Search Results (2,438)

Background: Mental illnesses following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are a growing concern, as they are associated with worse outcomes for AMI patients. Our understanding of the prevalence of mental illnesses after an AMI is incomplete, as most studies investigate depression while overlooking other conditions like anxiety and PTSD. Existing studies often rely on patient-reported questionnaires for mental illness diagnoses, a method that can be subjective. To address this, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence and risk factors of depression, anxiety, and PTSD after AMI, including only studies with formal mental illness diagnoses. Methods: Searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO up to 23 January 2025 identified 23 qualifying studies that assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and PTSD after AMI, with cases defined exclusively by formal diagnoses established through psychiatrist-administered structured interviews according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria (versions III to V). For each outcome, the pooled prevalence was estimated using meta-analyses of proportions with random-effects models. If significant heterogeneity was detected, subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to explore the factors contributing to this heterogeneity. Results: A total of 25 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among the 20 studies included, the pooled prevalence of depression after AMI was 23.58% (95% CI: 22.86%; 24.32%). When stratified by time since AMI, the prevalence was 19.46% (95% CI: 15.47%; 24.19%) for those assessed within 3 months and 14.87% (95% CI: 9.55%; 22.43%) for those assessed after 3 months. The pooled prevalence of anxiety (seven studies) and PTSD (three studies) was 11.96% (95% CI: 6.15; 21.96%) and 10.26% (95% CI: 5.49%; 18.36%), respectively. Further pooled prevalence subgroup analysis of depression and anxiety revealed significantly higher rates in the female sex (29.89%, 95% CI: 21.85; 39.41%), in those with hypertension (25.01%, 95% CI: 21.68; 28.67%), diabetes (25.01%, 95% CI: 21.68; 28.67%), or hyperlipidemia (28.96% 95% CI: 23.44; 35.17%), and in smokers (25.23%., 95% CI: 19.48; 32.00%), while the pooled prevalence of depression is higher in unmarried (35.44%, 95% CI: 19.61; 55.26%) than married individuals (28.63%, 95% CI: 18.67; 41.20%) and in those with a history of depression (57.41%, 95% CI: 31.47; 78.92%). The results of the meta-regression indicated that a prior history of depression was a significant predictor of depression prevalence (p = 0.0035, regression coefficient 1.54). Conclusions: The prevalence of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, is notable following an AMI. Identified risk factors encompass female sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, smoking, a history of depressive illness, and social context. Full article

High-current-carrying capability with minimum thermal elongation is one of the key reasons for using high-temperature low-sag (HTLS) conductors in modern power systems. However, their higher operational temperature can significantly affect corona discharge characteristics. Corona is one of the key factors in transmission line design considerations. Corona discharge is the leading cause of audible noise, radio interference, and corona loss in power transmission systems. The influence of conductor temperature on corona discharge characteristics is investigated in this paper using experimental methods and computational simulations. A simulation framework has been developed in COMSOL Multiphysics using the physics of plasmas and electrostatics to simulate corona plasma dynamic behavior and electric field distribution. The results show that the conductor temperature enhances the ionization by electron impact, enhances the production of positive and negative ions, changes the electric field distribution, and increases the electron temperature. This analysis emphasizes that temperature-dependent conditions affect the inception and intensity of corona discharge. Additionally, an experimental model was developed to evaluate corona voltage–current characteristics under varying temperature conditions. The study presents both simulation results and a newly developed model for predicting corona current at high conductor temperatures. Full article

Community navigators (CNs) play critical roles in fostering consultancy between school professionals and newcomer families in the United States. The overarching goal of this project was to enhance CNs’ capability to facilitate collaboration and create an impact in the communities they serve. To meet this goal, we created the Leading in Newcomer Communities and Schools program to establish a community of practice through the evidence-based, virtual knowledge-sharing ECHO platform. In total, 18 CNs participated in a 10-session ECHO series designed to enhance CNs’ capability by (1) improving knowledge of education policies and laws; (2) enhancing awareness of education resources; (3) increasing self-efficacy; and (4) building skills to promote school and community collaboration. Electronic pre- and post-surveys were collected to assess CN’s learning outcomes, and data were analyzed using descriptive and frequency analyses as well as Wilcoxon Signed-Rank non-parametric tests. Qualitative feedback was collected from post-session feedback and a post-program focus group and analyzed using a deductive content analysis approach. Overall, participants reported greater capability and confidence for consultancy between families and school professionals and high satisfaction with the program. Similar approaches can help transform family, school, and community partnerships into culturally responsive home–school–community policies and practices. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of a botanical supplement (a formulated proprietary blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresin in a fat carrier; PHYT), fed pre- and post-calving, on colostrum and milk yield and the quality, passive transfer of immunity, and performance of cow–calf pairs. Twenty-three (BW = 532 ± 9.13 kg; age 36 mo) crossbred Angus cows were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: (1) not supplemented (CON, n = 7); (2) supplemented with 250 mg/head/day (PHYT250, n = 8); or (3) supplemented with 500 mg/head/day (PHYT500, n = 8) of the botanical supplement. The cows were individually fed the supplement from 30 days (±6 days) pre-calving to 60 days post-calving. Colostrum was collected on d 0 (pre-suckling), and d 1, d 2, and d 3 post-calving. The total milk from all quarters was collected 45 and 90 d post-calving and at weaning. Colostrum and milk volumes were recorded, and samples were analyzed for percentages of fat, protein, milk urea nitrogen, other solids, and lactose. Colostrum samples were analyzed for concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM, and milk samples were analyzed for IgG concentration using radial immunodiffusion. Blood samples were collected from dams and calves, and serum was analyzed for concentrations of IgG (cows and calves) and IgA (calves). Cow and calf BW were measured periodically until weaning. Supplementation with PHYT linearly increased fat in colostrum (CON = 3.29, PHIT250 = 4.23, and PHYT500 = 4.17 ± 0.77%; p = 0.05) and IgA in calf serum (96.91, 151.69, and 183.42 ± 29.78 mg/dL for CON, PHYT250, and PHYT500, respectively; p = 0.04) and tended to linearly increase concentrations of fat in milk (CON = 3.84, PHYT250 = 4.05, and PHYT500 = 4.71 ± 1.04%; p = 0.07), IgG in calf serum (2082.31; 2196.29; and 2577.78 ± 213.08 mg/dL for CON, PHYT250, and PHYT500, respectively; p = 0.09), and IgM in colostrum (CON = 179.04; PHYT250 = 170.79; PHYT500 = 218.30 ± 16.08 mg/dL; p = 0.09). A quadratic response was observed for calf ADG (p = 0.03), where CON (0.99 ± 0.03 kg/d) was less than PHYT250 (1.10 ± 0.03 kg/d), and intermediate values were observed for PHYT500 (1.01 ± 0.03 kg/d). In summary, supplementation with PHYT led to a linear increase in colostrum fat and IgA levels in calf serum. Additionally, supplementation tended to linearly elevate fat concentrations in milk, IgG levels in calf serum, and IgM levels in colostrum. Our results suggest that supplementing beef cows in late gestation and early lactation with 250 or 500 mg/head/d of PHYT improves colostrum quality and calf health and performance. Further investigation is needed to determine both the biological significance and the economic benefits of botanical additives in beef production. Full article

The metabolic enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1), a cancer stem cell marker associated with poor outcomes in breast cancer, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in TNBC. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ALDH1A1 in radiation resistance and redox stress in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Functional knockouts of ALDH1A1 were generated by the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of ALDH1A1 in the SUM159 cell line, and three distinct clonal populations were isolated. Genetic targeting was confirmed by Sanger sequencing, and the loss of ALDH1A1 protein expression was validated by Western blotting. Functional assays assessed ALDEFLUOR activity, cell viability, self-renewal capacity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels with or without radiation in both the bulk population and clonal lines. Interestingly, ALDEFLUOR activity was uniformly lost across all clonal lines; however, functional effects of ALDH1A1 loss on redox stress, survival, and radiation sensitivity were observed in only one clonal population. These findings highlight significant variability in the role of ALDH1A1 among clonal populations, reflecting the complexity of tumor heterogeneity. This underscores the importance of accounting for tumor heterogeneity when targeting ALDH1A1, as certain TNBC subpopulations may rely more heavily on ALDH1A1 function. These insights are critical for developing effective ALDH1A1-targeted therapies. Full article

Understanding the impact of human activities on regional water resources is essential for sustainable basin management. This study examines long-term terrestrial water storage anomalies (TWSA) in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) over two decades, from 2003 to 2023. The analysis utilizes data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and its successor mission (GRACE-FO), complemented by Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) models and ECMWF Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) datasets. The research methodically explores the comparative contributions of natural factors and human activities to the region’s hydrological dynamics. By integrating the GRACE Drought Severity Index (GRACE-DSI), this study uncovers the dynamics of droughts during extreme climate events. It also reveals the pivotal role of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) in mitigating these events and managing regional water resources. Our findings indicate a notable upward trend in TWSA within the TGRA, with an annual increase of 0.93 cm/year. This trend is largely due to the effective regulatory operations of TGD. The dam effectively balances the seasonal distribution of water storage between summer and winter and substantially reduces the adverse effects of extreme droughts on regional water resources. Further, the GRACE-DSI analysis underscores the swift recovery of TWSA following the 2022 drought, highlighting TGD’s critical role in responding to extreme climatic conditions. Through correlation analysis, it was found that compared with natural factors (correlation 0.62), human activities (correlation 0.91) exhibit a higher relative contribution to TWSA variability. The human-induced contributions were derived from the difference between GRACE and GLDAS datasets, capturing the combined effects of all human activities, including the operations of the TGD, agricultural irrigation, and urbanization. However, the TGD serves as a key regulatory facility that significantly influences regional water resource dynamics, particularly in mitigating extreme climatic events. This study provides a scientific basis for water resource management in the TGRA and similar large reservoir regions, emphasizing the necessity of integrating the interactions between human activities and natural factors in basin management strategies. Full article

Breast cancer therapies have dramatically improved survival rates, but their long-term effects, especially on aging survivors, need careful consideration. This review delves into how breast cancer treatments and aging intersect, focusing on the epigenetic changes triggered by chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal treatments, and targeted therapies. Treatments can speed up biological aging by altering DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling, affecting gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself. The review explains the double-edged sword effect of therapy-induced epigenetic modifications, which help fight cancer but also accelerate aging. Chemotherapy and targeted therapies, in particular, impact DNA methylation and histone modifications, promoting chronic inflammation and shortening telomeres. These changes increase biological age, as seen in epigenetic clocks and biomarkers like p21, which also play roles in drug resistance and therapeutic decisions. Chronic inflammation, driven by higher levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 as well as telomere shortening, significantly contributes to the aging characteristics of breast cancer survivors. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, are crucial in regulating gene expression and aging pathways altered by these treatments. This review explores new therapies targeting these epigenetic changes, like DNA methylation inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and microRNA-based treatments, to reduce the aging effects of cancer therapy. Non-drug approaches, such as dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, also show promise in combating therapy-induced aging. It also highlights the clinical signs of aging-related side effects, such as heart and lung problems, endocrine and reproductive issues, and reduced quality of life. The development of comprehensive methods like the CHEMO-RADIAT score to predict major cardiovascular events after therapy is discussed. Understanding the epigenetic changes caused by breast cancer therapies offers valuable insights for creating interventions to enhance the health span and quality of life for survivors. Continued research is crucial to fully understand these epigenetic alterations and their long-term health impacts. Full article

Accurate data collection and time series creation are crucial for understanding these changes. However, many areas lack reliable data due to geopolitical issues and government permissions. Urgent action is needed for sustainable water management. This study uses Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data to analyze monthly fluctuations in groundwater storage in the Missan region of Iraq from January 2022 to December 2023, using Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) mascon, Jet Propulsion Laboratory Downscaled (JPL_D), and Catchment Land Surface Model (CLSM). This study revealed the variability in GWS over the area using RS data and in integration with available monitoring wells. To investigate GWS variability, GSFC, JPL_D, and CLSM observed a downward trend in GWS in 2022; GSFC exhibits the highest negative groundwater trend, while CLSM has the lowest negative trend. Then, from January to June 2023, GSFC had the highest positive trend, while CLSM had the lowest positive trend. Most of the study period has a negative trend for remote sensing that matches the monitoring well data in situ, in which wells 1, 2, and 4 are negative trends of the study period. In conclusion, these results improve the role of remote sensing in groundwater monitoring in small-scale region unconfined aquifers, which supports decision-making in water resource management. The findings illustrated a match between the results derived from the GRACE data and monitoring well data. Full article

Devices that measure the presence of instability in the pulse shapes in trains of ultrashort laser pulses do not exist, so this task necessarily falls to pulse-measurement devices, like Frequency-Resolved Optical Gating (FROG) and its variations, which have proven to be a highly reliable class of techniques for measuring stable trains of ultrashort laser pulses. Fortunately, multi-shot versions of FROG have also been shown to sensitively distinguish trains of stable from those of unstable pulse shapes by displaying readily visible systematic discrepancies between the measured and retrieved traces in the presence of unstable pulse trains. However, the effects of pulse-shape instability and algorithm stagnation can be indistinguishable, so a never-stagnating algorithm—even when instability is present—is required and is generally important. In previous work, we demonstrated that our recently introduced Retrieved-Amplitude N-grid Algorithmic (RANA) approach produces highly reliable (100%) pulse-retrieval in the second-harmonic-generation (SHG) version of FROG for thousands of sample trains of pulses with stable pulse shapes. Further, it does so even for trains of unstable pulse shapes and thus both reliably distinguishes between the two cases and provides a rough measure of the degree of instability as well as a reasonable estimate of most typical pulse parameters. Here, we perform the analogous study for the polarization-gating (PG) and transient-grating (TG) versions of FROG, which are often used for higher-energy pulse trains. We conclude that PG and TG FROG, coupled with the RANA approach, also provide reliable indicators of pulse-shape instability. In addition, for PG and TG FROG, the RANA approach provides an even better estimate of a typical pulse in an unstable pulse train than SHG FROG does, even in cases of significant pulse-shape instability. Full article

A 7-week group-based cooking program led by an occupational therapist was developed for older adult clients in Senior Care Centres (SCCs) in Singapore. This study aimed to test this cooking program’s feasibility and clinical effects in a SCC. A mixed-methods study design was implemented over 3 months, which included a 7-week intervention and a booster session 1-month post-intervention. Eligible participants were screened for participation. Feasibility was assessed by recording recruitment, attendance and attrition rates. Pre- and post-assessments, including community mobility, physical function and self-perceived quality of life, at three time points, were conducted to measure functional changes. Quantitative data were analysed using repeated measure analysis of variance, and all interviews were audio-recorded with permission and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Six out of seven participants completed the program with a high attendance rate (80.4%). Participants demonstrated improvements in physical functions and community mobility immediately after the intervention and at a one-month follow-up. Participants shared their motivational factors for participating and demonstrated positive changes in lifestyle routines, dietary habits, and nutritional knowledge. Social and personal factors were found to play a crucial role in their compliance and active participation in the program. Our finding suggests that a structured cooking program for older adults at an SCC is acceptable and feasible in Singapore. Finetuning of the program content is necessary before conducting a larger study. Full article

Pathological pain is defined as pain that outlives its usefulness as a protective warning system and becomes debilitating, disrupting normal life function. Understanding the mechanism of transition from physiological to pathological pain is essential to provide the effective prevention of chronic pain. The main subcategories of pathological pain are nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, and nociplastic pain. Glial cells play pivotal roles in the development and maintenance of each of these pathological pain states, specifically neuropathic pain. Consequently, targeting these cells has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, as limited efficacy and harmful adverse effects are associated with current pharmacotherapies. This paper aims to review specific antibiotics that modulate glial cells, which can be used to treat neuropathic pain. These antibiotics include minocycline, doxycycline, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin. The potential of these antibiotics appears promising, particularly given the extensive prior research and use of these antibiotics in humans for other illnesses. However, each presents its own set of limitations, ultimately making the translation from preclinical findings to human therapies for neuropathic pain challenging. Full article

Ascites is the most common complication from cirrhosis related to portal hypertension and depicts the onset of hepatic decompensation. Ranging from uncomplicated to refractory ascites, the progression carries prognostic value by reflecting the deterioration of underlying cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Diuretics have been the mainstay of treatment to control ascites, but the side effects heighten when the dosage is escalated. Non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) are widely used nowadays to prevent hepatic decompensation and variceal hemorrhage. However, with worsening systemic vasodilation and inflammation when ascites progresses, patients on NSBBs are at risk of hemodynamic collapse leading to renal hypoperfusion and thus hepatorenal syndrome. Long-term albumin infusion was studied to prevent the progression of ascites. However, the results were conflicting. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are under investigation to control refractory ascites. With that, patients with refractory ascites may require regular large-volume paracentesis. With an aging population, more patients are put on anti-thrombotic agents and their risks in decompensated cirrhosis and invasive procedures have to be considered. In general, decompensated cirrhosis with ascites poses multiple issues to pharmacological treatment. In the present review, we discuss the challenges and controversies in the pharmacological treatment of ascites. Full article

Introduction: Pharmacies are important points of access and information for women seeking medication abortion. In the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC], where the legal conditions for abortion have expanded in recent years and now allow pharmacies to dispense medication abortion with a prescription, little is known about medication abortion counseling and care offered by pharmacy staff. The aim of this study was to explore the quality of information provided by pharmacy staff to customers seeking medication abortion in Kinshasa. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using the mystery client (MC) approach was conducted in 480 pharmacies between April and May 2023. Trained female (n = 9) and male (n = 3) investigators played the role of mystery clients seeking abortion medication for themselves (or their partner or relative), and they asked questions to assess the performance of pharmacy staff and the quality of the provided information. The MCs recorded the results of their visits immediately after they left the pharmacy. Data were analyzed using Stata 17.0 and QGIS. The research protocol received ethical approval from the Kinshasa School of Public Health, and the need for informed consent was waived as pharmacy providers were being observed acting in their professional capacity. Results: Misoprostol was available at 40% of pharmacies visited, while mifepristone–misoprostol was available at less than 2%. Correct dosage information for misoprostol was provided by only 23% of the providers, with the lowest proportion observed in interactions involving male partners (2.4%). During discussions, only 10.6% of the providers explained what to expect during the abortion process. The quality of information differed according to the client profile, the district, and whether the client had a prescription. Conclusions: While medication abortion can provide a safe option for women seeking to manage their own abortion, the lack of adequate information on the correct dosage and administration can hinder the effectiveness of this regimen. To fully realize the potential of this medication for reducing unsafe abortion, it is essential that pharmacy staff are trained and supported to provide high-quality information and services, and that inequities in access to medications are addressed. Full article

Background: Death anxiety is marked by worrisome thoughts and feelings surrounding death. It can influence health care workers’ performance and increase workforce attrition, yet no study has examined death anxiety among persons who provide peer care in the correctional system. Methods: Two small samples of peer caregivers working in two US prisons were surveyed (N = 27). Using the 15-item Death Anxiety Scale, we first described death anxiety using descriptive statistics. We examined gender disparities using an independent sample t-test and explored the associations between death anxiety, caregiver burden, and depression using Kendalls’ Tau-b. Results: Average death anxiety for the sample was 6.30 (SD = 2.88) and while women reported greater death anxiety than men, (M = 6.82, SD = 2.77; M = 5.40, SD = 2.99, respectively), the difference was not significant (t(25) = 1.25, p = 0.111). Although death anxiety did not relate to care burden or depression, a significant relationship was found between care burden and depression for peer caregivers in this sample. Conclusions: This is the first study to examine death anxiety among correctional system peer caregivers. Further research with larger samples, and across multiple jurisdictions and facility types is required as is investigation of the influence of death anxiety on care outcomes. Full article

A uniformly distributed global ground network is essential for the accurate determination of GNSS orbit and clock parameters. However, achieving an ideal ground network is often difficult. When limited to a sparse or regional network of ground stations, the integration of LEO satellites can substantially enhance the accuracy of GNSS Precise Orbit Determination (POD). In practical processing, discontinuities with complicated gaps can occur in LEO attitude quaternions, particularly when working with a restricted observation network. This hampers the accuracy of determining GNSS/LEO integrated orbits. To address this, an investigation was conducted using data from seven LEO satellites, including those from Sentinel-3, GRACE-FO, and Swarm, to evaluate integrated POD performance under sparse or regional station conditions. Particular focus was placed on addressing attitude discontinuities. Four scenarios were analyzed, encompassing both continuous data availability and one-, two-, and three-hour interruptions after one hour of continuous data availability. The results showed that the proposed quaternion rotation matrix interpolation method is reliable for the integrated POD of GNSSs and LEOs with strict attitude control. Full article