bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Harnessing the power of the law’: a qualitative analysis of the legal determinants of health in English urban planning and recommendations for fairer and healthier decision-making
Authors: Montel Lisa
Published: February 2023

Background

Urban environments impact negatively on the risks of non-communicable diseases and perpetuate health inequalities. Against this, law could play a critical role, notably through implementing and securing visions of health and well-being, and evidence-based interventions.

Methods

Seven teams conducted 123 interviews with 132 actors in urban planning in England. Teams had expertise in urban planning, transport, real estate, public health, public policy, administration, and management. An additional team with expertise in law analysed data from all interviews to explore how the law is perceived and used to promote health in urban planning.

Results

Six issues were identified as preventing actors from using the law to improve health in urban planning: (i) density and complexity of the law; (ii) weak and outdated regulatory standards; (iii) absence of health from legal requirements in the decision-making process; (iv) inconsistent interpretations by actors with competing interests; (v) lack of strong health evidence-based local planning policies; and (vi) inertia of the law.

Conclusions

The legal determinants of health listed in the Lancet-O’Neill Commission’s report need to be strengthened at the local level to effectively deploy law in English urban development. The findings call for strong, evidence-based local planning policies and decision-making frameworks, placing health as (one of the) core value(s) of urban planning and showing what types of development benefit health, i.e., prevent NCDs risks and reduce health inequalities on the long term. The legal capacity of local government should be strengthened to empower decision-makers in shaping urban development that promotes health for everyone.
Childhood obesity inequality in northeast China: joint effect of social economic status and school neighborhood environment
Authors: Liu Yang , Trude Angela Cristina Bizzotto , Song Shenzhi , Jiang Nan , Wang Shihan , Gittelsohn Joel , Wen Deliang
Published: February 2023

Background

Obesogenic environment is important in driving obesity epidemic. Children spend large amount of their time in schools. School neighborhood environment, as well as its interaction with socioeconomic status (SES) needs to be explored to provide evidence for children obesity prevention policies.

Methods

Objective anthropometric measurement, a household structured questionnaire, and school geospatial analyses were carried out on 3670 children (aged 9–12 years) of 26 schools in northeast China. Interaction between SES inter-categorical intersectionality group and school neighborhood environment was tested for the effect on children’s body mass index z scores (z-BMI) and waist–hip ratio z scores (z-WHR), following formulation of SES inter-categorical intersectionality group based on household wealth, parental education, and parental occupation.

Results

SES groups formed by household wealth, parental education and parental occupation was associated with z-BMI and z-WHR for girls. Those from moderate wealth & self-employed (M&S) families had the highest adjusted z-BMI and z-WHR among all SES groups. School neighborhood environment factors interacted with SES groups in association with WHR for girls. Number of school neighborhood supermarkets and residential sites were negatively associated with z-WHR for girls from M&S families (β= -0.45 (95%CI: -0.76, -0.15) for supermarkets; β= -0.01 (95%CI: -0.03, 0.00) for residential sites). Number of school neighborhood convenience stores and public transport stops were positively associated with z-WHR for girls from M&S families (β = 0.02 (95%CI: 0.00, 0.03) for convenience stores; β = 0.23 (95%CI: 0.15, 0.31) for public transport stops). While non-significant association was found for number of vegetable stores.

Conclusion

Girls from moderate wealth & self-employed families may be the group susceptible to school neighborhood environment. Local policies targeted at improving the school neighborhood environment may be one avenue for reducing socioeconomic disparities in obesity especially for girls.
Stronger together: Coping behaviours and mental health changes of Canadian adolescents in early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Riazi Negin A. , Battista Katelyn , Duncan Markus J. , Wade Terrance J. , Pickett William , Ferro Mark A. , Leatherdale Scott T. , Patte Karen A.
Published: February 2023

Background

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent public health restrictions on the mental health of adolescents is of global concern. The purpose of this study was to examine how Canadian adolescents coped during the early pandemic and whether different coping methods were associated with changes in mental health from before the pandemic to the early lockdown response.

Methods

Using two-year linked survey data (2018–2020) from a prospective cohort of secondary school students (n = 3,577), linear regression models were used to examine whether changes in mental health (anxiety [Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale], depression [Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression 10-item scale Revised], emotion regulation [Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale], psychosocial well-being [Flourishing scale]) were related to each coping behaviour.

Results

The most common reported coping behaviours included staying connected with friends online (78.8%), playing video games, watching TV/movies, and/or surfing the internet/social media (76.2%), studying or working on schoolwork (71.0%), and getting exercise (65.2%). The use of positive coping mechanisms during the early pandemic period (e.g., keeping a regular schedule, time with family, time with friends online) was associated with less adverse mental health changes from before to during the early lockdown; whereas, negative coping mechanisms (e.g., spending time alone, eating junk food) were consistently associated with more adverse mental health changes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the importance of social support and connections with both friends and family, as well as keeping and maintaining a routine, over the pandemic. Interventions supporting positive relationships and engagement in these coping behaviours may be protective for adolescent mental health during disruptive events.
The effect of interlaminar Coflex stabilization in the topping-off procedure on local and global spinal sagittal alignment
Authors: Wang Dong-Fan , Zhu Wei-Guo , Wang Wei , Kong Chao , Lu Shi-Bao
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effect of interlaminar Coflex stabilization (ICS) at various segments in the topping-off procedure on local and global spinal sagittal alignment.

Methods

Eighty-nine consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) who underwent ICS and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into Group A (L4-L5 ICS + L5-S1 TLIF), Group B (L3-L4 ICS + L4-S1 TLIF), and Group C (L2-L3 ICS + L3-S1 TLIF) according to their fusion levels. The measured local sagittal parameters included the implanted segmental angle (ISA), intervertebral disc angle (IDA), intervertebral foreman height (IFH), and disc height. The assessed global sagittal parameters included thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis (LL), the fused segment angle (FSA), the sacral slope, the pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, and the sagittal vertical axis. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scales (VAS) were recorded to evaluate the clinical outcomes.

Results

Regarding the local alignment parameters, the ISA and IDA decreased immediately after surgery in Groups A and B, followed by an increase at the last follow-up (all, P < 0.05). Conversely, the IFH of Groups A and B first increased after surgery and then decreased to approximately the original value (all, P < 0.05). No significant differences were evident between the local sagittal parameters at different time points in Group C. Regarding the global sagittal profiles, the LL and FSA exhibited a significant postoperative increase (both at P < 0.05) in all the groups. All three groups displayed significant improvements in the ODI, VAS-back pain, and VAS-leg pain. Furthermore, 4.5% (4/89) of the patients exhibited radiographic adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) at the last follow-up.

Conclusion

ICS during topping-off surgery led to a temporary loss of local lordosis, especially in the lower lumbar segment, while the intervertebral space realigned after middle-term follow-up. The topping-off procedure with ICS is a feasible and promising surgical option of DLSS since it reduces fusion levels and prevents ASD development.
Prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence and associated factors in Iranian postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alizadeh Afsaneh , Montazeri Maryam , Shabani Fatemeh , Bani Soheila , Hassanpour Shirin , Nabighadim Mahsan , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: February 2023

Background

Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common symptoms during menopause, leading to a decreased quality of life and limited social activities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence and associated risk factors in postmenopausal women.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional study using cluster sampling on 433 postmenopausal women in Tabriz-Iran, 2021–2022. Data were collected using questionnaires of socio-demographic characteristics, Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UISF). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors related to urinary incontinence.

Results

The overall prevalence of urinary incontinence was 39.5%; 20.6% stress urinary incontinence (SUI), 10.4% urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and 8.5% mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the prevalence of SUI (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18–0.77) and UUI (aOR 0.38; 95% CI 0.15–0.94) was significantly lower in women with three childbirths than the ones with fewer childbirths. Also, the odds of UUI increased significantly in women at the 50–55 age range (aOR 3.88; 95% CI 1.16–12.93) than those less than 50 years.

Conclusion

Due to the high prevalence of urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women, caregivers should screen for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of urinary incontinence to prevent its destructive impact on the quality of life.
Lack of oral health awareness and interdisciplinary dental care: a survey in patients prior to endoprosthesis and orthopaedic centres in Germany
Authors: Schmalz Gerhard , Lenzen Carina , Reuschel Florentine , Fenske Fabian , Haak Rainer , Goralski Szymon , Roth Andreas , Ziebolz Dirk
Published: February 2023

Objectives

This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate the oral health behaviour of patients prior to endoprosthesis (EP), as well as the handling of oral health topics by German orthopaedic surgeons.

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients prior to EP answered a questionnaire regarding oral health behaviour, oral hygiene, oral complaints and information on the relationship between EP and oral health. Another questionnaire was digitally mailed to orthopaedic centres throughout Germany. This questionnaire included the importance of oral health for EP and issues on dental referrals/consultations prior to EP.

Results

A total of 172 patients were included in the study, of whom 35.5% of patients reported that they were informed about oral health and EP. Half of the individuals reported regular professional tooth cleaning, and less than one-third (29.1%) reported of the performance of interdental cleaning. Information on oral health and EP was associated with regular professional tooth cleaning (yes: 59.8% vs. no: 35.6%, p = 0.01). A total of 221 orthopaedic clinics were included in the study, of which only a few had dental contact (14%), although the majority (92.8%) of the clinics were familiar with causal relationships between oral health and EP infections. Less than half of the centres reported of either verbal (48%) or written (43.9%) referrals for their patients to the dentist. University Medical Centres reported of more frequent dental contacts (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Prior to EP, patients exhibited deficits in oral health behaviour, and orthopaedic clinics exhibited a lack of dental collaboration. Improvements in interdisciplinary care, especially regarding practical concepts for patient referral and education on oral health, appear to be necessary.
Factors in oral-related quality of life of betel quid users receiving oral mucosal screening: a cross‑sectional study in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Su-Erh , Kang Chung-Jan , Chen Shu-Ching
Published: February 2023

Background

Betel quid (BQ) chewing is associated with poor oral hygiene, psychological impairment, and acute and long-term addictive effects, resulting in worse oral-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The purpose of this study was to characterize the factors associated with OHRQoL among BQ users receiving oral mucosal screening.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected by random sampling of BQ users who visited outpatient departments receiving oral mucosal screening in a medical center Taiwan. The oral health assessment tool, the state anxiety inventory, the betel quid dependence scale, and the oral health impact profile were used to measure oral health status, anxiety, BQ dependence, and OHRQoL, respectively. Pearson’s product-moment coefficient was used to examine the relationship between OHRQoL and the selected independent variables. Independent-samples t-test was used to compare OHRQoL by annual family income, the presence of chronic disease, and BQ dependence. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with OHRQoL.

Results

A total of 175 BQ users were surveyed. Factors associated with OHRQoL included oral health status, anxiety, and BQ dependence. BQ users reporting low oral health status, greater anxiety, and more BQ dependence were more likely to have worse OHRQoL.

Conclusions

Poor oral health status, anxiety, and BQ dependence negatively impact on OHRQoL among patients with BQ use receiving oral mucosal screening.
Research on outpatient capacity planning combining lean thinking and integer linear programming
Authors: hua Li , Dongmei Mu , Xinyu Yang , Xinyue Zhang , Shutong Wang , Dongxuan Wang , Hao Peng , Ying Wang
Published: February 2023

Background

The size and cost of outpatient capacity directly affect the operational efficiency of a whole hospital. Many scholars have faced the study of outpatient capacity planning from an operations management perspective.

Objective

The outpatient service is refined, and the quantity allocation problem of each type of outpatient service is modeled as an integer linear programming problem. Thus, doctors’ work efficiency can be improved, patients’ waiting time can be effectively reduced, and patients can be provided with more satisfactory medical services.

Methods

Outpatient service is divided into examination and diagnosis service according to lean thinking. CPLEX is used to solve the integer linear programming problem of outpatient service allocation, and the maximum working time is minimized by constraint solution.

Results

A variety of values are taken for the relevant parameters of the outpatient service, using CPLEX to obtain the minimum and maximum working time corresponding to each situation. Compared with no refinement stratification, the work efficiency of senior doctors has increased by an average of 25%. In comparison, the patient flow of associate senior doctors has increased by an average of 50%.

Conclusion

In this paper, the method of outpatient capacity planning improves the work efficiency of senior doctors and provides outpatient services for more patients in need; At the same time, it indirectly reduces the waiting time of patients receiving outpatient services from senior doctors. And the patient flow of the associate senior doctors is improved, which helps to improve doctors’ technical level and solve the problem of shortage of medical resources.
The allocation and fairness of health human resources in Chinese maternal and child health care institutions: a nationwide longitudinal study
Authors: Ma Yuan , Xiao Pei , Yu Li , Ni Henfan , Huang Shiyao , Wang Meixian , Huang Yuxiang , Li Li , Yang Lian , Tan Chunjian , Zhong Zhigang
Published: February 2023

Background

In response to an aging population, the Chinese government implemented the three-child policy in 2021 based on the comprehensive two-child policy. With the implementation of the new birth policy, people’s maternal and child health (MCH) needs will also increase. The allocation and fairness of MCH human resources directly affect people’s access to MCH services. The purpose of this study is to analyze the allocation of health human resources in Chinese maternal and child health care institutions, evaluate the fairness of the allocation, to provide a reference for the rational allocation of MCH human resources.

Methods

The data of health technicians, licensed (assistant) physicians, and registered nurses in maternal and child health care institutions nationwide from 2016 to 2020 were included. The health resource density index (HRDI) is used to evaluate the allocation level of MCH human resources. The Gini coefficient (G) and Theil index (T) are used to evaluate the fairness of the allocation of MCH human resources from the perspectives of population and geographic area.

Results

From 2016 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of the number of health technicians, licensed (assistant) physicians, and registered nurses in Chinese maternal and child health care institutions was 7.53, 6.88, and 9.12%, respectively. The Gini coefficient (G) of the three types of MCH human resources allocated by population were all below 0.23, and the Gini coefficient (G) allocated by geographical area were all above 0.65. The Theil index (T) of the three types of MCH human resources allocated by population was all lower than 0.06, and the Theil index (T) allocated by geographical area was all higher than 0.53. In addition, the three types of MCH human resources allocated by population and geographic area contributed more than 84% of the Theil index within the group (Tintra) to the Theil index (T).

Conclusions

China’s MCH human resources were fair in terms of population allocation, but unfair in terms of geographical area allocation. In the future, more attention should be paid to the geographical accessibility of MCH human resources, and the allocation of resources should comprehensively consider the two factors of serving the population and geographical area.
Atomic force microscopy reveals involvement of the cell envelope in biomechanical properties of sickle erythrocytes
Authors: Wang Kun , Li Zhiqiang , Egini Ogechukwu , Wadgaonkar Raj , Jiang Xian-Cheng , Chen Yong
Published: February 2023

Background

Intracellular hemoglobin polymerization has been supposed to be the major determinant for the elevated rigidity/stiffness of sickle erythrocytes from sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients. However, the contribution of the cell envelope remains unclear.

Results

In this study, using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we compared the normal and sickled erythrocyte surfaces for stiffness and topography. AFM detected that sickle cells had a rougher surface and were stiffer than normal erythrocytes and that sickle cell ghosts had a rougher surface (for both outer and inner surfaces) and were thicker than normal ghosts, the latter implying a higher membrane-associated hemoglobin content/layer in the sickle cell envelope. Compared to healthy subjects, the SCA patients had lower plasma lipoprotein levels. AFM further revealed that a mild concentration of methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD, a putative cholesterol-depleting reagent) could induce an increase in roughness of erythrocytes/ghosts and a decrease in thickness of ghosts for both normal and sickle cells, implying that MβCD can alter the cell envelope from outside (cholesterol in the plasma membrane) to inside (membrane-associated hemoglobin). More importantly, MβCD also caused a more significant decrease in stiffness of sickle cells than that of normal erythrocytes.

Conclusions

The data reveal that besides the cytosolic hemoglobin fibers, the cell envelope containing the membrane-associated hemoglobin also is involved in the biomechanical properties (e.g., stiffness and shape maintenance) of sickle erythrocytes.
XY sex determination in a cnidarian
Authors: Chen Ruoxu , Sanders Steven M. , Ma Zhiwei , Paschall Justin , Chang E. Sally , Riscoe Brooke M. , Schnitzler Christine E. , Baxevanis Andreas D. , Nicotra Matthew L.
Published: February 2023

Background

Sex determination occurs across animal species, but most of our knowledge about its mechanisms comes from only a handful of bilaterian taxa. This limits our ability to infer the evolutionary history of sex determination within animals.

Results

In this study, we generated a linkage map of the genome of the colonial cnidarian Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus and used it to demonstrate that this species has an XX/XY sex determination system. We demonstrate that the X and Y chromosomes have pseudoautosomal and non-recombining regions. We then use the linkage map and a method based on the depth of sequencing coverage to identify genes encoded in the non-recombining region and show that many of them have male gonad-specific expression. In addition, we demonstrate that recombination rates are enhanced in the female genome and that the haploid chromosome number in Hydractinia is n = 15.

Conclusions

These findings establish Hydractinia as a tractable non-bilaterian model system for the study of sex determination and the evolution of sex chromosomes.
Maternal obesity and programming of metabolic syndrome in the offspring: searching for mechanisms in the adipocyte progenitor pool
Authors: Scheidl Taylor B. , Brightwell Amy L. , Easson Sarah H. , Thompson Jennifer A.
Published: February 2023

Background

It is now understood that it is the quality rather than the absolute amount of adipose tissue that confers risk for obesity-associated disease. Adipose-derived stem cells give rise to adipocytes during the developmental establishment of adipose depots. In adult depots, a reservoir of progenitors serves to replace adipocytes that have reached their lifespan and for recruitment to increase lipid buffering capacity under conditions of positive energy balance.

Main

The adipose tissue expandability hypothesis posits that a failure in de novo differentiation of adipocytes limits lipid storage capacity and leads to spillover of lipids into the circulation, precipitating the onset of obesity-associated disease. Since adipose progenitors are specified to their fate during late fetal life, perturbations in the intrauterine environment may influence the rapid expansion of adipose depots that occurs in childhood or progenitor function in established adult depots. Neonates born to mothers with obesity or diabetes during pregnancy tend to have excessive adiposity at birth and are at increased risk for childhood adiposity and cardiometabolic disease.

Conclusion

In this narrative review, we synthesize current knowledge in the fields of obesity and developmental biology together with literature from the field of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) to put forth the hypothesis that the intrauterine milieu of pregnancies complicated by maternal metabolic disease disturbs adipogenesis in the fetus, thereby accelerating the trajectory of adipose expansion in early postnatal life and predisposing to impaired adipose plasticity.
Mechanisms of pulmonary disease in F344 rats after workplace-relevant inhalation exposure to cross-linked water-soluble acrylic acid polymers
Authors: Yamano Shotaro , Takeda Tomoki , Goto Yuko , Hirai Shigeyuki , Furukawa Yusuke , Kikuchi Yoshinori , Misumi Kyohei , Suzuki Masaaki , Takanobu Kenji , Senoh Hideki , Saito Misae , Kondo Hitomi , Kobashi Yoichiro , Okamoto Kenzo , Kishimoto Takumi , Umeda Yumi
Published: February 2023

Background

Recently in Japan, six workers at a chemical plant that manufactures resins developed interstitial lung diseases after being involved in loading and packing cross-linked water-soluble acrylic acid polymers (CWAAPs). The present study focused on assessing lung damage in rats caused by workplace-relevant inhalation exposure to CWAAP and investigated the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in lung lesion development.

Methods

Using a whole-body inhalation exposure system, male F344 rats were exposed once to 40 or 100 mg/m3 of CWAAP-A for 4 h or to 15 or 40 mg/m3 of CWAAP-A for 4 h per day once per week for 2 months (9 exposures). In a separate set of experiments, male F344 rats were administered 1 mg/kg CWAAP-A or CWAAP-B by intratracheal instillation once every 2 weeks for 2 months (5 doses). Lung tissues, mediastinal lymph nodes, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected and subjected to biological and histopathological analyses.

Results

A single 4-h exposure to CWAAP-A caused alveolar injury, and repeated exposures resulted in regenerative changes in the alveolar epithelium with activation of TGFβ signaling. During the recovery period after the last exposure, some alveolar lesions were partially healed, but other lesions developed into alveolitis with fibrous thickening of the alveolar septum. Rats administered CWAAP-A by intratracheal instillation developed qualitatively similar pulmonary pathology as rats exposed to CWAAP-A by inhalation. At 2 weeks after intratracheal instillation, rats administered CWAAP-B appeared to have a slightly higher degree of lung lesions compared to rats administered CWAAP-A, however, there was no difference in pulmonary lesions in the CWAAP-A and CWAAP-B exposed rats examined 18 weeks after administration of these materials.

Conclusions

The present study reports our findings on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of pulmonary disease in rats after workplace-relevant inhalation exposure to CWAAP-A. This study also demonstrates that the lung pathogenesis of rats exposed to CWAAP-A by systemic inhalation was qualitatively similar to that of rats administered CWAAP-A by intratracheal instillation.

Graphical Abstract
Healthcare discrimination and factors associated with gender-affirming healthcare avoidance by transgender women and transgender men in Thailand: findings from a cross-sectional online-survey study
Authors: Boonyapisomparn Nachale , Manojai Natthaporn , Srikummoon Pimwarat , Bunyatisai Walaithip , Traisathit Patrinee , Homkham Nontiya
Published: February 2023

Background

Although discriminatory experiences of transgender people seeking healthcare services have been well-documented in several studies, differentiating those experiences based on gender identity/expression and related factors has been limited. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics, experiences, attitude, and expectation toward accessing healthcare service and healthcare providers of transgender women and transgender men in Thailand.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2017 to March 2018. The data were collected from transgender women and transgender men aged ≥ 18 years old who lived in Thailand using online platform via different websites and Facebook pages of local transgender group. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the factors related to the study outcomes.

Results

Of 186 transgender people who responded to the questionnaire and were eligible for the study, 73.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 66.7–79.8) were transgender women and 26.3% (95% CI = 20.2–33.3) were transgender men. Transgender women were more likely to seek general healthcare from non-traditional healthcare services (crude odds ratio [cOR] = 4.28; 95% CI = 1.55–11.81; P = 0.005), buy hormone treatment from non-traditional healthcare services (cOR = 3.89; 95% CI = 1.18–12.83; P = 0.026), and receive healthcare counseling from non-traditional healthcare providers (cOR = 5.16; 95% CI = 1.42–18.75; P = 0.013) than transgender men. According to the results of applying a multivariable model, transgender respondents who did not know that gender-affirming healthcare services existed in Thailand were more unwilling to receive counseling from gender-affirming healthcare providers than those who did (adjusted odds ratio = 3.70; 95% CI = 1.11–12.36; P = 0.033).

Conclusions

The findings from this cross-sectional study indicate that transgender women are more likely than transgender men to receive general healthcare and hormone treatment from non-traditional healthcare services and buy hormone treatment without a physician’s supervision. We also found approximately 15% of transgender individuals who did not receive gender-affirming counseling services. Continuing to improve access to care for the transgender community, increasing public relations channels may encourage transgender people to access more healthcare services.
Emerging roles of tRNA-derived fragments in cancer
Authors: Fu Min , Gu Jianmei , Wang Maoye , Zhang Jiahui , Chen Yanke , Jiang Pengcheng , Zhu Taofeng , Zhang Xu
Published: February 2023

tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are an emerging category of small non-coding RNAs that are generated from cleavage of mature tRNAs or tRNA precursors. The advance in high-throughput sequencing has contributed to the identification of increasing number of tRFs with critical functions in distinct physiological and pathophysiological processes. tRFs can regulate cell viability, differentiation, and homeostasis through multiple mechanisms and are thus considered as critical regulators of human diseases including cancer. In addition, increasing evidence suggest the extracellular tRFs may be utilized as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cancer liquid biopsy. In this review, we focus on the biogenesis, classification and modification of tRFs, and summarize the multifaceted functions of tRFs with an emphasis on the current research status and perspectives of tRFs in cancer.
IgG4 related pericardium and lung disease in pediatric patient complicated with fatal massive hemoptysis: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Saad Moustafa Ali , Ahmed Hamdy , Elgohary Rasmia , El Gendy Hala Ibrahem
Published: February 2023

Background

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a progressive and sometimes fatal disease that rarely affects pediatric age group. It may affect the orbits, lacrimal and salivary glands, pancreas, kidneys, peritoneum and other organs. Lung and pleura are not commonly reported in IgG4-RD. We here present a rare case of pediatric IgG4-RD with rare involvement of pericardium, pleura and lungs.

Case presentation

A 13-year-old girl presented with intrathoracic IgG4-RD with pleuropericardial involvement. She showed initial improvement on prednisolone. Azathioprine and then mycophenolate failed to control relapses during steroid tapering. Her last relapse was treated by rituximab however, the patient developed acute fatal massive hemoptysis.

Conclusions

Pediatric IgG4-RD is a rare entity with pericardio-pulmonary affection as the rare of the rare. Usual treatment of prednisolone and steroid sparing agents should be used, with rituximab used as a rescue therapy, but fatal complications may occur.
Recurrent central nervous system Rosai-Dorfman disease with KRAS mutation: a case report
Authors: Wang Qingyang , Ren Hongxiang , Zheng Liyuan , Wang Juan , Zhong Dingrong
Published: February 2023

Background

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis of unknown etiology. we report a very rare case of recurrent central nervous system RDD with KRAS gene mutation and review the literature to improve our understanding of this disease.

Case presentation

A 19-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital for headache. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass of abnormal signal shadows in the prepontine cistern. The mass was surgically removed and the patient was consequently diagnosed with intracranial Rosai-Dorfman disease. Seven months later, pathological examination confirmed that the RDD had recurred. Next-generation sequencing found KRAS mutation in exon 4 (C.351A > C. P. K117n).

Conclusion

RDD of the CNS has no distinct clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics, and the final diagnosis should be based on the results of the pathological examination. Although RDD is not currently classified as a neoplastic disorder, some evidence of clonality has changed our understanding of it. Follow up examinations over a long period are necessary to determine the efficacy of treatment.
Predictors for surgical site infection after fasciotomy in patients with acute leg compartment syndrome
Authors: Yang Shuo , Long Yubin , Wang Tao , Guo Junfei , Hou Zhiyong
Published: February 2023

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications of orthopedic surgery, which can result in fever, pain, and even life-threatening sepsis. This study aimed to determine the predictors of SSI after fasciotomy in patients with acute leg compartment syndrome (ALCS).

Methods

We collected information on 125 ALCS patients who underwent fasciotomy in two hospitals between November 2013 and January 2021. Patients with SSI were considered as the SSI group and those without SSI as the non-SSI group. Univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to evaluate patient demographics, comorbidities, and admission laboratory examinations.

Results

In our research, the rate of SSI (26 of 125) was 20.8%. Several predictors of SSI were found using univariate analysis, including body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.001), patients with open fractures (p = 0.003), and patients with a history of smoking (p = 0.004). Besides, the levels of neutrophil (p = 0.022), glucose (p = 0.041), globulin (p = 0.010), and total carbon dioxide were higher in the SSI group than in the non-SSI group. According to the results of the logistic regression analysis, patients with open fractures (p = 0.023, OR 3.714), patients with a history of smoking (p = 0.010, OR 4.185), and patients with a higher BMI (p = 0.014, OR 1.209) were related predictors of SSI. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis indicated 24.69 kg/m2 as the cut-off value of BMI to predict SSI.

Conclusions

Our results revealed open fractures, BMI, and smoking history as independent risk factors for SSI following fasciotomy in patients with ALCS and determined the cut-off value of BMI, enabling us to individualize the evaluation of the risk for SSI to implement early targeted treatments.
Efficacy and safety of anti-interleukin-1 therapeutics in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yu Lizhi , Luo Raoshan , Qin Gang , Zhang Qinyan , Liang Weiming
Published: February 2023

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-interleukin-1 therapeutics, including IL-1 antibodies, interleukin-1 receptor antagonists (IL-1 Ras) and IL-1 inhibitors, for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) treatment.

Methods

Databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science and CENTRAL) and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of anti-interleukin-1 therapeutics from inception to August 31, 2022. The outcomes were the mean change in pain and function scores and the risk of adverse effects (AEs).

Results

In the 12 studies included, anti-interleukin-1 therapeutics were superior to placebo in terms of pain relief (standardized mean difference [SMD] =  − 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] =  − 1.82 to − 0.40, p < 0.001, I2 = 77%) and functional improvement (SMD =  − 1.11, 95% CI =  − 1.82 to − 0.40, p = 0.002, I2 = 96%). The incidence of any AE (risk ratio [RR] = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.88–1.18, p < 0.001, I2 = 76%) was higher following treatment with anti-interleukin-1 therapeutics than placebo, while no significant difference was found in the incidence of serious AEs (SAEs) or discontinuations due to AEs. Subgroup analyses showed that IL-1 antibodies and the IL-1 inhibitor provided pain relief (IL-1 antibodies: SMD =  − 0.61, 95% CI =  − 0.92 to − 0.31, p < 0.001; IL-1 inhibitor: SMD =  − 0.39, 95% CI =  − 0.72 to − 0.06, p = 0.02, I2 = 74.0%) and functional improvement (IL-1 antibodies: SMD =  − 1.75, 95% CI =  − 2.10 to − 1.40, p < 0.001; IL-1 inhibitor: SMD =  − 0.28, 95% CI =  − 0.83 to 0.27, p = 0.31, I2 = 88%) superior to those of placebo, whereas IL-1 Ras did not. However, the IL-1 inhibitor increased the incidence of any AE (RR = 1.35, 95% CI = 0.92–1.98, p < 0.001, I2 = 85%) but not the risk of SAEs or discontinuations due to AEs. IL-1 antibodies and IL-1 Ras showed no difference in safety compared with placebo.

Conclusions

Anti-interleukin-1 therapeutics could relieve OA-related pain and improve function, but is probably associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Specially, IL-1 antibodies and an IL-1 inhibitor could relieve OA-related pain and improve function, whereas IL-1 Ras could not. IL-1 antibodies and IL-1 Ras were relatively safe options, but IL-1 inhibitors were associated with safety concerns.
Lobo-isthmectomy in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Krajewska Jolanta , Kukulska Aleksandra , Samborski Konrad , Czarniecka Agnieszka , Jarzab Barbara
Published: February 2023

We have recently witnessed a rapid increase in the incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), particularly low and very low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma. Simultaneously, the number of cancer-related deaths has remained stable for more than 30 years. Such an indolent nature and long-term survival prompted researchers and experts to an ongoing discussion on the adequacy of DTC management to avoid, on the one hand, the overtreatment of low-risk cases and, on the other hand, the undertreatment of highly aggressive ones.

The most recent guidelines of the American Thyroid Association (ATA GL) moved primary thyroid surgery in DTC towards a less aggressive approach by making lobectomy an option for patients with intrathyroidal low-risk DTC tumors up to 4 cm in diameter without evidence of extrathyroidal extension or lymph node metastases. It was one of the key changes in DTC management proposed by the ATA in 2015.

Following the introduction of the 2015 ATA GL, the role of thyroid lobectomy in DTC management has slowly become increasingly important. The data coming from analyses of the large databases and retrospective studies prove that a less extensive surgical approach, even if in some reports it was related to a slight increase of the risk of recurrence, did not show a negative impact on disease-specific and overall survival in T1T2N0M0 low-risk DTC. There is no doubt that making thyroid lobectomy an option for low-risk papillary and follicular carcinomas was an essential step toward the de-escalation of treatment in thyroid carcinoma.

This review summarizes the current recommendations and evidence-based data supporting the necessity of de-escalation of primary thyroid surgery in low-risk DTC. It also discusses the controversies raised by introducing new ATA guidelines and tries to resolve some open questions.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor associated with kidney function
Authors: Hsu Cheng-Yueh , Sheu Wayne Huey-Herng , Lee I-Te
Published: February 2023

Background

We examined the relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

First, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 480 participants without known diabetes. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered after overnight fasting, and blood samples were collected at 0, 30, and 120 min. Second, a total of 3003 participants were enrolled for the case–control genetic analysis. After assigning them to a case or a control group based on age and CKD status, we investigated the association between BDNF gene variants and susceptibility to CKD.

Results

A higher fasting serum BDNF quartile was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of CKD (P value for trend  < 0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the fasting BDNF level had a larger area under the curve for differentiating CKD (0.645, 95% CI 0.583‒0.707) than the BDNF levels at both 30 min (0.547, 95% CI 0.481‒0.612) and 120 min (0.598, 95% CI 0.536‒0.661). A significantly lower CKD prevalence (odds ratio = 0.30, 95% CI 0.12‒0.71) was observed in the highest quartile of fasting BDNF level than that in the lowest quartile, whereas no interquartile differences were observed for BDNF levels determined at 30 or 120 min during the OGTT. Furthermore, BDNF-associated variants, including rs12098908, rs12577517, and rs72891405, were significantly associated with CKD.

Conclusions

The BDNF level at fasting, but not at 30 and 120 min after glucose intake, was an independent indicator of CKD. In addition, significant associations were observed between three BDNF gene variants and CKD.
Loss of tumor suppressor menin expression in high grade cholangiocarcinomas
Authors: Lairmore Terry C. , Abdulsattar Jehan , De Benedetti Arrigo , Shi Runhua , Huang Shile , Khalil Md Imtiaz , Witt Stephan N.
Published: February 2023

Background

MEN1, which codes for the protein menin, is a tumor suppressor in neuroendocrine tissue. In cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cell lines the overexpression of menin decreased proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion in vitro and in xenografts, but its expression in CCA tumor tissue samples is not established.

Objective

Determine whether the expression of menin correlates with disease progression in patient samples of CCA in a tissue microarray (TMA) by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.

Results

IHC analysis of 97 biopsies revealed that low-grade tumors (Grade I) exhibited intense, diffuse, finely granular nuclear menin immunoreactivity with a pronounced linear perinuclear pattern (mean IHC score = 2.00), whereas high-grade tumors (Grade III) mostly lacked such staining (mean IHC score = 0.35). Collectively, there was a significant inverse association between tumor grade and menin staining (P = 0.0005). We also found a significant association between fibrosis status and menin staining, in that, 81.2% (56/69) of patients without fibrosis had no menin staining, whereas 92.9% (26/28) patients with fibrosis exhibited menin staining (P < 0.0001). No association was found between fibrosis status and grade. Overall, menin expression is inversely associated with tumor grade and positively associated with fibrosis status.
Differential responses of phosphorus accumulation and mobilization in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz) seedlings to short-term experimental nitrogen deposition
Authors: He Yuelin , Tang Yilei , Lin Lin , Shi Wenhui , Ying Yeqing
Published: February 2023

Key message

Short-term nitrogen (N) deposition stimulates phosphorus (P) demand owing to the growth improvment of Phyllostachys edulis seedlings. Increased N loads led to the acquisition and utilization of sufficient P, while the limitation of P starvation could be alleviated by the higher activity of soil acid phosphatase and P use efficiency rather than P resorption from senescent organs.

Context

Plants in most terrestrial ecosystems are usually subjected to natural phosphorus (P) deficiency or surplus by overfertilization associated with increasing global nitrogen (N) deposition. As the widely distributed gramineous plant in Southern China, moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz) grows fast and it also shows a relatively good growth performance under the variable N and P conditions. However, few studies focus on the special mechanism of P mobilization and utilization of moso bamboo, especially with the N loads.

Aims

The objective of this study was to figure out the mechanisms of P mobilization and utilization in P. edulis seedlings under varying levels of soil P and N deposition conditions in the subtropical region of China.

Methods

We grew P. edulis seedlings under 3 experimental N deposition rates (0 (N −), 30 (N +), and 60 (N + +) kg N ha−1·a−1) and 3 levels of soil P (2.99 mg·kg−1, soil available P content under natural conditions, denoted as P1; 20 mg·kg−1, P2; and 40 mg·kg−1, P3). We measured growth traits and analyzed the related P use indices.

Results

Dry weight and P accumulation of new leaves and stems increased with increasing N loads under the 3 P treatments, with the positive effects of N deposition being stronger in the P2 and P3 treatments. Compared with N − , N + , and N +  + significantly increased P use efficiency (PUE) (+ 15.54% and + 12.47%, respectively) regardless of soil P conditions. The P resorption efficiency showed a decreasing tendency under variable P conditions with increasing N, whereas PUE was further increased. Acid phosphatase (APase) activity and soil available P content were significantly improved by N loads in P1.

Conclusion

Phyllostachys edulis seedlings showed high growth plasticity and P mobilization mechanisms under different soil P availability with N loads. In general, N addition stimulated P demand of P. edulis seedlings owing to the growth promotion in the short period of experiment. A special P use mechanism in P deficiency conditions was that the limitation of P starvation was alleviated by the higher soil APase activity and PUE instead of P resorption from senescent organs. The long-term effect of N deposition on P mobilization and utilization in P. edulis forests requires further monitoring.
Baicalein facilitates gastric cancer cell apoptosis by triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress via repression of the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Shen Junjie , Yang Zhiwen , Wu Xinlin , Yao Guodong , Hou Mingxing
Published: February 2023

Objective

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a prevailing threat to life. Baicalein exhibits anti-cancer properties. This study estimated the mechanism of baicalein in GC cell apoptosis by mediating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) through the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Methods

After treatment with different concentrations of baicalein, GC cell (HGC-27 and AGS) viability was detected by MTT assay. AGS cells more sensitive to baicalein treatment were selected as study subjects. The IC50 of baicalein on AGS cells was determined. Colony formation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were detected using crystal violet staining and flow cytometry. Levels of ERS-related and BTG3/PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins were determined by Western blot. Intracellular Ca2+ level was measured using Fluo-3 AM fluorescence working solution. GC mouse models were established by subcutaneously injecting AGS cells into the right rib and were intragastrically administrated with baicalein. Tumor volume and weight were recorded. Expression of Ki67 in tumor tissues and positive expression of apoptotic cells were detected by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining.

Results

Baicalein inhibited cell proliferation and induced G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis by regulating the cell cycle, and triggered ERS in GC cells. Baicalein impeded the PI3K/AKT pathway by activating BTG3, thereby triggering ERS and inducing apoptosis. BTG3 inhibition reversed baicalein-induced apoptosis and ERS. Baicalein regulated GC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, in xenograft mice, baicalein prevented tumor growth, decreased Ki67-positive cells, activated BTG3, and inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway, thus activating ERS and increasing apoptotic cells.

Conclusion

Baicalein facilitates GC cell apoptosis by triggering ERS via repression of the PI3K/AKT pathway.