bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The September Testament and Its Predecessors: How Was Luther’s New Testament Translation Different from Previous German Versions?
Authors: Cameron Euan
Published: December 2022

Luther’s first New Testament in German, issued in September 1522, forms a landmark in the history of Bible translation. Yet how precisely did Luther’s work diverge from and build on received biblical scholarship, and on previous translations into German? This article compares John’s Gospel in the September Testament with Anton Koberger’s German Bible of 1483 and Erasmus’s Greek and Latin New Testament of 1519. Luther’s 1522 Testament differed in format from its predecessors: Luther discarded Jerome’s prefaces in favour of his own, and added expository commentaries and paragraph breaks to help the reader. Compared to Koberger, Luther aspired to more fluent and elegant language. He avoided importing Latin terms into German and strove for rhetorically powerful German. He adopted several of Erasmus’s philological interventions, though not uncritically. Luther worked continuously to make his German New Testament embody what he saw as the essential gospel.
Ecosystem services assessment from capacity to flow: A review
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Yida
Published: December 2022

Ecosystem services are the basis for human survival and development and act as a bridge between nature and society. In recent years, ecosystem service flows have become the focus and primary challenge of ecosystem service research, with development in research efforts toward quantification and spatialization. This review explains the necessity of ecosystem service flows, discusses the progress of research in this area over the last decade, and compares the theoretical and representative research approaches from two conceptual perspectives on ecosystem service flows. One of these approaches focuses on processes, treating ecosystem service flows as the spatiotemporal association between ecological service provision areas and service benefit areas, and the other emphasizes final utility, considering ecosystem service flows as the actual supply of ecosystem services to beneficiaries in different areas. On this basis, the research gaps in theoretical principles, assessment methods, and applications are summarized, and future research perspectives on ecosystem service flows are proposed, with a focus on optimizing ecosystem service benefits and promoting cooperative development of systemic human–nature relationships.
Interstitial lung disease progression after genomic usual interstitial pneumonia testing
Authors: Chaudhary Sachin , Weigt S. Sam , Ribeiro Neto Manuel L. , Benn Bryan S. , Pugashetti Janelle Vu , Keith Rebecca , Chand Arista , Oh Scott , Kheir Fayez , Ramalingam Vijaya , Solomon Joshua J. , Harper Richart , Lasky Joseph A. , Oldham Justin M.
Published: December 2022

Background

A genomic classifier for usual interstitial pneumonia (gUIP) has been shown to predict histological UIP with high specificity, increasing diagnostic confidence for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Whether those with positive gUIP classification exhibit a progressive, IPF-like phenotype remains unknown.

Methods

A pooled, retrospective analysis of patients who underwent clinically indicated diagnostic bronchoscopy with gUIP testing at seven academic medical centres across the USA was performed. We assessed the association between gUIP classification and 18-month progression-free survival (PFS) using Cox proportional hazards regression. PFS was defined as the time from gUIP testing to death from any cause, lung transplant, ≥10% relative decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) or censoring at the time of last available FVC measure. Longitudinal change in FVC was then compared between gUIP classification groups using a joint regression model.

Results

Of 238 consecutive patients who underwent gUIP testing, 192 had available follow-up data and were included in the analysis, including 104 with positive gUIP classification and 88 with negative classification. In multivariable analysis, positive gUIP classification was associated with reduced PFS (hazard ratio 1.58, 95% CI 0.86–2.92; p=0.14), but this did not reach statistical significance. Mean annual change in FVC was −101.8 mL (95% CI −142.7– −60.9 mL; p<0.001) for those with positive gUIP classification and −73.2 mL (95% CI −115.2– −31.1 mL; p<0.001) for those with negative classification (difference 28.7 mL, 95% CI −83.2–25.9 mL; p=0.30).

Conclusions

gUIP classification was not associated with differential rates of PFS or longitudinal FVC decline in a multicentre interstitial lung disease cohort undergoing bronchoscopy as part of the diagnostic evaluation.
The effect of exacerbations on lung density in α1-antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Strange Charlie , McElvaney N. Gerard , Vogelmeier Claus F. , Marin-Galiano Marcos , Buch-Haensel Michaela , Zhang Xiang , Chen Younan , Vit Oliver , Wencker Marion , Chapman Kenneth R.
Published: December 2022

Background

Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) have unclear impacts on emphysema measurement using computed tomography (CT)-derived 15th percentile lung density (PD15). The aim of this study was to assess the influence of AECOPD on PD15 lung density in α1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Methods

In apost hocanalysisof the RAPID (Randomised Trial of Augmentation Therapy in α1-Proteinase Inhibitor Deficiency) trial, raw marginal residuals of PD15 (measured − predicted) were determined by fitting a regression line to individual patient CT data. These deviations from the expected slope were compared by age, sex, baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide % predicted and PD15, inhaled corticosteroid use and treatment group.

Results

Positive and negative residuals (reflecting higher or lower lung density than predicted from regression) were observed, which declined in magnitude over time following AECOPD events. Logistic regression confirmed a limited effect of patient characteristics on the absolute size of residuals, whereas AECOPD within 6 weeks of CT had a notable effectversusno AECOPD within 6 weeks (OR 5.707, 95% CI 3.375–9.652; p<0.0001).

Conclusion

AECOPD result in higher or lower CT lung density estimates; the effect is greatest in the 2 weeks immediately after an AECOPD and persists for <6 weeks. Patient characteristics were less relevant than AECOPD within 6 weeks, supporting the reliability of PD15 as a measure of lung density. An exacerbation-free period prior to CT scan is advisable to reduce signal-to-noise ratio in future clinical trials.
High-throughput functional assay in cystic fibrosis patient-derived organoids allows drug repurposing
Authors: Spelier Sacha , de Poel Eyleen , Ithakisiou Georgia N. , Suen Sylvia W.F. , Hagemeijer Marne C. , Muilwijk Danya , Vonk Annelotte M. , Brunsveld Jesse E. , Kruisselbrink Evelien , van der Ent Cornelis K. , Beekman Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare hereditary disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Recent therapies enable effective restoration of CFTR function of the most common F508delCFTRmutation. This shifts the unmet clinical need towards people with rareCFTRmutations such as nonsense mutations, of which G542X and W1282X are most prevalent. CFTR function measurements in patient-derived cell-based assays played a critical role in preclinical drug development for CF and may play an important role to identify new drugs for people with rareCFTRmutations.

Methods

Here, we miniaturised the previously described forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) assay in intestinal organoids from a 96-well to a 384-well plate screening format. Using this novel assay, we tested CFTR increasing potential of a 1400-compound Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library in organoids from donors with W1282X/W1282XCFTRnonsense mutations.

Results

The 384-well FIS assay demonstrated uniformity and robustness based on coefficient of variation and Z’-factor calculations. In the primary screen, CFTR induction was limited overall, yet interestingly, the top five compound combinations that increased CFTR function all contained at least one statin. In the secondary screen, we indeed verified that four out of the five statins (mevastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin and fluvastatin) increased CFTR function when combined with CFTR modulators. Statin-induced CFTR rescue was concentration-dependent and W1282X-specific.

Conclusions

Future studies should focus on elucidating genotype specificity and mode-of-action of statins in more detail. This study exemplifies proof of principle of large-scale compound screening in a functional assay using patient-derived organoids.
Pulmonary arterial compliance and exercise capacity after balloon pulmonary angioplasty in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Sermet Romain , Piliero Nicolas , Guillien Alicia , Madoun Simon , Doutreleau Stéphane , Salvat Muriel , Finas Mathieu , Thony Frédéric , Vautrin Estelle , Bouvaist Hélène , Degano Bruno
Published: December 2022

Objective

To determine whether changes in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and changes in pulmonary artery compliance (Cpa) are associated with changes in exercise capacity assessed either by changes in peak oxygen consumption (V′O2) or by changes in 6-min walk distance (6MWD) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) undergoing balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA).

Methods

Invasive haemodynamic parameters, peakV′O2and 6MWD were measured within 24 h, before and after BPA (interval 3.1±2.4 months) in 34 CTEPH patients without significant cardiac and/or pulmonary comorbidities, of whom 24 received at least one pulmonary hypertension-specific treatment.Cpawas calculated according to the pulse pressure method:Cpa=((SV/PP)/1.76+0.1), where SV is the stroke volume and PP is the pulse pressure. The resistance–compliance (RC)-time of the pulmonary circulation was calculated as the PVR andCpaproduct.

Results

After BPA, PVR decreased (562±234versus290±106 dyn·s·cm−5; p<0.001);Cpaincreased (0.90±0.36versus1.63±0.65 mL·mmHg−1; p<0.001); but RC-time did not change (0.325±0.069versus0.321±0.083 s; p=0.75). There were improvements in peakV′O2(1.11±0.35versus1.30±0.33 L·min−1; p<0.001) and in 6MWD (393±119versus432±100 m; p<0.001). After adjustment for age, height, weight and gender, changes in exercise capacity, assessed either by peakV′O2or 6MWD, were significantly associated with changes in PVR, but not with changes inCpa.

Conclusions

Contrary to what has been reported in CTEPH patients undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy, in CTEPH patients undergoing BPA, changes in exercise capacity were not associated with changes inCpa.
Nebulised interferon-β1a (SNG001) in hospitalised COVID-19: SPRINTER phase III study
Authors: Monk Phillip D. , Brookes Jody L. , Tear Victoria J. , Batten Toby N. , Mankowski Marcin , Adzic-Vukicevic Tatjana , Crooks Michael G. , Dosanjh Davinder P.S. , Kraft Monica , Brightling Christopher E. , Gabbay Felicity J. , Holgate Stephen T. , Djukanovic Ratko , Wilkinson Tom M.A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Despite the availability of vaccines and therapies, patients are being hospitalised with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interferon (IFN)-β is a naturally occurring protein that stimulates host immune responses against most viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. SNG001 is a recombinant IFN-β1a formulation delivered to the lungsvianebuliser. SPRINTER assessed the efficacy and safety of SNG001 in adults hospitalised due to COVID-19 who required oxygenvianasal prongs or mask.

Methods

Patients were randomised double-blind to SNG001 (n=309) or placebo (n=314) once daily for 14 days plus standard of care (SoC). The primary objective was to evaluate recovery after administration of SNG001versusplacebo, in terms of times to hospital discharge and recovery to no limitation of activity. Key secondary end-points were progression to severe disease or death, progression to intubation or death and death.

Results

Median time to hospital discharge was 7.0 and 8.0 days with SNG001 and placebo, respectively (hazard ratio (HR) 1.06 (95% CI 0.89–1.27); p=0.51); time to recovery was 25.0 days in both groups (HR 1.02 (95% CI 0.81–1.28); p=0.89). There were no significant SNG001–placebo differences for the key secondary end-points, with a 25.7% relative risk reduction in progression to severe disease or death (10.7% and 14.4%, respectively; OR 0.71 (95% CI 0.44–1.15); p=0.161). Serious adverse events were reported by 12.6% and 18.2% patients with SNG001 and placebo, respectively.

Conclusions

Although the primary objective of the study was not met, SNG001 had a favourable safety profile, and the key secondary end-points analysis suggested that SNG001 may have prevented progression to severe disease.
Transcriptome analysis and identification of chemosensory genes in the larvae of Plagiodera versicolora
Authors: Wu Zhe-Ran , Fan Jian-Ting , Tong Na , Guo Jin-Meng , Li Yang , Lu Min , Liu Xiao-Long
Published: December 2022

Background

In insects, the chemosensory system is crucial in guiding their behaviors for survival. Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a worldwide leaf-eating forest pest in salicaceous trees. There is little known about the chemosensory genes in P. versicolora. Here, we conducted a transcriptome analysis of larvae heads in P. versicolora.

Results

In this study, 29 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 6 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 14 odorant receptors (ORs), 13 gustatory receptors (GRs), 8 ionotropic receptors (IRs) and 4 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) were identified by transcriptome analysis. Compared to the previous antennae and foreleg transcriptome data in adults, 12 OBPs, 2 CSPs, 5 ORs, 4 IRs, and 7 GRs were newly identified in the larvae. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted and found a new candidate CO2 receptor (PverGR18) and a new sugar receptor (PverGR23) in the tree of GRs. Subsequently, the dynamic expression profiles of various genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that PverOBP31, OBP34, OBP35, OBP38, and OBP40 were highly expressed in larvae, PverOBP33 and OBP37 were highly expressed in pupae, and PverCSP13 was highly expressed in eggs, respectively.

Conclusions

We identified a total of 74 putative chemosensory genes based on a transcriptome analysis of larvae heads in P. versicolora. This work provides new information for functional studies on the chemoreception mechanism in P. versicolora.
Differential miRNA expression profiles in the bone marrow of Beagle dogs at different stages of Toxocara canis infection
Authors: Gao Jin , Zou Yang , Wu Xiao-Jing , Xu Yue , Zhu Xing-Quan , Zheng Wen-Bin
Published: December 2022

Background

Toxocara canis is distributed worldwide, posing a serious threat to both human and dog health; however, the pathogenesis of T. canis infection in dogs remains unclear. In this study, the changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in the bone marrow of Beagle dogs were investigated by RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis.

Results

Thirty-nine differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified in this study. Among these, four DEmiRNAs were identified at 24 h post-infection (hpi) and all were up-regulated; eight DEmiRNAs were identified with two up-regulated miRNAs and six down-regulated miRNAs at 96 hpi; 27 DEmiRNAs were identified with 13 up-regulated miRNAs and 14 down-regulated miRNAs at 36 days post-infection (dpi). Among these DEmiRNAs, cfa-miR-193b participates in the immune response by regulating the target gene cd22 at 24 hpi. The novel_328 could participate in the inflammatory and immune responses through regulating the target genes tgfb1 and tespa1, enhancing the immune response of the host and inhibiting the infection of T. canis at 96 hpi. In addition, cfa-miR-331 and novel_129 were associated with immune response and self-protection mechanisms at 36 dpi. 20 pathways were significantly enriched by KEGG pathway analysis, most of which were related to inflammatory response, immune response and cell differentiation, such as Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), ECM-receptor interaction and Focal adhesion.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that miRNAs of Beagle dog bone marrow play important roles in the pathogenesis of T. canis infection in dogs and provided useful resources to better understand the interaction between T. canis and the hosts.
Comparative and phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast genome of Heteroplexis (Compositae), a protected rare genus
Authors: Duan Na , Deng Lili , Zhang Ying , Shi YanCai , Liu Bingbing
Published: December 2022

Background

Heteroplexis Chang is an endangered genus endemic to China with important ecological and medicinal value. However, due to the lack of genetic data, our conservation strategies have repeatedly been delayed by controversial phylogenetic (molecular) relationships within the genera. In this study, we reported three new Heteroplexis chloroplast (cp.) genomes (H. vernonioides, H. impressinervia and H. microcephala) to clarify phylogenetic relationships between species allocated in this genus and other related Compositae.

Results

All three new cp. genomes were highly conserved, showing the classic four regions. Size ranged from 152,984 − 153,221 bp and contained 130 genes (85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA, eight rRNA) and two pseudogenes. By comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses, we found a large-scale inversion of the entire large single-copy (LSC) region in H. vernonioides, H. impressinervia and H. microcephala, being experimentally verified by PCR. The inverted repeat (IR) regions showed high similarity within the five Heteroplexis plastomes, showing small-size contractions. Phylogenetic analyses did not support the monophyly of Heteroplexis genus, whereas clustered the five species within two differentiated clades within Aster genus. These phylogenetic analyses suggested that the five Heteroplexis species might be subsumed into the Aster genus.

Conclusion

Our results enrich the data on the cp. genomes of the genus Heteroplexis, providing valuable genetic resources for future studies on the taxonomy, phylogeny, and evolution of Aster genus.
Prevalence of frailty among patients with inflammatory bowel disease and its association with clinical outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Xiangting , Xiao Mengmeng , Jiang Benyue , Wang Xiuzheng , Tang Xiaoyu , Xu Xiao , Chen Ying , Wang Shixuan , Yan Songbo , Wang Siyi , Wang Jiang , Zhang Pinglan
Published: December 2022

Background

Studies have reported frailty as an independent risk factor of mortality in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, no systematic review and meta-analysis has been conducted to determine the relationship of frailty and IBD. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of frailty in patients with IBD and the impact of frailty on the clinical prognosis of these patients.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid (Medline), Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from database inception until October 2022. This systematic review included observational studies describing IBD and frailty. We performed meta-analysis for the frailty prevalence in patients with IBD. We analyzed primary outcomes (mortality) and secondary outcomes (infections, hospitalizations, readmission, and IBD-related surgery).

Results

Nine studies with a total of 1,495,695 participants were included in our meta-analysis. The prevalence of frailty was 18% in patients with IBD. The combined effect analysis showed that frail patients with IBD had a higher risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.11–4.55) than non-frail patients with IBD. The hazard ratio for infections (HR = 1.23, 0.94–1.60), hospitalizations (HR = 1.72, 0.88–3.36), readmission (HR = 1.21, 1.17–1.25) and IBD-related surgery (HR = 0.78, 0.66–0.91) in frail patients with IBD.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that frailty is a significant independent predictor of mortality in patients with IBD. Our work supports the importance of implementing frailty screening upon admission in patients with IBD. More prospective studies are needed to investigate the influence of frailty on patients with IBD and improve the poor prognosis of patients with frailty and IBD.
A prospective, randomized, phase II study to assess the schemas of retreatment with Lutathera® in patients with new progression of an intestinal, well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (ReLUTH)
Authors: Deshayes Emmanuel , Assenat Eric , Meignant Laetitia , Bardiès Manuel , Santoro Lore , Gourgou Sophie
Published: December 2022

Background

Although neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are classed as rare, they have a high prevalence and their incidence is increasing. Effective treatment with lutetium 17-[177Lu]Lu-oxodotreotide (Lutathera®) is possible in patients with well-differentiated NET, improving progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and quality of life (QoL). However, progression does occur. Retreatment with additional Lutathera® cycles is an option to extend PFS and OS. Two retreatment cycles are usually proposed. We aim to compare four versus two Lutathera® retreatment cycles in patients with new progression of a well-differentiated intestinal NET.

Methods

This will be a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label, phase II study in France (ReLUTH). The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of retreatment with Lutathera® in patients with progressive intestinal NET (determined by somatostatin-receptor positive imaging) after previous treatment with two cycles of Lutathera®. Before randomization, all patients will have already received two Lutathera® retreatment cycles (7.4 GBq infusion each, 8 weeks apart). A total of 146 patients will be randomized (1:1) to two additional cycles of Lutathera® (7.4 GBq infusion each, separated by 8 weeks) or to no treatment (active surveillance). Primary objective: efficacy of two additional Lutathera® retreatment cycles compared to active surveillance over 6 months. Primary endpoint: disease control rate at 6 months from randomization (defined as Complete Response, Partial Response, and Stable Disease in the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours) with an evaluation every 2 months. A secondary objective will be the safety, as well as the PFS, OS, and QoL. It is expected that the efficacy of retreatment will increase after two additional Lutathera® cycles, with no increased safety concerns.

Discussion

Our prospective, randomized controlled study may lead to new recommendations for the use of Lutathera® in patients with intestinal progressive NET, and should confirm that four cycles will be more effective than two, with limited adverse impact on safety. Four Lutathera® treatment cycles have the potential to prolong life and improve quality of life in patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04954820.
Morphometric analyses in patients treated with subthreshold laser photocoagulation for central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Enders C. , Lang G. E. , Mayer B. , Werner J. U.
Published: December 2022

Background and objective

To analyze changes in selected parameters in optical coherence tomography (OCT) after subthreshold laser coagulation (ST-LP) in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

Materials and methods

Fifty-four eyes of 49 patients with CSCR were included in the study. Each patient underwent therapy with ST-LP with a frequency-doubled Neodym-YAG Laser and OCT imaging. In OCT the thickness of the central subfield, cube volume, average cube thickness, volume under the ETDRS grid, and average thickness under the ETDRS grid were collected.

Results

Decreases in total OCT volume and central retinal subfield thickness were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Possible correlations were observed between visual acuity at V3 (3 months after ST-LP) and Baseline and between central retinal subfield thickness at V1 (4 weeks after ST-LP) and visual acuity at BL.

Conclusion

A decrease in retinal thickness and retinal volume could be shown after ST-LP. Central retinal subfield thickness measured by OCT could be a more sensitive measure than mean retinal thickness or macular volume for early detection of disease recurrence occurring in some patients 3 months after ST-LP.
Validation of the Indonesian resilience evaluation scale in an undergraduate student population
Authors: Primasari Indira , Hoeboer Chris M. , Bakker Anne , Olff Miranda
Published: December 2022

Background

Psychological resilience is an important factor in coping with Potentially Traumatic Events (PTEs) and might mitigate the development of trauma-related disorders. Due to the high risk of natural disasters, criminal activity, and transportation accidents among the Indonesian population, it is critical to assess psychological resilience as a protective factor. This study aimed to validate the Resilience Evaluation Scale (RES) in Indonesian undergraduate students.

Methods

We recruited 327 students (78% female, the mean age is 19.61 (SD = 1.24)) between March and June 2020 using convenience sampling, 256 (78.28%) of whom completed the RES twice with an interval of 2 weeks for test-retest reliability purposes. Parallel Analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis were performed to examine the construct validity of the RES. The internal consistency and the test-retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach Alpha, Pearson Correlations, and Interclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). Convergent and divergent validity were examined using Pearson Correlations.

Results

EFA analysis yielded a two-factor structure for the final eight-item Indonesian version of RES, which reflected two underlying constructs of resilience: self-confidence and self-efficacy. The Indonesian version of RES demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.74–0.82) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.68–0.78; ICC = 0.67–0.78). The result showed that the RES total and subscale scores positively correlated with all criterion variables (resilience, self-efficacy, self-esteem, level of global functioning, and adaptive coping strategy; r = 0.27–0.73). RES total and subscale scores negatively correlated with opposite constructs (PTSD, depression, social/work impairment, and maladaptive coping strategy; r = - 0.27– -0.46).

Conclusions

The current study showed that the Indonesian RES is a valid and reliable measurement of psychological resilience in Indonesian undergraduate students. The final 8-item Indonesian RES, a freely available resilience instrument, is recommended for future studies and public mental health initiatives in the Indonesian population.
Unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children on digital platforms in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Authors: Garton Kelly , Gerritsen Sarah , Sing Fiona , Lin Karen , Mackay Sally
Published: December 2022

Background

Children’s exposure to unhealthy food and beverage marketing has a direct impact on their dietary preference for, and consumption of, unhealthy food and drinks. Most children spend time online, yet marketing restrictions for this medium have had slow uptake globally. A voluntary Children’s and Young People’s Advertising (CYPA) Code was implemented in Aotearoa, New Zealand (NZ) in 2017. This study explores the Code’s limitations in protecting children from harmful food and beverage marketing practices on digital platforms accessible to children.

Methods

A cross-sectional content analysis of company websites (n = 64), Facebook pages (n = 32), and YouTube channels (n = 15) of the most popular food and beverage brands was conducted between 2019 and 2021 in NZ. Brands were selected based on market share, web traffic analysis and consumer engagement (Facebook page ‘Likes’ and YouTube page views). Analysis focused on volume and type of food posts/videos, level of consumer interaction, nutritional quality of foods pictured (based on two different nutrient profile models), and use of specific persuasive marketing techniques.

Results

Eighty-one percent of websites (n = 52) featured marketing of unhealthy food and beverages. Thirty-five percent of websites featuring unhealthy food and beverages used promotional strategies positioning their products as ‘for kids’; a further 13% used ‘family-oriented’ messaging. Several websites featuring unhealthy products also had designated sections for children, ‘advergaming,’ or direct messaging to children. Eighty-five percent of all food and drink company Facebook posts and YouTube videos were classified as unhealthy. Twenty-eight percent of Facebook posts for unhealthy products featured persuasive promotional strategies, and 39% premium offers. Nearly 30% of YouTube videos for unhealthy food and beverages featured promotional strategies, and 13% premium offers. Ten percent of Facebook posts and 13% of YouTube videos of unhealthy food and beverages used marketing techniques specifically targeting children and young people.

Conclusions

The voluntary CYPA Code has been in effect since 2017, but the inherent limitations and loopholes in the Code mean companies continue to market unhealthy food and beverages in ways that appeal to children even if they have committed to the Code. Comprehensive and mandatory regulation would help protect children from exposure to harmful marketing.
Metabolic syndrome distributions in dietary diversity score groups and its associated factors among adults in the urban community of Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia: a community based cross- sectional study
Authors: Zawdie Belay , Tesfaye Temamen , Moges Solomon Berhanu , Tesfaye Yonas , Kebede Ayantu , Tadesse Mulualem , Gudina Esayas Kebede , Dadi Lelisa Sena , Tamiru Dessalegn , Lemma Tefera Belachew
Published: December 2022

Background

Dietary diversity score has long been recognized as a key component of diets quality balances for healthy life status. However, diets with more variety of food items might increase calorie intake and body weight, which, in turn leads to central obesity (waist circumference).Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among dietary diversity score groups, and its associated factors among adults in the urban community of Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A total of 915 adults aged ≥ 18 years were randomly recruited in this cross-sectional study.The study was undertaken from June 17, 2019, up to July 27, 2019. To this end, the collected data were entered to Epi Data 3.1 and analysed using and SPSS 25 version. What’s more, a multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associated factors of the unrecognized metabolic syndrome; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its corresponding 95% CI, at P-value ≤ 0.05.

Results

The occurrence of metabolic syndrome was 14.4%, and it is more prevalent in females, 11.15% than males, and 3.25%. The most prevalent components of the metabolic syndrome were low level of high-density lipoprotein, elevated level of triacylglycerol, and waist circumferences. Even though metabolic syndrome is not significantly associated with any of the dietary diversity score groups, its prevalence distribution varies among the groups (6.6% in middle, 5.8% in high and 1.9% in low dietary diversity groups). With potential confounders adjusted, by 75% female was significantly associated with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome than male (102 vs. 29, AOR = 0.25 at 95%CI: 0.15–0.40, P = 0.001). Whereas, age ≥ 35 years old (104 vs. 27, AOR = 2.91 at 95%CI:1.78–4.86,P = 0.001), large family size > 5 (65 vs. 10,AOR = 2.43 95% CI: 1.10–5.36, P = 0.03), overweight and obesity (121 vs. 10, AOR = 6.97, 95% CI: 4.50 –10.83, P = 0.005), elevated total cholesterol (103 vs. 28,AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.47–4.11, P = 0.001), and consuming ( spices, condemns and beverages) ≥ 4 days per week (79 vs. 52, AOR = 0.52, 95% CI:0.33 –0.82, P = 0.005) were positively associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome as compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion

Unrecognized metabolic syndrome was relatively high in the study community. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome varied among dietary diversity groups. But any of the dietary diversity scoring categories was not significantly associated with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome. Thus, awareness needs to be made to practice healthy diet and regular physical activity to maintaining normal body weight. Moreover, early screening of metabolic syndrome should be promoted.
Severity and progression rate of periodontitis are associated with an increased risk of hypertension of patients attending a university clinic
Authors: Yildirim Burak G. , Aksit Cemilenur , Mutlu Mesut , Ainola Mari , Eklund Kari K. , Leskelä Jaakko , Pussinen Pirkko , Beklen Arzu
Published: December 2022

Background

Although periodontitis is associated with increased risk of hypertension, studies based on new periodontal disease classification is limited. We investigated whether periodontitis severity and progression rate are linked with self-reports on doctor-diagnosed hypertension in a large cohort of patients attending the periodontology clinic at the faculty of dentistry.

Methods

Archived patient files, including radiographic image records and results from full-mouth clinical periodontal examination were screened for inclusion. Data on socioeconomic factors, smoking and oral hygiene habits, and medical history were collected with a questionnaire.

Results

Diagnosis and background data were available for 7008 patients. The median (IQR) age was 31.0 (21.0) years; 60.1% (n = 4211) were female. Hypertension was diagnosed in 6.2% (n = 435) of patients. Both periodontitis stage and grade differed (p < 0.001) between patients with or without hypertension. Increased periodontal disease severity was associated with a 20% increasing risk for hypertension; the odds ratio (OR) was 2.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48–4.68, p < 0.001) in stage IV periodontitis. Increasing periodontitis progression rate was associated with a 35% increased risk for hypertension; the OR was 2.22 (95% CI 1.45–3.40, p < 0.001) in grade C periodontitis.

Conclusion

Severity and progression rate of periodontitis may be independent risk factors for hypertension in this large cohort of patients attending the university periodontal department.
Accessing needle exchange services in disasters for remote areas of Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Rijnink Anne , Blake Denise , Groot Shiloh , Brough Chris
Published: December 2022

Background

Needle Exchange Programme (NEP) mobile outreach services in Aotearoa New Zealand distribute injecting equipment to people who inject drugs (PWID) living in remote regions. In disasters, continued access to such services is imperative for the health and wellbeing of PWID. Disasters can compound existing inequities, particularly in regions characterised by poor or limited infrastructure, smaller populations, and challenging socioeconomic conditions. To gain insight into the barriers that prevent access to NEP harm-reduction services and understand the needs of PWID prior to and during disasters, this study foregrounds the voices of PWID based on the West Coast of the South Island, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Methods

This qualitative study applied an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach, where 14 PWID and one key NEP staff member took part in semi-structured interviews. The interviews provided the opportunity for participants to share their experiences and perspectives about accessing sterile drug-injecting equipment during disasters, including the four-week COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown in March 2020. In total five superordinate and 14 subordinate themes were identified from the interveiws.

Results

This study focuses on four of the key themes that impacted accessibility to NEP services: infrastructural hazards and equipment costs; social capital and practical support from peers and key contact networks; social stigma in public locations, including NEP-based pharmacies and emergency centres; and potential solutions to NEP equipment accessibility as frequently suggested by participants.

Conclusions

Access to NEP services is essential during natural hazard and human-generated disasters, as such NEP mobile outreach services and disaster resilience efforts should focus on maintaining service continuity for PWID during adverse times. This study champions a needs-based, stigma free approach to inclusive harm-reduction and emergency management practices for groups with specific needs in a disaster context.
Adaptive immune responses and cytokine immune profiles in humans following prime and boost vaccination with the SARS-CoV-2 CoronaVac vaccine
Authors: Wang Chan , Yang Songhao , Duan Liangwei , Du Xiancai , Tao Jia , Wang Yana , Yang Jihui , Lv Yongxue , Li Junliang , Zhang Cuiying , Wen Jia , Zhu Yazhou , Chang Liangliang , Wang Hui , Wang Qi , Zhao Wei
Published: December 2022

Background

Adaptive immune response has been thought to play a key role in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The role of B cells, CD4+T, and CD8+T cells are different in vaccine-induced immune response, thus it is imperative to explore the functions and kinetics of adaptive immune response. We collected blood samples from unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals. To assess the mechanisms contributing to protective immunity of CoronaVac vaccines, we mapped the kinetics and durability of humoral and cellular immune responses after primary and boost vaccination with CoronaVac vaccine in different timepoints.

Materials and methods

We separate PBMC and plasma from blood samples. The differentiation and function of RBD-spcific CD4+T and CD8+T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and ELISA. Antibodies response was analyzed by ELISA. ELISPOT analysis was perfomed to detected the RBD-spcific memory B cells. CBA analysis was performed to detected the cytokine immune profiles. Graphpad prism 8 and Origin 2021 were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Vaccine-induced CD4+T cell responses to RBD were more prominent than CD8+T cell responses, and characterized by a predominant Th1 and weak Th17 helper response. CoronaVac vaccine triggered predominant IgG1 antibody response and effectively recalled specific antibodies to RBD protein after booster vaccination. Robust antigen-specific memory B cells were detected (p < 0.0001) following booster vaccination and maintained at 6 months (p < 0.0001) following primary vaccination. Vaccine-induced CD4+T cells correlated with CD8+T cells (r = 0.7147, 0.3258, p < 0.0001, p = 0.04), memory B cell responses (r = 0.7083, p < 0.0001), and IgG and IgA (r = 0.6168, 0.5519, p = 0.0006, 0.003) after vaccination. In addition, vaccine induced a broader and complex cytokine pattern in plasma at early stage.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results highlight the potential role of B cell and T cell responses in vaccine-induced long-term immunity.
Circ_0083964 knockdown impedes rheumatoid arthritis progression via the miR-204-5p-dependent regulation of YY1
Authors: Xiang Lei , Yang Wendi , Wang Feng , Liu Gaozhan
Published: December 2022

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Abnormal proliferation and inflammation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are the main pathological features of the disease. Accumulating studies have identified that circular RNAs (circRNAs) were involved in the progression of RA. Our study was to assess the function and mechanism of circ_0083964 in RA.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were utilized to test the level of circ_0083964, miR-204-5p and YY1. Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay and wound-healing assay were utilized to test cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration. Cell inflammation was estimated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were employed to identify the target relationship between miR-204-5p and circ_0083964 or YY1.

Results

Circ_0083964 was highly expressed in RA synovial tissues and RA-FLSs. Circ_0083964 downregulation constrained proliferation, metastasis and inflammation and facilitated apoptosis in RA-FLSs. Furthermore, circ_0083964 served as a sponge of miR-204-5p, and rescue experiments proved that miR-204-5p deficiency overturned the suppressive impacts of circ_0083964 silencing on RA-FLSs progression. Additionally, we also verified that YY1 could be targeted by miR-204-5p, and its overexpression rescued the repressive impact of miR-204-5p introduction on RA-FLSs development. Besides that, we revealed that circ_0083964 mediated YY1 expression by regulating miR-204-5p.

Conclusion

Circ_0083964 inhibition confined RA development by sponging miR-204-5p to hamper the YY1 level, which will provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of RA.
Identification of candidate aberrant differentially methylated/expressed genes in asthma
Authors: Wang Zongling , Wang Lizhi , Dai Lina , Wang Yanan , Li Erhong , An Shuyuan , Wang Fengliang , Liu Dan , Pan Wen
Published: December 2022

Background

Asthma is an important non-communicable disease worldwide. DNA methylation is associated with the occurrence and development of asthma. We are aimed at assuring differential expressed genes (DEGs) modified by aberrantly methylated genes (DMGs) and pathways related to asthma by integrating bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

One mRNA dataset (GSE64913) and one gene methylation dataset (GSE137716) were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using GeneCodies 4.0 database. All gene expression matrices were analyzed by Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) software. STRING was applied to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to find the hub genes. Then, electronic validation was performed to verify the hub genes, followed by the evaluation of diagnostic value. Eventually, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to detect the expression of hub genes.

Results

In total, 14 hypomethylated/high-expression genes and 10 hypermethylated/low-expression genes were obtained in asthma. Among them, 10 hub genes were identified in the PPI network. Functional analysis demonstrated that the differentially methylated/expressed genes were primarily associated with the lung development, cytosol and protein binding. Notably, HLA-DOA was enriched in asthma. FKBP5, WNT5A, TM4SF1, PDK4, EPAS1 and GMPR had potential diagnostic value for asthma.

Conclusion

The project explored the pathogenesis of asthma, which may provide a research basis for the prediction and the drug development of asthma.
Sex differences in early and term placenta are conserved in adult tissues
Authors: Olney Kimberly C. , Plaisier Seema B. , Phung Tanya N. , Silasi Michelle , Perley Lauren , O’Bryan Jane , Ramirez Lucia , Kliman Harvey J. , Wilson Melissa A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Pregnancy complications vary based on the fetus’s genetic sex, which may, in part, be modulated by the placenta. Furthermore, developmental differences early in life can have lifelong health outcomes. Yet, sex differences in gene expression within the placenta at different timepoints throughout pregnancy and comparisons to adult tissues remains poorly characterized.

Methods

Here, we collect and characterize sex differences in gene expression in term placentas (≥ 36.6 weeks; 23 male XY and 27 female XX). These are compared with sex differences in previously collected first trimester placenta samples and 42 non-reproductive adult tissues from GTEx.

Results

We identify 268 and 53 sex-differentially expressed genes in the uncomplicated late first trimester and term placentas, respectively. Of the 53 sex-differentially expressed genes observed in the term placentas, 31 are also sex-differentially expressed genes in the late first trimester placentas. Furthermore, sex differences in gene expression in term placentas are highly correlated with sex differences in the late first trimester placentas. We found that sex-differential gene expression in the term placenta is significantly correlated with sex differences in gene expression in 42 non-reproductive adult tissues (correlation coefficient ranged from 0.892 to 0.957), with the highest correlation in brain tissues. Sex differences in gene expression were largely driven by gene expression on the sex chromosomes. We further show that some gametologous genes (genes with functional copies on X and Y) will have different inferred sex differences if the X-linked gene expression in females is compared to the sum of the X-linked and Y-linked gene expression in males.

Conclusions

We find that sex differences in gene expression are conserved in late first trimester and term placentas and that these sex differences are conserved in adult tissues. We demonstrate that there are sex differences associated with innate immune response in late first trimester placentas but there is no significant difference in gene expression of innate immune genes between sexes in healthy full-term placentas. Finally, sex differences are predominantly driven by expression from sex-linked genes.
Adaptive resource optimization for edge inference with goal-oriented communications
Authors: Binucci Francesco , Banelli Paolo , Di Lorenzo Paolo , Barbarossa Sergio
Published: December 2022

Goal-oriented communications represent an emerging paradigm for efficient and reliable learning at the wireless edge, where only the information relevant for the specific learning task is transmitted to perform inference and/or training. The aim of this paper is to introduce a novel system design and algorithmic framework to enable goal-oriented communications. Specifically, inspired by the information bottleneck principle and targeting an image classification task, we dynamically change the size of the data to be transmitted by exploiting banks of convolutional encoders at the device in order to extract meaningful and parsimonious data features in a totally adaptive and goal-oriented fashion. Exploiting knowledge of the system conditions, such as the channel state and the computation load, such features are dynamically transmitted to an edge server that takes the final decision, based on a proper convolutional classifier. Hinging on Lyapunov stochastic optimization, we devise a novel algorithmic framework that dynamically and jointly optimizes communication, computation, and the convolutional encoder classifier, in order to strike a desired trade-off between energy, latency, and accuracy of the edge learning task. Several simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy for edge learning with goal-oriented communications.
Learning-oriented assessment in the classroom: the contribution of self-assessment and critical thinking to EFL learners’ academic engagement and self-esteem
Authors: Riswanto  , Heydarnejad Tahereh , Saberi Dehkordi Elham , Parmadi Bambang
Published: December 2022

The core of self-assessment (CSA) and critical thinking (CT) empower learners to observe and evaluate themselves. Although the literature on CSA and CT reflects a long history, little is known about their contributions to the learners’ academic engagement (AE) and self-esteem (SE), particularly in the EFL context. Therefore, the present investigation intended to explore a structural model of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) university students’ CSA, CT, and SE. Accordingly, the Core of Self-assessment Questionnaire (CSAQ), Watson–Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal-form A (WGCTA), The SInAPSi Academic Engagement Scale (SAES), and The Foreign Language Learning Self-esteem Scale (FLLSES), were administered to 427 Iranian EFL university learners. The results of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) indicated that EFL university students with high levels of CSA were more engaged and could build up high SE. Moreover, the effective role of CT in boosting AE and SE was also confirmed. The implications of this study may unveil new prospects for implementing learning-oriented assessment in the classroom and CT practices in language learning instruction and assessment.