bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of spongioplasty alone as second layer of tubularised incised plate urethroplasty in patients with hypospadias
Authors: Maheshwari Mudit , Gite Venkat Arjun , Agrawal Mayank , Sankapal Prakash , Shaw Vivek , Sharma Shashank , Dias Sabby
Published: August 2022

Background

Spongioplasty alone or in combination with local tissue flaps can be used as a second layer for the prevention of complications of tubularised incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) of hypospadias repair. It can be used when wide urethral plate and well-developed robust spongiosum are present. This study aims to review the success rate and complications of TIPU performed utilising spongioplasty alone as a second layer in Type 3 well-developed robust spongiosum.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study conducted between January 2015 and December 2019 at a tertiary care centre. A total of 21 patients aged 4–15.4 years with primary hypospadias having a Type 3 well-developed robust spongiosum, Glans score ≤ 2, Meatal score ≤ 4, and Shaft score ≤ 3 underwent TIPU using spongioplasty alone as a second layer. The hospital stay ranged from 10 to 14 days and follow-up from 12 to 36 months.

Results

Hypospadias was distal in 12 (57.1%), mid in 5 (23.8%), and proximal penile in 4 (19.1%) patients. The mean Glans Meatus Shaft score was 6.1 (G = 1.25, M = 2.95, S = 1.9) with a range of 3–9. An early post-operative complication of preputial oedema and bladder spasm developed in 1 (4.7%) patient each. Meatal stenosis developed in 1 (4.7%) patient. None developed urethrocutaneous fistula. At 3 months all patients had good urinary flow (> 15 ml/s) and good cosmesis. All the patients/parents (in case of minors) were satisfied with the result.

Conclusion

Spongioplasty alone as the second layer after TIPU for primary penile hypospadias in patients with well-developed robust spongiosal tissue is associated with minimal, easily manageable complications.
Collagen-induced assembly of adenosine monophosphate-modified gold nanoparticles for photothermal cancer therapy
Authors: Qu Xinyu , Chen Yixing , Cai Zhuyun , Zhao Xinyu , Zeng Hua , Liu Xiaohao , Tan Shuo , Lu Bingqiang , Gao Rui , Chen Feng
Published: August 2022

Background

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has become an attractive approach for cancer treatment due to its merits of minimal invasiveness, location selectivity, and suitability for various cancer types. In PTT, photosensitizers are usually adopted to convert light to heat at tumor site, thereby generating heat-induced necroptosis or apoptosis. Therefore, the performance of photosensitizer (e.g., photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE), surface property, tumor accumulation and retention, etc.) determines the clinical manifestation of PTT. Currently, the poor tumor retention and potential long-term toxicity are two main obstacles for developing efficient photosensitizers. To address these issues, we have developed an in vivo tumor microenvironment stimuli-responsive self-assembled photosensitizer, which consists of a biomolecule, adenosine monophosphate (AMP) modified gold nanoparticles (AAu NPs), to enhance the accumulation and retention within tumor tissue for efficient PTT.

Results

The obtained AAu NPs with a hydrodynamic diameter of 9.12 ± 0.82 nm have excellent colloidal stability in aqueous solution. No sediments can be observed in the AAu NPs aqueous phase even after several months. The temperature of AAu aqueous suspension is elevated to 53.0 ℃ within 8 min at a low particle concentration of 80 μg/mL. A high PCE of 62.8% is obtained for AAu NPs based on the temperature change curves. The near-infrared (NIR) absorption and PCE of AAu NPs are enhanced compared to the surfactant-free Au NPs, enabling excellent photothermal cell-killing in vitro. When the AAu NPs arrive at the tumor tissue, they quickly form large aggregates via a collagen-induced assembly, leading to enhanced NIR absorption and improved tumor accumulation and retention, which enables a high PTT efficacy in vivo at a low photosensitizer dose of 40 μg and a low laser power density of 1.91 W/cm2.

Conclusions

A collagen-induced self-assembled gold photosensitizer for efficient PTT has been synthesized based on a biomolecule, AMP modification method. The synthesized AAu NPs with high PTT efficacy, superior biosafety and fast excretion from the body is an effective therapeutic agent in photothermal cancer therapy.
Improved prediction of gene expression through integrating cell signalling models with machine learning
Authors: Al taweraqi Nada , King Ross D.
Published: August 2022

Background

A key problem in bioinformatics is that of predicting gene expression levels. There are two broad approaches: use of mechanistic models that aim to directly simulate the underlying biology, and use of machine learning (ML) to empirically predict expression levels from descriptors of the experiments. There are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches: mechanistic models more directly reflect the underlying biological causation, but do not directly utilize the available empirical data; while ML methods do not fully utilize existing biological knowledge.

Results

Here, we investigate overcoming these disadvantages by integrating mechanistic cell signalling models with ML. Our approach to integration is to augment ML with similarity features (attributes) computed from cell signalling models. Seven sets of different similarity feature were generated using graph theory. Each set of features was in turn used to learn multi-target regression models. All the features have significantly improved accuracy over the baseline model - without the similarity features. Finally, the seven multi-target regression models were stacked together to form an overall prediction model that was significantly better than the baseline on 95% of genes on an independent test set. The similarity features enable this stacking model to provide interpretable knowledge about cancer, e.g. the role of ERBB3 in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line.

Conclusion

Integrating mechanistic models as graphs helps to both improve the predictive results of machine learning models, and to provide biological knowledge about genes that can help in building state-of-the-art mechanistic models.
Effects of an inhibitor of the SHH signaling pathway on endometrial cells of patients with endometriosis
Authors: He Yanan , Wang J. , Jiang Xinyan , Gao Jianhua , Cheng Yan , Liang Tian , Zhou Jun , Sun Liyuan , Zhang Guangmei
Published: August 2022

Background

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases, and seriously reduces the quality of life of patients. However, the pathogenesis of this disease is unclear. Therefore, more studies are needed to elucidate its pathogenesis. Our previous publication found that the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway was activated in endometriosis. This study tested whether SHH signaling in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) was critical for the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Methods

To examine the effect of inhibiting the SHH signaling pathway on endometriosis, we first isolated ESCs from eutopic endometrial tissues of patients with or without endometriosis and identified the extracted cells by morphological observation and immunofluorescence. Then, we treated ESCs with the GLI inhibitor GANT61 and used CCK-8, wound healing and invasion assays to detect cell activities, such as proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Furthermore, we detected the expression of key proteins and proliferation markers of the SHH signaling pathway in the lesions of nude mice using immunochemistry.

Results

We demonstrated that higher concentrations of GANT61 decreased the proliferation rate and migration distance of ESCs. We observed that GANT61 inhibited the invasion of ESCs. In addition, blockage of the SHH signaling pathway significantly reduced cell proliferation in vitro.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that inhibition of the SHH pathway is involved in cell proliferation and invasive growth in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the cucumber PP2C gene family
Authors: Zhang Guobin , Zhang Zeyu , Luo Shilei , Li Xia , Lyu Jian , Liu Zeci , Wan Zilong , Yu Jihua
Published: August 2022

Background

Type 2C protein phosphatase (PP2C) is a negative regulator of ABA signaling pathway, which plays important roles in stress signal transduction in plants. However, little research on the PP2C genes family of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), as an important economic vegetable, has been conducted.

Results

This study conducted a genome-wide investigation of the CsPP2C gene family. Through bioinformatics analysis, 56 CsPP2C genes were identified in cucumber. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the PP2C genes of cucumber and Arabidopsis were divided into 13 groups. Gene structure and conserved motif analysis showed that CsPP2C genes in the same group had similar gene structure and conserved domains. Collinearity analysis showed that segmental duplication events played a key role in the expansion of the cucumber PP2C genes family. In addition, the expression of CsPP2Cs under different abiotic treatments was analyzed by qRT-PCR. The results reveal that CsPP2C family genes showed different expression patterns under ABA, drought, salt, and cold treatment, and that CsPP2C3, 11–17, 23, 45, 54 and 55 responded significantly to the four stresses. By predicting the cis-elements in the promoter, we found that all CsPP2C members contained ABA response elements and drought response elements. Additionally, the expression patterns of CsPP2C genes were specific in different tissues.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide a reference for the genome-wide identification of the PP2C gene family in other species and provide a basis for future studies on the function of PP2C genes in cucumber.
Simultaneous testing of rule- and model-based approaches for runs of homozygosity detection opens up a window into genomic footprints of selection in pigs
Authors: Berghöfer Jan , Khaveh Nadia , Mundlos Stefan , Metzger Julia
Published: August 2022

Background

Past selection events left footprints in the genome of domestic animals, which can be traced back by stretches of homozygous genotypes, designated as runs of homozygosity (ROHs). The analysis of common ROH regions within groups or populations displaying potential signatures of selection requires high-quality SNP data as well as carefully adjusted ROH-defining parameters. In this study, we used a simultaneous testing of rule- and model-based approaches to perform strategic ROH calling in genomic data from different pig populations to detect genomic regions under selection for specific phenotypes.

Results

Our ROH analysis using a rule-based approach offered by PLINK, as well as a model-based approach run by RZooRoH demonstrated a high efficiency of both methods. It underlined the importance of providing a high-quality SNP set as input as well as adjusting parameters based on dataset and population for ROH calling. Particularly, ROHs ≤ 20 kb were called in a high frequency by both tools, but to some extent covered different gene sets in subsequent analysis of ROH regions common for investigated pig groups. Phenotype associated ROH analysis resulted in regions under potential selection characterizing heritage pig breeds, known to harbour a long-established breeding history. In particular, the selection focus on fitness-related traits was underlined by various ROHs harbouring disease resistance or tolerance-associated genes. Moreover, we identified potential selection signatures associated with ear morphology, which confirmed known candidate genes as well as uncovered a missense mutation in the ABCA6 gene potentially supporting ear cartilage formation.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight the strengths and unique features of rule- and model-based approaches as well as demonstrate their potential for ROH analysis in animal populations. We provide a workflow for ROH detection, evaluating the major steps from filtering for high-quality SNP sets to intersecting ROH regions. Formula-based estimations defining ROHs for rule-based method show its limits, particularly for efficient detection of smaller ROHs. Moreover, we emphasize the role of ROH detection for the identification of potential footprints of selection in pigs, displaying their breed-specific characteristics or favourable phenotypes.
Novel homozygous stop-gain pathogenic variant of PPP1R13L gene leads to arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kalayinia Samira , Mahdavi Mohammad , Houshmand Golnaz , Hesami Mahshid , Pourirahim Maryam , Maleki Majid
Published: August 2022

Background

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a heritable cardiac disease with two main features: electric instability and myocardial fibro-fatty replacement. There is no defined treatment except for preventing arrhythmias and sudden death. Detecting causative mutations helps identify the disease pathogenesis and family members at risk. We used whole-exome sequencing to determine a genetic explanation for an ACM-positive patient from a consanguineous family.

Methods

After clinical analysis, cardiac magnetic resonance, and pathology, WES was performed on a two-year-old ACM proband. Variant confirmation and segregation of available pedigree members were performed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. The PPP1R13L gene was also analyzed for possible causative variants and their hitherto reported conditions.

Results

We found a novel homozygous stop-gain pathogenic variant, c.580C > T: p.Gln194Ter, in the PPP1R13L gene, which was confirmed and segregated by PCR and Sanger sequencing. This variant was not reported in any databases.

Conclusions

WES is valuable for the identification of novel candidate genes. To our knowledge, this research is the first report of the PPP1R13L c.580C > T variant. The PPP1R13L variant was associated with ACM as confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance and pathology. Our findings indicate that PPP1R13L should be included in ACM genetic testing to improve the identification of at-risk family members and the diagnostic yield.
Accuracy of high-risk HPV DNA PCR, p16(INK4a) immunohistochemistry or the combination of both to diagnose HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Simoens Cindy , Gheit Tarik , Ridder Ruediger , Gorbaslieva Ivana , Holzinger Dana , Lucas Eric , Rehm Susanne , Vermeulen Peter , Lammens Martin , Vanderveken Olivier M. , Kumar Rekha Vijay , Gangane Nitin , Caniglia Alessandro , Maffini Fausto , Rubio Maria Belén Lloveras , Anantharaman Devasena , Chiocca Susanna , Brennan Paul , Pillai Madhavan Radhakrishna , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Bogers Johannes , Pawlita Michael , Tommasino Massimo , Arbyn Marc ,   the HPV-AHEAD study group, Carreira Christine , McKay-Chopin Sandrine , Jayshree Rudrapatna S. , Sabitha Kortikere S. , Shenoy Ashok M. , Zito Alfredo , Chiesa Fausto , Tagliabue Marta , Ansarin Mohssen , Sankaran Subha , Herold-Mende Christel , Dyckhoff Gerhard , Mosialos George , Boeing Heiner , Castellsagué Xavier , Sanjosé Silvia de , Mena Marisa , Bosch Francesc Xavier , Alemany Laia , Esmy Pulikottil Okkuru , Vijayakumar Manavalan , Chiwate Aruna S. , Thorat Ranjit V. , Hublikar Girish G. , Lakshetti Shashikant S. , Nene Bhagwan M. , Kataki Amal Ch. , Das Ashok Kumar , Ramadas Kunnambath , Somanathan Thara
Published: August 2022

Background

The incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-driven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, in particular oropharyngeal cancers (OPC), is increasing in high-resource countries. Patients with HPV-induced cancer respond better to treatment and consequently have lower case-fatality rates than patients with HPV-unrelated OPC. These considerations highlight the importance of reliable and accurate markers to diagnose truly HPV-induced OPC.

Methods

The accuracy of three possible test strategies, i.e. (a) hrHPV DNA PCR (DNA), (b) p16(INK4a) immunohistochemistry (IHC) (p16), and (c) the combination of both tests (considering joint DNA and p16 positivity as positivity criterion), was analysed in tissue samples from 99 Belgian OPC patients enrolled in the HPV-AHEAD study. Presence of HPV E6*I mRNA (mRNA) was considered as the reference, indicating HPV etiology.

Results

Ninety-nine OPC patients were included, for which the positivity rates were 36.4%, 34.0% and 28.9% for DNA, p16 and mRNA, respectively. Ninety-five OPC patients had valid test results for all three tests (DNA, p16 and mRNA). Using mRNA status as the reference, DNA testing showed 100% (28/28) sensitivity, and 92.5% (62/67) specificity for the detection of HPV-driven cancer. p16 was 96.4% (27/28) sensitive and equally specific (92.5%; 62/67). The sensitivity and specificity of combined p16 + DNA testing was 96.4% (27/28) and 97.0% (65/67), respectively. In this series, p16 alone and combined p16 + DNA missed 1 in 28 HPV driven cancers, but p16 alone misclassified 5 in 67 non-HPV driven as positive, whereas combined testing would misclassify only 2 in 67.

Conclusions

Single hrHPV DNA PCR and p16(INK4a) IHC are highly sensitive but less specific than using combined testing to diagnose HPV-driven OPC patients. Disease prognostication can be encouraged based on this combined test result.
Risk factors of pelvic floor muscle strength in south Chinese women: a retrospective study
Authors: Fang Jianqi , Ye Jiajia , Huang Qing , Lin Yang , Weng Yilin , Wang Miao , Chen Yi , Lu Yao , Zhang Ronghua
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To evaluate pelvic floor muscle strength using surface electromyography and risk factors for pelvic floor muscle strength in the early postpartum period.

Methods

This retrospective study included 21,302 participants who visited Fujian
Maternity and Child Health Hospital from September 2019 to February 2022. All participants
were assessed by
medical professionals for general information and surface electromyography.

Results

Univariate analysis indicated that age was inversely related to tonic and endurance contractions. In contrast, all the other variables, including education level, body mass index, neonatal weight, and number of fetuses, had a positive impact on rapid, tonic, and endurance contractions. Likewise, parity was also positively associated with rapid contractions. In addition, compared with vaginal delivery, cesarean section delivery had a protective effect on the amplitude of the three types of contractions. Stepwise regression analysis showed that both age and neonatal weight had a negative linear relationship with the amplitude of rapid, tonic and endurance contractions. In contrast, the amplitude of rapid, tonic and endurance contractions significantly increased as body mass index, parity (≤ 3), education level and gestational weight gain (endurance contractions only) increased. Participants with cesarean section delivery showed positive effects on rapid, tonic, and endurance contractions compared to participants with vaginal delivery.

Conclusions

We found that age, neonatal weight, vaginal delivery, episiotomy, and forceps delivery were risk factors for pelvic floor muscle strength; in contrast, body mass index, parity (≤ 3) and gestational weight gain had a positive relationship with pelvic floor muscle strength.
Development and psychometric properties of the maternal ambivalence scale in spanish women
Authors: Martín-Sánchez Magdalena Belén , Martínez-Borba Verónica , Catalá Patricia , Osma Jorge , Peñacoba-Puente Cecilia , Suso-Ribera Carlos
Published: August 2022

Background

maternal ambivalence, which refers to experiencing mixed emotions about motherhood, like happiness and sadness, is frequent during the perinatal period.

Aim

Due to the relevance of this topic and the lack of psychometrically-sound instruments to measure it, this study aims to develop and test a measure of maternal ambivalence called the Maternal Ambivalence Scale (MAS).

Methods

in this cross-sectional, observational study, participants were 1424 Spanish women recruited online who were either pregnant (33%) or recent mothers of children under 2 years (67%). They responded to the MAS and measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor solutions for the MAS, internal consistency estimates (Cronbach’s α) for all scales, as well as bivariate correlations to investigate sources of validity evidence. Comparisons between pregnant and postpartum women were also examined.

Results

The assumptions for factor analysis about the relationship between items were met (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin’s [KMO] test = 0.90; Barlett’s Chi-square sphericity test = 5853.89, p < .001). A three-factor solution (Doubts, Rejection, and Suppression) for the MAS showed a good model fit both in exploratory (Chi-square = 274.6, p < .001, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA] = 0.059, RMSEA 90% Confidence Interval [CI]=[0.052, 0.066], Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.985, Tucker Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.974) and confirmatory analyses (Chi-square = 428.0, p < .001, RMSEA = 0.062, RMSEA 90% CI=[0.056, 0.068], CFI = 0.977, TLI = 0.971). Doubts (α = 0.83), Rejection (α = 0.70), and Suppression (α = 80) were associated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as lower life satisfaction (all p < .001). Pregnant women presented greater Rejection (mean difference = 0.30, p = .037, 95% CI=[0.02, 0.58]) and less Suppression (mean difference=-0.47, p = .002, 95% CI=[-0.77,-0.17]) than mothers.

Conclusion

with this study, we provide clinicians and researchers with a novel tool that successfully captures the complex nature of maternal ambivalence. Given the associations of maternal ambivalence with important outcomes in perinatal women, this tool could be important for the prevention of distress associated with chronic ambivalence and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions addressing ambivalence.
Neurobehavioural challenges experienced by HIV exposed infants: a study in South Africa
Authors: Rencken Gina , Govender Pragashnie , Uys Catharina J. E.
Published: August 2022

Background

The newborn infant is a complexly organized, competent being, who plays an active role in shaping their environment through their increasing skills in autonomic regulation, motor control, regulation of state and social interaction. Infants born to HIV positive mothers, are exposed to HIV and antiretroviral therapy inutero, and may experience adverse effects from this.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 132 mother-infant dyads from a large public health hospital in South Africa. Infants were assessed using the Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale on day two of life, and mothers mental health assessed using the Edinburugh Postnatal Depression Scale. Medical and demographic data on mothers and infants was collected, including maternal age, HIV status, length of time on antiretrovirals, relationship status, employment status, gravid status, mode of delivery, infant anthropometrics and infant gender. Data was input into IBM SPSS statistics 21, where frequencies and percentages for descriptive analysis, and Chi-square and student’s two sample t-tests were run to compare data from HIV infected-exposed and HIV uninfected-unexposed mothers and infants.

Results

HIV exposed infants were smaller than HIV unexposed infants, even though low birth weight was an exclusion criteria. Statistically significant differences were found between HIV exposed and unexposed infants in neurobehavioiral items of social interaction (p = 0.00), motor system (p = 0.00) and state organization (p = 0.01), with HIV exposed infants performing less optimally in these domains. HIV exposed infants also presented with more abnormal reflexes. Infants born to depressed mothers showed superior motor skills, state organization and state regulation than infants born to mothers who did not score in the possibly depressed range.

Conclusions

HIV exposed infants have inferior neurobehavioural functioning, which may affect their quality of life and ability to develop a reciprocal relationship with a primary caregiver. This may have an effect on development, behaviour and mental health in later childhood. HIV exposed infants shoud be monitored closely and their functioning in autonomic stability, motor control, resualtion of state and social interaction assessed regularly. Guidance for caregivers in incorporating strategies into the care of these infants is essential to buffer the possible long term negative effects on development.
Iranian psychiatrists’ attitude towards clozapine use for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: a nationwide survey
Authors: Rezaie Leeba , Nazari Azadeh , Safari-Faramani Roya , Shohaimi Shamarina , Khazaie Habibolah
Published: August 2022

Background

Clozapine has the greatest efficacy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), even though its underutilization is not uncommon across different countries. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitude of Iranian psychiatrists toward clozapine use.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was distributed among psychiatrists registered with the Iranian Psychiatrists Association (including its provincial branches) to assess their knowledge and attitude towards clozapine use. A total of 282 psychiatrists completed the questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was used to describe demographic information, and Chi-square tests were conducted to determine if there is an association between academic position and work experience. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS® version 25.0 for Windows, and a significance level of 0.05 was used.

Results

Most respondents (93%) acknowledged that they prescribed clozapine for their patients, and 74% believed that clozapine was more effective than other antipsychotic drugs. However, 43.3% of the respondents said they did not believe in the safety of clozapine. Difficulty initiating and having no firsthand experience in the superiority of clozapine were reported by 81.2 and 80% of the respondents, respectively. Our results also showed an association between having an academic position and access to appropriate facilities for the control and management of patients treated with clozapine and believing in the safety of clozapine (p < 0.05). Longer work experience (more than 15 years) was associated with a higher prescription of clozapine, belief in greater effectiveness of clozapine, and its safety (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Iranian psychiatrists had a good self-perception of knowledge about the efficacy of clozapine for patients with TRS, but concerns about serious side effects are common. Psychiatrists with longer work experience and academic positions were more optimistic towards clozapine use than the younger ones with no academic position. Considering the results in planning the strategies to decrease concerns about clozapine use is recommended.
Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): comprehensive open-label trial in ten children
Authors: Hajjari Parisa , Oldmark Malin Huldt , Fernell Elisabeth , Jakobsson Klara , Vinsa Ingrid , Thorsson Max , Monemi Mehran , Stenlund Lotta , Fasth Anders , Furuhjelm Catrin , Johnels Jakob Åsberg , Gillberg Christopher , Johnson Mats
Published: August 2022

Background

Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in children with Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) has for many years been used on clinical indications, but the research evidence for its efficacy is insufficient.

Methods

Open-label prospective in-depth trial including ten children (median age 10.3 years) with PANS, who received IVIG treatment 2 g/kg monthly for three months. Primary outcomes were changes in symptom severity and impairment from baseline to first and second follow-up visits one month after first and one month after third treatment, using three investigator-rated scales: Paediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Symptom (PANS) scale, Clinical Global Impression – Severity and Improvement (CGI-S and CGI-I) scales. Secondary outcomes reported here were changes in Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) scores, and side effects.

Results

All ten children received three treatments at one-month intervals according to study plan. From baseline to second follow-up marked reductions were seen in mean total PANS scale scores (p = .005), and CGI-S scores (p = .004). CGI-I ratings showed much to very much global improvement (mean CGI-I 1.8). Nine children had clinical response defined as > 30% reduction in PANS Scale scores. Improvements were also noted for CY-BOCS scores (p = .005), and in school attendance. Three children suffered moderate to severe temporary side effects after the first treatment, and the remaining seven had mild to moderate side effects. Side effects were much less severe after second and third treatments.

Conclusions

Considerable and pervasive improvements in symptoms and clinical impairments were seen in these ten children after three monthly IVIG treatments. Moderate to severe transient side effects occurred in three cases.

Trial registration

EudraCT no. 2019–004758-27, Clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT04609761, 05/10/2020.
The effects of oral health and social support on health-related quality of life of migrant older with children in Weifang, China
Authors: Wang Jieru , Zhao Jinfeng , Tian Tingting , Jiang Xiaoxu , Li Hexian , Pang Mingli , Kong Fanlei
Published: August 2022

Background

With the accelerated urbanization and aging population in China, more and more migrant older with children (MOC) moved to new cities. Previous studies mainly explored the acculturation of MOC, yet few focused on the health conditions of this vulnerable group. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral health and social support on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of MOC in Weifang, China.

Method

This study was a cross-sectional study and participants were selected by multi-stage cluster random sampling in Weifang, China. The HRQOL was assessed via the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) which included the mental component summary (MCS) and the physical component summary (PCS). The oral health was evaluated by the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). The social support was administered using the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Descriptive analysis was used to describe participants’ sociodemographic variables, oral health and social support. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between the social support, oral health and HRQOL.

Results and discussion

It was found that 25.0% of MOC were defined as MCS poor and PCS poor, respectively. Those participants with average and low monthly household income compared to those around them, average and poor oral health, and low levels of social support were more likely to have poor PCS. Those with temporary residence permits, fair and poor oral health, and medium and low levels of social support were more likely to report poor MCS.

Conclusion

Results indicated that better social support and oral health led to higher HRQOL of MOC. Implications for the government, communities and families of MOC were given to improve their HRQOL.
Educational intervention program based on health belief model and neck pain prevention behaviors in school teachers in Tehran
Authors: Moradi Zohreh , Tavafian Sedigheh Sadat , Kazemi Seyedeh Somayeh
Published: August 2022

Background

Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders as one of the most common occupational health problems among the working population in both developed and developing countries is an important necessity and priority. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) to increase awareness, perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy in adopting neck health-promoting behaviors in school teachers.

Methods

The present study was a quasi-experimental of the randomized clinical trial that was conducted for 6 months (December 2020 to July 2021). Participants were 146 junior high school teachers were selected from 26 schools through random sampling and divided into two groups of intervention and control. The data collection instrument was the self-design questionnaire and was completed in three points of time (before, immediately, and 3 months after the intervention). The data were analyzed by software version 24 SPSS.

Results

The results showed that awareness, perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived benefits and barriers, and self-efficacy in adopting neck health-promoting behaviors in the intervention group increased in two points of time (immediately after the intervention and 3 months of follow-up) (P <  0.05).

Conclusion

Designing and implementing an educational intervention based on HBM could affect in adopting neck health-promoting behaviors among teachers.

Trial registration

IRCT20210301050542N1, 16/03/2021 first registration has been approved in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials at (16/03/2021).
Factors associated with reduced risk of musculoskeletal disorders among office workers: a cross-sectional study 2017 to 2020
Authors: Putsa Bukhari , Jalayondeja Wattana , Mekhora Keerin , Bhuanantanondh Petcharatana , Jalayondeja Chutima
Published: August 2022

Background

Prolonged sitting at work should be avoided to reduce the risks of either noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among office workers. A short duration of breaks in sitting every hour can reduce cardiometabolic risk factors contributing to NCDs. However, the recommendation for a break from sitting at work to reduce the risks of MSDs has not been identified. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether breaking by changing position at work, physical activity, physical fitness, stress and sleep were associated with MSDs among office workers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2017 to 2020. Participants aged 20–59 years and using a computer at work ≥ 4 days/week were recruited. Data were collected using an online self-reporting questionnaire for computer users and 5 domains of physical fitness tests. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Prevalence of MSDs was 37.9% (n = 207/545) and the most area of complaint were the neck, shoulders and back. A nonsignificant association between physical fitness and MSDs among office workers was obtained. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidity, moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) ≥ 150 min/week and sitting at work ≥ 4 h/day were MSDs risk factors (OR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.04–2.37). Frequently changing positions from sitting to standing or walking at work every hour could reduce the risks of MSDs by more than 30%. The risks of MSDs increased among office workers who commuted by staff shuttle bus and personal car and had high to severe stress and slept < 6 h/day (1.6 to 2.4 times).

Conclusion

Our findings indicated MVPA and prolonged sitting were MSD risk factors. We recommend office workers change position from sitting to standing or walking during work every hour and sleep ≥ 6 h/day to reduce risks of MSDs.
High bone mass and cam morphology are independently related to hip osteoarthritis: findings from the High Bone Mass cohort
Authors: Zucker B. E. , Ebsim R. , Lindner C. , Hardcastle S. , Cootes T. , Tobias J. H. , Whitehouse M. R. , Gregson C. L. , Faber B. G. , Hartley A. E.
Published: August 2022

Background

High bone mass (HBM, BMD Z-score ≥  + 3.2) and cam morphology (bulging of lateral femoral head) are associated with greater odds of prevalent radiographic hip osteoarthritis (rHOA). As cam morphology is itself a manifestation of increased bone deposition around the femoral head, it is conceivable that cam morphology may mediate the relationship between HBM and rHOA. We therefore aimed to determine if individuals with HBM have increased odds of prevalent cam morphology. In addition, we investigated whether the relationship between cam and prevalent and incident osteoarthritis was preserved in a HBM population.

Methods

In the HBM study, a UK based cohort of adults with unexplained HBM and their relatives and spouses (controls), we determined the presence of cam morphology using semi-automatic methods of alpha angle derivation from pelvic radiographs. Associations between HBM status and presence of cam morphology, and between cam morphology and presence of rHOA (or its subphenotypes: osteophytes, joint space narrowing, cysts, and subchondral sclerosis) were determined using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, height, weight, and adolescent physical activity levels. The association between cam at baseline and incidence of rHOA after an average of 8 years was determined. Generalised estimating equations accounted for individual-level clustering.

Results

The study included 352 individuals, of whom 235 (66.7%) were female and 234 (66.5%) had HBM. Included individuals contributed 694 hips, of which 143 had a cam deformity (20.6%). There was no evidence of an association between HBM and cam morphology (OR = 0.97 [95% CI: 0.63–1.51],p = 0.90) but a strong relationship was observed between cam morphology and rHOA (OR = 3.96 [2.63–5.98],p = 5.46 × 10–11) and rHOA subphenotypes joint space narrowing (OR = 3.70 [2.48–5.54],p = 1.76 × 10–10), subchondral sclerosis (OR = 3.28 [1.60–6.60],p = 9.57 × 10–4) and osteophytes (OR = 3.01 [1.87–4.87],p = 6.37 × 10–6). Cam morphology was not associated with incident osteoarthritis (OR = 0.76 [0.16–3.49],p = 0.72).

Conclusions

The relationship between cam morphology and rHOA seen in other studies is preserved in a HBM population. This study suggests that the risk of OA conferred by high BMD and by cam morphology are mediated via distinct pathways.
Comparative analysis of arthroscopic-assisted Tight-rope technique and clavicular hook plate fixation in the treatment of Neer type IIB distal clavicle fractures
Authors: Nie Si , Li Hong-Bo , Hua Li , Tang Zhi-Ming , Lan Min
Published: August 2022

Background

The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic-assisted fixation using the Tight-rope system and clavicular hook plate fixation in the treatment of Neer IIB distal clavicle fractures.

Methods

We enrolled 48 consecutive patients with Neer IIB distal clavicle fractures who were treated at our institution from February 2016 and August 2020. These patients were divided into 2 groups based on the fixation method (16 cases with Tight-rope system and 32 cases with clavicular hook plate), and demographics and clinical characteristics of patients in different groups were compared.

Results

All 48 patients had functional outcome scores of the affected shoulder available at a mean of 23.8 ± 5.1 months, and there was a statistically significant improvement in the constant score, American shoulder and elbow surgeons (ASES) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score at the end of follow-up (p < 0.001 respectively). However, the smaller length of skin incision, less estimated blood loss and shorter hospital stay were detected in the Tight-rope technique group patients than those of clavicular hook plate group patients (p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the constant score, ASES score and VAS score were significantly improved in the Tight-rope technique group patients than those of clavicular hook plate group patients (p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

Both Tight-rope technique and clavicular hook plate fixation can provide satisfactory clinical and radiological results in the treatment of distal clavicular Neer IIB fracture. However, arthroscopic-assisted fixation using the Tight-rope technique showed better results in terms of length of hospital stay, surgical trauma, clinical scores, and diagnose and treat concomitant glenohumeral pathologies.

Levels of Evidence

III, Case–control study Retrospective comparative study.
Hemophilia A developing cerebral infarction after surgical treatment of giant hemophilic pseudotumor: a case report
Authors: Ling Yiqing , Shi Zhenyu , Su Chenying , Liu Xiaochen , Zheng Lingxin , Pan Xiaohao , Sun Yan , Zhang Xuan , Wei Jinling , Li Ju , Tong Peijian , Xu Taotao
Published: August 2022

Background

Cerebral infarction (CI) is an unusual complication in patients with bleeding disorders. To our knowledge, this is the first case of postoperative internal border-zone infarction (I-BZI) from Hemophilia A.

Case presentation

We present a case of Hemophilia A developing I-BZI, after surgical treatment of giant hemophilic pseudotumor. A 36-year-old man was introduced from other hospital by Hemophilia with giant hemophilic pseudotumor in his left thigh. Patient and his relatives did not have a history of thrombophilia. After excluding the relevant surgical contraindications, we performed the operation of pseudotumor resection. Prior to surgery, blood tests revealed hemoglobin of 137 g/L. FVIII activity was 1.5%. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was 71.50 s and D-dimer was 3.33 mg/L FEU. Immediately before surgery, the patient received an intravenous infusion of FVIII products (Xyntha®) at a dose of 3500 IU for his body weight of 80 kg. Post-operative day two (POD2), patient developed vomiting, decreased response, and dysarthria. Hemoglobin was 54 g/L with blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed there were multiple acute cerebral infarctions in bilateral lateral ventricles (internal border zone) and multiple ischemic foci in the white matter areas and basal ganglia of the bilateral cerebral hemispheres. This case suggested that acute severe anemia can be one of the causes of I-BZI.

Conclusions

For the treatment of I-BZI caused by acute anemia from Hemophilia A, volume expansion, red blood cell supplement and continuous improvement of coagulation with suitable dose of factor VIII (FVIII) should be considered to improve prognosis.
Classifying knowledge used in complementary medicine consultations: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Davies Kate , Heinsch Milena , Tickner Campbell , Brosnan Caragh , Steel Amie , Patel Gupteswar , Marsh Molly
Published: August 2022

Background

Complementary Medicine (CM) is widely used internationally but there is limited understanding of the forms of knowledge CM practitioners use in their clinical practice and how they use this knowledge in interactions with patients. This review aims to synthesise the existing evidence on the forms of knowledge that are mobilised, and the role of this knowledge in the interactions between practitioners and patients during CM consultations. It considered a diverse range of CM practice areas to develop a classification of CM practitioners’ knowledge use in consultations.

Methods

Systematic searches of health and sociology databases were conducted using core concepts, including complementary and alternative medicine, practitioners, and knowledge. Articles were included where they reported on data from recorded CM practitioner and patient consultations and offered insights into the types and applications of knowledge used in these consultations. 16 unique studies were included in the review. Data were extracted, coded and analysed thematically.

Results

Results demonstrate that diverse sources of knowledge were mobilised by practitioners, predominantly derived from the patients themselves –their bodies and their narratives. This reflected principles of patient-centredness. The use of discipline specific forms of knowledge and references to biomedical sources illustrated ongoing efforts towards legitimacy for CM practice.

Conclusion

CM practitioners are navigating tensions between what some might see as competing, others as complementary, forms of knowledge. The classification system provides a useful tool for promoting critically reflective practice by CM practitioners, particularly in relation to self-assessment of knowledge translation and patient interactions.
Pulsatilla decoction suppresses matrix metalloproteinase-7-mediated leukocyte recruitment in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mouse model
Authors: Lin Ming-Kuem , Yang Ya-Ting , Lin Li-Jen , Yu Wei-Hsuan , Chen Huan-Yuan
Published: August 2022

Background

Intestinal inflammation is considered to be an important characteristic of ulcerative colitis (UC) and the current medical treatments for UC are usually proposed to suppress abnormal intestinal immune responses. Pulsatilla decoction (PD), a traditional Chinese medicine, is frequently used in UC treatments in Asian countries; however, the mechanism of the action of PD remains unclear. In the present study, the mechanism of the action of PD was elucidated in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model, a model to mimic UC.

Methods

Murine colitis was evaluated by comparing the disease activity index score. The intestinal inflammation was examined by histology analyses. The leukocyte infiltration in the colonic tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry analyses. The cytokines level in colonic tissues was examined by Multi-Plex immunoassay. The epithelial proliferation was evaluated by histological analyses. Immunofluorescence double staining was used to examine the expression of MMP-7 in the immune cells.

Results

In the DSS-induced colitis mouse model, administration of PD attenuated the intestinal inflammation, with a marked decrease in colonic infiltration of innate immune cells. Immunohistochemical analyses further showed that matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) expressed by the infiltrating leukocytes, including neutrophils and macrophages was inhibited by PD treatment. PD increases the cytokine level of IL-6 in colonic tissues.

Conclusion

PD suppresses intestinal inflammation, with a marked decrease in colonic infiltration of innate immune cells, through decreasing MMP-7 expression.
A novel EEG-based major depressive disorder detection framework with two-stage feature selection
Authors: Li Yujie , Shen Yingshan , Fan Xiaomao , Huang Xingxian , Yu Haibo , Zhao Gansen , Ma Wenjun
Published: August 2022

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental illness, characterized by persistent depression, sadness, despair, etc., troubling people’s daily life and work seriously.

Methods

In this work, we present a novel automatic MDD detection framework based on EEG signals. First of all, we derive highly MDD-correlated features, calculating the ratio of extracted features from EEG signals at frequency bands between $$\beta$$
β
and $$\alpha$$
α
. Then, a two-stage feature selection method named PAR is presented with the sequential combination of Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and recursive feature elimination (RFE), where the advantages lie in minimizing the feature searching space. Finally, we employ widely used machine learning methods of support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR), and linear regression (LNR) for MDD detection with the merit of feature interpretability.

Results

Experiment results show that our proposed MDD detection framework achieves competitive results. The accuracy and $$F_{1}$$

F
1

score are up to 0.9895 and 0.9846, respectively. Meanwhile, the regression determination coefficient $$R^2$$

R
2

for MDD severity assessment is up to 0.9479. Compared with existing MDD detection methods with the best accuracy of 0.9840 and $$F_1$$

F
1

score of 0.97, our proposed framework achieves the state-of-the-art MDD detection performance.

Conclusions

Development of this MDD detection framework can be potentially deployed into a medical system to aid physicians to screen out MDD patients.