bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Audiological benefit, quality of life, and factors associated with functional gain in elderly hearing aid users in a developing country between 2017 and 2020: A pre- post-study
Authors: Peñaranda Daniel , Pérez-Herrera Lucia C. , Moreno-López Sergio , Noguera Lucia , Hernández Diana , Martínez Daniel , Peñaranda Augusto 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common auditory deficit in older adults and may lead to quality-of-life deterioration. However, few studies have been performed in low/middle-income countries, particularly in Latin America. This study aimed to assess the audiological benefit, quality of life, and factors associated with functional gain in elderly hearing aid users in the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá and UNIMEQ-ORL, two otology referral centers in Colombia.
Design: Pre-post study that included hearing aid users at the otology consult of the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá and UNIMEQ-ORL between June 2017 and December 2020. Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GIB) and Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaires were applied. Audiometric (0,5kHz to 4kHz) and logoaudiometric results were collected.
Results: A total of 75 participants (132 ears) were included. The mean age was 70.73 years (SD: 12.66). The median hearing aid use in years was 0.71 (IQR: 0.64-0.90). Mean change in logoaudiometry was -26.53dB (95%CI: -28.09, -24.97; p<0.001), in functional gain was -21.75dB (-23.81, -19.68; p<0.001). The mean changes in the APHAB domains were Ease of Communication: -37.85 (95%CI: -43.01; -32.7), Background Noise: -3.51 (-6.06; -0.95), and Aversiveness of Sounds: -6.9 (-2.04; 11.77). The GBI assessment of quality of life showed improvement in 100% of the population after the use of hearing aids. The number of years of hearing aids use was associated with functional gain.
Conclusion: The number of years of hearing aids use may impact on the functional gain in these populations. A significant clinical benefit was found in terms of quality of life, communication, and reverberation related to the use of hearing aids. Access to hearing aids should be granted, and public health strategies are needed to grant the access to hearing rehabilitation in these populations.
Trial registration: Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá (Protocol Number: CCEI-12666-2020)
Ultra-compacted single self-amplifying RNA molecules as quintessential vaccines
Authors: Herrero Jorge Moreno , Stahl Theo , Erbar Stephanie , Maxeiner Konrad , Schlegel Anne , Bacic Tijana , Cavalcanti Leide , Schroer Martin , Svergun Dmitri , Sahin Ugur , Haas Heinrich 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
We introduce aqueous phases comprising single, highly compacted self-amplifying messenger RNA (saRNA) molecules, that are suitable for prophylactic and therapeutic application, specifically for vaccination against infectious diseases. The formulations are formed in the presence of the positively charged polymer polyethylenimine (PEI), which leads to condensation of the single saRNA molecules into a globular organization with high packing density, low mass fraction of polymer, and, consequently, very small size. In this format, they display improved biological activity in comparison to previously described saRNA/PEI nanoparticlulate formulations, both in vitro and in vivo. Application of the ultra-compacted single saRNA formulation for vaccination, via intramuscular route, results in relevant titers for practical use at lower doses compared to the nanoparticle formulations. These novel saRNA vaccine products can be obtained by straight-forward manufacturing routes, and they can be readily frozen or lyophilized. With these characteristics they can be particularly of interest for future vaccine products even for application under challenging conditions, where requirements such as high activity, good thermostability, low cost of goods, and facilitated logistics need to be fulfilled at the same time.
One-Sentence Summary: single saRNA molecules, condensed into an unusually compact globular organization with very small size by an oppositely charged polyelectrolyte (polyethylenimine), are applicable as vaccines, which induce very strong immunological responses at very low doses.
Adsorption and degradation of neonicotinoid insecticides in agricultural soils
Authors: Li Yang , Li Yadong , Bi Guihong , Ward Timothy , Li Lin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The adsorption and degradation of seven commercially available neonicotinoid insecticides in four types of agricultural soils from three states (Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee) in the United States were studied. The adsorptions of all the neonicotinoids fit a linear isotherm. The adsorption distribution coefficients (Kd) were found to be below 2.0 L/kg for all the neonicotinoids in all the soils in Mississippi and Arkansas. Only in the Tennessee soil, the Kd ranged from 0.96 to 4.21 L/kg. These low values indicate a low affinity and high mobility of these insecticides in the soils. The soil organic carbon-water partitioning coefficient Koc ranged from 349 to 2569 L/kg. These Kd values showed strong positive correlations with organic carbon content of the soils. The calculated Gibbs energy change (ΔG) of these insecticides in all the soils ranged from − 14.6 to -19.5 kJ/mol, indicating that physical process was dominant in the adsorptions. The degradations of all these neonicotinoids in the soils followed a first-order kinetics with half-lives ranging from 33 to 305 d. The order of the insecticides with decreasing degradation rate is: clothianidin > thiamethoxam > imidacloprid > acetamiprid > dinotefuran > thiacloprid > nitenpyram. The moisture content, clay content, and cation exchange capacity showed positive effects on the degradation rate of all the neonicotinoids. The Groundwater Ubiquity Score (GUS) calculated from the adsorption distribution coefficient, organic content, and half-life indicates that, except for thiacloprid, all the neonicotinoids in all the soils are possible leachers, having potentials to permeate into and through groundwater zones.
Sex influences Blood Pressure but not Blood Pressure Variability in response to Dietary Sodium and Potassium in Salt-Resistant Adults
Authors: Ramos-Gonzalez Macarena , Smiljanec Katarina , Mbakwe Alexis , Lobene Andrea , Pohlig Ryan , Farquhar William , Lennon Shannon 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Dietary sodium and potassium have been shown to affect blood pressure (BP) but their influence on BP variability (BPV) is less studied as is the influence of sex. The aim of this study was to compare 24-h BP and short-term BPV in response to varying dietary levels of sodium and potassium in healthy non-obese normotensive salt-resistant adults. We hypothesized that high sodium would increase short-term BP and BPV while the addition of high potassium would counteract this increase. Furthermore, we hypothesized that women would experience greater increases in BPV under high sodium conditions compared to men while potassium would attenuate this response. Thirty-seven subjects (17M/20W; 27 ± 5 years old; BMI 24.3 ± 3 kg/m2) completed seven days each of the following randomized diets: moderate potassium/low sodium (MK/LS), moderate potassium/high sodium (MK/HS) and high potassium/high sodium (HK/HS). BP and short-term BPV were assessed using 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring starting on day 6. BPV was calculated using the average real variability (ARV) index. Twenty-four hour, daytime, and nighttime systolic BP (SBP) were lower in women compared to men regardless of diet. However, 24-h and daytime SBP were lowered in women on the HK/HS diet compared to the MK/HS diet. There were no significant effects of diet or sex for 24-h, daytime or nighttime SBP ARV. However, men exhibited a higher 24-DBP ARV than women regardless of diet. In conclusion, a high potassium diet lowered BP under high sodium conditions in women alone while men exhibited higher short-term BPV that was not influenced by diet.
Antioxidant combination inhibits angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy by targeting VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling
Authors: Zhang Bei , Zhou Dong , Jiang Yi , Liu Zhinan , Zhang Jun , Xie Keren , Deng Guohua 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Angiogenesis is one of the main hallmarks of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and antioxidants have shown some therapeutic effects in DR.
Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of action of antioxidant combination on angiogenesis in the process of DR.
Methods: Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were exposed to high-glucose (HG) and then treated with antioxidants: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and/or taurine (TAU). HRMECs were assayed for proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and angiogenic capacity. A rat model of DR was induced using streptozotocin (STZ). HE staining was used to observe the retinal thickness of rats. apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. protein expression in VEGF/PI3K/AKT pathway was detected by Western blot.
Results: HRMECs showed enhanced cell proliferation and migration and reduced apoptosis after exposure to HG, whereas antioxidant treatment attenuated the survival of HRMECs. In addition, the total retinal thickness of DR model rats was very thin, and antioxidant treatment, especially their combined application, significantly thickened their retinas and greatly reduced the level of apoptosis. western blot assays showed that antioxidants may act by inhibiting the activation of VEGF/PI3K/AKT pathway.
Conclusion: Antioxidants may inhibit angiogenesis by inhibiting VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling, thereby improving the extent of DR.
Information Use, Seeking Behaviors, and Barriers to Evidence-Based Information at a Large Teaching Hospital in the UK
Authors: Lagojda Lukasz , O'Connell Bridget , Brown Anna , Dekker Natasha S. den 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: In order to better understand the needs of service users, this study explored
the information use and the factors affecting access to evidence-based information by clinicians
in a primary care setting.
Methods: An online survey was distributed to all staff
via SurveyMonkey®. Data were curated in Microsoft Excel and managed using SPSS v26.
Graphs were generated using GraphPad PRIMS.
Results: Ninety-three per cent of the surveyed
clinicians used evidence-based information in practice, primarily for patient care and
education. Clinicians employed a range of seeking behaviors to retrieve this information,
which varied based on how often this information was needed. The barriers to evidencebased
information varied between clinical professions but ‘time’ was the most consistent
factor. The belief of evidence-based practice being not part of the job role was the overwhelming
factor for not using evidence-based information.
Conclusions: The findings of this
study are consistent with previous reports describing significant impact of time and access to
IT resources on whether search for evidence-based information and provided us with useful
insights for improving our services.
‘We could easily get HIV infection here': the voice of incarcerated young people in Malawi's semi-urban prisons
Authors: Nkambule Ellen , Herce Michael , Wella Kondwani , Mbakaya Balwani Chingatichifwe 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Introduction: People incarcerated in Malawi's detention facilities face a lot of problems. The most common challenges are overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of access to basic needs such as adequate food, bedding, clothing, security, and health care. In addition, young people are vulnerable to sexual abuse.
Methods: A qualitative approach using an exploratory study design was used to explore the experiences of incarcerated young people in semi-urban prisons. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from Malawi’s National Health Science Research Committee. Two focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted; involving six young incarcerated people aged 18 in each group. Focused groups followed a semi-structured interview guide; data was analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: The following four themes emerged from the data: prisoner-on-prisoner sexual violence; the need for communication regarding sexual violence; trauma associated with incarceration; and youth surviving prison life. The young incarcerated people reported being given incentives such as extra food and adequate sleeping space in exchange for sexual favours with adult incarcerated people or individuals with leadership roles. The sexually abused victims have had some difficulties in reporting the incidences due to a non-existent reporting system for such matters to prison authorities.
Conclusions: This study reveals that the prison environment in Malawi is unsafe, particularly for young incarcerated people who are at an increased risk of being victims of sexual violence. The young people reported being more likely to be sexually abused when accommodated together with adult prisoners. Unfortunately, the perpetrators of sexual abuse are typically incarcerated adults in supervisory roles. Therefore, young people need special protection in prisons. We recommend that the youths should be separated from adults according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recommendations. The correction officers should prevent the young inmates from having sight or physical contact with adult incarcerated people while in housing units. We further recommend that prisons establish systems where abused inmates can report abuse without fear of retribution.
USP18 is an essential regulator of muscle cell differentiation and maturation
Authors: Olie Cyriel , Pinto-Fernández Adán , Damianou Andreas , Vendrell Iolanda , Mei Hailiang , Hamer Bianca den , Wal Erik van der , de Greef Jessica , raz vered , Kessler Benedikt 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Muscle degeneration, a key feature in a wide range of human pathologies, is typified by impaired proteastasis, in which the ubiquitin proteasomal system in particular plays an important role. Yet, little is known about the function of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) in muscle cell biology. We performed a genetic screen to identify DUBs regulators of muscle cell differentiation. Surprisingly, we observed that USP18-depletion induced differentiation and reduced proliferation of muscle cells. USP18 enzymatic function typically attenuates the immune response by removing ISG15, but in muscle cells, we found that USP18 regulates differentiation independent of ISG15 and the IFN-1 pathway. USP18 accumulation in muscle cell nuclei was concomitant with reduced expression of the cell-cycle gene network and altered transcription-regulated gene networks, including myogenic transcription factors. Additionally, USP18-depletion altered calcium channel gene networks, which was in line with reduced calcium flux in myotubes. Reduced sarcomeric genes were linked to reduced contractile force in an engineered muscle model. Our results revealed nuclear USP18 as a critical regulator of differentiation initiation and differentiation maintenance, independent of the IFN-1 pathway.
Effects of Repetitive Functional Magnetic Stimulation in the sacral nerve in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity after suprasacral spinal cord injury: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Jiyang , Wang Jianxiong , Hu Yue , Jian Rui , Zhao Yulu , Li Dan , Wan Tenggang , Jike Wuga , Xu Fangyuan , Huang Maomao 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) is a serious and common complication after spinal cord injury, affecting patients' quality of life. Therefore we developed this research protocol to evaluate the efficacy of repetitive functional magnetic stimulation (rFMS) in the sacral nerve in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) after suprasacral spinal cord injury (SCI) and provide more options for rFMS in treating NDO after suprasacral SCI.

Methods

This study is a single-center, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial. The sample size is 62, including 31 patients and 31 controls who will receive magnetic stimulation. We will recruit the patients with NDO after suprasacral SCI in the Rehabilitation Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from September 2022 to August 2023. They will be assigned to the rFMS group and the sham stimulation group randomly. The rFMS group will receive real rFMS treatment of the sacral nerve (100% stimulation intensity, 5 Hz, twenty minutes each time, five times a week), and the sham group will receive sham stimulation. Both groups will receive similar treatment strategies, including medication, standard urine management, acupuncture treatment, and health evangelism. The bladder capacity, maximum detrusor pressure (Pdet) and pudendal nerve electromyography will be evaluated at baseline, 8th week of treatment. The residual volume of the bladder and bladder diary will be recorded once a week during 8 weeks of treatments. SCI-QOL and NBSS will be evaluated at baseline, the 4th and 8th week of treatment. In addition, the above assessments will be followed up at 8 weeks after the end of treatment.

Discussion

It is expected that the bladder function, symptoms and quality of life might be significantly improved after rFMS of the sacral nerve.
Trial registration: The China Clinical Trials Registry has approved this study, registration number: ChiCTR2100045148.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma in children - a rare but serious disease with good prognosis from a single center in China
Authors: Duan Yanlong , Gao Huixia , Zhou Chunju , Jin Ling , Yang Jing , Huang Shuang , Zhang Ningning , Zhang Meng , Yang Xueliang , Zhang Yonghong , Wang Tianyou 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objective:To discuss the clinical efficacy of systemic chemotherapy based on HD-MTX combined with IT therapy in children with PCNSL, and to increase the understanding of the treatment of children with PCNSL.
Methods: We reviewed the clinical data, treatment regimens and survival status of 12 children diagnosed with PCNSL in Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, during the past 10 years. We retrospectively reported information on PCNSL in children from Eastern countries.
Results:Twelve patients among 1500 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were diagnosed with PCNSL in Beijing Children’s Hospital in the past ten years. The male: female ratio was 4:1, and the median age was 5.9 yr (2.3-13.9 yr). The primary sites were ventricle, cerebellum, spinal cord, and spinal canal, each of which was represented by one case; the remaining eight cases were all in multiple areas. Their pathologic diagnoses were lymphoblastic lymphoma in six cases, Burkitt lymphoma in three, anaplasticlarge cell lymphoma (ALCL) in two and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in one. All patients received a high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX)-based induction chemotherapy regimen combined with intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy (methotrexate, cytarabine, dexamethasone) that was administered 10 to 26 times (median 16 times). None of the patients had RT as a first-line treatment. As the understanding of this disease has been updated, patients with invasive mature B-cell origin are no longer receiving rituximab chemotherapy, and the duration of maintenance therapy is gradually shortening. No patient had recurrence or treatment-related mortality.
Conclusions: PCNSL is a rare childhood disease that can be successfully treated with HD-MTX-based systemic chemotherapy combined with IT chemotherapy rather than craniospinal RT.
A longitudinal study of children with COVID-19 in outpatient centers in terms of clinical manifestations, hospitalization, antibiotic prescription, and the number of COVID-19 times
Authors: Hosseininasab Ali , Alidousti Katayoun , Jafari Maedeh , Ebrahimpour Maryam 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackground:A few months after the first description of COVID-19 in China, there was evidence that this serious problem was increasing worldwide. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has several subtypes with different characteristics. The disease is mild in children, and patients with this infection are generally not expected to receive antibiotics. This study aimed to focus on the number of times a person gets sick with COVID-19 and the use of antibiotics due to secondary bacterial infections in outpatient children.Methods:From February 2020 to August 2022, children aged <15 years diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection were studied regarding clinical manifestations, need for hospitalization, antibiotic prescription, and the number of COVID-19 infection times.Results:Of 2448 children with the final diagnosis of COVID-19, 65% were boys, 192 people (7.84%) were infected with COVID-19 twice, 35 (1.43%) three times, 7 (0.29%) four times, and 2 (0.14%) five times, and 143 (5.84%) needed hospitalization. The prevalence of antibiotic use was 17.73% (n = 434); Acute bacterial sinusitis (12.21%) and middle ear infection (8.52%) were the most common known reasons for an antibiotic prescription, respectively.Conclusions:Several subtypes of SARS-CoV-2 have different clinical behaviors in the age group of children. A person may be infected with COVID-19 several times. The use of antibiotics in outpatients is insignificant and mostly limited to acute sinusitis and middle ear infection.
Narrow bandwidth, low-emittance positron beams from a laser-wakefield accelerator
Authors: Streeter Matthew , Colgan Cary , Cavanagh Niall , Los Eva , Antoine Andre , Audet Thomas , Balcazar Mario , Calvin Luke , Cardarelli Jason , Ahmed Hamad , Kettle Brendan , Ma Yong , Mangles Stuart , Najmudin Zulfikar , Rajeev Paramel Pattathil , Symes Dan , Thomas Alexander , Sarri G 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Laser-wakefield accelerated electron beams have been demonstrated to be a viable alternative to those produced by radio-frequency systems, with unique characteristics including intrinsic femtosecond-scale duration and micron-scale source size. In addition, they present the practical advantage of a generally compact and cost-effective setup inherently synchronsed with a high-power laser. The rapid progress experienced by these accelerators is now posing the question as to whether they could be included in the design of the next generation of electron-positron colliders. However, the asymmetry of the accelerating wake-fields presents challenging complications on positron acceleration. Despite considerable numerical work on positron wakefield acceleration, this area of research has thus far experienced limited experimental progress due to the lack of positron beams suitable to seed a plasma accelerator.
Here, we experimentally demonstrate that moderate power lasers ($\approx$ 100 TW peak power) can generate ultra-relativistic positron beams with sufficient spectral and spatial quality to be injected in a plasma accelerator. Our results indicate, in agreement with numerical simulations, selection and transport of positron beamlets with a 5\% bandwidth around 600 MeV, with femtosecond-scale duration and micron-scale normalised emittance. It is proposed that beams with these characteristics are readily suited for experimental studies of positron acceleration in a plasma wakefield.