bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin regulates the circadian rhythm to ameliorate postoperative sleep disorder and neurobehavioral abnormalities in aged mice
Authors: Jia Xixi , Song Yanan , Li Zhengqian , Yang Ning , Liu Taotao , Han Dengyang , Sun Zhuonan , Shi Chengmei , Zhou Yang , Shi Jie , Liu Yajie , Guo Xiangyang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative sleep disorder (PSD) and delirium, which may be associated with surgery and inhalational anesthetics, induce adverse effects in old adults. Emerging evidence indicates that circadian rhythm contributes to various neuropathological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Thus, we analyzed the potential role of circadian rhythm in PSD and delirium‐like behavior in aged mice and determined whether exogenous melatonin could facilitate entrainment of the circadian rhythm after laparotomy under sevoflurane anesthesia.MethodsWe selected old C57BL/6J mice which receiving laparotomy/sevoflurane anesthesia as model animals. We employed buried food, open field, and Y maze test to assess delirium‐like behavior, and electroencephalography/electromyography (EEG/EMG) were used to investigate sleep changes. We analyzed the transcription rhythm of clock genes in superchiasmatic nucleus (SCN) to explore the effects of surgery and melatonin pretreatment on the circadian rhythm. Then, we measured melatonin receptor levels in SCN and ERK/CREB pathway‐related proteins in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex to assess their role in PSDs and delirium‐like behavior.ResultsLaparotomy under sevoflurane anesthesia had a greater influence than sevoflurane alone, leading to sleep disorder, a shift in sleep–wake rhythm, and delirium‐like behavior. Bmal1, Clock, and Cry1 mRNA expression showed a peak shift, MT1 melatonin receptor expression level was increased in the SCN, and p‐ERK/ERK and p‐CREB/CREB were decreased in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of aged mice 1 day after laparotomy. Melatonin showed significant efficacy in ameliorating PSD and delirium‐like behavior and restoring the circadian rhythm, reversing melatonin receptor and ERK/CREB pathway expression abnormalities. In addition, most of the beneficial effect of melatonin was antagonized by luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist.ConclusionsMelatonin receptors in SCN, circadian rhythm, and ERK/CREB signaling pathway participate in the pathophysiological processes of PSD and delirium‐like behavior. Melatonin intervention could be a potential preventative approach for PSD and delirium.
Risk of thyroid cancer associated with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Bea Sungho , Son Heejun , Bae Jae Hyun , Cho Sun Wook , Shin Ju‐Young , Cho Young Min 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimsTo determine the potential association between the use of either glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) or dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, and the risk of thyroid cancer in individuals with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsThis population‐based cohort study used claims data from the Korean National Health Insurance Database, 2014‐2020. Two distinct cohorts were established to compare each incretin‐based drug with sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, chosen as active comparators because of their previous non‐association with thyroid cancer, and their common usage as add‐on therapy to metformin along with GLP‐1RAs and DPP‐4 inhibitors. The first cohort included 21 722 new users of GLP‐1RAs and 326 993 new users of SGLT2 inhibitors, whereas the second cohort included 904 300 DPP‐4 inhibitor new users and 112 017 SGLT2 inhibitor new users. The outcome was the time to incident thyroid cancer. Weighted Cox proportional models were used to estimate hazard ratios of thyroid cancer incidence associated with incretin‐based drugs of interest.ResultsThe use of GLP‐1RAs was not associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer (weighted hazard ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.62‐1.53) compared with that of SGLT2 inhibitors. Using DPP‐4 inhibitors was also not associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer (0.95, 0.79‐1.14) compared with that of SGLT2 inhibitors. No significant effect modifications were observed across subgroup analyses. Sensitivity analyses, including alternative outcome definition analysis of medullary thyroid cancer, were consistent with the primary analysis results.ConclusionsGLP‐1RAs and DPP‐4 inhibitors were not associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Increased domestic violence during the COVID‐19 pandemic: India's response
Authors: Bekteshi Venera , Miller Christina , Bellamy Jennifer , Jani Nairruti 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMotivationDomestic abuse of women, despite being illegal, is common in India: on average, every 4.4 minutes a woman suffers abuse. During the pandemic, owing to curfew and lockdowns, women had additional caring responsibilities, but they lacked social support. A legal system made lethargic by lockdowns, lack of safety protocols for dealing with cases of domestic violence during the pandemic, extended delays in processing cases, and limited protection for victims—all combined to increase domestic violence nationwide.PurposeWhat was the response of the Indian government to domestic violence during the COVID‐19 pandemic? We evaluate policies and interventions through the lens of intersectional feminism and social equity.Methods and approachWe review publicly available documents and scholarly journals published between 2018 and 2022. We identify the national anti‐domestic violence and state‐specific programmes offered to women in India. We critically evaluate the country's anti‐domestic violence campaign. The policy analysis draws on the cultural knowledge and professional expertise of the authors.FindingsThe government's efforts to address domestic violence during the pandemic were limited. Pre‐existing vulnerabilities such as economic hardship, the gender‐based digital divide, and strict gender roles were exacerbated by the pandemic. Although the government tried to address domestic violence, through helplines, keeping shelters open and offering virtual court sessions, it also released convicted abusers from prison, increasing women's vulnerability. Government and non‐governmental organization interventions were not scaled up to meet demand. Many programmes had little oversight and quality control, resulting in differential results that often further victimized victims of domestic violence among vulnerable populations.Policy implicationsOur findings highlight the importance of services and policies on domestic violence being explicit and sensitive to the culture and context in disaster preparedness and public health emergency planning.
Current practice and recommendations for management of hepatitis B virus in people living with HIV in Asia
Authors: Lui Grace Chung‐Yan , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Yang Hung‐Chih , Sheng Wang‐Huei , Lee Sun Hee 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co‐infection is higher in Asia than in Europe and North America and varies significantly between different regions within Asia. Important routes of transmission of both these infections include high‐risk unprotected sexual contact, intravenous drug use, and transmission of maternal infection perinatally or in early childhood. While life expectancy among people living with HIV has been extended with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), HBV‐induced liver injury and complications have emerged as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV.ObjectivesThis article describes the prevalence of co‐infection, current clinical practice, and recommendations for the management of people living with HIV‐HBV co‐infection in Asia.Results and ConclusionsScreening for HBV should occur at the time of HIV diagnosis; however, HBV screening rates in people living with HIV in Asia vary widely by region. Similarly, people with HBV should be screened for HIV before initiation of HBV antiviral therapy. People with HIV‐HBV co‐infection should be assessed for liver damage and risk factors for liver disease and be monitored regularly for liver complications and HBV DNA. Medical treatment with ART is lifelong and includes tenofovir and lamivudine or emtricitabine, unless intolerant or contraindicated, as these are active against both HIV and HBV. HBV vaccination programmes are effective in reducing co‐infection rates. Mother‐to‐child transmission can be prevented through measures such as vaccination, antenatal screening, and treatment of pregnant women who are infected.
Cold‐cap structure in a slurry‐fed electric melter
Authors: Ferkl Pavel , Hrma Pavel , Kloužek Jaroslav , Kruger Albert A. , Pokorný Richard 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAs glass batch is charged into an electric melter, a cold cap forms on the glass melt surface. Heat transfer to the cold cap from the molten glass below and the melter atmosphere above determines the melting rate. A mathematical model of the cold cap and the experimental kinetic data of the feed‐to‐glass conversion that were collected for several simulated low‐activity and high‐level waste melter feeds allowed us to develop relationships between the internal structure of the cold cap, its properties, its thickness, and the internal heat transfer. This contribution shows the distribution of major crystalline phases and the cumulative evolution of gases within the cold cap. It also examines the temperature, conversion degree, and heating rate the melter feed is experiencing during the passage through the cold cap and their effects on the cold‐cap bottom temperature and morphology, which are important for the computational fluid dynamics simulations of melters.
A 5‐year single‐center study about onychomycosis with a focus on Aspergillus spp. in Albania
Authors: Fida Monika , Prendushi Xhensila F. , Gjylameti Najada , Dedej Sabina , Zenelaj Valbona , Toçi Ervin , Vasili Ermira 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundOnychomycosis is a common nail infection caused by dermatophytes, nondermatophytes molds (NDM), and yeasts. The prevalence of Aspergillus spp. is increasing worldwide. This study aims to describe the epidemiological and microbiological features of onychomycosis, especially for Aspergillus spp.MethodsThis is a 5‐year retrospective study of clinically suspected onychomycosis in one microbiological clinic in Albania. The mycological examination, which included direct microscopic examination of nail scrapings with 20% KOH and culture, was performed on 411 patients. After incubation, we studied the macroscopic characteristics of the colonies, size, shape, and color, and their microscopic examination. We evaluated positive cases for Aspergillus, all cases where Aspergillus was grown in the culture, the microscopy was positive, and the culture was negative for dermatophyte.ResultsOnychomycosis resulted positive in 267 patients (52.9% females vs. 47.1% males). A total of 62.2% resulted infected by dermatophytes, 29.6% by yeasts, and 8.2% by NDM. Onychomycosis resulted more frequent in the age group 15–64 years old (63%). Aspergillus spp. were found in 19 patients from 22 patients with NDM onychomycosis. Males (11 patients) and the age group 15–64 years old (14 patients) were more vulnerable to Aspergillus spp. A. niger, A. flavus, and A. terreus isolated from the nail cultures in our study. The culture resulted more superior to KOH examinations.ConclusionsOur study indicates that NDM, including Aspergillus spp., are still rare findings from fungal examinations. However, dermatologist's clinical suspicion and microbiologist's skills are mandatory in diagnosing and properly managing patients with Aspergillus spp.
Advanced practice nurse competencies to practice in emergency and critical care settings: A scoping review
Authors: Yamaguchi Yu , Matsunaga‐Myoji Yuriko , Fujita Kimie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimAdvanced Practice Nurses are expected to provide lifesaving care to patients with complex acute illnesses in emergency and critical care settings. However, little is known about their competencies and barriers to practice in emergency and critical care settings. This review investigated these nurses' competencies to practice.MethodsA scoping review was conducted in accordance with Arksey and O′Malley's framework. Extensive research searches were conducted using seven electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Ichushi Web, Mednar and GreyNet International. Definitions and explanations of Advanced Practice Nurse competencies were categorized into elements and grouped according to similarity.ResultsThe database searches identified 2,483 studies, and data were extracted for 23 studies. Analysed studies were published between 2000 and 2021 and conducted in eight countries. Seven competencies were identified: performing advanced practice nursing, acute patient care, diagnostic assessment, interdisciplinary collaboration and consultation, leadership and system management, documenting patient care and supporting patient and family decision‐making.ConclusionThis review identified competencies unique to Advanced Practice Nurses in emergency and critical care settings. Further research is required to facilitate understanding of the crucial roles of advanced care nurses among healthcare providers.
Insights into SARS‐CoV‐2 in Angola during the COVID‐19 peak: Molecular epidemiology and genome surveillance
Authors: Francisco Ngiambudulu M. , van Wyk Stephanie , Moir Monika , San James Emmanuel , Sebastião Cruz S. , Tegally Houriiyah , Xavier Joicymara , Maharaj Akhil , Neto Zoraima , Afonso Pedro , Jandondo Domingos , Paixão Joana , Miranda Julio , David Kumbelembe , Inglês Luzia , Pereira Amilton , Paulo Agostinho , Carralero Raisa Rivas , Freitas Helga Reis , Mufinda Franco , Lutucuta Silvia , Ghafari Mahan , Giovanetti Marta , Giandhari Jennifer , Pillay Sureshnee , Naidoo Yeshnee , Singh Lavanya , Tshiabuila Derek , Martin Darren Patrick , Chabuka Lucious , Choga Wonderful , Wanjohi Dorcas , Mwangi Sarah , Pillay Yusasha , Kebede Yenew , Shumba Edwin , Ondoa Pascale , Baxter Cheryl , Wilkinson Eduan , Tessema Sofonias Kifle , Katzourakis Aris , Lessells Richard , de Oliveira Tulio , Morais Joana 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn Angola, COVID‐19 cases have been reported in all provinces, resulting in >105,000 cases and >1900 deaths. However, no detailed genomic surveillance into the introduction and spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus has been conducted in Angola. We aimed to investigate the emergence and epidemic progression during the peak of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Angola.MethodsWe generated 1210 whole‐genome SARS‐CoV‐2 sequences, contributing West African data to the global context, that were phylogenetically compared against global strains. Virus movement events were inferred using ancestral state reconstruction.ResultsThe epidemic in Angola was marked by four distinct waves of infection, dominated by 12 virus lineages, including VOCs, VOIs, and the VUM C.16, which was unique to South‐Western Africa and circulated for an extended period within the region. Virus exchanges occurred between Angola and its neighboring countries, and strong links with Brazil and Portugal reflected the historical and cultural ties shared between these countries. The first case likely originated from southern Africa.ConclusionA lack of a robust genome surveillance network and strong dependence on out‐of‐country sequencing limit real‐time data generation to achieve timely disease outbreak responses, which remains of the utmost importance to mitigate future disease outbreaks in Angola.
Digital social security accounts for platform workers: The case of Estonia’s entrepreneur account
Authors: Vallistu Johanna 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAdvancements in technology enable new opportunities for creating digital social security accounts, but the effectiveness of these to solve the accessibility and eligibility issues facing platform workers has not been assessed fully in the literature. The potential of digital social security accounts lies in their ability to consider the possible different streams of income of atypical workers and to improve the effective access of these workers to social security. Tax and social security offices can now exchange information on the income of platform workers in real time, which offers the promise of formalizing the previously informal casual work relationships of the self‐employed. This article explores the case of the Estonian entrepreneur account as a digital hybrid solution for improving the effective access to social security of platform workers. Digital portable accounts create the conditions for the structural improvement required to respond adequately to meet the changing social security needs of atypical workers. However, this also requires that the policy design be thought through carefully, to avoid digital portable accounts being simply a digital facilitator of outdated solutions.
Professionalism and Artist–Teachers in Adult Community Learning in the UK
Authors: Cairns Abbie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe professionalism of artists and further education (FE) teachers is often questioned. This research will evaluate the impact this has on artist–teachers working in FE. Schön defines a professional as an individual who works in a highly specialized occupation. This article examines how this applies to artists and FE teachers, with reference to historical and contemporary cross‐disciplinary research. Published research focuses on professionalism in terms of meeting sets of criteria. However, research participants within this study were more concerned with the activities undertaken by artist–teachers and how these reflected their professionalism. The research findings focus on the perceived professionalism of artist–teachers in adult community learning (ACL), a sub‐section of FE in the United Kingdom that encompasses adult and community learning delivered to adults aged 19+ but local authorities or general FE colleges.
Decreased serum musclin concentration is independently associated with the high prevalence of sarcopenia in Chinese middle‐elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fu Lei , Zhang Qing , Liu Juan , Yuan Xiaoqing , Ye Xinhua 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTIntroduction and aimsSarcopenia is a complication of diabetes mellitus, which can increase hospitalization and lead to poor outcomes. The present study investigated the relationship between the serum musclin concentration and the sarcopenia morbidity in Chinese middle–elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsWe recruited 220 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, all of whom completed gait speed, handgrip strength tests, and whole‐body dual‐energy x‐ray measurements to calculate the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI). The patients were divided into sarcopenia (n = 110) and non‐sarcopenia groups (n = 110). The serum musclin concentration was measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe serum musclin concentration was significantly lower in the sarcopenia group (712.82 pg/mL) than in the non‐sarcopenia group (922.53 pg/mL). The serum musclin concentration positively correlated with the whole‐body skeletal mass (r = 0.230; P = 0.001). Sarcopenia morbidity declined as the quartile of serum musclin concentration increased (P = 0.001), and a negative correlation was observed between the serum musclin concentration and the prevalence of sarcopenia (odds ratio = 0.998, P = 0.001). The correlation remained when quartiles were considered.ConclusionsThe serum musclin concentration is an independent protective factor for sarcopenia in Chinese middle‐elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1B deletion, but not intragenic mutation, might be more susceptible to hypomagnesemia
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Xiao Xiaoyu , Lin Qiuqiu , Song Rong , Wang Xiaozhou , Liang Yiji , Chen Jingsong , Luan Xiaojun , Zhou Zhiguang , Xiao Yang , Xue Yaoming , Hu Jingyi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimsHNF1B syndrome is caused by defects in the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1B (HNF1B) gene, which leads to maturity‐onset diabetes of the young type 5 and congenital organ malformations. This study aimed to identify a gene defect in a patient presenting with diabetes and severe diarrhea, while also analyzing the prevalence of hypomagnesemia and its correlation with the HNF1B genotype.Materials and MethodsWhole exome sequencing was used to identify responsible point mutations and small indels in the proband and their family members. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification was carried out to identify HNF1B deletions. Furthermore, an analysis of published data on 539 cumulative HNF1B cases, from 29 literature sources, was carried out to determine the correlation between the HNF1B genotype and the phenotype of serum magnesium status.ResultsUsing multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification, we identified a de novo heterozygous HNF1B deletion in the patient, who showed dorsal pancreas agenesis and multiple kidney cysts, as detected by magnetic resonance imaging. Magnesium supplementation effectively alleviated the symptoms of diarrhea. Hypomagnesemia was highly prevalent in 192 out of 354 (54.2%) patients with HNF1B syndrome. Compared with patients with intragenic mutations, those with HNF1B deletions were more likely to suffer from hypomagnesemia, with an odds ratio of 3.1 (95% confidence interval 1.8–5.4).ConclusionsHypomagnesemia is highly prevalent in individuals with HNF1B syndrome, and those with HNF1B deletion are more susceptible to developing hypomagnesemia compared with those with intragenic mutations. The genotype–phenotype associations in HNF1B syndrome have significant implications for endocrinologists in terms of genotype detection, treatment decisions and prognosis assessment.
Nutrition outcomes and treatment toxicities in patients with head and neck cancer receiving helical intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Blake Claire , Lai Rainbow , Brown Teresa , Pelecanos Anita , Moroney Laura , Helios Jennifer , Smith David , Hughes Brett G. M. , Kenny Lizbeth , Chua Benjamin , Bauer Judith 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundHelical intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (H‐IMRT) provides excellent limitation of dose to tissues not requiring treatment, although acute toxicity still occurs. The present study aimed to determine how treatment‐related acute toxicities affect nutrition outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted in 194 patients undergoing curative intent H‐IMRT with or without other treatment modalities. Weight outcomes (kg) and acute toxicity and dysphagia data were collected during treatment using Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Effects (CTCAE), version 4.0.ResultsSignificant weight loss (> 10%) was observed in 30% of high nutritional risk patients and 7% of low nutritional risk patients. Nausea, adjusted for baseline dysphagia, in high nutritional risk patients and nausea, dysphagia and pharyngeal mucositis in low nutritional risk patients were significant factors in explaining the percentage loss in baseline weight to treatment completion.ConclusionsSignificant weight loss remains an issue during treatment, despite improvements in radiotherapy technology and high‐level multidisciplinary care.