBS of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and intermittent TBS (iTBS) over the left DLPFC, and then with 20 min break before the 2nd iTBS session.ConclusionsAccelerated TBS over the bilateral DLPFC may improve severe PTSD and depression. Accelerated TBS may have more improvement of depression symptoms than PTSD symptoms. Further trials are warranted to investigate the effect and safety for patients with complicated PTSD and depression.
Differences in pragmatic communication skills of adults with intellectual disabilities and dual diagnoses
Authors: Djordjevic Mirjana , Glumbić Nenad , Brojčin Branislav , Banković Slobodan , Žunić Pavlović Vesna 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionPragmatics includes a set of skills related to language structure and meaning that allow the speaker to use the language appropriately and in accordance with different communication situations. The aim of this research was to determine the differences in pragmatic communication skills of adults with intellectual disabilities, dual diagnoses, and typical development, and to determine the effects of gender, age, the level of intellectual functioning and speech comprehension on their achievements on two assessment instruments.MethodsThe sample included 180 adults (60 typically developing participants, 60 with intellectual disabilities, and 60 participants with dual diagnoses). We used two instruments to assess pragmatic communication skills – Communication Checklist – Adult, CC-A, and the Assessment Battery for Communication, ABaCo. In order to test the differences between the three groups of participants, we used canonical discriminant analysis.ResultsDiscriminant analysis revealed two significant canonical functions. Function one (speech comprehension and the level of intellectual disability, social engagement, and paralinguistic scale) differentiates between typically developing participants and participants with dual diagnoses the most. The second canonical function (language structure, linguistic scale, paralinguistic scale, extralinguistic scale, and context scale) differentiates between participants with intellectual disabilities and participants with dual diagnoses the most. According to the results, age did not affect pragmatic achievements.DiscussionPragmatic skills are very complex, and different instruments measure different dimensions of these abilities. The results of this research lead to the conclusion that we can differentiate between the pragmatic abilities of typically developing people, people with intellectual disabilities, and those with dual diagnoses with the help of the ABaCo battery and the CC-A questionnaire.
Evaluation of a medical education policy with compulsory rural service in China
Authors: Hu Dan , Zhang Baisong , Huang Mingyu , Liu Min , Xia Xiulong , Zuo Yanli , Liu Xiaoyun 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundSince 2010, China has implemented a national programme to train general practitioners for rural areas. The programme enrolled medical students with a rural background who signed a contract for 6 years' compulsory rural service after graduation. China is transitioning its national COVID-19 strategies in view of the features of coronavirus Omicron variant, the vaccination coverage, and the need for socioeconomic development. Strengthening primary health care, especially the health workforce in rural areas, should be an important consideration during the policy transition. This study aims to evaluate the implementation process of enrolling medical students in the programme, their willingness to work in the rural settings and their actual job choice after graduation.MethodsThe study chose four medical universities in central and western China. A total of 2,041 medical graduates who have signed a contract for compulsory rural service and 1,576 medical graduates enrolled “as usual” (no compulsory rural service) were recruited in five campaigns–every June from 2015 to 2019. A survey was conducted 1 week before their graduation ceremony.ResultsThe top three reasons for choosing this programme were: a recommendation of a family member or teacher, a guaranteed job after graduation and the waiver of the tuition fee. 23.0–29.7% of the study participants were not familiar with the policy details. 39.1% of the medical students signed a contract with a county other than that of their hometown. Medical graduates on the compulsory rural service programme had very low willingness (1.9%) to work in rural areas but 86.1% of them actually worked at township health centers. In contrast, the willingness to work at township health centers was 0.2% for the comparison group (medical graduates without the contract), and their actual job choice at township health centers was 0%.ConclusionsAlthough the well-trained medical graduates on the compulsory rural service programme have low willingness to work in the township health centers, 86.1% of them choose to do so following their contract. This programme will strengthen the primary health workforce to deal with the increasing disease burden as China is transitioning its national COVID-19 strategies.
High prevalence of persistent symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life 6 months after COVID-19
Authors: Ahmad Irma , Edin Alicia , Granvik Christoffer , Kumm Persson Lowa , Tevell Staffan , Månsson Emeli , Magnuson Anders , Marklund Ingela , Persson Ida-Lisa , Kauppi Anna , Ahlm Clas , Forsell Mattias N. E. , Sundh Josefin , Lange Anna , Cajander Sara , Normark Johan 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThe long-term sequelae after COVID-19 constitute a challenge to public health and increased knowledge is needed. We investigated the prevalence of self-reported persistent symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in relation to functional exercise capacity, 6 months after infection, and explored risk factors for COVID-19 sequalae.MethodsThis was a prospective, multicenter, cohort study including 434 patients. At 6 months, physical exercise capacity was assessed by a 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1MSTST) and persistent symptoms were reported and HRQoL was evaluated through the EuroQol 5-level 5-dimension (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Patients with both persistent symptoms and reduced HRQoL were classified into a new definition of post-acute COVID syndrome, PACS+. Risk factors for developing persistent symptoms, reduced HRQoL and PACS+ were identified by multivariable Poisson regression.ResultsPersistent symptoms were experienced by 79% of hospitalized, and 59% of non-hospitalized patients at 6 months. Hospitalized patients had a higher prevalence of self-assessed reduced overall health (28 vs. 12%) and PACS+ (31 vs. 11%). PACS+ was associated with reduced exercise capacity but not with abnormal pulse/desaturation during 1MSTST. Hospitalization was the most important independent risk factor for developing persistent symptoms, reduced overall health and PACS+.ConclusionPersistent symptoms and reduced HRQoL are common among COVID-19 survivors, but abnormal pulse and peripheral saturation during exercise could not distinguish patients with PACS+. Patients with severe infection requiring hospitalization were more likely to develop PACS+, hence these patients should be prioritized for clinical follow-up after COVID-19.