bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Her2/EGFR-PDGFR pathway aberrations associated with tamoxifen response in metastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Malash Ibrahim , Mansour Osman , Gaafar Rabab , Shaarawy Sabry , Abdellateif Mona S. , Ahmed Ola S. , Zekri Abdel-Rahman N. , Bahnassy Abeer
Published: July 2022

Background

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a major health problem worldwide. Some patients improve on tamoxifen and others do not respond to treatment. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to assess genetic aberrations in the Her2/EGFR-PDGFR pathway associated with tamoxifen response in MBC patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study, including 157 hormone receptors positive, locally recurrent inoperable and/or MBC patients on tamoxifen treatment. Patients were categorized into 78 (49.7%) tamoxifen responders and 79 (50.3%) tamoxifen non-responder patients. Genetic aberrations of 84 genes involved in the Her2/EGFR-PDGFR pathway were assessed in the tumor tissue samples obtained from the patients using SA-Bioscience assay. The identified panel was correlated to patients’ response to treatment, to detect the differentially expressed genes in tamoxifen responders and non-responders.

Results

One hundred twenty-three (78.3%) patients were estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) positive, 108 (68.8%) were ER only positive, and 78 (49.7%) were PR only positive. There were 56 genes overexpressed in the refractory group compared to responders. However, only five out of these 56 genes, Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), GRB2-associated binding protein 1 (GAB1), fibronectin-1 (FN1), and MAP kinase-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase (MKNK1), showed statistical significance between the two groups. Patients with bone metastasis showed a better response to treatment compared to those with metastatic deposits in other sites such as visceral metastasis (P < 0.005).

Conclusions

Genetic profiling using simple quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) protocols could be used to assess response to tamoxifen treatment in MBC patients. According to our data, a five-gene panel in the EGFR pathway (JAK1, COL1A1, GAB1, FN1 and MKNK1) could be used to categorize MBC patients into groups according to treatment response.
Prediction of local breast cancer recurrence after surgery: the added value of diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Rakhawy Mohamed Magdy Mohamed El , Soliman Nermin , Elnahas Waleed , Karam Rasha , Abdel-Khalek Ahmed Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Background

There is considerable overlap between benign postoperative changes and recurrent breast cancer imaging features in patients surgically treated for breast cancer. This study aims to evaluate the value of adding multiple diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters, including mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), axial diffusivity, (AD), and relative anisotropy (RA) in differentiating breast cancer recurrence from postoperative changes in patients who were surgically treated for breast cancer and to also evaluate the role of these parameters in characterizing the different pathologies seen in the postoperative breast.

Results

This is a prospective study that was performed on female patients who were surgically treated for breast cancer. The study was done on 60 cases having 77 breast lesions. (Sixty-two of them were described as mass lesions and 15 of them were described as non-mass enhancement on MRI.) Among analyzed DTI parameters, MD showed the highest sensitivity (97.1%), specificity (88.1%), and accuracy (92.2%) in predicting recurrent breast cancer. FA, AD, and RD showed sensitivity (77.1%, 85.7%, and 88.6%) and specificity (83.3%, 83.3%, and 73.8%) in predicting recurrent breast cancer, respectively. The median MD values were lower in grade III recurrent breast cancers when compared to its values in recurrent grade II breast cancers and recurrent DCIS (0.6 × 10–3 mm2/s vs. 0.8 × 10–3 mm2/s and 0.9 × 10–3 mm2/s), respectively. FA also showed median values in grade III recurrent breast cancer higher than its values in grade II recurrent breast cancer and recurrent DCIS (0.6 vs. 0.5 and 0.39), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy, F1 score, and MCC of DCE-MRI alone versus DCE-MRI plus combined DTI parameters were 88.6% versus 100%, 88.1% versus 90.5%, 86.1% versus 89.7%, 90.2% versus 100%, 88.3% versus 94.6%, 87.3% versus 94.6%, and 76.5% versus 90.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

DTI may play an important role as a complementary method to discriminate recurrent breast cancer from postoperative changes in patients surgically treated for previous breast cancer.
Adversity, social support and risk of self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Borschmann Rohan , Moran Paul A.
Published: July 2022

Little is known about the degree to which social factors interact with COVID-19-related adversity to increase the risk of self-harm thoughts and behaviours. Using data derived from a UK cohort study, Paul & Fancourt found that loneliness was associated with an increase in the odds of self-harm thoughts and behaviours, whereas high-quality social support protected against self-harm thoughts and behaviours. The authors concluded that it is the quality of social support and interactions, rather than the act of engaging in social interaction per se, that protects against self-harm in the context of adversity. The COVID-19 pandemic may exert longer-lasting effects on population mental health, and continued surveillance of mental health, including self-harm status, will be essential. If accompanied by appropriate measures of the availability and quality of social support, such monitoring could also inform the development of more effective adaptive interventions for those at risk of engaging in self-harm.
Relationship of ANGPTL6 With Neonatal Glucose Homeostasis and Fat Mass Is Disrupted in Gestational Diabetic Pregnancies
Authors: Valencia-Martínez Abel , Schaefer-Graf Ute , Amusquivar Encarnación , Herrera Emilio , Ortega-Senovilla Henar
Published: July 2022

Context

Angiopoietin-like protein 6 (ANGPTL6) is a hepatokine, which, in animal studies, improves insulin sensitivity and increases energy expenditure to counteract insulin resistance.

Objective

Evaluate in a human population, the role of serum ANGPTL6 in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or its presence in fetal circulation.

Research design and methods

A total of 190 women (115 controls and 75 GDM) and their offspring were studied. Insulin, glucose, ANGPTL6, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), and retinol, as well as leptin and adiponectin, were determined in maternal serum obtained at term and from umbilical artery blood at delivery.

Results

At term, pregnant women with GDM showed higher serum concentrations of ANGPTL6, insulin, homeostatic model assessment, and apo-RBP4 (free RBP4) than controls but not of glucose, which remained similar in both groups. Also, in arterial cord serum, ANGPTL6 concentration was increased in GDM neonates with respect to the control group (201 ± 12 ng/mL vs 119 ± 8 ng/mL, respectively). No effect of maternal insulin treatment of some GDM mothers in neonates of either sex on ANGPTL6 levels was observed. In GDM, circulating ANGPTL6 showed no correlation with glucose or insulin concentration or with neonatal adiposity. However, in control pregnancies, the variation in glucose concentration was positively correlated with ANGPTL6 concentration, both in maternal and in cord samples, and cord ANGPTL6 was negatively correlated with neonatal fat mass. Furthermore, in control pregnant women, serum concentrations of ANGPTL6 and apo-RBP4 were negatively correlated.

Conclusion

Serum ANGPTL6 levels are associated with maternal glucose homeostasis and fetal adiposity in normal pregnancy. ANGPTL6 levels in maternal and cord serum GDM pregnancy at term are increased, although its mechanism and physiological role are unknown yet.
Factors Associated With In-Hospital Post–Cardiac Arrest Survival in a Referral Level Hospital in Uganda
Authors: Alum Rachel Aguma , Kiwanuka Joseph Kyobe , Nakku Doreen , Kakande Elijah Ronald , Nyaiteera Victoria , Ttendo Stephen Senyonjo
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND:

Cardiac arrest (CA) is still associated with high mortality and morbidity across all practice settings despite resuscitation attempts and advancements in its management. Patient outcomes vary and are affected by multiple factors. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of information on survival after CA and associated factors in low-resource settings such as East Africa where Uganda is located. This study set out to describe post-CA survival, associated factors, and neurological outcome at a hospital in Southwestern Uganda.

METHODS:

This was a descriptive study in which we followed up with resuscitated CA patients from any of the selected hospital locations at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Southwestern Uganda. We included all patients who were resuscitated after an index CA in the operating room (OR), intensive care unit (ICU), the pediatric ward, or accident and emergency (A&E) wards. Details of resuscitation were obtained from resuscitation team leader interviews and patient medical records. We followed up with patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) for up to 7 days after CA when neurological outcomes were measured using the age-appropriate Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score. Factors affecting survival were then determined.

RESULTS:

A total of 74 participants were enrolled over 8 months. Seven-day survival was 14.86%. Eight of the 11 survivors had a CPC score of 1 seven days after CA. Admission with trauma was associated with increased mortality with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 4.06; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–13.82. Compared to the A&E ward, HR for index CA in OR, ICU, and pediatric ward was 0.15; 95% CI, 0.05–0.45; 0.67; 95% CI, 0.32–1.40, and 0.65; 95% CI, 0.25–1.69, respectively. Compared to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) <10 minutes, the HR for CPR duration between 10 and 20 minutes was 2.26; 95% CI, 0.78–3.24 and for >20 minutes was 2.26; 95% CI, 1.12–4.56. Prevention of hypotension after ROSC was associated with decreased mortality with an HR of 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08–0.58.

CONCLUSIONS:

Whereas 7-day survival of resuscitated CA patients at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) was low, survivors had a good neurologic outcome. CA in the OR, CPR <20 minutes, and prevention of hypotension postarrest seemed to be associated with survival.
Proton Relay Effects on Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalyzed by Dinuclear Cobalt Polypyridyl Complexes with OH Groups on Bipyridine Ligands
Authors: Arima Hiroaki , Nakazono Takashi , Wada Tohru
Published: July 2022

Four-electron oxygen reduction reaction (4e−-ORR) is the foundation of both natural and artificial energy conversion systems. Mechanism studies and catalysis improvements of 4e−-ORR are important research for the actualization of a sustainable society. In this study, we present a dinuclear cobalt complex containing mono-deprotonated forms of 6,6′-dihydroxy-2,2′-bipyridine (6DHBP-H+), [Co2(OH)2(6DHBP–H+)2(btpyxa)](PF6)2 (2) is a highly active 4e−-ORR catalyst in a low acid concentration solution. When ferrocene (Fe(Cp)2) was used as a reductant in PhCN containing a low concentration of perchloric acid (1.0 mmol L−1), 2 showed higher selectivity (99%) and reaction rate (kcat = 6.0 × 103 M−1 s−1) for 4e−-ORR than the bpy analog 1 (kcat = 6.2 × 10 M−1 s−1) and 4DHBP analog 3 (kcat = 1.5 × 102 M−1 s−1). A high catalytic current in the cyclic voltammetry (CV) of 2 indicates a high reaction rate for electrochemical ORR under low acid concentration conditions. Moreover, X-ray crystallography of the corresponding monomeric analog [Co(OH2)(6DHBP–2H+)(trpy)](PF6) (4, 6DHBP–2H+: a doubly deprotonated form of 6DHBP) suggests that OH groups of 2 can form hydrogen bonds with a μ-O2 ligand. Hydroxy groups at the 6,6′-position of bpy would deliver protons to the μ-O2 ligand of the intermediate, thereby promoting O–O bond cleavage in the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process.
Larissa – Learning City: From Local Learning to Global Actions
Authors: Deligiannis Dimitris , Kokkos Alexis , Fleming Ted
Published: July 2022

Covid-19 demonstrates the vulnerabilities of living in close proximity to others and we ask this question: What kind of city would enhance the lives of all its citizens, including new arrivals? This question is at the center of attempts to bring adult and citizenship education to address community and social problems through a pedagogy of the city, in this case the City of Larissa. We explore the Learning City – its concept, goals and reality; the cultural and educational obstacles the project faces and the actions and tasks facing Larissa - Learning City. UNESCO provides the framework, resources and support for the Learning City project. It is planned as an exercise in democracy and citizenship which is the version of lifelong learning proposed by the Municipality of Larissa the local lead agency for this venture. The rationale for the project is built on the Freire inspired idea that the local is the starting point for addressing global issues.
Laboratory and experimental hut trial evaluation of VECTRON™ T500 for indoor residual spraying (IRS) against insecticide resistant malaria vectors in Burkina Faso
Authors: Bayili Koama , Ki Hyacinthe D. , Bayili Bazoma , Sow Bazoumana , Ouattara Abdoulaye , Small Graham , Hien Aristide S. , Dabire Roch K. , Diabate Abdoulaye
Published: July 2022

Background: Malaria cases in some areas could be attributed to vector resistant to the insecticide. World Health Organization recommended insecticides for vector control are limited in number. It is essential to find rotational partners for existing Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) products. VECTRON™ T500 is a novel insecticide with broflanilide as active ingredient. It has a mode of action on mosquitoes completely different to usually used. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum effective dose and efficacy of VECTRONTM T500 against susceptible and resistant strains of Anopheles in Burkina Faso.

Methods: VECTRON™T500 was sprayed at 50, 100 and 200 mg/m² doses onto mud and concrete blocks using Potter Spray Tower. The residual activity of broflanilide was assessed through cone bioassays 1 week and then monthly up to 14 months post spraying. Its efficacy was evaluated at 100 and 150 mg/m² against wild free-flying mosquitoes in experimental huts on both substrates. Actellic 300CS was applied at 1000 mg/m² as reference product. Cone assays were conducted monthly, using susceptible and resistant mosquito strains.

Results: In the laboratory, VECTRON™ T500 showed residual efficacy (≥80% mortality) on An. gambiae Kisumu up to 12 and 14 months, respectively, on concrete and mud blocks. Similar results were found with 100 and 200 mg/m² using An. coluzzii pyrethroid resistant strain. In experimental huts, a total of 19,552 An. gambiae s.l. were collected. Deterrence, blood-feeding inhibition and exophily with VECTRON™ treated huts were very low. At 100 and 150 mg/m², mortality of wild An. gambiae s.l. ranged between 55% and 73%. Monthly cone bioassay mortality remained >80% up to 9 months.

Conclusions: VECTRON™ T500 shows great potential as IRS formulation for malaria vector control. It can be added to the arsenal of IRS products for use in rotations to control malaria and manage mosquito insecticide resistance.
Medical student perceptions of reflective practice in the undergraduate curriculum
Authors: Gishen Faye , Chakrabarti Rima
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Reflective practice (RP) forms a core component of medical professionalism but, despite its benefits, it remains largely undervalued among medical students. The aim of this study was to explore medical students’ attitudes and barriers to engagement with RP in the undergraduate programme at a UK based medical school.

Methods: This was a qualitative study based on the methodology of phenomenology. All penultimate year medical students at University College London Medical School (n=361) were approached for this study and altogether thirteen participants were recruited, with data collected through two focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used to generate the coding framework.

Results: Five key themes emerged around student attitudes to RP, which were grouped into three domains: ‘value of RP’, ‘barriers to engagement’, and ‘strategies for enabling RP’. ‘Value of RP’ centred on the themes of humanising medicine and developing empathy, developing professionalism and RP as a tool for sense-making. ‘Barriers to engagement’ centred on the purpose and tokenism of RP and in the third domain, ‘strategies for enabling RP’, the theme of student agency in RP emerged strongly.

Conclusion: Overall, the value of RP was not fully appreciated until students began their clinical placements. Potential strategies identified by participants for optimising engagement included student co-design and positioning RP within a broader pastoral role early in the undergraduate curriculum.
Adrenal incidentaloma (AI) - a puzzle not only for endocrinologists
Authors: Dubaj Maciej , Dembowska Aleksandra , Bigosiński Karol
Published: July 2022

An adrenal incidentaloma (AI) is any lesion ≥ 1 cm in diameter detected during radiological diagnostics unrelated to suspected adrenal pathology. Each case of an AI requires extended hormonal and imaging assessments to accurately determine the nature of the tumor and its hormonal activity. The frequency of this tumor’s diagnostics has increased exponentially due to the continuous progress in the development of imaging methods, especially computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The most common etiology of AIs are hormonally inactive adenomas of the adrenal cortex, but there are also adrenal cortex carAIcinomas, phaeochromocytoma, metastatic or infectious lesions. In the case of confirmation of the type of lesion, the management involves adrenalectomy or a sufficiently long clinical observation. In recent years, new markers of the malignancy of AI tumors have been discovered, both in imaging and biochemical diagnostics, which is associated with improvements in the accuracy of diagnosis and patient management. The aim of this study was to describe the definition, etiology and epidemiology of AIs and to draw attention to the complexity of diagnostics and therapy of accidentally diagnosed adrenal tumors. Current publications and guidelines from scientific societies around the world were reviewed, using keywords that were compatible with MeSH.
Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis Induced by Cocaine Adulterated with Levamisole
Authors: Barbotti Alberto , Gheorghiu Alina Cristiana , Fusi-Schmidhauser Tanja , Grazioli-Gauthier Lorenzo
Published: July 2022

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is a cutaneous, small-vessel vasculitis. In 50% of cases the aetiology is idiopathic but it can be linked to drugs, infections, autoimmune disorders and various types of cancer. Levamisole is used as an adulterant in cocaine and heroin and has been associated with the development of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. We describe an atypical presentation of a patient with levamisole-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis who presented with diffuse skin abscesses and a purpuric rash of the upper and lower limbs.
Temporomandibular disorders. Part 4: appliance therapy
Authors: James Martin , Oluwajana Funmi , Foster-Thomas Emma , Crawford Charles , Foster-Thomas Emma , Clarke Peter , Leven A Johanna
Published: July 2022

Appliances have been used in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) for many years, and over this time designs have waxed and waned in popularity. The majority of appliance designs have few studies to support their use and what evidence is available, is often of low quality. This article, the fourth in a series of six, reviews the mechanisms of action, evidential support for, and provides advice on when to use commonly used appliance designs.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: There are a plethora of splint designs in use, but it is essential that the evidence supporting each is understood so that the most appropriate design is used for each individual situation.
Metal–Ceramic implant-supported fixed dental prostheses: the gold standard for the completely edentulous patient. A case report
Authors: Martínez Adel Martínez , Lujan-Pardo María del Pilar , Ariza-Martínez Stephanye
Published: July 2022

The development of implantology has allowed implant-supported fixed prosthetic treatments in edentulous patients to become the main alternative to conventional rehabilitation. The dental experience of edentate patients comprises an extensive history of successes and failures with traditional rehabilitation. The following report describes a case of a completely edentulous patient who recovered oral function and aesthetics by placing six implants in each jaw and, subsequently, restoration with metal–ceramic implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). The authors explore the criteria that must be considered for the selection of the material to be used in implant-supported fixed prostheses.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: To ensure enhanced survival rates for implant-supported fixed prosthetic restorations in edentulous patients, patient factors, their expectations, the number of implants to be placed and the materials to be used must be carefully considered.
Quantification of Blood Oxygen Saturation using Photoacoustic Imaging in Phantom, Animals and In Vivo Validation
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu SiRui , Yang Fang , Long Xing , Sang YuChao , Zhao ChenYang , Yang Meng
Published: July 2022

To validate the accuracy of photoacoustic imaging in evaluating blood oxygen saturation is important. By reducing oxygen saturation and comparing that of photoacousitc imaging with control, the results confirm that photoacoustic imaging is accurate.
Investigation of the anisotropy and scaling of the phase structure function of a spatially coherent light beam propagating through convective air turbulence
Authors: Rasouli Saifollah , Mohammadi Razi Ebrahim , Niemela J. J.
Published: July 2022

We report on applications of moiré deflectometry in measurements of the anisotropy and scaling of the phase structure function (PSF), obtained after passing a laser beam through an indoor enclosure containing convective air turbulence. We combine the use of two telescopes, with a two-channel wavefront sensor based on moiré deflectometry, to attain high sensitivity and resolution to fluctuations in the wavefront phase, caused by turbulent fluctuations in the enclosure. The measurements of the wavefront PSF along two directions perpendicular to the direction of the light beam propagation at different heater temperatures show that the convective air turbulence is anisotropic turbulence, where the value of the anisotropy increases with increasing temperature gradient. Various models are fitted to the measured PSFs, and we find that the turbulent is also non-Kolmogorov, in which, for the separation distances of two points on the wavefront less than 10 cm, the von Kármán PSF is the best fit to the experimental data. For higher values of separations, the experimental data do not fit with existing models. By fitting the von Kármán PSF on the data, we estimate values of the refractive index structure constant,

C
n
2

, as well as the outer scale of the turbulence. The value of the outer scale decreases with increasing temperature of the heater up to approximately 50°C, where it saturates, while the value of

C
n
2

monotonically increases. Over the complete range of heater temperatures, from 40°C to 160°C, the Rayleigh number, Ra, for the enclosed air flow varied from

5.80
×

10
8

<

R
a

<
5.89
×

10
9

so that all measurements were conducted in a state of developed convective turbulence.
Cautious note on using the discrete dipole approximation for inhomogeneous, spherical scatterers with high optical contrast
Authors: Kanngießer Franz , Eriksson Patrick
Published: July 2022

The discrete dipole approximation (DDA) is capable of treating scatterers with arbitrary shape and composition. However, large values of the refractive index require additional considerations. DDA calculations are performed for small spheres with a stronger absorbing inclusion and compared to T-matrix results. A natural phenomenon with strong optical contrasts is the melting of ice hydrometeors at microwave frequencies, and hence corresponding refractive indices are chosen. The obtained extinction and absorption efficiencies are found to depend mainly on the dipole size, whereas the phase function closely follows the T-matrix results by choosing a smaller stopping criterion and changing the polarizability formulation.
Cytidinediphosphate diacylglycerol synthase—Mediated phosphatidic acid metabolism is crucial for early embryonic development of Arabidopsis
Authors: Du Xin-Qiao , Yao Hong-Yan , Luo Pan , Tang Xing-Chun , Xue Hong-Wei
Published: July 2022

Embryonic development is a key developmental event in plant sexual reproduction; however, regulatory networks of plant early embryonic development, particularly the effects and functional mechanisms of phospholipid molecules are still unknown due to the limitation of sample collection and analysis. We innovatively applied the microspore-derived in vitro embryogenesis of Brassica napus and revealed the dynamics of phospholipid molecules, especially phosphatidic acid (PA, an important second messenger that plays an important role in plant growth, development, and stress responses), at different embryonic developmental stages by using a lipidomics approach. Further analysis of Arabidopsis mutants deficiency of CDS1 and CDS2 (cytidinediphosphate diacylglycerol synthase, key protein in PA metabolism) revealed the delayed embryonic development from the proembryo stage, indicating the crucial effect of CDS and PA metabolism in early embryonic development. Decreased auxin level and disturbed polar localization of auxin efflux carrier PIN1 implicate that CDS-mediated PA metabolism may regulate early embryogenesis through modulating auxin transport and distribution. These results demonstrate the dynamics and importance of phospholipid molecules during embryo development, and provide informative clues to elucidate the regulatory network of embryogenesis.
Associated factors of the co-occurrence of trachoma and soil-transmitted helminthiases in children 1 to 9 years old in rural communities of the Amazon basin in Loreto Department, Peru: Results from a population-based survey
Authors: Saboyá-Díaz Martha Idalí , Carey Angeles Cristiam Armando , Avellaneda Yajahuanca Rosario del Socorro , Meléndez Ruíz Salvith Karen , Cabrera Rufino , Honorio Morales Harvy Alberto , Pachas Paul E. , Guardo Monica , Renneker Kristen K. , Muñoz Beatriz E. , West Sheila K.
Published: July 2022

Background

There is evidence of the occurrence of trachoma in Peru, and studies have shown that soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) are affecting rural communities in the Amazon basin in Loreto Department. This study was done to estimate trachoma prevalence, STH prevalence, and the associated factors for both diseases in children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Peru.

Methodology

A population-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in rural communities of Loreto. A standardized survey questionnaire with individual and household risk factors related to both diseases was used. Ocular examination was done for all participants aged one year and above, and eye swab samples were collected from children with follicular trachoma (TF). Anthropometric measurements, stool samples for STH, and blood samples for hemoglobin measurement were taken from children.

Principal findings

TF prevalence was 7.74% (95% CI 5.08–11.63%), STH prevalence was 49.49% (95% CI 25.00–52.43%), and prevalence of co-occurrence of both diseases was 5.06% (95% CI 2.80–8.98%) in children aged 1–9 years. Being at age 3–8 years old (AOR = 6.76; 95% CI 1.346–33.947), have an unclean face (AOR = 24.64; 95% CI 6.787–89.444), and having been dewormed in the last six months (AOR = 2.47; 95% CI 1.106–5.514), were risk factors of TF. Being a female (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI 0.103–0.457) was associated with decreased odds of TF. Having been dewormed in the last six months (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI 0.139–0.628) was a preventative factor for STH. Risk factors for children with both diseases mirrored the findings for risk factors for individual diseases.

Conclusions

Neglected tropical diseases and associated risk factors overlap in communities living in vulnerable conditions in the Amazon basin of Peru. These findings support the need to implement integrated interventions, including mass drug administration, water, sanitation, and hygiene for both diseases in the study area.
Electronic recording of lifetime locomotory activity patterns of adult medflies
Authors: Rodovitis Vasilis G. , Papanastasiou Stella A. , Bataka Evmorfia P. , Nakas Christos T. , Koulousis Nikos A. , Carey James R. , Papadopoulos Nikos T.
Published: July 2022

Age-specific and diurnal patterns of locomotory activity, can be considered as biomarkers of aging in model organisms and vary across the lifetime of individuals. Τhe Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is a commonly used model-species in studies regarding demography and aging. In the present study, we introduce a modification of the automated locomotory activity electronic device LAM25system (Locomotory Activity Monitor)–Trikinetics, commonly used in short time studies, to record the daily locomotory activity patterns of adult medflies throughout the life. Additionally, fecundity rates and survival of adult medflies were recorded. Male and female medflies were kept in the system tubes and had access to an agar-based gel diet, which provided water and nutrients. The locomotory activity was recorded at every minute by three monitors in the electronic device. The locomotory activity of females was higher than that of males across the different ages. For both sexes locomotory rates were high during the first 20 days of the adult life and decreased in older ages. The activity of males was high in the morning and late afternoon hours, while that of females was constantly high throughout the photophase. Negligible locomotory activity was recorded for both sexes during the nighttime. Males outlived females. Fecundity of females was higher in younger ages. Our results support the adoption of LAM25system in studies addressing aging of insects using medfly as a model organism.
Empowering faculty to initiate STEM education transformation: Efficacy of a systems thinking approach
Authors: Stavrianeas Stasinos , Bangera Gita , Bronson Claire , Byers Steven , Davis William , DeMarais Alyce , Fitzhugh Ginger , Linder Nalani , Liston Carrie , McFarland Jenny , Otto Joann , Pape-Lindstrom Pamela , Pollock Carol , Reiness C. Gary , Offerdahl Erika G.
Published: July 2022

Just a decade ago Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education: A Call to Action was released, catalyzing several initiatives to transform undergraduate life sciences education. Among these was the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education (PULSE), a national organization commissioned to increase the adoption of Vision and Change recommendations within academic life sciences departments. PULSE activities have been designed based on the recognition that life sciences departments and faculty are embedded within institutions of higher education which, similar to other large organizations, are complex systems composed of multiple, interconnected subsystems. The organizational change research suggests that effecting large-scale changes (e.g., undergraduate STEM education transformation) may be facilitated by applying systems thinking to change efforts. In this paper we introduce the approach of systems thinking as a professional development tool to empower individual STEM faculty to effect department-level transformation. We briefly describe a professional development experience designed to increase life sciences faculty members’ understanding of systems thinking, present evidence that faculty applied a systems thinking approach to initiate department-level change, and discuss the degree to which transformation efforts were perceived to be successful. Though focused on faculty in the life sciences, our findings are broadly transferable to other efforts seeking to effect change in undergraduate STEM education.
Use of family history taking for hereditary neoplastic syndromes screening in primary health care: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Pessanha Raphael Manhães , Schuab Sara Isabel Pimentel de Carvalho , Nunes Karolini Zuqui , Lopes-Júnior Luís Carlos
Published: July 2022

Background

Although most neoplasms result from complex interactions between the individual’s genome and the environment, a percentage of cases is particularly due to inherited alterations that confer a greater predisposition to the development of tumors. Hereditary Neoplastic Syndromes have a high psychosocial and economic burden, in addition to being characterized by an increased risk for one or more types of cancer, onset of malignancy at a young age, high risk of secondary malignancies, and occurrence in successive generations of the family. Personal and family history, as well as pedigree, may be useful resources to estimate the risk for developing cancer, especially in Primary Health Care settings.

Objective

To identify and evaluate the evidence regarding the impact of using family history as a genomic technology for Hereditary Neoplastic Syndromes screening at Primary Health Care.

Methods

This systematic review protocol was elaborated in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). We will include all observational as well as experimental study designs published up to end of July 2022, and studies covering the impact of family history on screening for Hereditary Neoplastic Syndromes in primary health care. Qualitative studies, as well as guidelines, reviews, and studies undertaken in hospitals, outpatient clinic, or medical environments will be excluded. Five databases will be searched, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and LILACS. Additional sources will also be retrieved, including Clinical trials.gov-NIH, The British Library, and Google Scholar. No restriction to language or date will be employed in the search strategy. Three investigators will select studies independently, perform data extraction, and conduct the critical appraisal of the risk of bias and overall quality of the selected studies according to their designs. Regarding data synthesis, the study characteristics will be summarized and presented in tables and results will be presented according to the study design. A qualitative synthesis of data will also be provided in this systematic review.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this systematic review will be the first to identify and critically assess evidence regarding the impact of using family history as a genomic technology for Hereditary Neoplastic Syndromes screening in Primary Health Care settings worldwide. This study is expected to provide consistent evidence that will aid the primary care decision-makers regarding hereditary cancer screening, thus helping individuals and families at risk for cancer.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020166211.
Glycemic variability and all-cause mortality in a large prospective southern European cohort of patients with differences in glycemic status
Authors: Salinero-Fort Miguel A. , San Andrés-Rebollo F. Javier , Cárdenas-Valladolid Juan , Mostaza José M. , Lahoz Carlos , Rodriguez-Artalejo Fernando , Gómez-Campelo Paloma , Vich-Pérez Pilar , Jiménez-García Rodrigo , López de Andrés Ana , de Miguel-Yanes José M. ,   on behalf the MADIABETES and SPREDIA Consortium
Published: July 2022

Background

Few studies have analyzed the relationship between glucose variability (GV) and adverse health outcomes in patients with differences in glycemic status. The present study tests the hypothesis that GV predicts all-cause mortality regardless of glycemic status after simple adjustment (age and sex) and full adjustment (age, sex, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, use of aspirin, statins, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors, baseline FPG and average HbA1c).

Methods

Prospective cohort study with 795 normoglycemic patients, 233 patients with prediabetes, and 4,102 patients with type 2 diabetes. GV was measured using the coefficient of variation of fasting plasma glucose (CV-FPG) over 12 years of follow-up. The outcome measure was all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 1,223 patients (657 men, 566 women) died after a median of 9.8 years of follow-up, with an all-cause mortality rate of 23.35/1,000 person-years. In prediabetes or T2DM patients, the fourth quartile of CV-FPG exerted a significant effect on all-cause mortality after simple and full adjustment. A sensitivity analysis excluding participants who died during the first year of follow-up revealed the following results for the highest quartile in the fully adjusted model: overall, HR (95%CI) = 1.54 (1.26–1.89); dysglycemia (prediabetes and T2DM), HR = 1.41 (1.15–1.73); T2DM, HR = 1.36 (1.10–1.67).

Conclusion

We found CV-FPG to be useful for measurement of GV. It could also be used for the prognostic stratification of patients with dysglycemia.
Six groups of ground-dwelling arthropods show different diversity responses along elevational gradients in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Gilgado José D. , Rusterholz Hans-Peter , Braschler Brigitte , Zimmermann Stephan , Chittaro Yannick , Baur Bruno
Published: July 2022

Elevational gradients along mountain slopes offer opportunities to study key factors shaping species diversity patterns. Several environmental factors change over short distances along the elevational gradient in predictable ways. However, different taxa respond to these factors differently resulting in various proposed models for biodiversity patterns along elevational transects. Using a multi-taxa approach, we investigated the effects of elevation, area, habitat and soil characteristics on species richness, individual abundance and species composition of six groups of ground-dwelling arthropods along four transect lines in the Swiss National Park and its surroundings (Eastern Alps). Spiders, millipedes, centipedes, ants, ground beetles and rove beetles were sampled using standardized methods (pitfall traps, cardboard traps, visual search) in 65 sites spanning an elevational range from 1800 to 2750 m a.s.l.. A total of 14,782 individuals comprising 248 species were collected (86 spider, 74 rove beetle, 34 ground beetle, 21 millipede, 19 centipede and 14 ant species). Linear mixed model-analysis revealed that rarefied species richness in five out of the six arthropod groups was affected by elevation (the quadratic term of elevation provided the best fit in most cases). We found three different patterns (linear decrease in centipedes, low elevation plateau followed by a decrease in ants and rove beetles, and midpoint peak in spiders and millipedes). These patterns were only partially mirrored when considering individual abundance. Elevation influenced species composition in all groups examined. Overall, elevation was the most important factor explaining the diversity patterns, while most local habitat and soil characteristics have little influence on these patterns. Our study supports the importance of using multi-taxa approaches when examining effects of elevational gradients. Considering only a single group may result in misleading findings for overall biodiversity.
Time trend analysis of perinatal mortality, stillbirth, and early neonatal mortality of multiple pregnancies for each gestational week from the year 2000 to 2019: A population-based study in Japan
Authors: Hayata Eijiro , Nakata Masahiko , Morita Mineto
Published: July 2022

Multiple pregnancies pose a high risk of morbidity and mortality in both mothers and infants; thus, obtaining reliable information based on a large population is essential to improve management. We used the maternal and child health statistics, which are published annually, from the database of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. The data obtained were aggregated in 5-year intervals, and we used them to analyze the proportion of the number of births for each week of pregnancy to the total of each singleton and multiple pregnancy. For perinatal health indicators (perinatal mortality, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality), the obtained data were calculated and plotted on graphs for each week of pregnancy. Moreover, these indicators were calculated by dividing them into first twin and second twin fetuses. Stillbirth weights were aggregated in several groups, and a histogram was displayed. Between 2000 and 2019, there were 21,068,275 live births, 67,666 stillbirths, and 16,443 early neonatal deaths, excluding 7,148 (7,104 singletons, 44 multiple births) cases, in which the exact gestational weeks at birth were unknown. More than 95% of multiple pregnancies were twin births. Perinatal mortality, stillbirth, and early neonatal mortality rates in multiple pregnancies were the lowest at approximately 37 weeks of gestation and lower than those of single pregnancies at approximately 36 weeks of gestation. Perinatal mortality and stillbirth rates were higher during the delivery of the second twins than the first-born twins, but the early neonatal mortality rate remained approximately the same during the delivery of both twins. As the data in the government database are accumulated and published continuously, indicators can be calculated in the future using the method presented in this study. Further, our findings may be useful for policymaking related to managing multiple pregnancies.
Maintenance of divergent lineages of the Rice Blast Fungus Pyricularia oryzae through niche separation, loss of sex and post-mating genetic incompatibilities
Authors: Thierry Maud , Charriat Florian , Milazzo Joëlle , Adreit Henri , Ravel Sébastien , Cros-Arteil Sandrine , borron Sonia , Sella Violaine , Kroj Thomas , Ioos Renaud , Fournier Elisabeth , Tharreau Didier , Gladieux Pierre
Published: July 2022

Many species of fungal plant pathogens coexist as multiple lineages on the same host, but the factors underlying the origin and maintenance of population structure remain largely unknown. The rice blast fungus Pyricularia oryzae is a widespread model plant pathogen displaying population subdivision. However, most studies of natural variation in P. oryzae have been limited in genomic or geographic resolution, and host adaptation is the only factor that has been investigated extensively as a contributor to population subdivision. In an effort to complement previous studies, we analyzed genetic and phenotypic diversity in isolates of the rice blast fungus covering a broad geographical range. Using single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping data for 886 isolates sampled from 152 sites in 51 countries, we showed that population subdivision of P. oryzae in one recombining and three clonal lineages with broad distributions persisted with deeper sampling. We also extended previous findings by showing further population subdivision of the recombining lineage into one international and three Asian clusters, and by providing evidence that the three clonal lineages of P. oryzae were found in areas with different prevailing environmental conditions, indicating niche separation. Pathogenicity tests and bioinformatic analyses using an extended set of isolates and rice varieties indicated that partial specialization to rice subgroups contributed to niche separation between lineages, and differences in repertoires of putative virulence effectors were consistent with differences in host range. Experimental crosses revealed that female sterility and early post-mating genetic incompatibilities acted as strong additional barriers to gene flow between clonal lineages. Our results demonstrate that the spread of a fungal pathogen across heterogeneous habitats and divergent populations of a crop species can lead to niche separation and reproductive isolation between distinct, widely distributed, lineages.
Predictive modeling of Pseudomonas syringae virulence on bean using gradient boosted decision trees
Authors: Almeida Renan N. D. , Greenberg Michael , Bundalovic-Torma Cedoljub , Martel Alexandre , Wang Pauline W. , Middleton Maggie A. , Chatterton Syama , Desveaux Darrell , Guttman David S.
Published: July 2022

Pseudomonas syringae is a genetically diverse bacterial species complex responsible for numerous agronomically important crop diseases. Individual P. syringae isolates are assigned pathovar designations based on their host of isolation and the associated disease symptoms, and these pathovar designations are often assumed to reflect host specificity although this assumption has rarely been rigorously tested. Here we developed a rapid seed infection assay to measure the virulence of 121 diverse P. syringae isolates on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). This collection includes P. syringae phylogroup 2 (PG2) bean isolates (pathovar syringae) that cause bacterial spot disease and P. syringae phylogroup 3 (PG3) bean isolates (pathovar phaseolicola) that cause the more serious halo blight disease. We found that bean isolates in general were significantly more virulent on bean than non-bean isolates and observed no significant virulence difference between the PG2 and PG3 bean isolates. However, when we compared virulence within PGs we found that PG3 bean isolates were significantly more virulent than PG3 non-bean isolates, while there was no significant difference in virulence between PG2 bean and non-bean isolates. These results indicate that PG3 strains have a higher level of host specificity than PG2 strains. We then used gradient boosting machine learning to predict each strain’s virulence on bean based on whole genome k-mers, type III secreted effector k-mers, and the presence/absence of type III effectors and phytotoxins. Our model performed best using whole genome data and was able to predict virulence with high accuracy (mean absolute error = 0.05). Finally, we functionally validated the model by predicting virulence for 16 strains and found that 15 (94%) had virulence levels within the bounds of estimated predictions. This study strengthens the hypothesis that P. syringae PG2 strains have evolved a different lifestyle than other P. syringae strains as reflected in their lower level of host specificity. It also acts as a proof-of-principle to demonstrate the power of machine learning for predicting host specific adaptation.