bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of sewage water irrigation on Datura innoxia grown in sandy loam soil
Authors: Abeed Amany H. A. , Ali Mohammed , Eissa Mamdouh A. , Tammam Suzan A.
Published: December 2022

Background

A potential solution for recycling and reusing the massively produced sewage water (SW) is to irrigate certain plants instead of highly cost recycling treatment. Although the extensive and irrational application of SW may cause environmental pollution thus, continual monitoring of the redox status of the receiver plant and the feedback on its growth under application becomes an emergent instance. The impact of SW, along with well water (WW) irrigation of medicinal plant,Datura innoxia, was monitored by some physio-biochemical indices.

Results

The SW application amplified the growth, yield, minerals uptake, and quality ofD. innoxiaplants compared to the WW irrigated plants. The total chlorophyll, carotenoid, non-enzymatic antioxidants, viz. anthocyanin, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and total alkaloids increased by 85, 38, 81, 50, 19, and 37%, respectively, above WW irrigated plants. The experiment terminated in enhanced leaf content of N, P, and K by 43, 118, and 48%, respectively. Moreover, stimulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolites in terms of proteins, soluble sugars, nitrate reductase (NR) activity, and nitric oxide (NO) content showed significant earliness in flowering time. The SW application improved not onlyDaturaplants’ quality but also soil quality. After four weeks of irrigation, the WW irrigated plants encountered nutrient deficiency-induced stress evidenced by the high level of proline, H2O2, and MDA as well as high enzyme capabilities. Application of SW for irrigation ofD. innoxiaplant showed the improvement of secondary metabolites regulating enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), restored proline content, and cell redox status reflecting high optimal condition for efficient cellular metabolism and performance along the experiment duration.

Conclusions

These evidences approved the benefits of practicing SW to improve the yield and quality ofD. innoxiaand the feasibility of generalization on multipurpose plants grown in poor soil.
The value of the ACEF II score in Chinese patients with elective and non-elective cardiac surgery
Authors: Mo Zhiming , Hu Penghua , Xie Zhiyong , Wu Yanhua , Li Zhilian , Fu Lei , Chen Yuanhan , Liang Xinling , Liang Huaban , Dong Wei
Published: December 2022

Objective

To evaluate the value of the ACEF II score in predicting postoperative hospital death and acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (AKI-D) in Chinese patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included adult patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass open heart surgery between January 2010 and December 2015 at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital. ACEF II was evaluated to predict in-hospital death and AKI-D using the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test for calibration and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for discrimination in non-elective and elective cardiac surgery.

Results

A total of 9748 patients were included. Among them, 1080 underwent non-elective surgery, and 8615 underwent elective surgery. Mortality was 1.8% (177/9748). In elective surgery, the area under the ROC (AUC) of the ACEF II score was 0.704 (95% CI: 0.648–0.759), similar to the ACEF score of 0.709 (95% CI: 0.654–0.763). In non-elective surgery, the AUC of the ACEF II score was 0.725 (95% CI: 0.663–0.787), higher than the ACEF score (AUC = 0.625, 95% CI: 0.553–0.697). The incidence of AKI-D was 3.5% (345/9748). The AUC of the ACEF II score was 0.718 (95% CI: 0.687–0.749), higher than the ACEF score (AUC = 0.626, 95% CI: 0.594–0.658).

Conclusion

ACEF and ACEF II have poor discrimination ability in predicting AKI-D in non-elective surgery. The ACEF II and ACEF scores have the same ability to predict in-hospital death in elective cardiac surgery, and the ACEF II score is better in non-elective surgery. The ACEF II score can be used to assess the risk of AKI-D in elective surgery in Chinese adults.
Circ_0004104 participates in the regulation of ox-LDL-induced endothelial cells injury via miR-942-5p/ROCK2 axis
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Shaojun , Guo Sicong , Zhang Xinzhong , Yang Chuan , Su Guangsheng , Wan Jiye
Published: December 2022

Background

Cardiovascular disease was the most common disease among the elderly with high morbidity and mortality. Circ_0004104 was demonstrated to be involved in the regulation of atherosclerosis.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure the expression of circ_0004104, miR-942-5p and Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2). Cell proliferation was tested by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and tube formation assay was used to detect the angiogenesis ability of cells. Western blot assay was performed to assess protein levels. Enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the release of IL-1β and TNF-α. The relationship between miR-942-5p and circ_0004104 or ROCK2 was identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, and RNA pull-down assay.

Results

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and promoted apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Circ_0004104 was increased in serum of atherosclerosis patients and ox-LDL-treated HUVECs, and silence of circ_0004104 promoted the proliferation of ox-LDL-exposed HUVECs and inhibited cell apoptosis. MiR-942-5p downregulation reversed si-circ_0004104-mediated influences in HUVECs upon ox-LDL exposure. ROCK2 was the target of miR-942-5p and circ_0004104 regulated the expression of ROCK2 through sponging miR-942-5p. ROCK2 abated the influences of miR-942-5p in ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs. Circ_0004104 was increased in the exosomes derived from ox-LDL-exposed HUVECs, and the expression of circ_0004104 was promoted in HUVECs after stimulation with ox-LDL-treated HUVECs cells-derived exosomes.

Conclusion

Circ_0004104 downregulation receded ox-LDL-induced injury in HUVECs through miR-942-5p and ROCK2.
Predictors and outcomes in primary depression care (POKAL) – a research training group develops an innovative approach to collaborative care
Authors: Gensichen J , Lukaschek K , Jung-Sievers C , Falkai P , Schmitt A , Henningsen P , Dreischulte T , Pitschel-Walz G , Krcmar H , Böhm M , Prommegger B , Linde K , Drescher A , Schönweger P , Haas C , Brand C , Younesi P , Vukas J , Brisnik V , Schillok H , Raub J , Kaupe L , Biersack K , Gökce F , Eder J , Hattenkofer L , Reindl-Spanner Ph , von Schrottenberg V , Teusen C , Sterner Ph , Bühner M , Schneider A ,   for the POKAL group, Schillock Hannah , von Nessen-Lapp Regina Wehrstedt , Lochbühler Kirsten
Published: December 2022

Background

The interdisciplinary research training group (POKAL) aims to improve care for patients with depression and multimorbidity in primary care.

POKAL includes nine projects within the framework of the Chronic Care Model (CCM). In addition, POKAL will train young (mental) health professionals in research competences within primary care settings. POKAL will address specific challenges in diagnosis (reliability of diagnosis, ignoring suicidal risks), in treatment (insufficient patient involvement, highly fragmented care and inappropriate long-time anti-depressive medication) and in implementation of innovations (insufficient guideline adherence, use of irrelevant patient outcomes, ignoring relevant context factors) in primary depression care.

Methods

In 2021 POKAL started with a first group of 16 trainees in general practice (GPs), pharmacy, psychology, public health, informatics, etc. The program is scheduled for at least 6 years, so a second group of trainees starting in 2024 will also have three years of research-time. Experienced principal investigators (PIs) supervise all trainees in their specific projects. All projects refer to the CCM and focus on the diagnostic, therapeutic, and implementation challenges.

Results

The first cohort of the POKAL research training group will develop and test new depression-specific diagnostics (hermeneutical strategies, predicting models, screening for suicidal ideation), treatment (primary-care based psycho-education, modulating factors in depression monitoring, strategies of de-prescribing) and implementation in primary care (guideline implementation, use of patient-assessed data, identification of relevant context factors). Based on those results the second cohort of trainees and their PIs will run two major trials to proof innovations in primary care-based a) diagnostics and b) treatment for depression.

Conclusion

The research and training programme POKAL aims to provide appropriate approaches for depression diagnosis and treatment in primary care.
Regional differences regarding the occurrence of falls and associated factors in two populations of Brazilian longevous people
Authors: Silva Jaíza M. M. , da Silva Freitas Javanna Lacerda Gomes , Nóbrega Júlia Cristina Leite , Medeiros Juliana Barbosa , Simões Raisa Fernandes Mariz , Olinda Ricardo , de Ferreira Santos Jair Lício , de Oliveira Duarte Yeda Aparecida , Zatz Mayana , Matheson David , Santos Silvana , Menezes Tarciana Nobre
Published: December 2022

Background

Few studies have explored regional asymmetries and their implications for health policies regarding episodes of falls among the population of ≥80 years old in continental and developing countries like Brazil with deep inequalities and sociocultural differences.

Objective

To evaluate the occurrence of falls and their association with functional capacity and nutritional status in the longest oldest-old living in two municipalities in the Northeast and Southeast of Brazil.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, with primary data collection in which were included in the research seniors aged 80 years or more, of both sexes, belonging to two Brazilian municipalities of discrepant socioeconomic aspects. The dependent variable was the occurrence of falls in the last year. The independent variables were grouped into demographic aspects, functional capacity and nutritional status. To identify variables that contribute to the occurrence of falls, the multiple logistic regression model, adopts a significance level of 5%.

Results

The sample was composed of 415 oldest-old adults. From the total, 32.3% reported having fallen in the last year, 24.7% in Brejo dos Santos and 37.8% in São Paulo. Among the former population, the mean value of walking speed for those who had falls was 0.27 m/s and for those who had no occurrence of falls was 0.33 m/s; and, among the seniors from São Paulo, the mean values were 0.51 m/s and 0.58 m/s, respectively. Significant correlations between walking speed and falls were verified for both populations, showing that the lower the walking speed, the higher the predisposition to falls. In the final regression model, the occurrence of falls was associated with moderate balance (OR = 5.28; CI: 1.11–25.18) among the longevous people Brejo dos Santos and with very poor functional performance (OR = 16.09; CI:1.46–177.06) among those from São Paulo.

Conclusion

The results pointed out a lower prevalence of falls in longevous people from Brejo dos Santos than in those from São Paulo and differences regarding the associated factors, showing heterogeneity between the two populations; indicating the need for public policies and effective programmes aimed at preventing falls based on the maintenance or increase of functional capacity.
Targeting integrated stress response with ISRIB combined with imatinib treatment attenuates RAS/RAF/MAPK and STAT5 signaling and eradicates chronic myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Dudka Wioleta , Hoser Grazyna , Mondal Shamba S. , Turos-Korgul Laura , Swatler Julian , Kusio-Kobialka Monika , Wołczyk Magdalena , Klejman Agata , Brewinska-Olchowik Marta , Kominek Agata , Wiech Milena , Machnicki Marcin M. , Seferynska Ilona , Stoklosa Tomasz , Piwocka Katarzyna
Published: December 2022

The integrated stress response (ISR) facilitates cellular adaptation to unfavorable conditions by reprogramming the cellular response. ISR activation was reported in neurological disorders and solid tumors; however, the function of ISR and its role as a possible therapeutic target in hematological malignancies still remain largely unexplored. Previously, we showed that the ISR is activated in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells and correlates with blastic transformation and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance. Moreover, the ISR was additionally activated in response to imatinib as a type of protective internal signaling. Here, we show that ISR inhibition combined with imatinib treatment sensitized and more effectively eradicated leukemic cells both in vitro and in vivo compared to treatment with single agents. The combined treatment specifically inhibited the STAT5 and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathways, which are recognized as drivers of resistance. Mechanistically, this drug combination attenuated both interacting signaling networks, leading to BCR-ABL1- and ISR-dependent STAT5 activation. Consequently, leukemia engraftment in patient-derived xenograft mice bearing CD34+ TKI-resistant CML blasts carrying PTPN11 mutation responsible for hyperactivation of the RAS/RAF/MAPK and JAK/STAT5 pathways was decreased upon double treatment. This correlated with the downregulation of genes related to the RAS/RAF/MAPK, JAK/STAT5 and stress response pathways and was associated with lower expression of STAT5-target genes regulating proliferation, viability and the stress response. Collectively, these findings highlight the effect of imatinib plus ISRIB in the eradication of leukemic cells resistant to TKIs and suggest potential clinical benefits for leukemia patients with TKI resistance related to RAS/RAF/MAPK or STAT5 signaling. We propose that personalized treatment based on the genetic selection of patients carrying mutations that cause overactivation of the targeted pathways and therefore make their sensitivity to such treatment probable should be considered as a possible future direction in leukemia treatment.
Magnitude and associated factors of delirium among patients attending emergency department at Jimma medical center, Jimma, southwest Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Sileshy Bethelhem , Hailesilasiie Hailemariam , Tesfaye Yonas , Ababu Henok
Published: December 2022

Background

Delirium is a severe neuropsychiatric condition that occurs frequently in all medical settings. It has been associated to serious consequences like higher mortality, institutionalization, and longer hospital stays. Delirium is missed in emergency rooms in 57% to 83% of patients, despite its frequent incidence and detrimental repercussions.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and contributing causes of delirium in patients who visited the emergency room at Jimma Medical Center in Jimma, southwest Ethiopia, in 2022.

Methods

From August 1 through September 30, 2022, a cross-sectional study was undertaken at a hospital. The study enrolled 422 participants, who were chosen through a systematic random sampling. The Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) was used to evaluate different subtypes of delirium and level of arousal. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) was used to determine the presence or absence of delirium. Epi Data V3.1 was used to enter the data, and Version 20 of the Statistical Package for Social Scientists was used to export it (SPSS V20). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify the related factors. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 were considered to be significant.

Result

26.6% of participants (n = 107) were found to have delirium. Alcohol use (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI (2.5–8.1), visual impairment (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI (1.89–3.68), frequent admission (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI (1.24–7.34), bladder catheterization (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI (1.21–2.89), and benzodiazepine exposure (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI (1.01–2.3) had a significant association with delirium.

Conclusion

According to this study, delirium was very common among patients in the emergency room. Benzodiazepine exposure, numerous admissions, visual impairment, current alcohol consumption, bladder catheterization, and frequent admissions all significantly increased the risk of delirium. To address identifiable causes and enhance patients’ health outcomes, early recognition is crucial.
Sociodemographic and morbidity characteristics of people on long-term sick leave
Authors: Oancea Corina , Capraru Rodica Simona , Stanescu Ana Maria Alexandra , Gherman Despina Mihaela
Published: December 2022

Background

Certifying long-term sick leave and coordinating complex rehabilitation programs are essential activities of social insurance doctors. These doctors have a role in preventing the decreased work capacity of employees that may lead to leaving the labour market and the transition of these employees to other social insurance benefits, such as a work disability pension.

Objectives

Analysis of long-term sick leaves (over 183 days) to identify risk factors and population groups with low potential for work capacity rehabilitation.

Method

We conducted a cross-sectional study between September 2019 and September 2020. The information was collected from the National Institute of Medical Assessment and Work Capacity Rehabilitation Bucharest registers and the EXPMED application. The data were statistically analysed using PSPP software.

Results

The highest rehabilitation percentage was achieved in cases of traumatic injuries (73.17%), followed by musculoskeletal diseases (70.06%). We noticed lower recovery in cases of nervous system diseases (50.56%) and cardiovascular diseases (44.23%). In the group that summed up the other pathologies, the recovery percentage was 58.37%. People who regained their work capacity were significantly younger (mean age 47.87 y ± 8.93) than those who turned to other forms of social benefits, such as a disability pension or an old-age pension (mean age 53.16 y ± 8.43).

Conclusion

Most of the subjects (72%) regained their work capacity and did not need a disability pension. We identified the sociodemographic and morbidity characteristics of people on long-term sick leave along with target groups requiring intensive intervention measures.
Effect of aquatic physical therapy on chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Ji , Zhang Teng , He Yapeng , Li Xin , Chen Haoyang , Zhao Qian
Published: December 2022

Background

Chronic low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disease. With the increasing number of patients, it has become a huge economic and social burden. It is urgent to relieve the burden of patients. There are many common rehabilitation methods, and aquatic physical therapy is one of them. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the existing literature and analyze the impact of aquatic physical therapy on pain intensity, quality of life and disability of patients with chronic low back pain.

Methods

Through 8 databases, we searched randomized controlled trials on the effect of aquatic physical therapy on patients with chronic low back pain. These trials published results on pain intensity, quality of life, and disability. This review is guided by Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews of interventions version 5.1.0. The level of evidence was assessed through GRADE.

Results

A total of 13 articles involving 597 patients were included. The results showed that compared with the control group, aquatic physical therapy alleviated the pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale: SMD = -0.68, 95%CI:-0.91 to -0.46, Z = 5.92, P < 0.00001) and improved quality of life (physical components of 36-Item Short Form Health Survey or Short-Form 12: SMD = 0.63, 95%CI:0.36 to 0.90, Ζ = 4.57, P < 0.00001; mental components of 36-Item Short Form Health Survey or Short-Form 12: SMD = 0.59, 95%CI:0.10 to 1.08, Ζ = 2.35, P = 0.02), and reduced disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire: SMD = -0.42, 95%CI:-0.66 to -0.17, Ζ = 3.34, P = 0.0008; Oswestry Disability Index or Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire: SMD = -0.54, 95%CI:-1.07 to -0.01, Ζ = 1.99, P = 0.05). However, aquatic physical therapy did not improve patients' pain at rest (Visual Analogue Scale at rest: SMD = -0.60, 95%CI:-1.42 to 0.23, Ζ = 1.41, P = 0.16). We found very low or low evidence of effects of aquatic physical therapy on pain intensity, quality of life, and disability in patients with chronic low back pain compared with no aquatic physical therapy.

Conclusions

Our systematic review showed that aquatic physical therapy could benefit patients with chronic low back pain. However, because the articles included in this systematic review have high bias risk or are unclear, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to verify.
State-wide implementation of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in specialized outpatient palliative care teams (ELSAH): A mixed-methods evaluation and implications for their sustainable ﻿use
Authors: Seipp Hannah , Haasenritter Jörg , Hach Michaela , Becker Dorothée , Schütze Dania , Engler Jennifer , Bösner Stefan , Kuss Katrin
Published: December 2022

Background

Such patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-centered outcome measures as the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS), Phase of Illness, and IPOS Views on Care (IPOS VoC), facilitate patient-centered care and help improve quality. To ensure sustainability, implementation and usage should be adapted according to setting. When settings involve several distinct teams that differ in terms of views and working practices, it is more difficult to integrate outcome measures into daily care. The ELSAH study aimed to learn how health professionals working in specialized outpatient palliative care (SOPC) viewed the use of these outcome measures in daily care, and what they express is needed for successful sustainable, state-wide application.

Methods

We used a parallel mixed-methods design involving three focus groups (n = 14) and an online-survey based on normalization process theory (n = 76). Most participants were nurses and physicians from 19 SOPC-teams in Hesse, Germany. We used a triangulation protocol including convergence coding matrices to triangulate findings.

Results

The majority of health professionals were able to integrate the outcome measures into their working lives and said that it had become a normal part of their day-to-day work. To ensure their sustainable integration into daily care, the motivation and concerns of health professionals should be taken into consideration. Health professionals must clearly recognize how the measures help improve daily care and quality evaluation.

Conclusions

To implement the outcome measures in a number of teams, it will be necessary to take individual team characteristics into account, because they influence motivation and concerncs. Further, it will be necessary to offer opportunities for them to engage in peer support and share information with other teams. The sustainable use of outcome measures in SOPC will require continuous support within each team as well as across teams. When several distinct teams are working in the same setting, a cross-team coordination unit can help to coordinate their work efficiently.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS-ID: DRKS00012421;www.germanctr.de/DRKS00012421
Barriers to uptake of cervical cancer screening services in low-and-middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Petersen Z. , Jaca A. , Ginindza T. G. , Maseko G. , Takatshana S. , Ndlovu P. , Zondi N. , Zungu N. , Varghese C. , Hunting G. , Parham G. , Simelela P. , Moyo S.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionate burden of cervical cancer mortality. We aimed to identify what is currently known about barriers to cervical cancer screening among women in LMICs and propose remedial actions.

Design

This was a systematic review using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We also contacted medical associations and universities for grey literature and checked reference lists of eligible articles for relevant literature published in English between 2010 and 2020. We summarized the findings using a descriptive narrative based on themes identified as levels of the social ecological model.

Setting

We included studies conducted in LMICs published in English between 2010 and 2020.

Participants

We included studies that reported on barriers to cervical cancer screening among women 15 years and older, eligible for cervical cancer screening.

Results

Seventy-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. We identified individual, cultural/traditional and religious, societal, health system, and structural barriers to screening. Lack of knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer in general and of screening were the most frequent individual level barriers. Cultural/traditional and religious barriers included prohibition of screening and unsupportive partners and families, while social barriers were largely driven by community misconceptions. Health system barriers included policy and programmatic factors, and structural barriers were related to geography, education and cost. Underlying reasons for these barriers included limited information about cervical cancer and screening as a preventive strategy, poorly resourced health systems that lacked policies or implemented them poorly, generalised limited access to health services, and gender norms that deprioritize the health needs of women.

Conclusion

A wide range of barriers to screening were identified across most LMICs. Urgent implementation of clear policies supported by health system capacity for implementation, community wide advocacy and information dissemination, strengthening of policies that support women’s health and gender equality, and targeted further research are needed to effectively address the inequitable burden of cervical cancer in LMICs.
Trends and factors contributing to health facility delivery among adolescent women in Ethiopia: multivariate decomposition analysis
Authors: Gebeyehu Asaye Alamneh , Damtie Dejen Gedamu , Yenew Chalachew
Published: December 2022

Background

Although an increase in health facility delivery in Ethiopia over time, adolescent women giving birth at health facilities is still low. Health facility delivery is crucial to improving the health of women and their newborns' health by providing safe delivery services. We aimed to examine the trend change and identify factors contributing to health facility delivery in Ethiopia.

Methods

We analyzed the data on adolescent women obtained from three Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys. A total of weighted samples were 575 in 2005, 492 in 2011, and 378 in 2016. Data management and further statistical analysis were done using STATA 14. Trends and multivariate decomposition analysis were used to examine the trends in health facility delivery over time and the factors contributing to the change in health facility delivery.

Results

This study showed that the prevalence of health facility delivery among adolescent women in Ethiopia increased significantly from 4.6% (95% CI 3.2–6.7) in 2005 to 38.7% (95% CI 33.9–43.7) in 2016. Decomposition analysis revealed that around 78.4% of the total change in health facility delivery over time was due to the changes in the composition of adolescent women and approximately 21.6% was due to the changes in their behavior. In this study, maternal age, place of residency, wealth index, maternal education, frequency of ANC visits, number of living children, and region were significant factors contributing to an increase in health facility delivery over the study periods.

Conclusion

The prevalence of health facility delivery for adolescent women in Ethiopia has increased significantly over time. Approximately 78.4% increase in health facility delivery was due to adolescent women’s compositional changes. Public health interventions targeting rural residents and uneducated women would help to increase the prevalence of health facility delivery.
The use of Method Information Index (MII) to monitor the amount of information given to women users of modern contraceptives in Indonesia: results from an analysis of the 2007, 2012 and 2017 demographic and health surveys
Authors: Budiharsana Meiwita P. , Wahyuningsih Wiji , Heywood Peter
Published: December 2022

Background

The use of Method Information Index (MII) indicates whether women contraceptive users receive adequate information about all available contraceptive methods, side effects of the methods, and how to deal with the side effects if experienced—at method initiation.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the level of MII scores or the amount of information received by married women users of five modern contraceptives at the time of initiation and changes of its determinants based on the Indonesian Demographic and Health data between 2007 and 2017.

Methods

Data of married women who used most common five modern contraceptive methods (the pill, injectables, implants, IUD, and female sterilization), comprised of a total unweighted sample of 35,412 users out of the 32,895; 45,607 and 49,627 women aged 15–49 in the 2007, 2012, and 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS), respectively. The Method Information Index (MII) scores were calculated based on responses to three questions (whether women were told about method‐specific side effects, advised what to do if they experienced them, and informed about other available methods). Multivariable logistic regressions with ‘time’ as an interaction variable were used to assess the influence of time upon the MII scores and its determinants.

Results

The MII scores were 23.84% in 2007, 24.60% in 2012 and 28.65% in 2017. Obviously, over 70% of reproductive-age women contraceptive users were not receiving complete information about modern contraceptives at the time of initiation. After 5 years (2012), only living in the Java Bali region (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.09–1.66) compared to living in other islands, and currently using injectables (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.10–1.87) and currently using implants (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.07–2.63) compared to currently using pills had significantly higher odds of receiving MII information. After 10 years (2017), only one variable (the ‘richest’ in the wealth quintile category (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.50–0.99) compared to the ‘poorest’) still showed a significant association with receipt of complete MII information.

Conclusions

Despite the fact that the MII scores increased gradually across the years, interaction with ‘survey time’ showed that the likelihood of receiving complete MII information was not statistically different in the 5 years (2007–2012) and in the 10 years (2007–2017) period from the reference category in 2007. The authors recommend use of the MII score as an objective measure to evaluate access to MII essential information and to monitor an increase in the informed population in Indonesia.
Development of an indirect ELISA using a novel linear epitope at the C-terminal region of the VP2 protein to specifically detect antibodies against Senecavirus A
Authors: Ma Zhongyuan , Lv Jianliang , Zhang Zhongwang , Pan Li
Published: December 2022

Background

Senecavirus A (SVA) is a pathogen that has recently caused porcine idiopathic vesicular disease (PIVD). The clinical signs are similar to those of foot-and-mouth disease, porcine vesicular disease, and vesicular stomatitis. Therefore, identification of SVA as a cause of PIVD is important to eliminate this emerging pathogen.

Methods

In this study, an indirect ELISA based on the VP2 epitope (VP2-epitp-ELISA) was developed to detect antibodies directed against SVA.

Results

A novel linear epitope (271GLRNRFTTGTDEEQ284) was first identified at the C-terminus of the VP2 protein by epitope mapping. The diagnostic performance of VP2-epitp-ELISA was estimated by testing a panel of known background sera from swine. Under the optimum test conditions, when the cutoff value was 37%, the diagnostic sensitivity (Dn) and diagnostic specificity (Dp) of the assay were 91.13% and 91.17%, respectively. The accuracy of VP2-epitp-ELISA was validated and further compared with that of commercial diagnostic kits. The diagnostic results showed that VP2-epitp-ELISA did not cross-react with serum positive for other idiopathic vesicular diseases and had a concordance rate of 90.41% with the Swinecheck® SVA bELISA.

Conclusions

These results indicate that VP2-epitp-ELISA is suitable for specific detection of antibodies against SVA in swine.
Genetic characterization and pathogenicity of a Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza reassortant virus
Authors: Zhu Hechao , Li Xiangmin , Chen Huanchun , Qian Ping
Published: December 2022

Background

Swine influenza viruses (SIV), considered the “mixing vessels” of influenza viruses, posed a significant threat to global health systems and are dangerous pathogens. Eurasian avian-like H1N1(EA-H1N1) viruses have become predominant in swine populations in China since 2016.

Methods

Lung tissue samples were obtained from pregnant sows with miscarriage and respiratory disease in Heilongjiang province, and pathogens were detected by Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and PCR. The nucleic acid of isolates was extracted to detect SIV by RT-PCR. Then, SIV-positive samples were inoculated into embryonated chicken eggs. After successive generations, the isolates were identified by RT-PCR, IFA, WB and TEM. The genetic evolution and pathogenicity to mice of A/swine/Heilongjiang/GN/2020 were analyzed.

Results

The major pathogens were influenza virus (31%), Simbu orthobunyavirus (15%) and Jingmen tick virus (8%) by NGS, while the pathogen that can cause miscarriage and respiratory disease was influenza virus. The SIV(A/swine/Heilongjiang/GN/2020) with hemagglutination activity was isolated from lung samples and was successfully identified by RT-PCR, IFA, WB and TEM. Homology and phylogenetic analysis showed that A/swine/Heilongjiang/GN/2020 is most closely related to A/swine/Henan/SN/10/2018 and belonged to EA-H1N1. Pathogenicity in mice showed that the EA-H1N1 could cause lethal or exhibit extrapulmonary virus spread and cause severe damage to respiratory tracts effectively proliferating in lung and trachea.

Conclusion

A/swine/Heilongjiang/GN/2020 (EA-H1N1) virus was isolated from pregnant sows with miscarriage and respiratory disease in Heilongjiang province, China. Clinical signs associated with influenza infection were observed during 14 days with A/swine/Heilongjiang/GN/2020 infected mice. These data suggest that A/swine/Heilongjiang/GN/2020 (EA-H1N1) had high pathogenicity and could be systemic spread in mice.
Prehospital monitoring of cerebral circulation during out of hospital cardiac arrest ? A feasibility study
Authors: Henningsson Anna , Lannemyr Lukas , Angerås Oskar , Björås Joakim , Bergh Niklas , Herlitz Johan , Redfors Bengt , Lundgren Peter
Published: December 2022

Background

About two-thirds of the in-hospital deaths after out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) are a consequence of anoxic brain injuries, which are due to hypoperfusion of the brain during the cardiac arrests. Being able to monitor cerebral perfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is desirable to evaluate the effectiveness of the CPR and to guide further decision making and prognostication.

Methods

Two different devices were used to measure regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2): INVOS™ 5100 (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) and Root® O3 (Masimo Corporation, Irvine, CA, USA). At the scene of the OHCA, advanced life support (ALS) was immediately initiated by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Sensors for measuring rSO2 were applied at the scene or during transportation to the hospital. rSO2 values were documented manually together with ETCO2 (end tidal carbon dioxide) on a worksheet specially designed for this study. The study worksheet also included a questionnaire for the EMS personnel with one statement on usability regarding potential interference with ALS.

Results

Twenty-seven patients were included in the statistical analyses. In the INVOS™5100 group (n = 13), the mean rSO2 was 54% (95% CI 40.3–67.7) for patients achieving a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and 28% (95% CI 12.3–43.7) for patients not achieving ROSC (p = 0.04). In the Root® O3 group (n = 14), the mean rSO2 was 50% (95% CI 46.5–53.5) and 41% (95% CI 36.3–45.7) (p = 0.02) for ROSC and no ROSC, respectively. ETCO2 values were not statistically different between the groups. The EMS personnel graded the statement of interference with ALS to a median of 2 (IQR 1–6) on a 10-point Numerical Rating Scale.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that both INVOS™5100 and ROOT® O3 can distinguish between ROSC and no ROSC in OHCA, and both could be used in the pre-hospital setting and during transport with minimal interference with ALS.
'Fight the parasite': raising awareness of cystic echinococcosis in primary school children in endemic countries
Authors: Porcu Francesca , Cantacessi Cinzia , Dessì Giorgia , Sini Maria Francesca , Ahmed Fahad , Cavallo Lia , Nonnis Francesca , Gibson Katherine , Varcasia Cecilia , Joanny Gaelle , Scala Antonio , Tamponi Claudia , Varcasia Antonio
Published: December 2022

Background

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread zoonosis and a significant economic concern and cause of morbidity in humans. A scarcity of education on the sources of CE infection and containment measures is considered to be a key factor responsible for persistent transmission within communities. Recently, edutainment approaches have captured the attention of health education (HE) professionals due to the benefits of integrating cognitive and emotional learning processes.

Methods

A study was carried out in Sardinia, Italy, between 2020 and 2022, amid the SARS-Covid-19 pandemic. The project, designed to involve primary school children (via remote or face-to-face learning depending on the evolving Covid-19 containment measures) consisted of four distinct phases: (i) creation of material for school children and teachers focused on cystic echinococcosis; (ii) pre-intervention evaluation of CE knowledge (i.e. True False Don’t Know [TFD] pre-intervention questionnaire based on CE-related knowledge and practices); (iii) edutainment activity (e.g. interactive lessons enhanced by the comic booklet and the “Fight the parasite” cartoon video, hands-on educational activities and drawing activities on CE); and (iv) post-intervention evaluation of CE knowledge (via TFD post-intervention questionnaire [same questionnaire as used for the pre-intervention assessment] on CE-related knowledge and practices) and on-site edutainment tour in primary schools taking part to the project.

Results

The percentage of correct answers increased from 65% for the questionnaire administered pre-intervention to 87.9% for the same questionnaire administered post-intervention (χ2 = 648.12, df = 1, P < 0.0001), while the percentage of uncertain answers (i.e. ‘I don’t know’) decreased from 23% pre-intervention to 5% post-intervention (χ2 = 603.44, df = 1, P < 0.0001). These differences indicate a significantly enhanced understanding of CE among participating school children after the intervention.

Conclusions

The results of the present survey indicate that the use of digital educational tools, the use of video animations as a model for science communication, as well as other participatory teaching methods, enabled children to retain key knowledge of the routes of CE transmission and ways to prevent it.

Graphical abstract
Risk factors for shoulder injuries in handball: systematic review
Authors: Hadjisavvas Stelios , Efstathiou Michalis A. , Malliou Vivian , Giannaki Christoforos D. , Stefanakis Manos
Published: December 2022

Background

Handball is a sport with a high number of severe injuries.The shoulder is one of the most commonly injured joints, with an average prevalence of 17–41%.

Objective

The primary aim is to identify the most significant risk factors related to shoulder injuries in handball. The secondary aim is to propose recommendations based on the available evidence concerning potential injury prevention strategies.

Methods

Systematic searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Proquest, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus were undertaken for peer reviewed articles published between 15 July 1995 and 15 July 2019. The same search strategy was repeated on 24 April 2022. Prospective cohort studies, written in English and published in a journal with a peer-review process aiming to investigate at least one modifiable or/and a non-modifiable potential risk factor for shoulder injuries, specifically in handball players, were included. Only papers published after 1995 were included. The methodological quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the modified version of the Downs and Black Checklist. The Best Evidence Synthesis (BES) approach was used for synthesizing and reporting the results.

Results

1849 studies were identified, of which 8 were included. A total of 2536 (males = 1354, females = 1182) participants of which 2522 were handball athletes, were included. Four of the eight studies were rated as high methodological quality studies (> 85%) while the rest were rated as medium (50–85%). The risk factors for shoulder injuries in handball identified in the studies were strength imbalances (n = 6), glenohumeral range of motion (ROM) imbalances (n = 5), scapular dyskinesis (n = 5), incorrect dosage of training load (n = 2), previous injury (n = 1), sex (n = 2), player’s position, school grade, playing level (n = 1), altered shoulder joint position sense (n = 1).

Conclusion

Overall, from all the risk factors evaluated, there was strong evidence that the weakness of the shoulder external rotator muscles and the female sex increase the probability of shoulder injury in handball athletes. Nevertheless, the evidence for the other risk factors was moderate due to the methodological quality and the limited number of studies.

Protocol registration:PROSPERO ID: CRD42020138233.
Dynamic transcriptome analysis reveals the gene network of gonadal development from the early history life stages in dwarf surfclam Mulinia lateralis
Authors: Li Yajuan , Liu Liangjie , Zhang Lijing , Wei Huilan , Wu Shaoxuan , Liu Tian , Shu Ya , Yang Yaxin , Yang Zujing , Wang Shi , Bao Zhenmin , Zhang Lingling
Published: December 2022

Background

Gonadal development is driven by a complex genetic cascade in vertebrates. However, related information remains limited in molluscs owing to the long generation time and the difficulty in maintaining whole life cycle in the lab. The dwarf surfclamMulinia lateralisis considered an ideal bivalve model due to the short generation time and ease to breed in the lab.

Results

To gain a comprehensive understanding of gonadal development inM. lateralis, we conducted a combined morphological and molecular analysis on the gonads of 30 to 60 dpf. Morphological analysis showed that gonad formation and sex differentiation occur at 35 and 40–45 dpf, respectively; then the gonads go through gametogenic cycle. Gene co-expression network analysis on 40 transcriptomes of 35–60 dpf gonads identifies seven gonadal development-related modules, including two gonad-forming modules (M6, M7), three sex-specific modules (M14, M12, M11), and two sexually shared modules (M15, M13). The modules participate in different biological processes, such as cell communication, glycan biosynthesis, cell cycle, and ribosome biogenesis. Several hub transcription factors includingSOX2,FOXZ,HSFY, FOXL2andHES1are identified. The expression of top hub genes from sex-specific modules suggests molecular sex differentiation (35 dpf) occurs earlier than morphological sex differentiation (40–45 dpf).

Conclusion

This study provides a deep insight into the molecular basis of gonad formation, sex differentiation and gametogenesis inM. lateralis, which will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the reproductive regulation network in molluscs.
The COVID-19 pandemic and food security in low- and middle-income countries: a review
Authors: Bloem Jeffrey R. , Farris Jarrad
Published: December 2022

We review findings from the emerging microeconomic literature on observed changes in food insecurity associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so, we focus our review on studies in low- and middle-income countries that include household survey data measuring food insecurity collected both before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We first focus on several studies—seven from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and one from India—that estimate immediate changes in food insecurity associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, we review subsequent analysis studying longer term changes in food insecurity associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This review, therefore, complements existing macroeconomic projections of food insecurity based on expected changes in income and prices.
Population structure of an Antarctic aquatic cyanobacterium
Authors: Panwar Pratibha , Williams Timothy J. , Allen Michelle A. , Cavicchioli Ricardo
Published: December 2022

Background

Ace Lake is a marine-derived, stratified lake in the Vestfold Hills of East Antarctica with an upper oxic and lower anoxic zone. Cyanobacteria are known to reside throughout the water column. ASynechococcus-like species becomes the most abundant member in the upper sunlit waters during summer while persisting annually even in the absence of sunlight and at depth in the anoxic zone. Here, we analysed ~ 300 Gb of Ace Lake metagenome data including 59Synechococcus-like metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) to determine depth-related variation in cyanobacterial population structure. Metagenome data were also analysed to investigate viruses associated with this cyanobacterium and the host’s capacity to defend against or evade viruses.

Results

A singleSynechococcus-like species was found to exist in Ace Lake,CandidatusRegnicoccus frigidus sp. nov., consisting of one phylotype more abundant in the oxic zone and a second phylotype prevalent in the oxic-anoxic interface and surrounding depths. An important aspect of genomic variation pertained to nitrogen utilisation, with the capacity to perform cyanide assimilation and asparagine synthesis reflecting the depth distribution of available sources of nitrogen. Both specialist (host specific) and generalist (broad host range) viruses were identified with a predicted ability to infectCa.Regnicoccus frigidus. Host-virus interactions were characterised by a depth-dependent distribution of virus type (e.g. highest abundance of specialist viruses in the oxic zone) and host phylotype capacity to defend against (e.g. restriction-modification, retron and BREX systems) and evade viruses (cell surface proteins and cell wall biosynthesis and modification enzymes).

Conclusion

In Ace Lake, specific environmental factors such as the seasonal availability of sunlight affects microbial abundances and the associated processes that the microbial community performs. Here, we find that the population structure forCa.Regnicoccus frigidus has evolved differently to the other dominant phototroph in the lake,CandidatusChlorobium antarcticum. The geography (i.e. Antarctica), limnology (e.g. stratification) and abiotic (e.g. sunlight) and biotic (e.g. microbial interactions) factors determine the types of niches that develop in the lake. While the lake community has become increasingly well studied, metagenome-based studies are revealing that niche adaptation can take many paths; these paths need to be determined in order to make reasonable predictions about the consequences of future ecosystem perturbations.