bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racism, early psychosis, and institutional contact: A qualitative study of Indigenous experiences
Authors: Manuel Jenni , Pitama Suzanne , Clark Mauterangimarie , Crowe Marie , Crengle Sue , Cunningham Ruth , Gibb Sheree , Petrović-van der Deen Frederieke S , Porter Richard J , Lacey Cameron
Published: September 2023

Background:

There is evidence of Indigenous and ethnic minority inequities in the incidence and outcomes of early psychosis. Racism has been implicated as having an important role.

Aim:

To use Indigenous experiences to develop a more detailed understanding of how racism operates to impact early psychosis outcomes.

Methods:

Critical Race Theory informed the methodology used. Twenty-three Indigenous participants participated in four family focus group interviews and thirteen individual interviews, comprising of 9 Māori youth with early psychosis, 10 family members and 4 Māori mental health professionals. An analysis of the data was undertaken using deductive structural coding to identify descriptions of racism, followed by inductive descriptive and pattern coding.

Results:

Participant experiences revealed how racism operates as a socio-cultural phenomenon that interacts with institutional policy and culture across systems pertaining to social responsiveness, risk discourse, and mental health service structures. This is described across three major themes: 1) selective responses based on racial stereotypes, 2) race related risk assessment bias and 3) institutional racism in the mental health workforce. The impacts of racism were reported as inaction in the face of social need, increased use of coercive practices and an under resourced Indigenous mental health workforce.

Conclusion:

The study illustrated the inter-related nature of interpersonal, institutional and structural racism with examples of interpersonal racism in the form of negative stereotypes interacting with organizational, socio-cultural and political priorities. These findings indicate that organizational cultures may differentially impact Indigenous and minority people and that social responsiveness, risk discourse and the distribution of workforce expenditure are important targets for anti-racism efforts.
Modelling the Information Abundance Factors That Predict Fake News Sharing Behaviour of Social Media Users: Testing the Moderating Role of Resilience
Authors: Guo Mengmeng , Apuke Oberiri Destiny , Tunca Elif Asude , Gever Celestine Verlumun
Published: September 2023

Fake news is widely shared on social media platforms, and while the literature is expanding, study into the motivations behind such sharing has not yet provided many answers. Drawing from the cognitive load theory and literature on resilience, we developed and tested a research model hypothesising why people share fake news. We also tested the moderating role of social media resilience. We obtained data from 1068 social media users in Nigeria using a chain referral technique with an online questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. Our findings suggest that information overload and information strain strongly predict fake news sharing. Social overload and irrelevant information also contributed to fake news sharing behaviour. Furthermore, resilience moderated and weakened the effect of information strain, information overload, irrelevant information, and social overload on fake news sharing in such a way that this effect is more pronounced among those with low resilience. This indicates that those with low resilience tend to share fake news when confronted with much information on social media. The study concluded with some theoretical and practical implications.
Are the directions of both eyes integrated before or after the perception of direct gaze? Evidence from simulated mild strabismus
Authors: Horstmann Gernot , Linke Linda
Published: September 2023

The cone of gaze is a looker's range of gaze directions that is accepted as direct by an observer. The present research asks how the condition of mild strabismus, that is, when the two eyes point in slightly different directions, influences the cone of gaze. Normally, both eyes are rotated in a coordinated manner such that both eyes are directed to the same fixation point. With strabismus, there are two fixation points, and, therefore, two directions into which the two eyes point. This raises the question of the direction and the shape (i.e., width) of the gaze cone. Two experiments are conducted with simulated mild strabismus. Three conditions are tested, the two strabismic conditions of esotropia, and exotropia and one orthotropic (nonstrabismic) condition. Results show that the direction of the gaze cone is roughly the average of the directions of the two eyes. Furthermore, the width of the gaze cone is not affected by simulated strabismus and is thus the same for the strabismic and the orthotropic conditions. The results imply a model where at first the direction of gaze based on both eyes is perceived, and where the gaze cone is implied on the basis of the combined gaze direction.
Crisis Communication and Vaccination Acceptance During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Correlational Study
Authors: Serradj Toufik
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the relationship between government communication and vaccination acceptance during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire was distributed, covering acceptability, government communication visibility, clarity, and efficacy, factors influencing vaccination decisions, and government responsiveness. Correlation analyses and regression were conducted. Results showed significant correlations between communication clarity and various variables, including communication's role in vaccination decisions, trust in government communication, and encountered obstacles. Vaccination acceptance was positively associated with communication clarity and perceived vaccination benefits, while government responsiveness was also positively linked to acceptance. Findings emphasize the importance of clear and trustworthy government communication in promoting vaccination acceptance during public health crises.
Going Local: Understanding and Avoiding the Dangers of Localism
Authors: Chou Mark
Published: September 2023

Localism has recently been placed back on the political agenda in many countries. Given this, the case for prioritizing the local should be subject to renewed scrutiny. In this review essay, I do this in two ways while being guided by two new books: Trevor Latimer's Small Isn’t Beautiful: The Case Against Localism and Jennifer Vey and Nate Storring's edited collection, Hyperlocal: Place Governance in a Fragmented World. Firstly, I use Latimer to examine how the localist revolution—much heralded by some—has the potential not only to produce good as well as regrettable outcomes, but increasingly regrettable outcomes in the name of good. Secondly, I use Vey and Storring to examine why localist solutions emerge and sometimes become necessary in the face of state and federal neglect. But even so, this does not necessarily mean that localism alone, without centralized coordination and oversight, is enough.
Numerical procedure to determine the performance and structural response of passive shock wave safety valves under blast loading
Authors: Jenni Christian , Altorfer Tim , Düzel Sven , Ganz Mirco , Denzler David , Tillenkamp Frank , Zahnd André , Brenner Lorenz
Published: September 2023

Traditional protective structures are usually equipped with ventilation systems. Main components of the latter are passive air blast safety valves. Their purpose in case of an explosive event outside the structure is to significantly reduce the blast pressure leakage into the structure in order to protect human individuals as well as technical installations. Until now, the performance determination of such valves is mostly realized by means of experimental tests in a shock tube. Considering industrial and modern civil protection applications with their practical implementation, additional methods are required to gain further insights into the behaviour of different valve closing mechanisms and to support novel developments as well as error analysis. For this reason, a practice-oriented procedure is presented, with the aim to extend the assessment of the closing behaviour and blast pressure leakage of passive air blast safety valves and the structural behaviour by numerical simulations. In a first preliminary step, potential software solutions have been evaluated based on literature research and expert knowledge. After evaluation of the obtained results, two different software pairs (fluid dynamic as well as structural dynamic tools) have been tested by carrying out indirectly coupled numerical simulations. The software pair APOLLO Blastsimulator & LS-DYNA achieved satisfactory results with the indirect coupling, so that direct fully coupled FSI simulations were additionally performed. To cover a broad range of blast safety valve applications, two different suitable test cases have been considered. In comparison to the experimental results, good agreement was achieved when analysing the pressure–time history of the blast pressure leakage and the closing time of the safety valve. Furthermore, the latter was confirmed by high-speed camera registrations during blast loading.
Using eye-tracking technology to measure cognitive function in mild traumatic brain injury: A scoping review
Authors: Pearson Hilary C , MacKenzie Diane E , Oystreck Darren T , Westwood David A
Published: September 2023

Cognitive impairment is a common symptom of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and can have long term cognitive and behavioral consequences. Despite this, there is no universally accepted protocol for assessment of cognition in this population. Conventional neuropsychological assessment tools rely on verbal or manual responses which lend themselves to confounding factors such as stress, intelligence, initiation, and motivation, suggesting the need for more objective tools. A scoping review was undertaken to explore the utility of eye-tracking methods for detecting cognitive impairment in mTBI patients, and to survey the kinds of tasks used in this context. Six academic databases were searched for studies related to brain injury, eye tracking, and cognition. Data from 17 articles were extracted and synthesized. In most cases, neuropsychological and eye-tracking methods were in accordance when detecting cognitive impairment. However, in many cases, eye-tracking measures detected impairments when neuropsychological tasks did not. This review suggests that eye tracking could provide an effective, objective method to measure cognitive impairment in mTBI.
Fretting Wear Characteristics of Nuclear Fuel Cladding in High-Temperature Pressurized Water
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Haojie , Li Zhengyang , Lei Yujie , Ren Quanyao , Jiao Yongjun , Cai Zhenbing
Published: September 2023

In pressurized water reactor (PWR), fretting wear is one of the main causes of fuel assembly failure. Moreover, the operation condition of cladding is complex and harsh. A unique fretting damage test equipment was developed and tested to simulate the fretting damage evolution process of cladding in the PWR environment. It can simulate the fretting wear experiment of PWR under different temperatures (maximum temperature is 350 ℃), displacement amplitude, vibration frequency, and normal force. The fretting wear behavior of Zr-4 alloy under different temperature environments was tested. In addition, the evolution of wear scar morphology, profile, and wear volume was studied using an optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a 3D white light interferometer. Results show that higher water temperature evidently decreased the cladding wear volume, the wear mechanism of Zr-4 cladding changed from abrasive wear to adhesive wear and the formation of an oxide layer on the wear scar reduced the wear volume and maximum wear depth.
Current treatment options for cluster headache: limitations and the unmet need for better and specific treatments—a consensus article
Authors: Lund Nunu Laura Timotheussen , Petersen Anja Sofie , Fronczek Rolf , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob , Belin Andrea Carmine , Meisingset Tore , Tronvik Erling , Steinberg Anna , Gaul Charly , Jensen Rigmor Højland
Published: September 2023

Aim

Treatment for cluster headache is currently based on a trial-and-error approach. The available preventive treatment is unspecific and based on few and small studies not adhering to modern standards. Therefore, the authors collaborated to discuss acute and preventive treatment in cluster headache, addressing the unmet need of safe and tolerable preventive medication from the perspectives of people with cluster headache and society, headache specialist and cardiologist.

Findings

The impact of cluster headache on personal life is substantial. Mean annual direct and indirect costs of cluster headache are more than 11,000 Euros per patient. For acute treatment, the main problems are treatment response, availability, costs and, for triptans, contraindications and the maximum use allowed. Intermediate treatment with steroids and greater occipital nerve blocks are effective but cannot be used continuously. Preventive treatment is sparsely studied and overall limited by relatively low efficacy and side effects. Neurostimulation is a relevant option for treatment-refractory chronic patients. From a cardiologist’s perspective use of verapamil and triptans may be worrisome and regular follow-up is essential when using verapamil and lithium.

Conclusion

We find that there is a great and unmet need to pursue novel and targeted preventive modalities to suppress the horrific pain attacks for people with cluster headache.

Graphical Abstract
Automatically transferring supervised targets method for segmenting lung lesion regions with CT imaging
Authors: Du Peng , Niu Xiaofeng , Li Xukun , Ying Chiqing , Zhou Yukun , He Chang , Lv Shuangzhi , Liu Xiaoli , Du Weibo , Wu Wei
Published: September 2023

Background

To present an approach that autonomously identifies and selects a self-selective optimal target for the purpose of enhancing learning efficiency to segment infected regions of the lung from chest computed tomography images. We designed a semi-supervised dual-branch framework for training, where the training set consisted of limited expert-annotated data and a large amount of coarsely annotated data that was automatically segmented based on Hu values, which were used to train both strong and weak branches. In addition, we employed the Lovasz scoring method to automatically switch the supervision target in the weak branch and select the optimal target as the supervision object for training. This method can use noisy labels for rapid localization during the early stages of training, and gradually use more accurate targets for supervised training as the training progresses. This approach can utilize a large number of samples that do not require manual annotation, and with the iterations of training, the supervised targets containing noise become closer and closer to the fine-annotated data, which significantly improves the accuracy of the final model.

Results

The proposed dual-branch deep learning network based on semi-supervision together with cost-effective samples achieved 83.56 ± 12.10 and 82.67 ± 8.04 on our internal and external test benchmarks measured by the mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Through experimental comparison, the DSC value of the proposed algorithm was improved by 13.54% and 2.02% on the internal benchmark and 13.37% and 2.13% on the external benchmark compared with U-Net without extra sample assistance and the mean-teacher frontier algorithm, respectively.

Conclusion

The cost-effective pseudolabeled samples assisted the training of DL models and achieved much better results compared with traditional DL models with manually labeled samples only. Furthermore, our method also achieved the best performance compared with other up-to-date dual branch structures.
A targeted antibody-based array reveals a serum protein signature as biomarker for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients
Authors: Shao Zhenxuan , Zhang Zengjie , Tu Yiting , Huang Chongan , Chen Liang , Sun Anna , Sheng Sunren , Zhang Xiaolei , Wu Yan
Published: September 2023

Background

Evident adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) incurs high treatment costs, low quality of life, and many complications. Early screening of AIS is essential to avoid progressing to an evident stage. However, there is no valid serum biomarker for AIS for early screening.

Methods

Antibody-based array is a large-scale study of proteins, which is expected to reveal a serum protein signature as biomarker for AIS. There are two segments of the research, including biomarkers screening and validation. In the biomarkers screening group, a total of 16 volunteers participated in this study, and we carried out differentially expressed proteins screening via protein array assay between No-AIS group and the AIS group, through which GeneSet enrichment analysis was performed. In the validation group with a total of 62 volunteers, the differentially expressed proteins from screening group were verified by Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and then multiple regression analysis.

Results

In our study, there were twenty-nine differentially expressed proteins in AIS, through Protein array assay and GeneSet enrichment analysis in the biomarkers screening group. Then the expression of FAP, CD23 and B2M decreased as the degree of AIS increased via ELISA in validation group (FAP, p < 0.0001; CD23, p = 0.0002; B2M, p < 0.0001). Further, the results of multiple regression analysis showed that FAP, CD23 are linked to Cobb angle, whereas B2M were excluded because of multicollinearity.

Conclusions

Altogether, we found that serum protein FAP and CD23 are intimately related to AIS, suggesting FAP and CD23 are expected to serve as the serum biomarkers, which significantly facilitate frequent longitudinal monitoring as to keep track of disease progression and tailor treatment accordingly.
Genetic variation and genetic complexity of nodule occupancy in soybean inoculated with USDA110 and USDA123 rhizobium strains
Authors: Araya Susan , Elia Patrick , Quigley Charles V. , Song Qijian
Published: September 2023

Background

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation differs among Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains. Soybean inoculated with USDA123 has a lower yield than strains known to have high nitrogen fixation efficiency, such as USDA110. In the main soybean-producing area in the Midwest of the United States, USDA123 has a high nodule incidence in field-grown soybean and is competitive but inefficient in nitrogen fixation. In this study, a high-throughput system was developed to characterize nodule number among 1,321 Glycine max and 69 Glycine soja accessions single inoculated with USDA110 and USDA123.

Results

Seventy-three G. max accessions with significantly different nodule number of USDA110 and USDA123 were identified. After double inoculating 35 of the 73 accessions, it was observed that PI189939, PI317335, PI324187B, PI548461, PI562373, and PI628961 were occupied by USDA110 and double-strain nodules but not by USDA123 nodules alone. PI567624 was only occupied by USDA110 nodules, and PI507429 restricted all strains. Analysis showed that 35 loci were associated with nodule number in G. max when inoculated with strain USDA110 and 35 loci with USDA123. Twenty-three loci were identified in G. soja when inoculated with strain USDA110 and 34 with USDA123. Only four loci were common across two treatments, and each locus could only explain 0.8 to 1.5% of phenotypic variation.

Conclusions

High-throughput phenotyping systems to characterize nodule number and occupancy were developed, and soybean germplasm restricting rhizobium strain USDA123 but preferring USDA110 was identified. The larger number of minor effects and a small few common loci controlling the nodule number indicated trait genetic complexity and strain-dependent nodulation restriction. The information from the present study will add to the development of cultivars that limit USDA123, thereby increasing nitrogen fixation efficiency and productivity.
Effect of overall lifestyle on the all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease death in dyslipidemia patients with or without lipid-lowering therapy: a cohort study
Authors: Wang Qian , Pang Dong , Wang Hui
Published: September 2023

Background

Lifestyle adjustment has been reported as one of the interventions for dyslipidemia. This study aimed to explore the effect of overall lifestyle on the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) death in dyslipidemia patients with or without lipid-lowering therapy.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study, and data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Overall lifestyle was assessed based on Mediterranean diet score, physical activity, smoking status, sleep duration, and body mass index (BMI). Multivariate Cox regression model was used to explore the effect of overall lifestyle score on the risk of all-cause mortality and CVD death. Results were shown as hazard ratio (HR), with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 11,549 dyslipidemia patients were finally included in this study. The results showed that optimal overall lifestyle was associated with the decreased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.34–0.64) and CVD death (HR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.22–0.94) in patients without lipid-lowering therapy. The similar results were found in patients with lipid-lowering therapy (all-cause mortality: HR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.33–0.62; CVD death: HR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.23–0.63).

Conclusions

A favorable overall lifestyle may have great benefits to improve the prognosis of dyslipidemia, highlighting the importance of overall lifestyle adjustment for dyslipidemia patients.
Evaluation of ITGB1 expression as a predictor of the therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastric cancer
Authors: Xu Chao , Xie Xiao-Li , Kang Ning , Jiang Hui-Qing
Published: September 2023

Background

Gastric cancer (CC) is a disease with high incidence and mortality rate. Immunotherapy is an important method for gastric cancer while lack of effective predictor. Integrins play an important role in the development. We aimed to explore the predictive value of β1 integrin (ITGB1) as a predictor of immunnotherapy in gastric cancer.

Methods

Differential expression analysis was conducted using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) 2.0 and GEO databases. GEPIA data were used to evaluate the prognostic value of ITGB1 in gastric cancer (GC). Transcriptomic and clinical data of GC and normal tissues were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and the TIMER database was used to evaluate the association between ITGB1 and immune infiltration. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the prognostic value of ITGB1. To verify ITGB1 expression at the protein level, immunohistochemical staining was conducted. In addition, to analyze the correlation of ITGB1 with PD-1 and PD-L1, we examined levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 by IHC and determined the predictive value of ITGB1 for anti-PD-1 therapy in GC by ROC curve analysis.

Results

Compared with normal tissues, analysis of GEPIA and data at protein levels showed significantly higher expression of ITGB1 in GC. In addition, higher expression of ITGB1 was associated with worse pathological G-staging and tumor T-staging, which suggested that ITGB1 is a risk factor for poor prognosis in GC. The level of ITGB1 expression was positively correlated with CD8 + T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. ITGB1 expression was also correlated with PD-L1 expression, and this was further verified at the protein level by immunohistochemical analysis. The area under the ROC curve was 0.808.

Conclusion

ITGB1 may be a promising prognostic biomarker and effective predictor for anti-PD-1 therapy in GC.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.
The quality of life in Alzheimer’s disease is not associated with handgrip strength but with activities of daily living–a composite study from 28 European countries
Authors: Qaisar Rizwan , Hussain M Azhar , Karim Asima , Ahmad Firdos , Franzese Fabio , Al-Masri Abeer A , Alsaad Saad M , Alkahtani Shaea Ayed
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and quality of life is inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential association between HGS and quality of life in the settings of ageing and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

We investigated the HGS, CASP-12 (control, autonomy, self-realization, and pleasure) measure of quality of life, and physical capacity in European adults above 50, including controls (n = 38,628) and AD subjects (n = 460) using the survey of health, ageing, and retirement in Europe (SHARE; 2022).

Results

AD subjects exhibited lower HGS and CASP-12 scores than controls (both p < 0.05). Participants with higher CASP-12 quartiles had higher HGS in controls but not in AD subjects. A linear positive relation was found between HGS and CASP-12 in controls (0.0842, p < 0.05) but not in AD subjects (0.0636, p = 0.091). There was no effect of gender on this finding. Lastly, we found significant negative associations of difficulties walking, rising from chair, climbing stairs, and fatigue with CASP-12 scores in controls and AD subjects (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Altogether, HGS was not associated with quality of life in individuals with AD. Conversely, difficulties in activities of daily living seem to be negatively associated with quality of life; thus, strategies are recommended to improve physical capacity.
Prophylaxis by doravirine-lamivudine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or elvitegravir-cobicistat-emtricitabine-tenofovir alafenamide after sexual exposure to HIV
Authors: Devred Inès , Kayembe Kick , Valin Nadia , Rougier Hayette , Shinga Bruce Wuembulua , Lambert-Niclot Sidonie , Chiarabini Thibault , Meyohas Marie-Caroline , Lacombe Karine
Published: September 2023

HIV post- exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a prevention tool for individuals with a recent potential exposure to HIV. Doravirine has been available since 2019 in combination with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and lamivudine and has not been evaluated as a PEP. DOR/3TC/TDF is our department’s most commonly prescribed PEP treatment since 2021. This study evaluates the completion rate of the DOR/3TC/TDF as compared to EVG/c/FTC/TAF for PEP, which was the regimen prescribed until 2020 in our hospital.

This retrospective observational study was conducted between January 2020 and September 2021. The subjects included consecutively were adults who consulted for an HIV sexual exposure accident and for whom DOR/3TC/TDF in 2021 or EVG/c/FTC/TAF in 2020 was prescribed. The outcomes were the completion rate to the end of treatment (28 days), the seroconversion rate, and the description of side effects.

During the study period, 311 people were included: 140 treated with DOR/3TC/TDF and 171 treated with EVGc/FTC/TAF. Considering subjects with a follow-up visit, the completion rate was 96.8% (90/93) in the DOR/3TC/TDF group, and 94.6% (123/130) in the EVG/c/FTC/TAF group (p-value: 0.53). The number of people lost to follow-up was nearly equivalent in both groups: 27.1% (38/140) in the DOR/3TC/TDF group and 23.4% (40/171) in the EVG/c/FTC/TAF group (p-value: 0.45). A side effect was described for 38% (36/94) in the DOR/3TC/TDF group, and 29.7% (38/128) in the EVG/c/FTC/TAF group. No cases of seroconversion were observed.

DOR/3TC/TDF appears to have a similar safety profile to EVG/c/FTC/TAF. Due to its lower cost, it seems to be a treatment option for consideration in the context of HIV-exposure accidents.
Association between cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 and zinc finger homeobox 3 gene polymorphisms and COVID-19 severity
Authors: Badr Eman A. , Elhelbawy Nesreen G. , Nagy Alaa Osama , Sultan Amany A. , Elnaidany Shereen S.
Published: September 2023

Background

There is no doubt about the cardiovascular complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Several genetic studies have demonstrated an association between genetic variants in a region on chromosome 9p21 and in a region on chromosome 16q22 with myocardial infarction (MI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) accompanied by cerebral infarction (CI), respectively.

Objectives

MI and CI susceptibility in patients with CDKN2B-AS1 and ZFHX3 polymorphisms, respectively, may have an effect on COVID-19 severity. We aimed to investigate whether there is an association between the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) rs1333049 and zinc finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3) rs2106261 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the degree of COVID-19 severity.

Subjects and methods

This current work was carried out on 360 subjects. They were classified into three groups: 90 severe COVID-19 cases, 90 moderate COVID-19 cases and 180 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. All subjects underwent genotyping of CDKN2B-AS1 (rs1333049) and ZFHX3 (rs2106261) by real-time PCR.

Results

The frequency of G/C in CDKN2B-AS1 (rs1333049) was higher in severe and moderate COVID-19 patients than in controls (71.1% and 53.3% vs. 37.8%). The frequency of the C/C of CDKN2B-AS1 (rs1333049) was higher in moderate COVID-19 patients than in controls (26.7% vs. 13.3%). There were no significant differences regarding genotype frequency and allelic distribution of ZFHX3 (rs2106261) between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls.

Conclusion

CDKN2B-AS1 (rs1333049) gene polymorphism may play a role in determining the degree of COVID-19 severity. Further studies on its effect on cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) [not measured in our study] may shed light on new treatment options for COVID-19.
Wilms’ tumour gene 1 (WT1) enhances non-small cell lung cancer malignancy and is inhibited by microRNA-498-5p
Authors: Li Xuebing , An Wenzhe , Pan Hongli , Fan Yaguang , Huang Hua , Wang Yixuan , Shen Wang , Zu Lingling , Meng Fanrong , Zhou Xuexia
Published: September 2023

Background

Wilms’ tumour gene 1 (WT1) is clearly recognized as a tumour promoter in diversiform of human malignancies. Nevertheless, knowledge of its expression, functions and potential molecular mechanisms in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains elusive.

Methods

Differential expression of WT1 mRNA and protein between NSCLC and normal tissues were assessed by analyzing RNA-seq data from Oncomine and protein data from Human Protein Atlas, respectively. Subsequently, prognosis significance and immune cell infiltration were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier plotter and CIBERSORT. 60 pairs of local NSCLC tissues were involved to validate WT1 expression by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. Moreover, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, transwell, dual luciferase reporter assays and in vivo xenograft tumour growth experiments were conducted to explore the function and mechanism of WT1 in NSCLC.

Results

Our solid data indicated that WT1 was increased in NSCLC tissues and cell lines in comparison with their matched controls. In particular, its upregulation correlated with worse prognosis and immune infiltration of the patients. Functional assays demonstrated that knockdown of WT1 inhibited NSCLC malignancy, including inhibiting cell proliferation, survival and invasion. Further exploration discovered that microRNA-498-5p (miR-498-5p) was the upstream suppressor of WT1 by directly targeting the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of WT1 mRNA. Moreover, expression of miR-498-5p was notably decreased and inversely correlated with WT1 in NSCLC tissues. Finally, we proved that miR-498-5p was a potent tumour suppressor in NSCLC by suppressing cell proliferation, survival and invasion, while WT1 restoration could in turn disrupt this suppression both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

The abnormal increase in WT1 contributes to the malignant properties of NSCLC cells, and miR-498-5p is a natural inhibitor of WT1. Our findings might facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies against NSCLC in the future.
Clinical and in vivo confocal microscopy characteristics of Candida keratitis following keratoplasty
Authors: Zhang Chen , Li Fei , Liu Hui , Jia Zhe , Zhao Shaozhen
Published: September 2023

Background

We present six patients who developed Candida keratitis postoperatively. The clinical features, diagnostic testing including in vivo confocal microscopy, and outcomes are presented.

Methods

Six patients who developed Candida keratitis following penetrating and endothelial keratoplasty, were referred to Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital between 2018 to 2021.The diagnosis was established following cultures of either corneal scraping or biopsy. In vivo confocal microscopy examination was also performed to confirm the diagnosis and characterize the morphology, distribution and the depth of Candida spp. All patients were treated with topical voriconazole (VCZ) 1% and natamycin (NTM) 5%. Patients with mid/deep stromal keratitis or interface infection were treated additionally with intrastromal or interface VCZ irrigation (0.05 mg/0.1mL).

Results

The cultures of corneal scrapings (4 cases) or biopsies (2 cases) were all positive for Candida spp. In vivo confocal microscopy examination was positive for fungal elements in five of the six patients. The infection resolved in five of the six patients. The patients’ final uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) ranged from hand movements (HM) to 20/80.

Conclusion

In vivo confocal microscopy is a useful non-invasive clinical technique for confirming the diagnosis of Candida keratitis. Intrastromal and interface irrigated VCZ injections are effective treatment options.
Clinical correlates and thyroid hormones of metabolic syndrome in first-episode and drug-naïve major depressive disorder outpatients with and without hyperglycemia: a comprehensive cross-sectional study
Authors: Zheng Siyang , Wang Zhiyang , Yang Limin , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: September 2023

Hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are common in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to explore the prevalence and clinical factors of MetS in first-episode and drug-naïve MDD (FEDND) patients with and without hyperglycemia. A total of 1,718 FEDND patients’ symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and positive subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Blood glucose levels, metabolic index, and thyroid hormones were measured during fasting. The prevalence of MetS in FEDND patients with hyperglycemia was 35.67 times higher than in FEDND patients without hyperglycemia. FEDND patients with MetS were older, had later age of onset, and were predominantly married than those without MetS (p < 0.05). Among FEDND patients without hyperglycemia, suicide attempts, severe anxiety, HAMD, HAMA, PANSS subscale scores, thyroid stimulating hormone, antithyroglobulin, and total cholesterol levels were all higher in patients with MetS than those without MetS (all p < 0.05). In FEDND patients without hyperglycemia, the combination of age and TgAb distinguished those patients with and without MetS. Our results suggest a high prevalence of MetS in FEDND patients with hyperglycemia. Several clinical variables and thyroid function-related hormones impact MetS in patients with FEDND.
Evaluation of the pilot wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in Norway, June 2022 – March 2023
Authors: Amato Ettore , Hyllestad Susanne , Heradstveit Petter , Langlete Petter , Moen Line Victoria , Rohringer Andreas , Pires João , Baz Lomba Jose Antonio , Bragstad Karoline , Feruglio Siri Laura , Aavitsland Preben , Madslien Elisabeth Henie
Published: September 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater-based surveillance gained great international interest as an additional tool to monitor SARS-CoV-2. In autumn 2021, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health decided to pilot a national wastewater surveillance (WWS) system for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants between June 2022 and March 2023. We evaluated the system to assess if it met its objectives and its attribute-based performance.

Methods

We adapted the available guidelines for evaluation of surveillance systems. The evaluation was carried out as a descriptive analysis and consisted of the following three steps: (i) description of the WWS system, (ii) identification of users and stakeholders, and (iii) analysis of the system’s attributes and performance including sensitivity, specificity, timeliness, usefulness, representativeness, simplicity, flexibility, stability, and communication. Cross-correlation analysis was performed to assess the system’s ability to provide early warning signal of new wave of infections.

Results

The pilot WWS system was a national surveillance system using existing wastewater infrastructures from the largest Norwegian municipalities. We found that the system was sensitive, timely, useful, representative, simple, flexible, acceptable, and stable to follow the general trend of infection. Preliminary results indicate that the system could provide an early signal of changes in variant distribution. However, challenges may arise with: (i) specificity due to temporary fluctuations of RNA levels in wastewater, (ii) representativeness when downscaling, and (iii) flexibility and acceptability when upscaling the system due to limited resources and/or capacity.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the pilot WWS system met most of its surveillance objectives. The system was able to provide an early warning signal of 1-2 weeks, and the system was useful to monitor infections at population level and complement routine surveillance when individual testing activity was low. However, temporary fluctuations of WWS values need to be carefully interpreted. To improve quality and efficiency, we recommend to standardise and validate methods for assessing trends of new waves of infection and variants, evaluate the WWS system using a longer operational period particularly for new variants, and conduct prevalence studies in the population to calibrate the system and improve data interpretation.
Association between serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D and albuminuiria in middle-aged and older Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhang Luyan , Guo Qian , Xu Yanjia , Wei Wenzhen , Wang Yu
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objective was to analyze the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) level and albuminuiria in middle-aged and older patients with type 2 diabetes of Gansu Province.

Methods

Data pertaining to 380 in-patients with type 2 diabetes were collected. Subjects were classified groups based on gender,age,25(OH)D,BMI and UACR.Serum 25(OH)D and other clinical characteristics among various UACR groups were compared.The relationship between albuminuiria and 25(OH)D was analyzed.

Results

Out of the 380 subjects, 83.4%were classified as vitamin D deficiency, 14.5%were classified as vitamin D insufficiency, while 2.1% were classified as vitamin D sufficiency. Among the participants,41% had albuminuria (microalbuminuria,28.7%;macroalbuminuria,12.3%).The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in the albuminuria group(84.6%) was significantly higher than that in the normoalbuminuria group(82.6%)(Mann–Whitney U test:Z = -3.86,P = 0.000); patients with macroalbuminuria had the highest prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency (91.5%; P < 0.01 versus normoalbuminuria).A binary logistic analysis demonstrated that 25(OH)D were protective factors for albuminuria.

Conclusions

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with albuminuria was overtly higher than that in patients without albuminuria among middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes.
Association between number of remaining teeth and incident depression in a rural Chilean cohort
Authors: Ortuño Duniel , Martínez Constanza , Caneo Constanza
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Previous studies have established an association between tooth loss and depression. However, longitudinal evidence is scarce and needs to be verified in other populations. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal association between the number of remaining teeth and incident depression at 2- and 4-years follow-up in individuals enrolled in the Maule cohort (MAUCO) in Chile.

Methods

This prospective study used the information of individuals, aged 38 to 74 years, excluding those with depression at baseline. The number of remaining teeth at baseline was determined in four groups: “20 or more teeth”, “10 to 19 teeth”, “1 to 9 teeth” and “no natural teeth”. Depression was measured through the PHQ-9. Logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratios (OR) for incidence depression at both periods of follow-ups, adjusting for age, sex, educational attainment, diabetes mellitus II, and stressful events at follow-up. Also, we performed adjusted multinomial logistic models to analysis the association between the number of remaining teeth and depression severity.

Results

In total individuals (n = 3335 at follow 1, n = 2461 at follow 2), all groups have ORs for incident depression above 1 considering 20 or more teeth as reference. In men, those with 10–19 teeth have 2.44 times higher odds of incident depression than those with 20 or more teeth (OR 2.44, CI 95% 1.33–4.50). Edentulous subjects at 4 years follow-up had 2.24 times higher odds of depression than those with more than 20 teeth (OR 2.24 CI 95%1.35–3.72). In women, the ORs (CI 95%) of incident depression were 2.56 (1.50–4.39), 1.56 (1.02–2.40) and 1.27 (0.90–1.81) for “none”, “1–9”, “10–19” respectively in comparison to the reference group. In edentulous individuals at baseline, the odds for each of the comparisons “mild vs no”, “moderate vs no”, “moderately severe vs no” and “severe vs no” were above 1, at both follow-ups.

Conclusion

Individuals with less than 20 teeth in the mouth could had higher odds of incident depression at 2- and 4-years follow-up, with differences between men and women. Also, in our study, edentulism was associated with increased odds of incident depression at 4-years follow-up in women, and with higher levels of severity of depressive symptoms.
The mediating role of menstrual irregularity on obesity and sexual function in Chinese women with pelvic floor disorders: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lv Xiaoyang , Yang Huijun , Yan Miaomiao , Jin Xuli , Shen Xin , Li Shu , Zhang Miqing , Su Sha , Liu Xiaoyan , Chen Jie
Published: September 2023

Background

Sexual problems are common among women with pelvic floor disorders (PFD). Few studies have explored the relationship between obesity and sexual function in women with PFD. This study aimed to prove that obesity was a risk factor for worse sexual function in women with PFD, and to investigate the mediating role of menstrual irregularity.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving 783 women with PFD from Shandong Province, China between June 2020 and February 2021. Female sexual function was assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/UI Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12). Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 28.0. Menstrual irregularity was defined as menstrual cycles ≥ 35 or menstrual cycles < 25 days. Logistic regression and multiple linear regression were employed to explore the association among obesity, menstrual irregularity and sexual function.

Results

Obesity was associated with worse PISQ-12 scores compared with normal- weight women (mean score 28.14 ± 7.03 versus 32.75 ± 5.66, p < 0.001). After adjusting for controlling variables, women with obesity (β= -3.74, p < 0.001) and menstrual irregularity (β= -3.41, p < 0.001) had a worse sexual function. Menstrual irregularity had a mediation effect on the association between obesity and sexual function.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence that obesity was associated with worse sexual function in women with PFDs, and the effect of obesity on sexual function was partially mediated by menstrual irregularity. Weight control may have potential benefits for improving sexual function and preventing female sexual dysfunction. It’s also important to pay attention to the menstrual cycle.
Mother-daughter communication of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) matters and associated factors among sinhalese adolescent girls aged 14–19 years, in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mataraarachchi D. , A Pathirana T.E. , Buddhika P.K Mahesh , C Vithana P.V.S.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

School-based and community-based sexuality education has not shown a significant impact on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes of Sri Lankan adolescents. Parents, as the primary educators of adolescents, could potentially serve as better sources for providing individualized sexuality education to their children.

Objective

To assess the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics discussed between mothers and daughters, barriers to communication, and associations of SRH communication among Sinhala adolescent girls aged 14–19 years in Sri Lanka.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 810 Sinhala adolescent girls using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics pertaining to mother-daughter communication in SRH matters were presented using frequencies and percentages. Bivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the association of selected socio-demographic factors with mother-daughter SRH communication, while binary logistic analysis was used to assess the independent association of chosen demographic factors with mother-daughter SRH communication.

Results

The majority of the respondents (67.1%, n = 540) indicated a willingness to discuss SRH matters with their mothers. For 78.2% (n = 632) of the respondents, the mother was the preferred source of SRH information. Common topics discussed between the mothers and daughters included issues related to menstruation (88.4%, n = 701) and maintaining personal boundaries (94%, n = 718), whereas less discussed topics included homosexuality (21%, n = 166), and preventing unwanted pregnancy (38.6%, n = 305). Cultural barriers, fear of mothers’ reactions, and mothers’ lack of confidence in responding to their daughter’s SRH matters were the main barriers to discussing SRH topics with mothers. Adolescent girls’ age, and family income level were significantly associated with mother-daughter SRH communication.

Conclusions and recommendations

Although a majority of adolescent girls preferred to share their sexual health concerns with their mothers, a notable barrier was the lack of confidence from the mother’s side. Furthermore, the scope of mother-daughter sexual communication in this study was largely limited to less sensitive topics. In light of these findings, it is suggested that interventions targeted at parents be developed alongside school-based sex education for adolescents. These interventions should aim to enhance parents’ knowledge and skills in discussing sexual health matters with their adolescent children.