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A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of bright light therapy on agitation in older adults with dementia in Macao. This study involved 31 participants: 10 in the outdoor light treatment group, 11 in the indoor light-box treatment group, and 10 in the control group. Significant reductions in agitation were observed in the two treatment groups over four weeks compared to the control group. However, no statistical difference in cognitive function between experimental and control groups was found. This study supports the use of bright light therapy to reduce agitation in older people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Current Research in Dental Sciences is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Sciatic nerve injury is a common form of peripheral nerve injury (PNI). It has been suggested that electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at GB30 and ST36 can improve nerve dysfunction post-PNI. Autophagy is an important factor in the regeneration of sciatic nerves and recovery of motor function. Therefore, we investigated the biological effects of EA and examined whether these were mediated by autophagy in sciatic nerve injury. Methods: Mechanical clamping of the sciatic nerve in Sprague-Dawley rats was performed to establish an experimental model of sciatic nerve injury. EA stimulation was administered once daily for 15 min for seven consecutive days beginning 1 week after successful modeling. The recovery of sciatic nerve function was examined via the sciatic functional index (SFI) test. Morphometric analysis was conducted by staining nerve samples with toluidine blue. Autophagy-associated protein levels were measured via Western blotting. Results: EA stimulation at GB30 and ST36 significantly increased the number of myelinated fibers, axonal and fiber diameters, and the thickness of the myelin sheath in our rat model of sciatic nerve injury. In addition, EA stimulation greatly facilitated nerve regeneration following sciatic nerve injury. Moreover, sciatic nerve injury–induced autophagy was inhibited by EA stimulation. Conclusion: EA facilitates recovery of injured sciatic nerves and inhibits autophagy in a rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neuropathic pain can be provoked by high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) activation of toll-like receptor (TLR)4/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported to effectively alleviate neuropathic pain with few side effects, but its precise mechanism of action remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore whether 2 Hz EA stimulation suppresses TLR4/NF-κB signaling in the DRG following spared nerve injury (SNI) in a rat model. Methods: In this experiment, SNI rats were given 2 Hz EA once every other day for a total of 21 days. Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was measured to assess SNI-induced mechanical hypersensitivity, and western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to determine the levels of pain-related signaling molecules and pro-inflammatory mediators in the DRG. Results: SNI up-regulated HMGB1, TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor-88 adaptor protein (MyD88) and NF-κB p65 protein expression in the DRG. In addition, immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that SNI induced higher levels of TLR4 and MyD88 in the DRG. We also demonstrated co-localization of TLR4 and MyD88 with both calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and isolectin GS-IB4 in the DRG of SNI rats, respectively. Meanwhile, 2 Hz EA stimulation effectively reversed the elevations of HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 induced by SNI in the DRG, which was coupled with amelioration of SNI-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the DRG by 2 Hz EA might be exploited as a therapeutic option for neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The finite verb morphology composite (FVMC) is a valid measure for charting children's tense development and for differentiating children with and without language impairment during preschool and early elementary years. However, it is unclear whether FVMC scores vary as a function of language sample elicitation contexts. The current study evaluated the performance on FVMC in preschool-aged children across different language sampling contexts. Method: Participants were 38 English-speaking children who were between the ages of 3 and 4 years and below the mastery level of tense usage in three language sampling contexts, including conversation (free-play), picture description, and narratives (story retell). FVMC from each sampling context was computed by calculating the overall accuracy of copula be, auxiliary be, third-person singular present -s, and past tense -ed combined. A linear mixed-effects model comparison was carried out to determine the effect of sampling context on FVMC scores. Results: After controlling for child age, mean length of utterance, and the number of obligatory contexts for FVMC scoring, FVMC scores were significantly higher in conversation than in picture description and narratives. In addition, FVMC scores across the three sampling contexts were significantly correlated (rs ≥ .62, p < .001). Conclusions: Although children's performance on FVMC relative to each other was quite stable across sampling contexts, FVMC scores may vary with sampling contexts. As compared to picture description and narratives, conversation may not adequately capture the limitation in preschoolers' tense development that is important for therapeutic planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Simultaneous substance use is associated with worse outcomes than concurrent use. Further investigations into simultaneous use are warranted because there is limited knowledge about the co-use of substances other than alcohol and cannabis. Study aims were to examine: (1) the prevalence of simultaneous use of substances with alcohol, (2) the extent to which use patterns are related to key correlates (i.e., psychological functioning, sensation seeking), and (3) differences by college status. Methods: Participants were 623 young adult drinkers who were recruited online to complete a one-time survey. Results: Cannabis (54.3%), tobacco (53.7%), and stimulants (46.5%) were most frequently used with alcohol. Moderation analyses showed the positive association between simultaneous use and psychological distress was stronger for students whereas the positive association with sensation seeking was stronger for nonstudents. Conclusions: Results highlight the need for future research and intervention efforts that consider the link between simultaneous use and psychological wellbeing while acknowledging that educational attainment may differentially influence these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal disorders occur frequently in industrial settings, and police officers in particular are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work, but research on this is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders according to the job functions of police officers. A survey was conducted, targeting active-duty police officers, and data were collected from 4268 respondents who answered all items on the questionnaire. As a control group, we used the general population dataset from the 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in Korea. The survey included general information such as gender, age, working hours, and type of work. It also investigated medical utilization, including the frequency of medical visits and hospitalizations. The assessment of musculoskeletal disorders was analyzed using pain NRS, VAS, SPADI, and ODI. The working characteristics of police officers were found to be more irregular in terms of working hours and involved a higher intensity of work activities compared with the general population. However, there was a lack of precise diagnoses and continuous treatment for these disorders. These results imply that police officers' occupational characteristics are related to musculoskeletal disorders. Considering the direct relationship between police officers' health and public safety, systematic evaluation and management of their musculoskeletal disorders are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Menopause induces physiological changes in women, including increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and muscle loss, which can be mitigated by physical exercise. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week multicomponent exercise programme, performed 2 or 3 days per week, on health and fitness parameters in postmenopausal women. Methods: Eighty-three postmenopausal women (aged 50–65 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: control group (CG, n = 27), 2 days/week exercise group (EG2, n = 28), and 3 days/week exercise group (EG3, n = 28). The intervention included strength, balance, aerobic, and flexibility exercises. Anthropometric measurements (body weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, lean body mass, body fat percentage), lipid profile, and isometric strength were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Data were analysed using a repeated-measures ANOVA, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio were observed in EG2 and EG3 compared to CG. Lean body mass increased significantly in both EG2 (p < 0.001, ES = 1.37) and EG3 (p < 0.001, ES = 1.50). EG3 showed a greater reduction in body fat percentage than EG2 (p = 0.049). Strength and balance improved significantly in both experimental groups compared to CG, with no significant differences between EG2 and EG3. EG3 also showed superior improvements in lipid profile compared to EG2 and CG. Conclusion: A multicomponent exercise programme, particularly with higher frequency (3 days per week), improves body composition, strength, balance, and lipid profile in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common morbidities of pregnancy. The impact of increased maternal blood glucose on fetoplacental hemodynamics is not fully elucidated, especially in patients with uncontrolled GDM necessitating insulin therapy. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of insulin therapy on the umbilical artery dopplers in GDM pregnancies adequate for gestational-age fetuses. Methods: Retrospective observational study among 447 GDM pregnant women, divided according to their treatment (nutritional therapy (NT), long acting (LA) insulin, combined insulin) and 100 healthy controls with the same gestational age. The umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA-PI) was recorded at 28, 32 and 36 weeks. Results: UA-PI values declined in both GDM and healthy controls at all three time intervals. The combined insulin group showed reduced UA-PI values in comparison to the LA insulin group, but the difference never reached statistical significance. The combined insulin group exhibited significantly reduced UA-PI values at 32- and 36-weeks' gestation compared to the NT groups. Conclusions: A decreased impedance to blood flow in the umbilical artery of diabetic mothers on insulin therapy was observed. This was more pronounced during the last trimester. The extent to which umbilical artery PI can predict unfavorable outcomes has yet to be determined. Further additional studies are necessary to confirm the precise impact of glucose levels and medical interventions on the circulation of both the fetus and the mother. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between depression, anxiety, and psychological resilience variables with working conditions and various demographic variables in healthcare professionals who are actively involved in the pandemic process. Methods: This study included 1440 healthcare workers in different professions in two state hospitals accepted as pandemic hospitals. The research data were collected with the Sociodemographic Data Form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), and Psychological Resilience Scale (PRS). Independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and descriptive analyses were used to analyze the data. Results: As a result of the analyses, female participants had higher anxiety scores than male participants; healthcare professionals working as nurses, midwives, and health officers had higher anxiety scores than other healthcare professionals; those with less professional experience had higher anxiety scores than those with more professional experience; and those who had long hours of contact with COVID-19-positive patients (8 h or more per day) had higher anxiety scores than those with less contact. Single female healthcare workers reported higher depression symptoms than married female healthcare workers, those with children reported higher depression symptoms than those without children, and those with average professional experience (6–10 years) reported higher depression symptoms than those with more experience. Being single, having children, and having an average number of shifts (working at night) caused an increase in psychological resilience. Conclusions: The results of the study may contribute to the structuring of health policies to protect and support the mental health of healthcare workers in ongoing and future pandemic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe and compare the levels of physical activity, preferences for leisure-time physical activity, and the frequency of non-sedentary behaviors of Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish students attending higher education. Methods: A total of 1354 students (21.2 ± 2.9 years) participated in the study, with data collected through an online questionnaire for 6 months. Results: The highest levels of sedentary behavior are found among Spanish students, followed by the Portuguese, and lastly the Italians. In relation to physical activity levels, Spanish students perform more low and moderate physical activity, while Italian students perform more vigorous activities and naturally have a lower level of sedentary behavior. Conclusions: However, it is worth highlighting that students from all three countries reach the minimum levels of physical activity recommended by the WHO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recent substantial increase in the incidence of stroke cases has resulted in high medical expenses. Stroke necessitates ongoing care, emphasizing the importance of consistent self-management. The occurrence of stroke impacts healthcare costs and has far-reaching effects on social services, encompassing disability, unemployment, and other related concerns beyond individuals and families. This study aimed to assess the impact of mobile health literacy, stroke-related health knowledge, health beliefs, and self-efficacy on self-care behaviors of patients with stroke to plan tailored self-care interventions for this patient population. Methods: This descriptive survey included 99 stroke patients from three hospitals, which provided treatment equivalent to or better than general hospitals, in City C and was conducted between 7 July 2023 and 30 May 2024. The data collected from hospitalized stroke patients were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. Results: The self-care behavior of patients with stroke who participated in the study was 73.01 ± 12.24 points. Stroke self-efficacy was identified as a significant factor influencing stroke self-care behaviors and eating habits. Mobile health literacy and stroke self-efficacy also influenced medication and self-care behavior, whereas hypertension and stroke self-efficacy affected lifestyle self-care behaviors. Conclusions: Strengthening stroke self-efficacy, improving mobile health literacy, and addressing comorbidities such as hypertension are important for promoting self-care behavior in stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated how the number of images collected for digital measurements in dentistry affects accuracy compared with traditional methods. Methods: A Frasaco maxillary model was scanned using a SHINING 3D AutoScan-DS-MIX dental 3D scanner to create an STL file. The maxilla was molded 10 times using polyvinyl siloxane (Zhermack Elite HD+) to produce plaster models, which were scanned with the same reference scanner to generate 10 STL files. The Frasaco model was scanned 10 times, capturing images in intervals of 800–1000, 1000–1200, and 1200–1500 using a 3Shape TRIOS 3 intraoral scanner, creating additional STL files. These were analyzed with reverse engineering software. Results: The most accurate measurements were obtained using 1200–1500 images. Conventional impression techniques performed significantly worse. There was a significant difference between the groups Digital 1200–1500 and Plaster (p < 0.001) and between Digital 800–1000 and Plaster (p = 0.007). No significant difference was found when the digital groups were compared among themselves. There was also no significant difference between the Plaster and Digital 1000–1200 groups. To compare precision values that were normally distributed across three or more methods, a one-way ANOVA was used. Trueness values that were not normally distributed with three or more methods were compared employing the Kruskal–Wallis test. Conclusions: Different image counts affect digital measurement accuracy. The most accurate measurements were obtained when collecting 1200–1500 images. Conventional impression techniques were shown to perform significantly worse than digital impression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) and Weibull characteristics between a luting composite resin and both printable and two different machinable ceramic–glass polymer materials. A total of 36 substrates were prepared, with 12 in each group. Printable substrates (12 mm × 12 mm × 2 mm) were printed by using permanent crown resin (3D-PR). Machinable substrates were obtained from Cerasmart 270 (CS) and Vita Enamic (VE) blocks (2 mm in thickness). The bonding surfaces of substrates were polished and airborne abraded (50 µm Al2O3). A self-adhesive luting composite resin (RelyX U200, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA, SLC) was applied on substrates with the help of a cylindrical (Ø3 × 3 mm) mold. The SBS test was conducted using a universal test machine. The SBSs of three materials were compared using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α = 0.05). The Weibull modulus was calculated for each material. The Kruskal–Wallis and chi-square tests were carried out for the failure mode analysis. There was no significant difference between the SBSs of the three materials (p = 0.129). The Weibull modulus was 3.76 for the 3D-PR, 4.22 for the CS, and 6.52 for the VE group. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the failure modes of the groups (p = 0.986). Mixed-failure fractures were predominantly observed in all three groups. The results show that the SBS of the SLC to printable 3D-PR is comparable to that of CS and VE material. Failure modes of printable 3D-PR show similar results with two different machinable ceramic–glass polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intergroup help contributes to the solution of global issues in particular. However, whether to teach an outgroup how to address their problem permanently, or to directly help them solve the current problem? Collective narcissism might play a crucial role in this process. Based on the core characteristics of collective narcissism, this research explored whether and how collective narcissism would affect people's willingness to give different types of intergroup help. Study 1 examined the correlation between collective narcissism and intergroup help. Studies 2 and 3 investigated the impacts of outgroup threat and ingroup image on the relationship between collective narcissism and intergroup help respectively. In Study 4, the interaction between outgroup threat and ingroup image was further examined. The results showed that collective narcissism reduced participants' willingness to offer intergroup help, especially autonomy‐oriented help. For low‐threat outgroups, collective narcissism increased participants' willingness to give dependency‐oriented help. In contrast, collective narcissism increased participants' willingness to give autonomy‐oriented help when refusal to intergroup help tarnished the ingroup image. For high‐threat outgroups, collective narcissism did not predict participants' willingness to give intergroup help. These findings suggest that collective narcissists' preferences for intergroup help change with outgroup threat and ingroup image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In large format additive manufacturing (LFAM), a keener understanding of the relationship between the manufacture method and material temperature dependency is needed for the production of large polymer parts. Statistical analyses supported by material properties and a meso-structural understanding of LFAM are applied to elucidate tensile data trends. The data from LFAM polyethylene terephthalate glycol with 30% carbon fiber (CF) (PETG CF30%) panels (diagonal, horizontal, and vertical in the x-y print plane) and injection-molded specimens tensile tested at six different testing temperatures (room temperature, 40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C) were used for statistical analyses. A standard deviation, a coefficient of variation, and a two-way and one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were conducted. The manufacturing method (44.2%) and temperature (47.4%) have a strong effect on the ultimate tensile strength, in which temperature (82.6%) dominates Young's modulus. To explain the difference between the ultimate tensile strength of vertical, diagonal, and horizontal specimens at room temperature, a visual inspection of the specimen failure was conducted and the maximum stress at the crack tip was calculated analytically. The decreased strength in the diagonal specimens resulted from the reliance on interlaminar adhesion strength. Future work will consider the effect of the void space variation on tensile strength variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cancer immunotherapy has evolved rapidly in the last decade. A newly emerging immunotherapeutic approach utilizes oncolytic viruses to enhance the ability of the body's own immune system to recognize and clear tumor cells. We have recently developed a novel chimeric oncolytic virus and demonstrated its anti-tumoral effects in various preclinical mouse models. To gain mechanistic insights into the immune response to this form of therapy at the cellular level and to identify targets to potentially further improve the therapy, we analyzed the immune cell signature in the tumors, blood, and lymphoid tissue in a syngeneic melanoma mouse model by flow cytometry. Both local and systemic immune responses were observed. Furthermore, selective depletion of cytotoxic T cells indicated that these cells are the main players in mediating the therapeutic response to this novel virotherapy. Background/Objectives: Oncolytic virotherapy is a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy. We have previously described a recombinant hybrid oncolytic virus (OV), VSV-NDV, which has a favorable safety profile and therapeutic immunogenicity, leading to direct oncolysis, abscopal effects, and prolonged survival in syngeneic in vivo tumor models. While OVs are known to mediate systemic anti-tumor immune responses, the detailed characterization of local and systemic immune responses to fusogenic oncolytic virotherapy remains unexplored. Methods and Results: We analyzed immune cell compartments in the spleen, blood, tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs), and tumors over the course of VSV-NDV therapy in a bilateral syngeneic melanoma mouse model. Our results revealed significant local infiltration and activation of T lymphocytes in tumors and globally in the blood and spleen. Notably, in vivo CD8+ T cell depletion led to complete abrogation of the tumor response, highlighting the crucial role of T cells in promoting the therapeutic effects of oncolytic VSV-NDV. In vitro co-culture experiments enabled the interrogation of human immune cell responses to VSV-NDV-mediated oncolysis. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were efficiently stimulated by exposure to VSV-NDV-infected cancer cells, which recapitulates the in vivo murine findings. Conclusions: Taken together, these data characterize a broad anti-tumor immune cell response to oncolytic VSV-NDV therapy and suggest that CD8+ T cells play a decisive role in therapeutic outcome, which supports the further development of this chimeric vector as a multimechanistic immunotherapy for solid cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Patients with relapsed, refractory, or metastatic osteosarcoma have few therapeutic options. Our findings demonstrated the efficacy of a DC vaccine generated using CD103+ cDC1 cells and OS cell lysates against the primary tumor and lung metastases, as well as its ability to induce a systemic immune response. This cDCV therapy elicited an increase in the infiltration of CD8+ T-cells into the primary and metastatic tumors as well as the TdLNs. cDCV efficacy was increased when combined with anti-CTLA-4. The failure of immunotherapies has been linked to their inability to induce infiltration of T-cells into the tumor. Therefore, our data suggest the potential for this novel immunotherapy using innate immune cells (type 1 CD103+ dendritic cells) alone or in combination with checkpoint blockade for patients with relapsed or metastatic OS, a tumor type that is refractory to the majority of current immunotherapies. Background: We generated a CD103+DC vaccine using K7M3 OS cell lysates (cDCV) and investigated its ability to induce regression of primary tumors, established lung metastases, and a systemic immune response. Methods: A bilateral tumor model was used to assess cDCV therapy efficacy and systemic immunity induction. K7M3 cells were injected into mice bilaterally. Right-sided tumors received PBS (control) or cDCV. Left-sided tumors were untreated. Tumor growth was compared between the vaccine-treated and untreated tumor on the contralateral side and compared to the control group. The immune cell profiles of the tumors, and tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLNs) and spleen were evaluated. To determine the efficacy of systemic cDCV therapy against established lung metastases, K7M3 cells were injected intratibially. Leg amputation was performed 5 weeks later. Mice were treated intravenously with PBS or cDCV and euthanized 6 weeks later. Lungs, TdLNs and spleen were collected. The number and size of the lung nodules were quantified. The immune cell profile of tumor, and lymph nodes and spleen were also evaluated. Using this same model, we evaluated the effect of cDCV + anti-CTLA-4. Results: cDCV therapy inhibited the treated and untreated tumors and increased the number of T-cells in these tumors and the lymph nodes compared to control-treated mice. Systemic cDCV therapy administered following amputation decreased the size and number of lung metastases, and increased T-cell numbers in the tumor and lymph nodes. Combining anti-CTLA-4 with cDCV therapy increased cDCV efficacy against lung metastases. Conclusions: Intratumor cDCV generated a systemic immune response inhibiting the growth of both the treated and untreated tumors, with increased T-cells in the tumor and lymph nodes. Systemic cDCV was effective against established lung metastases. Efficacy was increased by anti-CTLA4. cDCVs may provide a novel therapeutic approach for relapsed/metastatic OS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To evaluate different cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters for the differentiation of light chain amyloidosis (AL) and transthyretin-related amyloidosis (ATTR). Methods and results In total, 75 patients, 53 with cardiac amyloidosis {20 patients with AL [66 ± 12 years, 14 males (70%)] and 33 patients with ATTR [78 ± 5 years, 28 males (88%)]} were retrospectively analysed regarding CMR parameters such as T1 and T2 mapping, extracellular volume (ECV), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) distribution patterns, and myocardial strain, and compared to a control cohort with other causes of left ventricular hypertrophy {LVH; 22 patients [53 ± 16 years, 17 males (85%)]}. One-way ANOVA and receiver operating characteristic analysis were used for statistical analysis. ECV was the single best parameter to differentiate between cardiac amyloidosis and controls [area under the curve (AUC): 0.97, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.89–0.99, P < 0.0001, cut-off: >30%]. T2 mapping was the best single parameter to differentiate between AL and ATTR amyloidosis (AL: 63 ± 4 ms, ATTR: 58 ± 2 ms, P < 0.001, AUC: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74–0.94, cut-off: >61 ms). Subendocardial LGE was predominantly observed in AL patients (10/20 [50%] vs. 5/33 [15%]; P = 0.002). Transmural LGE was predominantly observed in ATTR patients (23/33 [70%] vs. 2/20 [10%]; P < 0.001). The diagnostic performance of T2 mapping to differentiate between AL and ATTR amyloidosis was further increased with the inclusion of LGE patterns [AUC: 0.96, 95% CI: (0.86–0.99); P = 0.05]. Conclusion ECV differentiates cardiac amyloidosis from other causes of LVH. T2 mapping combined with LGE differentiates AL from ATTR amyloidosis with high accuracy on a patient level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial wastewater generally contains many nutrients and organic materials that can be useful as a source of nutrition for plants. Processing wastewater into liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) can be a solution to manage industrial wastewater produced and can reduce the negative environmental impact of direct discharge into the environment. This study aims to determine the effect and optimal concentration of LOF from WWTP output of PT X on pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) plant growth and analyze the quality of LOF content according to SNI in the Minister of Agriculture Regulation Number 70 of 2011. This study used the complete randomized design (CRD) method, with the following treatment combinations: A (control, 100% WWTP output of PT X), B (20% LOF), C (40% LOF), D (60% LOF), E (80% LOF), F (100% LOF). Each treatment was repeated three times so that 18 test plants were obtained. Observation variables include height, number of leaves, leaf width, and fresh weight of Brassica rapa L. plants. Data analysis using SPSS one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and continued to DMRT test. The results showed that the provision of LOF from WWTP output of PT X had a significant effect on the growth of Brassica rapa plants in the parameters of plant height in the fourth and fifth weeks, the number of leaves from the second to the fifth week, the leaf width parameter in the fifth week, and the fresh weight parameter. The optimal treatment for the LOF comparison of all parameters is in treatment D (60% LOF). The test results of LOF content contain C-organic 3.61%, nitrogen 1.1%, phosphate 0.385%, potassium 0.485%, and pH 5.27. These values have not met the SNI LOF in the Minister of Agriculture Number 70 Regulation of 2011. There is a need for the addition of organic ingredients that can increase the N, P, and K content in order to increase the POC yields and have a higher impact on plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: Depression is associated with poor outcomes in breast cancer survivors (BCSs), with higher prevalence among younger women. The Pathways to Wellness (PTW; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03025139) randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated beneficial effects of two behavioral interventions (survivorship education [SE] and mindful awareness practices [MAPs]) on depressive symptoms in younger BCS. We conducted an exploratory secondary analysis to identify moderators of intervention effects. METHODS: Women diagnosed with stage 0 to III breast cancer at or before age 50 years who completed cancer treatment were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of SE (n = 81), MAPs (n = 85), or waitlist control (WLC; n = 81). Moderators assessed at baseline included psychological distress (depression and anxiety), intervention preference, preparedness for survivorship, and time since initial diagnosis. Linear regression models tested the modifying effects of each variable on postintervention depression in SE versus WLC and MAPs versus WLC. RESULTS: Baseline levels of depression (β = –.03, P <.01) and anxiety (β = –.64, P =.02) moderated effects of SE on depressive symptoms, as did preparedness for survivorship (β = 3.17, P =.02). Participants randomly assigned to SE who had the highest levels of depression or anxiety and who felt least prepared for survivorship showed the largest reductions in depressive symptoms from preintervention to postintervention. Similar effects were not observed for MAPs. Intervention preference and time since diagnosis did not moderate intervention effects for either SE or MAPs. CONCLUSION: Our 6-week, group-based SE program may be most beneficial for women with higher levels of psychological distress and those who feel least prepared for cancer survivorship. By contrast, a 6-week mindfulness awareness practice intervention appears to benefit younger BCS regardless of pretreatment characteristics. Several qualities influence treatment efficacy of a survivorship ed. course in younger breast cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: HLA‐DR–expressing fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) are a prominent cell type in synovial tissue in chronic inflammatory forms of arthritis. FLS‐derived extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including fibronectin‐1 (FN1), contain immunogenic CD4+ T cell epitopes in patients with postinfectious Lyme arthritis (LA). However, the role of FLS in presentation of these T cell epitopes remains uncertain. Methods: Primary LA FLS and primary murine FLS stimulated with interferon gamma (IFNγ), Borrelia burgdorferi, and/or B burgdorferi peptidoglycan (PG) were assessed for properties associated with antigen presentation. HLA‐DR–presented peptides from stimulated LA FLS were identified by immunopeptidomics analysis. OT‐II T cells were co‐cultured with stimulated murine FLS in the presence of cognate ovalbumin antigen to determine the potential of FLS to act as inducible antigen presenting cells (APCs). Results: FLS expressed HLA‐DR molecules within inflamed synovial tissue and tendons from patients with postinfectious LA in situ. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and co‐stimulatory molecules were expressed by FLS following in vitro stimulation with IFNγ and B burgdorferi and presented both foreign and self‐MHC‐II peptides, including an immunogenic T cell epitope derived from Lyme autoantigen FN1. Stimulated FLS induced proliferation of naive OT‐II CD4+ T cells that were dependent on OT‐II antigen and CD40. Stimulation with B burgdorferi PG enhanced FLS‐mediated T cell activation. Conclusion: MHC‐II+ FLS are inducible APCs that can induce CD4+ T cell activation in an antigen‐ and CD40‐dependent manner. Activated FLS can also present ECM‐derived Lyme autoantigens, implicating FLS in amplifying tissue‐localized autoimmunity in LA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic health conditions (CHCs) involve physical, psychological, and social challenges and can have a significant negative impact on work ability, which can then affect performance and job satisfaction. However, the various effects of CHCs on business operations and maintenance among self‐employed workers are understudied. This study examined four common CHCs that are characterised by persistent symptoms and can prompt major life changes: respiratory disease, heart conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer survivorship. Groups were compared regarding the CHC's impact on business maintenance (declining in income and activity, and slowing business growth), and well‐being. A sample of 294 self‐employed workers with these CHCs completed questionnaires about how their conditions affect their businesses, physical symptoms, and well‐being. The four CHCs had substantial negative effects on business maintenance. Differences were found in reported changes in income, activity, and growth between individuals with inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. No differences in well‐being occurred among self‐employed people with different CHCs. In the overall sample, work absences and slowing business growth were negatively associated with well‐being. Although the groups differed in the severity of symptoms, threat to life, and treatment regimen, the CHCs had similar effects on most business maintenance factors and well‐being. Moreover, the results indicate that the inability to maintain a business can negatively affect well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined phonological processing as reflected in Mandarin word and non-word repetition. Issues related to dementia effects, age effects, and linguistic variables are discussed. Forty-five speakers of Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan took part in this study. Fourteen seniors with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 14 healthy adults, and 17 healthy seniors individually completed a task of word repetition. Scores of accurate repetition were calculated, and error types as well as error frequency were analysed. Linguistic variables, including lexicality, frequency, non-word, and syllable length, were discussed. Major findings were indicative of a significant dementia effect, in which participants with AD were significantly impaired in repeating words with more syllables, specifically 5-syllable non-words of low frequency. Numerous significant age effects were noted. Theoretical implications and directions for future study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to determine the relationship between perceptions of nursing presence and intensive care experiences in adult intensive care unit patients'. Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) are settings where patients have many negative emotions and experiences, which affect both treatment and post‐discharge outcomes. The holistic presence of nurses may help patients turn their negative emotions and experiences into positive ones. Design: A descriptive‐correlational design was used and reported according to the STROBE checklist. Methods: The sample consisted of 182 participants. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the Intensive Care Experience Scale (ICES), and the Presence of Nursing Scale (PONS). Results: A strong positive correlation existed between total ICES and PONS scores (r = 0.889, p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between PONS total score and ICES subscales (awareness of surroundings (r = 0.751, p < 0.001), frightening experiences (r = 0.770, p < 0.001), recall of experience (r = 0.774, p < 0.001), and satisfaction with care (r = 0.746, p < 0.001)). Males (β = −0.139, p < 0.05), and patients who were university and higher education graduate (β = 0.137, p < 0.05) had higher positive ICU experiences. It was also found length of ICU stay was correlated with ICU experiences and nursing presence. Conclusions: The more positively the patients perceive nurses, the better ICU experiences they have. Gender and education level were found determinants of adult ICU patients' experiences. ICU length of stay predicted what kind of experience patients have and how much they feel the presence of nurses. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Nurses should make their presence felt completely and holistically by using their communication skills for patients have more positive intensive care experiences. Nurses should consider variables which affects patients' ICU experiences and nursing presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the level and influencing factors of discharge readiness among patients with oesophageal cancer following oesophagectomy and to explore its association with post‐discharge outcomes (post‐discharge coping difficulty and unplanned readmission). Background: Oesophageal cancer is common and usually treated via oesophagectomy in China. The assessment of patient's discharge readiness gradually attracts attention as patients tend to be discharged more quickly. Design: Prospective observational study. The STROBE statement was followed. Methods: In total, 154 participants with oesophageal cancer after oesophagectomy were recruited in a tertiary cancer centre in Southern China from July 2019 to January 2020. The participants completed a demographic and disease‐related questionnaire, the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale and Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale before discharge. Post‐discharge outcomes were investigated on the 21st day (post‐discharge coping difficulty) and 30th day (unplanned readmission) after discharge separately. Multiple linear regressions were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean scores of discharge readiness and quality of discharge teaching were (154.02 ± 31.58) and (138.20 ± 24.20) respectively. The quality of discharge teaching, self‐care ability, dysphagia and primary caregiver mainly influenced patient's discharge readiness and explained 63.0% of the variance. The low discharge readiness could predict more risk of post‐discharge coping difficulty (r = −0.729, p < 0.01) and unplanned readmission (t = −2.721, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Discharge readiness among patients with oesophageal cancer following oesophagectomy is influenced by various factors, especially the quality of discharge teaching. A high discharge readiness corresponds to good post‐discharge outcomes. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care: Healthcare professionals should improve the discharge readiness by constructing high‐quality discharge teaching, cultivating patients' self‐care ability, mobilizing family participation and alleviating dysphagia to decrease adverse post‐discharge outcomes among patients with oesophageal cancer. Patients or Public Contribution: Patients with oesophageal cancer after oesophagectomy who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: This study explores the situation of workload, work–family conflict and job burnout among primary health workers in China in the context of COVID‐19 and identifies the mediating effect of work–family conflict between workload and job burnout. Background: Since the breakout of the COVID‐19 pandemic, primary health workers have been working on the frontline of the epidemic and may experience increasing workload, work–family conflict and job burnout. It is important to focus on the issue of how to alleviate job burnout of primary health workers. Design: A cross‐sectional study (STROBE) was used. Methods: Data were collected from 785 primary health workers in China. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the mediating effect of work–family conflict between workload and job burnout. Results: 18.7%, 10.4% and 39.5% of respondents had high job burnout in the dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment, respectively. 34.6% of the respondents had high or very high workload, and 12.8% of the respondents had high or very high work–family conflict. Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that work–family conflict mediated the relationship between workload and job burnout. Workload (β =.163, CI =.207–.549) and work–family conflict (β =.211, CI =.311–.640) positively influenced job burnout, and workload (β =.428, CI =.375–.508) positively influenced work–family conflict. Conclusion: The study indicated that primary health workers experienced a high level of job burnout, especially in the personal accomplishment dimension. Furthermore, this study verified the mediating effect of work–family conflict between workload and job burnout. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Some interventions for alleviating workload, work–family conflict and job burnout should be taken, including workplace assistance programmes, family‐friendly policies and a well‐integrated healthcare system. No Patient or Public Contribution: This study does not involve patient or public contribution in any part. Impact Statement: Nurses and other primary health workers are health gatekeepers of residents and play a vital role in the healthcare system. Due to the breakout of COVID‐19, they have taken more work and are more vulnerable to work overload, work–family conflict and the consequent job burnout. Some interventions should be taken to effectively alleviate their job burnout and improve their health and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the ideal interimplant distance for optimum outcome on immediately loaded implant supported prosthesis. Hence this study was taken up to analyze the effect of varying interimplant distance on fracture resistance of implant supported provisional fixed dental prosthesis (FDP). A total of 24 bis-acrylate composite resin samples were prepared. Interimplant distance was present in the metal die for placement of dummy implants at distances of 14 mm, 21 mm, and 30 mm respectively. Wax-up for 3-unit, 4-unit, and 5-unit implant-supported provisional restoration was made. Silicone molds were used for making multiple interim prostheses using bis-acrylate composite material. All samples were subjected to fracture test in the universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. All samples were loaded with gradual force starting from 100 N until it fractured. The load was applied at the center of prosthesis. Data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test. Mean fracture resistance of 3-unit provisional FDP at 14 mm of interimplant distance showed 1342.61 ± 179.15 N. Mean fracture resistance of 4-unit provisional FDP at 21 mm of interimplant distance showed 1420.44 ± 170.37 N. Mean fracture resistance of 5-unit provisional FDP at 30 mm of interimplant distance showed 791.61 ± 203.59 N. Both 14 mm and 21 mm of interimplant distance are suitable span lengths to be considered for the optimum outcome during immediately loading with implant-supported provisional restorations. Limitations of the study were that force application was static in nature and not dynamic and the arch form was not "U" shaped but longitudinal using Bis-Acryl material only with no cantilever. Future studies can be done to evaluate the fracture resistance of bis-acrylate material considering biomechanics and arch form of natural dentition. Distal cantilever should be considered along with different material for fabricating provisional restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the deterioration of computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) burs during zirconia milling, on surface roughness, contact angle, and fibroblast viability. Materials and Methods: Ceramic blocks were milled and 75 ceramic disks (8 × 1.5 mm) made and allocated into three groups (n = 25): G1‐brand new 2L and 1L burs, G2‐2L bur at the end of lifetime and brand new 1L bur and G3‐both burs at the end of their lifetimes. Roughness (Ra, Rq, and Rz) was evaluated using a 3D optical profilometer, the contact angle by the sessile drop method and the cell viability of the mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblast, using the Alamar Blue assay at intervals of 24, 48, and 72 h (ISO 10993‐5). Data were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Roughness increased as the burs deteriorated and G3 (0.27 ± 0.04) presented a higher value for Ra (p < 0.001). The highest contact angle was observed in G3 (86.2 ± 2.66) when compared with G1 (63.7 ± 12.49) and G2 (75.3 ± 6.36) (p < 0.001). Alamar Blue indicated an increase in cell proliferation, with no significant differences among the groups at 24 and 72 h (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The deterioration of the burs increased the surface roughness and decreased the wettability, but did not interfere in cell viability and proliferation. Clinical Significance: The use of custom zirconia abutments represents an effective strategy for single crowns restorations. Our findings suggest that these abutments can be efficiently milled using CAD/CAM burs within their recommended lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the skills expected by employers and the skills demonstrated by accounting graduates with data from 160 employers of accounting graduates in Ghana. From the perspective of employers, the authors compare the expected skills to the skills demonstrated by accounting graduates and identify any significant gaps. Design/methodology/approach: One-way analysis of variance, T-tests and factor analysis are used to test significant gaps that exist between expected and demonstrated skills by employers and accounting graduates using survey questionnaires and purposive sampling. Findings: The results reveal that there are significant gaps between the expected skills of employers and the demonstrated skills of accounting graduates. The authors find generic skills to be more expected by employers, while technical skills are demonstrated most by accounting graduates. The top five skills expected by employers are: business ethics and integrity; problem solving and decision analysis; written communication skills; learning skills; and application of accounting principles. Research limitations/implications: The study focuses only on organizations that use fresh accounting graduates in Ghana. Further studies may consider other business-related fields like finance, human resource management and marketing. Practical implications: The study provides insights on standards that serve as benchmarks for the conduct of accounting graduates as well as the development of accounting curriculum in Ghana. Accounting education should incorporate work-integrated learning as part of their curriculum to enable accounting graduates to solve problems and make decisions through a practical application of accounting principles, standards and concepts, especially in conducting audit and writing reports. Originality/value: This study fills the gap in the literature on accounting education from employers' perspectives in a developing country. It conducts a comparative analysis between the most important skills required by employers and the ones demonstrated by accounting graduates to provide insights on standards that should serve as benchmarks for the development of the accounting curriculum from an emerging economy perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the acute metabolic response, neuromuscular activity, and mechanical performance of different set configurations in bench-press (BP). Twenty-two resistance-trained men performed three resistance exercise protocols consisting of 3 x 12 BP repetitions at 60% 1RM, with 4 minutes of rest between sets, but with different set configurations: (a) traditional set (TS), without rest within the set; (b) cluster-6 (CS6), with 30-second intraset rest after the sixth repetition in each set; and (c) cluster-2 (CS2), with 30-second intraset rest every two repetitions. Mean propulsive force (MPF), velocity (MPV), power (MPP), and electromyography (EMG) values were recorded for each repetition. Blood lactate, maximal voluntary isometric BP contraction, and dynamic strength in BP were assessed pre- and post-exercise. The CS2 protocol resulted in greater mechanical performance (i. e. MPF, MPV, and MPP) and lower alterations of EMG parameters (i. e. root mean square and median frequency) during the exercise compared to CS6 and TS (TS

3 years of age is challenging. Among early risk factors, research has focused on having a positive familial history (FH+) for language or literacy problems and on late language emergence, that is, late-talker (LT) status. The interaction between these two risk factors and their cumulative effect is still debated. Here, we (a) investigate the effect of FH+ on 24-month language development, (b) test for cumulative effects of FH+ status and early language delay on 36-month language outcomes, and (c) disentangle the direct and indirect effects of familial history (FH) on the language outcome. Method: One hundred eighty-five Italian children were followed up longitudinally between 24 and 36 months of age (64 FH+ and 121 FH-) through parental questionnaires and direct child assessment. Results: At the age of 24 months, the FH+ group showed worse expressive vocabulary and higher prevalence of LT. At the age of 36 months, main effects of LT and FH were identified on lexical and phonological performances, respectively. Interestingly, significant interaction effects were identified on expressive vocabulary and phonological processing. Path analysis highlights that FH had a direct effect on later measures of phonology, whereas its effect on 36-month lexical abilities was indirect, via measures of expressive vocabulary at 24 months. Conclusions: The study suggests specific predictive roles of FH and LT status on language development. Interestingly, FH+ seems to represent an additive risk for LT children. The use of cumulative risk measures is confirmed as a powerful approach to identify those children with the highest probability of developing persistent language difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: USP14 (Ubiquitin‐specific‐processing protease 14) is a deubiquitinating enzyme with oncogenic effects in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aims to identify new substrates of USP14 and elucidate their role in modulating cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs) in OSCC. Materials and Methods: Bioinformatics prediction and docking were performed using UbiBrowser 2.0 and HDOCK, respectively. OSCC cell lines and patient‐derived cells were used for experimental validation, employing co‐immunoprecipitation, cycloheximide chase assays, and tumor sphere formation to evaluate the effects of USP14 on SOX2 stability, ubiquitination, and CSC phenotypes. Results: USP14 upregulation was associated with worse overall survival and progression‐free interval in OSCC. USP14 interacted with SOX2 with its ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase domain. USP14 knockdown impaired SOX2 stability by increasing its polyubiquitination. Ectopic overexpression of wild‐type USP14, but not the hydrolase‐deficient‐mutant USP14C114A, enhanced SOX2 stability by reducing polyubiquitination. USP14 knockdown suppressed OSCC cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumor sphere formation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. However, the reduction of CSC markers following USP14 knockdown was mitigated by overexpressing SOX2. These findings were verified in OSCC patient‐derived CSC cells. Conclusion: This study revealed a USP14‐SOX2 axis regulating the CSC properties of OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multi-nozzle nebulisers for pressurised intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) are implemented in clinical practice to improve the homogeneity of tissue drug delivery. Nonetheless, the advantages of such devices over one-nozzle nebulisers have not been demonstrated thus far. In this study, we compared the performance of multi- and one-nozzle nebulisers by conducting physical and ex vivo pharmacological experiments. Methods: The one-nozzle nebuliser Capnopen® and the multi-nozzle nebuliser were the subjects of this study. In physical experiments, the aerosol droplet size was measured by laser diffraction spectroscopy. Spatial spray patterns were depicted on blotting paper. Pharmacological experiments were performed on the enhanced inverted bovine urinary bladder model, demonstrating real-time tissue drug delivery, aerosol sedimentation and homogeneity of doxorubicin and cisplatin tissue distribution. Results: The multi-nozzle nebuliser had a sixfold greater aerosolisation flow and a threefold greater angle of aerosolisation than Capnopen®. The aerosol particle size and distribution range were higher than that of Capnopen®. Spray patterns on blotting paper were more extensive with the multi-nozzle nebuliser. Real-time tissue drug delivery with the multi-nozzle nebuliser was over 100 ml within 1 min, and the aerosol sedimentation was 48.9% ± 21.2%, which was not significantly different from that of Capnopen®. The doxorubicin and cisplatin tissue concentrations were greater with Capnopen®. Although there was no significant difference in the homogeneity of doxorubicin distribution between the two devices, the homogeneity of cisplatin distribution was significantly higher with Capnopen®. Conclusion: The multi-nozzle PIPAC nebuliser did not fulfil expectations. Even though the surface spray patterns were broader with the multi-nozzle nebuliser, the tissue drug homogeneity and concentration were greater with Capnopen®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, characterized by altered social communication and repetitive behavior. Typically diagnosed in early childhood, screening and diagnosis at a later age can be challenging, particularly in girls who exhibit a wider range of behaviors and characteristics. This study aimed to examine the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test–Hebrew version in a clinically referred Israeli sample, and to identify items that best discriminate between autistic and non-autistic boys and girls. Parents of 211 autistic (retrospectively reviewed) and 192 non-autistic children, aged 4–12 years, completed the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test–Hebrew version. Results indicated good discriminatory power, with an area under the curve of 0.93. A cutoff of 9 offered optimal sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.82. The addition of a more focused sex-specific analysis using items that best discriminated autistic from non-autistic boys and girls significantly improved the overall identification rate of autism, particularly in girls. The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test–Hebrew version was positively correlated with the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised but not with Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2. Findings underscore the importance of considering sex differences in autism screening and the potential value of sex-specific screening. Future research should focus on replicating these findings in a larger, diverse, prospective study. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, characterized by social communication alterations and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Typically diagnosed in early childhood, screening and diagnosis at a later age can be challenging, particularly in girls who exhibit a wider range of behaviors and characteristics. Our study set out to examine the effectiveness of the Hebrew translation of the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test, a parent report questionnaire, in identifying these diverse characteristics of autism within an Israeli sample of boys and girls. We examined parent reports on 403 (211 autistic, 192 non-autistic) children, aged 4–12 years. Results revealed the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test–Hebrew version was a valuable tool in differentiating between autistic and typically developing children, correctly identifying 93% of children with autism and 82% of typically developing children. In addition, specific items of the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test–Hebrew version were particularly useful in differentiating between autistic and non-autistic boys and autistic and non-autistic girls. Using these items, in addition to the overall score of the questionnaire, increased the correct identification of children as autistic or typically developing, especially in girls. The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test–Hebrew version test results corresponded well with the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised, which relies on parental input, but not with the clinician-administered Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2. Our findings highlight the potential benefits of gender-specific tools to better support correct identification of autism in boys and in girls. More research is recommended to further explore these gender differences and to validate our findings with a larger, diverse group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many previous studies reported that mobility did not recover to the preoperative level even several months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, recent studies indicate that the time required for recovery may have been shortened. The correct information regarding the mobility improvement is very helpful in assessing a patients' progress in rehabilitation. Therefore, we evaluated the mobility early after TKA. Materials and Methods: One hundred seventy patients participated. We measured gait speed and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) as mobility at pre-operatively and post-operatively at one, two, and three weeks. Results: Gait speed at 1 and 2 weeks after TKA was significantly lower than the preoperative value, but no significant difference was observed at 3 weeks. TUG at 1 week after surgery was significantly slower than the preoperative value, but no difference at 2 weeks, and faster than the preoperative value at 3 weeks. Approximately half of the patients (gait speed, 50%; TUG, 55%) demonstrated improvements exceeding their preoperative values. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that achieving preoperative mobility within 3 weeks after TKA may serve as a target for assessing early postoperative recovery progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Propylene glycol (PG) is frequently used as a solvent for various medications. However, there is substantial evidence of Propylene glycol toxicity, such as depression, agitation, and seizures, particularly when used in combination with other drugs. Here, we aimed to study the effect of Propylene glycol administration in combination with amyloid β1-40 injection on hippocampal neurons. Materials & Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, amyloid β1-40 injection group, Propylene glycol group, and amyloid β1-40+ Propylene glycol group. Alternation behavior, number of neurons in the hippocampus, lipid peroxidation markers, and superoxide dismutase levels were analyzed in all rats. Results: When Propylene glycol was co-administered with amyloid β1-40, a notable reduction in the mean neuronal count was observed in the CA1, CA3, and DG regions compared with the amyloid β1-40 only injected animals (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Propylene glycol induced an increase in lipid peroxidation markers (10.78±0.4) and a decrease in antioxidant content (2.8 ± 0.17) when administered with amyloid β1-40s compared to the animals that received only amyloid β1-40 (P<0.05). A similar pattern was found in alternation behavior compared with the group with amyloid β1-40 injection (P<0.001). Conclusion: Propylene glycol could produce excessive neurotoxicity in regions of the hippocampus when co-administered with amyloid β1-40. It likely increases lipid peroxidation and reduces superoxide dismutase in the rat brain. The use of different agents as a vehicle should be considered, especially in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between recurrence risk perception, fear of progression, and health behaviors in patients with ischemic stroke is unclear. Objective: To explore the effect of accuracy and level of recurrence risk perception on health behaviors and the mediating role of fear of progression. Methods: We conducted a 2-wave survey. Patients with ischemic stroke (N = 261) were recruited from 2 hospitals in Guangzhou, China. Before discharge, demographic information, objective recurrence risk, perceived recurrence risk, fear of progression, and health behaviors were investigated. After 1 month, the patient's health behaviors were followed up. Results: The median (quartiles 1-3) scores for recurrence risk perception and fear of progression were 43.0 (39.0-46.0) and 22.0 (18.0-28.0), respectively. Only 22.2% of the patients correctly perceived the risk of recurrence, 23.0% underestimated the risk, and 30.7% overestimated the risk. Patients who overestimated the risk of recurrence (β = 0.421, P =.002) or had a higher perceived level of recurrence risk (β = 0.446, P <.001) had a higher fear of progression, which contributed to better health behaviors at 1 month (β = 0.197, P =.001). Fear of progression played a partial and full mediating role, respectively. Patients who underestimated the recurrence risk had worse health behaviors than those who accurately perceived it (β = −0.296, P =.033). Conclusion: Both accuracy and level of recurrence risk perception were independent predictors of future health behaviors, and fear of progression was mediating. Health care professionals should develop individualized risk education programs to help stroke patients properly understand and cope with the risk of recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), estimate the associated health state utility values (HSUVs) and explore factors associated with HRQoL of patients with anxiety and/or depression in a resource-limited hospital setting. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 462 participants was conducted in a hospital setting. The Amharic version of the EQ-5D-5 L assessed HRQoL, while the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 measured severity of anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. HSUVs were analysed based on clinical and demographic profiles; mean differences were compared using t-tests and one-way ANOVA; Scheffe's post hoc comparisons and effect sizes (Cohen's d statistic) were used to assess the magnitude of group differences. Factors associated with HRQoL were explored using regression analysis. Results: The mean HSUV was 0.87 (SD = 0.17) and the EQ VAS was 71.4 (SD = 19.1). Patients with both anxiety and depression scored significantly lower (HSUV = 0.83 [0.16], EQ VAS = 64.4 [17.9]) compared to those with either anxiety only (HSUV = 0.88 [0.17], EQ VAS = 75.3 [17.9]) or depression only (HSUV = 0.89 [0.18], EQ VAS 74.4 [19.7]). Males had slightly higher mean scores than females, while those aged 18–35 years demonstrated the highest scores on both the EQ-5D-5 L and EQ VAS. Older age (β=-0.002), higher PHQ-9 scores (β=-0.008) and comorbid hypertension (β=-0.07) associated with lower HSUVs. Lower EQ VAS scores were associated with being female (β=-4.4), having comorbid hypertension (β=-7.4) and higher PHQ-9 scores (β=-0.86), while a positive association was found with having 'more than enough' income (β = 11.8). Conclusions: Older age, severity or co-diagnosis of anxiety or depression and comorbid conditions were associated with lower HRQoL, highlighting the need for better interventions to improve the HRQoL of patients with anxiety and depression in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis among children. It can cause joint pain and permanent physical damage, which affects mobility and daily activities. The EQ-5D-Y-3L self-report version has been validated in JIA, but the validity of EQ-5D-Y-5L remains unknown. We examined the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-Y-5L parent-proxy version among children with JIA. Methods: We used data from the Understanding Childhood Arthritis Network Canadian-Dutch collaboration study cohort, including patients with new-onset JIA, and those starting or stopping biologics. Clinical data and the parent-proxy version of the childhood health assessment questionnaire (CHAQ) and EQ-5D-Y-5L were collected. We evaluated the ceiling and floor effect; convergent and divergent validity using Spearman's rank correlation; known-group validity using one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and effect size; and informativity using Shannon's evenness index. Results: 467 patient visits representing 407 patients were analyzed. The EQ-5D-Y-5L had no ceiling/floor effect. The EQ-5D-Y-5L showed good convergent (e.g., EQ-5D-Y-5L pain/discomfort dimension vs. CHAQ pain index (Spearman's r = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (C.I.): 0.69–0.79)), divergent (e.g., EQ-5D-Y-5L pain/discomfort dimension vs. CHAQ eating dimension (Spearman's r = 0.19, 95% C.I.: 0.09–0.29)) and known-group validity (e.g., mean EQ-5D-Y-5L level summary score for patients with inactive versus active disease status, 6.34 vs. 10.52 (p < 0.001, effect size = 1.20 (95% C.I.: 0.95–1.45)). Shannon's evenness index ranged from 0.52 to 0.88, suggesting most dimensions had relatively even distributions. Conclusions: In this patient sample, EQ-5D-Y-5L parent-proxy version exhibited construct validity and informativity, suggesting the EQ-5D-Y-5L can be used to measure the quality of life of children with JIA. Plain English summary: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting children. It can cause pain and permanent physical damage to joints and affects mobility and daily activities. While there is no cure yet, new therapies like biologics are effective. However, biologics are expensive and can have side effects. To decide when is the best time to use these biologics, we need to understand their cost and impact on patients. EQ-5D-Y-5L is a common tool to measure how the disease affects a patient's life. It is unclear whether EQ-5D-Y-5L works well for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In this study, we compared the EQ-5D-Y-5L to another tool that measures how the illness impacts functional ability. We looked to see if the EQ-5D-Y-5L could tell the difference between children who were more or less sick. We also assessed whether the EQ-5D-Y-5L has the ability to describe patients with different severity in health status. This study indicates that the EQ-5D-Y-5L is a good tool to measure the health of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Findings from this study support the use of the EQ-5D-Y-5L among this patient population in future clinical trials and research studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Advance directives (ADs) are based on state-specific statutes that vary in structure, terminology, and options. This variability leads to inconsistent end-of-life (EOL) care for patients who have executed an AD in 1 state but fall ill in another state. This study revisits a 2002 article that identified considerable differences in ADs to determine whether ADs have become more uniform. Research Design and Methods ADs from all 50 states and the District of Columbia were examined to determine the frequency of document types and seven key issues. The results were compared to the 2002 study using nonparametric approaches. Mean numbers of key issues were compared using t -tests and 1-way analysis of variance. Results Consistent with 2002, 3 states in 2023 provide statutes for a healthcare power of attorney (HCPOA). However, states offering a combined HCPOA, and living will (LW), deemed an advance directive for healthcare (ADHC), increased from 13 to 30. Between both studies, Long-Term Care increased significantly in LW and ADHC, whereas Artificial Sustenance significantly increased in LW. Despite the rising prevalence of Alzheimer's in the United States, only 10% of states included this issue in 2023. Discussion and Implications Despite evolving healthcare trends, minimal revisions have been made to ADs since 2002. This lack of uniformity can cause confusion regarding the proper understanding of EOL wishes. The authors recommend that the Uniform Act for Advance Directives be revisited to promote greater uniformity in ADs and ensure that individuals' preferences are understood and respected across different states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In cardiac surgery, colloid oncotic pressure (COP) is affected by haemodilution that results from composition and volume of prime fluid of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, the extent to which different priming strategies alter COP is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of different priming strategies on COP in on-pump cardiac surgery. Methods: Patients (n = 60) were divided into 3 groups (n = 20 each), based on the center in which they were operated and the specific prime fluid strategy used in that center during the inclusion period. CPB prime fluids were either gelofusine-, albumin-, or crystalloid based, the latter two with or without retrograde autologous priming. Results: In all groups, COP was lowest after weaning from CPB and one hour after CPB. Between groups, COP was lowest with gelofusine prime fluid (16.4, 16.8 mmHg, respectively) compared with crystalloids (MD: -1.9; 95% CI:-3.6, -0.2; p =.02 and MD: -2.4, 95% CI: -4.2, -0.7; p =.002) and albumin (MD: -1.8, 95% CI: -3.5, -0.50; p =.041 and MD: -2.4, 95% CI: -4.1, -0.7; p =.002). In all groups, the decrease in COP one hour after bypass compared to baseline correlated positively with fluid balance at the end of surgery (p <.001). Conclusions: COP significantly decrease during CPB surgery with the largest decrease in COP at the end of surgery, while at the same time fluid balance increases. We suggest that prime fluid strategy should be carefully selected when maintenance of COP during cardiac surgery is desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Although relationships among positive psychological capital (PsyCap), compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and burnout have been reported, causal relationships among these variables have not been identified. This study examined the influence of positive PsyCap on burnout and confirmed the mediating effects of compassion fatigue and satisfaction among public hospital nurses. Methods: This study adopted a correlational cross‐sectional design. We recruited 237 nurses working at a public hospital, using convenience sampling. Results: The fit of the hypothetical model was adequate. Positive PsyCap directly affected compassion fatigue and satisfaction, and burnout. It had an indirect effect on burnout. Compassion fatigue and satisfaction directly affect burnout. This finding indicates that compassion fatigue and satisfaction partially mediate between positive PsyCap and burnout. In addition, the mediating effect of compassion fatigue was greater than that of compassion satisfaction on the relationship between positive PsyCap and burnout. Finally, positive PsyCap, compassion fatigue, and compassion satisfaction explained 70.4% of the total variance in burnout scores. The effect size (f2) was 2.38 (large effect size). Conclusions: Burnout should be assessed with positive PsyCap, compassion fatigue, and compassion satisfaction among public hospital nurses. Given that the mediating effect of compassion fatigue was greater than that of compassion satisfaction, interventions for compassion fatigue may be a strategy to reduce burnout, especially among public hospital nurses with low levels of positive PsyCap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current research separately analyzed the connection between postpartum depression, fatigue, sleep and infant development. However, depression, fatigue and sleep quality often coexisted as adverse symptoms in postpartum women and influenced infant development together. This study explored the maternal postpartum symptoms on infant growth. Methods: Our study included 224 pairs of singleton full‐term mothers and their infants who underwent routine pediatric outpatient clinics. Latent profile analysis was applied to identify the latent classes based on mothers' postpartum depression, fatigue and sleep profile characteristics. We evaluated the maternal adverse symptoms and infant development using multivariable logistic regressions. Results: Totally, 224 pairs of eligible mothers (28.85 ± 4.43 years) and infants (30.93 ± 3.26 days) participated in this study. Latent profile analysis identified 3 latent groups: mild (58.04%), moderate (34.37%), and severe (7.59%) postpartum adverse symptoms. Postpartum adverse symptoms were associated with delayed development in the baby's motor level (χ2 = 6.572, p =.037) and weight‐for‐length (χ2 = 9.652, p =.008). After controlling for mother and infant related factors, postpartum adverse symptoms remained a risk factor for infant motor level (odds ratio [OR]: 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–15.08) and weight‐for‐length (OR: 5.53; 95% CI: 1.55–19.74). Conclusions: Maternal postpartum depression, fatigue and sleep quality are associated with infant development. Clinically, mothers with these symptoms should be intervened timely to avoid the aggravation of maternal symptoms, which affect baby's development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation has been associated with various cardiovascular alterations, including disruptions in antioxidant defense mechanisms, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory responses. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of green tea extract (GTE) in mitigating these adverse effects. Methods: A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats were used in this study and divided into the control group (n = 8), Chronic-REM Sleep Deprivation (CRSD) Group (n = 8) and Chronic-REM SD + Green Tea 200 (CRSD + GTE200) Group (n = 8). After 21 days, a comprehensive analysis of paraoxonase (PON1), arylesterase (ARE), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NOx), proinflammatory cytokines, and lipid profiles in aortic tissue, heart tissue, and serum was conducted in a sleep-deprived rat model. Results: Chronic REM sleep deprivation led to a significant reduction in PON1 and ARE levels in aortic (p = 0.046, p = 0.035 respectively) and heart tissues (p = 0.020, p = 0.019 respectively), indicative of compromised antioxidant defenses. MDA levels increased, and NOx levels decreased, suggesting oxidative stress and impaired vascular function. Lipid profile alterations, including increased triglycerides and total cholesterol, were observed in serum. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-alpha) further indicated an inflammatory response (p = 0.007, p = 0.018 respectively). GTE administration demonstrated a protective role, restoring antioxidant enzyme levels, suppressing lipid peroxidation, and improving NOx levels. Conclusion: These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of GTE in alleviating the cardiovascular impairments of chronic REM sleep deprivation, emphasizing its candidacy for further clinical exploration as a natural intervention in sleep-related disorders and associated cardiovascular risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that microtrauma exists in the thigh muscles after long‐distance running such as the half‐marathon. Moreover, training characteristics of long‐distance runners may influence the specificity of the distribution of muscle fiber types in the thigh and affect muscle responses to lipid metabolism. However, the specific changes in microtrauma and intramuscular lipid in thigh muscles after a half‐marathon are unknown. A cohort of 20 healthy recreational marathon runners was recruited to complete a half‐marathon. MRI T2 mapping and 6‐echo q‐Dixon sequences were employed at baseline (P1), 2–3 h after running (P2), and 1 day after running (P3). Inflammatory markers (the T2 values) and intramuscular fat fraction (the proton density fat fraction, PDFF) were measured in thigh muscles to detect microtrauma and intramuscular lipid changes, respectively. One‐way analysis of variance showed significant time effects for T2 values and PDFF. Post hoc analysis of the 14 datasets collected at three time points revealed significantly higher T2 values in all thigh muscles after running (all p < 0.05). Significant differences in T2 values persisted for all thigh muscles at P3 compared to P1 (all p < 0.05). The PDFF of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis was significantly decreased at P2 compared to P1 (p < 0.05). No significant differences in PDFF were observed for the thigh muscles at P3 compared to P1. The manifestations of inflammation edema and intramuscular lipid investigated through MRI may offer valuable insights for recreational marathon runners regarding the lower limb movement characteristics during half‐marathon running. Highlights: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology stands as a valuable noninvasive tool for the observation of musculature.Utilizing MRI T2 mapping and 6‐echo q‐Dixon sequences facilitates the examination of inflammatory edema resulting from endurance exercise along with intramuscular lipid changes.The manifestations of inflammation edema and intramuscular lipid investigated through MRI may unveil novel perspectives on the movement characteristics of lower limbs in recreational marathon runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block offers effective postoperative pain relief following hip fracture surgery. This research investigated three doses of bupivacaine, all administered in the same total volume, for performing ultrasound-guided PENG blocks during hip fracture procedures. Methods: This randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 135 patients aged between 18 and 70 years of both sexes who underwent hip fracture surgeries. Participants were randomized into three groups (n = 45). Ultrasound-guided PENG block was applied, the groups received 20 mL of local anesthetics. The first group received 0.5% bupivacaine, the second group received 0.375% bupivacaine, and the third group received 0.25% bupivacaine. The following parameters were recorded: onset of sensory block, resting NRS after passively raising the limb by 15° half an hour post-procedure, quality of recovery score (QoR-15) at 24 h postoperative. Results: The 0.25% bupivacaine group exhibited a longer sensory block onset than the other groups (p ≤.05). Significant differences were demonstrated between the groups regarding the time to 1st analgesia (p =.033) and total morphine consumption (p =.025). NRS at baseline and T30 post-block did not show significant differences between the studied groups. No significant differences were detected postoperatively in rest and dynamic NRS (p ≤.05). Patient satisfaction, QoR-15 score, and ease of spinal positioning did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: Compared to 0.25% bupivacaine, PENG block with 0.5% and 0.375% bupivacaine provided a rapid onset sensory block, delayed first analgesic requirements, and reduced total morphine consumption after hip surgeries. Protocol Registration: The trial was registered at the clinicaltrials.gov with study number (Trial ID: NCT05788458). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Currently there are few opioid prescribing guidelines for orthopaedic fractures. Long-term post-surgical analgesia requirements, understandably, vary between orthopaedic cases. Our study aims to provide detailed information to clinicians and policy makers, on the opioid requirement associations for patients sustaining tibial fractures. Methods: This study reviewed all patients sustaining an isolated tibial fracture at a major trauma centre that were operated on within 1 month of injury, from 2015 to 2022. The total opioid dosage used each month in morphine milligrams equivalents (MME) and the number of days opioids were used each month, within the first-year post-surgery were collected, representing the strength and coverage of opioid analgesia in the post-operative stage, respectively. We compared opioid strength and coverage requirements with types of definitive fracture fixations, location, fracture type and concurrent patient medical comorbidities to assess for any trends. Results: A total of 1814 patients sustaining a combined of 1970 fractures were included in the study. Tibial plateau fractures had the highest opioid strength and coverage requirements in each month and the entire year (p <.05). Across all fracture locations, Ex Fix frame showed higher opioid strength and coverage requirements compared to both IM nailing and plate ORIF. With regard to opioid coverage in the presence of specific comorbidities, only chronic kidney disease (quotient: 1.37, 95% Confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.19–1.55, p =.002) and hypertension (quotient: 1.34, 95%CI = 1.14–1.53, p =.009) showed significance at the 1-year overall level. For opioid strength, Chronic Kidney Disease (quotient: 1.72, 95%CI = 1.41–2.03 p =.005) and COPD (quotient: 1.90, 95%CI = 1.44–2.36, p =.014), show significance at the 1-year overall level. Conclusion: Our study details opioid requirements post-surgery amongst tibial fractures with subgroup analysis assessing opioid needs amongst specific fracture locations, types, surgical techniques and medical comorbidities. This framework aids clinicians in anticipating rehabilitation and assists in risk stratifying patients at injury onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study developed the Japanese version of the Auckland Individualism and Collectivism Scale (J-AICS), examined its reliability and validity, and explored the associations between its factors (compete, unique, responsibility, advice, and harmony) along with variables related to mental health in the Japanese population. Methods: We recruited 476 Japanese participants from the general population. Participants completed the J-AICS along with questionnaires pertaining to culture and mental health. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the correlated five-factor model showed a good fit to the data. The Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω coefficients were high for the individualism, collectivism, compete, unique, and advice factors, but low for the responsibility and harmony factors. Convergent validity was supported by significant relationships between culture-related variables. A one-way analysis of variance revealed the low individualism/collectivism cluster had higher loneliness and lower satisfaction with life than the high individualism and collectivism clusters. The multiple regression analyses showed that the responsibility factor was significantly and negatively associated with mental health concerning anxiety and depressive symptoms, loneliness, and satisfaction with life. In addition, the harmony factor was significantly and positively associated with the mental health. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate sufficient validity of the J-AICS; however, reliability was insufficient for responsibility and harmony. Further, responsibility was positively associated with mental health and harmony was negatively associated with mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]