bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative genomics of quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli from broilers and humans in Norway
Authors: Slettemeås Jannice Schau , Sekse Camilla , Sunde Marianne , Norström Madelaine , Wester Astrid Louise , Naseer Umaer , Simonsen Gunnar Skov , Ulstad Charlotte Rosenberg , Urdahl Anne Margrete , Lagesen Karin
Published: July 2024

Background

The usage of fluoroquinolones in Norwegian livestock production is very low, including in broiler production. Historically, quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli (QREC) isolated from Norwegian production animals rarely occur. However, with the introduction of a selective screening method for QREC in the Norwegian monitoring programme for antimicrobial resistance in the veterinary sector in 2014; 89.5% of broiler caecal samples and 70.7% of broiler meat samples were positive. This triggered the concern if there could be possible links between broiler and human reservoirs of QREC. We are addressing this by characterizing genomes of QREC from humans (healthy carriers and patients) and broiler isolates (meat and caecum).

Results

The most frequent mechanism for quinolone resistance in both broiler and human E. coli isolates were mutations in the chromosomally located gyrA and parC genes, although plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) was also identified. There was some relatedness of the isolates within human and broiler groups, but little between these two groups. Further, some overlap was seen for isolates with the same sequence type isolated from broiler and humans, but overall, the SNP distance was high.

Conclusion

Based on data from this study, QREC from broiler makes a limited contribution to the incidence of QREC in humans in Norway.
Simulated complexes formed from a set of postsynaptic proteins suggest a localised effect of a hypomorphic Shank mutation
Authors: Miski Marcell , Weber Áron , Fekete-Molnár Krisztina , Keömley-Horváth Bence Márk , Csikász-Nagy Attila , Gáspári Zoltán
Published: July 2024

Background

The postsynaptic density is an elaborate protein network beneath the postsynaptic membrane involved in the molecular processes underlying learning and memory. The postsynaptic density is built up from the same major proteins but its exact composition and organization differs between synapses. Mutations perturbing protein: protein interactions generally occurring in this network might lead to effects specific for cell types or processes, the understanding of which can be especially challenging.

Results

In this work we use systems biology-based modeling of protein complex distributions in a simplified set of major postsynaptic proteins to investigate the effect of a hypomorphic Shank mutation perturbing a single well-defined interaction. We use data sets with widely variable abundances of the constituent proteins. Our results suggest that the effect of the mutation is heavily dependent on the overall availability of all the protein components of the whole network and no trivial correspondence between the expression level of the directly affected proteins and overall complex distribution can be observed.

Conclusions

Our results stress the importance of context-dependent interpretation of mutations. Even the weakening of a generally occurring protein: protein interaction might have well-defined effects, and these can not easily be predicted based only on the abundance of the proteins directly affected. Our results provide insight on how cell-specific effects can be exerted by a mutation perturbing a generally occurring interaction even when the wider interaction network is largely similar.
Genome-wide analysis of MYB transcription factor family and AsMYB1R subfamily contribution to ROS homeostasis regulation in Avena sativa under PEG-induced drought stress
Authors: Chen Yang , Li Aixue , Yun Ping , Chen Quan , Pan Dayu , Guo Rui , Zhang Han , Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Ibraheem , Hu Haiying , Peng Yuanying , Wang Cheng , Dong Hongtu , Qiu Chaoyang , Shabala Lana , Shabala Sergey , Luo Bin , Hou Peichen
Published: July 2024

Background

The myeloblastosis (MYB) transcription factor (TF) family is one of the largest and most important TF families in plants, playing an important role in a life cycle and abiotic stress.

Results

In this study, 268 Avena sativa MYB (AsMYB) TFs from Avena sativa were identified and named according to their order of location on the chromosomes, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the AsMYB and Arabidopsis MYB proteins were performed to determine their homology, the AsMYB1R proteins were classified into 5 subgroups, and the AsMYB2R proteins were classified into 34 subgroups. The conserved domains and gene structure were highly conserved among the subgroups. Eight differentially expressed AsMYB genes were screened in the transcriptome of transcriptional data and validated through RT-qPCR. Three genes in AsMYB2R subgroup, which are related to the shortened growth period, stomatal closure, and nutrient and water transport by PEG-induced drought stress, were investigated in more details. The AsMYB1R subgroup genes LHY and REV 1, together with GST, regulate ROS homeostasis to ensure ROS signal transduction and scavenge excess ROS to avoid oxidative damage.

Conclusion

The results of this study confirmed that the AsMYB TFs family is involved in the homeostatic regulation of ROS under drought stress. This lays the foundation for further investigating the involvement of the AsMYB TFs family in regulating A. sativa drought response mechanisms.
Plastome evolution of Engelhardia facilitates phylogeny of Juglandaceae
Authors: Huang Yue , Jin Xin-Jie , Zhang Can-Yu , Li Pan , Meng Hong-Hu , Zhang Yong-Hua
Published: July 2024

Background

Engelhardia (Juglandaceae) is a genus of significant ecological and economic importance, prevalent in the tropics and subtropics of East Asia. Although previous efforts based on multiple molecular markers providing profound insights into species delimitation and phylogeography of Engelhardia, the maternal genome evolution and phylogeny of Engelhardia in Juglandaceae still need to be comprehensively evaluated. In this study, we sequenced plastomes from 14 samples of eight Engelhardia species and the outgroup Rhoiptelea chiliantha, and incorporated published data from 36 Juglandaceae and six outgroup species to test phylogenetic resolution. Moreover, comparative analyses of the plastomes were conducted to investigate the plastomes evolution of Engelhardia and the whole Juglandaceae family.

Results

The 13 Engelhardia plastomes were highly similar in genome size, gene content, and order. They exhibited a typical quadripartite structure, with lengths from 161,069 bp to 162,336 bp. Three mutation hotspot regions (TrnK-rps16, ndhF-rpl32, and ycf1) could be used as effective molecular markers for further phylogenetic analyses and species identification. Insertion and deletion (InDels) may be an important driving factor for the evolution of plastomes in Juglandoideae and Engelhardioideae. A total of ten codons were identified as the optimal codons in Juglandaceae. The mutation pressure mostly contributed to shaping codon usage. Seventy-eight protein-coding genes in Juglandaceae experienced relaxed purifying selection, only rpl22 and psaI genes showed positive selection (Ka/Ks > 1). Phylogenetic results fully supported Engelhardia as a monophyletic group including two sects and the division of Juglandaceae into three subfamilies. The Engelhardia originated in the Late Cretaceous and diversified in the Late Eocene, and Juglandaceae originated in the Early Cretaceous and differentiated in Middle Cretaceous. The phylogeny and divergence times didn’t support rapid radiation occurred in the evolution history of Engelhardia.

Conclusion

Our study fully supported the taxonomic treatment of at the section for Engelhardia species and three subfamilies for Juglandaceae and confirmed the power of phylogenetic resolution using plastome sequences. Moreover, our results also laid the foundation for further studying the course, tempo and mode of plastome evolution of Engelhardia and the whole Juglandaceae family.
Ecological stress memory in wood architecture of two Neotropical hickory species from central-eastern Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez-Ramírez Ernesto C. , Frei Jonas , Ames-Martínez Fressia N. , Guerra Anthony , Andrés-Hernández Agustina R.
Published: July 2024

Background

Drought periods are major evolutionary triggers of wood anatomical adaptive variation in Lower Tropical Montane Cloud Forests tree species. We tested the influence of historical drought events on the effects of ecological stress memory on latewood width and xylem vessel traits in two relict hickory species (Carya palmeri and Carya myristiciformis) from central-eastern Mexico. We hypothesized that latewood width would decrease during historical drought years, establishing correlations between growth and water stress conditions, and that moisture deficit during past tree growth between successive drought events, would impact on wood anatomical features. We analyzed latewood anatomical traits that developed during historical drought and pre- and post-drought years in both species.

Results

We found that repeated periods of hydric stress left climatic signatures for annual latewood growth and xylem vessel traits that are essential for hydric adaptation in tropical montane hickory species.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the existence of cause‒effect relationships in wood anatomical architecture and highlight the ecological stress memory linked with historical drought events. Thus, combined time-series analysis of latewood width and xylem vessel traits is a powerful tool for understanding the ecological behavior of hickory species.
Combined analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome reveals the metabolic characteristics and candidate genes involved in alkaloid metabolism in Heuchera micrantha Douglas ex Lindl
Authors: Gong Weichang , Xiong Lina , Fu Hongbo
Published: July 2024

Background

Alkaloids, important secondary metabolites produced by plants, play a crucial role in responding to environmental stress. Heuchera micrantha, a well-known plant used in landscaping, has the ability to purify air, and absorb toxic and radioactive substances, showing strong environmental adaptability. However, there is still limited understanding of the accumulation characteristics and metabolic mechanism of alkaloids in H. micrantha.

Results

In this study, four distinct varieties of H. micrantha were used to investigate the accumulation and metabolic traits of alkaloids in its leaves. We conducted a combined analysis of the plant’s metabolome and transcriptome. Our analysis identified 44 alkaloids metabolites in the leaves of the four H. micrantha varieties, with 26 showing different levels of accumulation among the groups. The HT and JQ varieties exhibited higher accumulation of differential alkaloid metabolites compared to YH and HY. We annotated the differential alkaloid metabolites to 22 metabolic pathways, including several alkaloid metabolism. Transcriptome data revealed 5064 differentially expressed genes involved in these metabolic pathways. Multivariate analysis showed that four key metabolites (N-hydroxytryptamine, L-tyramine, tryptamine, and 2-phenylethylamine) and three candidate genes (Cluster-15488.116815, Cluster-15488.146268, and Cluster-15488.173297) that merit further investigation.

Conclusions

This study provided preliminarily insight into the molecular mechanism of the biosynthesis of alkaloids in H. micrantha. However, further analysis is required to elucidate the specific regulatory mechanisms of the candidate gene involved in the synthesis of key alkaloid metabolites. In summary, our findings provide important information about how alkaloid metabolites build up and the metabolic pathways involved in H. micrantha varieties. This gives us a good starting point for future research on the regulation mechanism, and development, and utilization of alkaloids in H. micrantha.
Network analyses predict major regulators of resistance to early blight disease complex in tomato
Authors: Tominello-Ramirez Christopher S. , Muñoz Hoyos Lina , Oubounyt Mhaned , Stam Remco
Published: July 2024

Background

Early blight and brown leaf spot are often cited as the most problematic pathogens of tomato in many agricultural regions. Their causal agents are Alternaria spp., a genus of Ascomycota containing numerous necrotrophic pathogens. Breeding programs have yielded quantitatively resistant commercial cultivars, but fungicide application remains necessary to mitigate the yield losses. A major hindrance to resistance breeding is the complexity of the genetic determinants of resistance and susceptibility. In the absence of sufficiently resistant germplasm, we sequenced the transcriptomes of Heinz 1706 tomatoes treated with strongly virulent and weakly virulent isolates of Alternaria spp. 3 h post infection. We expanded existing functional gene annotations in tomato and using network statistics, we analyzed the transcriptional modules associated with defense and susceptibility.

Results

The induced responses are very distinct. The weakly virulent isolate induced a defense response of calcium-signaling, hormone responses, and transcription factors. These defense-associated processes were found in a single transcriptional module alongside secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes, and other defense responses. Co-expression and gene regulatory networks independently predicted several D clade ethylene response factors to be early regulators of the defense transcriptional module, as well as other transcription factors both known and novel in pathogen defense, including several JA-associated genes. In contrast, the strongly virulent isolate elicited a much weaker response, and a separate transcriptional module bereft of hormone signaling.

Conclusions

Our findings have predicted major defense regulators and several targets for downstream functional analyses. Combined with our improved gene functional annotation, they suggest that defense is achieved through induction of Alternaria-specific immune pathways, and susceptibility is mediated by modulating hormone responses. The implication of multiple specific clade D ethylene response factors and upregulation of JA-associated genes suggests that host defense in this pathosystem involves ethylene response factors to modulate jasmonic acid signaling.
Impact of non-emergency surgical timing on postoperative recovery quality in mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected patients: a grouped cohort study
Authors: Wang Qiu-Bo , Wang Yu-Long , Wang Yue-Feng , Chen Hua , Chen Wei , Chen Yong-Quan
Published: July 2024

Objective

To explore the relationship between the timing of non-emergency surgery in mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infected individuals and the quality of postoperative recovery from the time of confirmed infection to the day of surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 300 cases of mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected patients undergoing elective general anaesthesia surgery at Yijishan Hospital between January 9, 2023, and February 17, 2023. Based on the time from confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection to the day of surgery, patients were divided into four groups: ≤2 weeks (Group A), 2–4 weeks (Group B), 4–6 weeks (Group C), and 6–8 weeks (Group D). The primary outcome measures included the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) scale scores at 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative mortality, ICU admission, pulmonary complications, postoperative length of hospital stay, extubation time, and time to leave the PACU.

Results

Concerning the primary outcome measures, the QoR-15 scores at 3 days postoperatively in Group A were significantly lower compared to the other three groups (P < 0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences among the other three groups (P > 0.05). The QoR-15 scores at 3 and 6 months postoperatively showed no statistically significant differences among the four groups (P > 0.05). In terms of secondary outcome measures, Group A had a significantly prolonged hospital stay compared to the other three groups (P < 0.05), while other outcome measures showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The timing of surgery in mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected patients does not affect long-term recovery quality but does impact short-term recovery quality, especially for elective general anaesthesia surgeries within 2 weeks of confirmed infection. Therefore, it is recommended to wait for a surgical timing of at least greater than 2 weeks to improve short-term recovery quality and enhance patient prognosis.
Comparison of remimazolam tosilate and propofol during induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective, single center, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Luo Zhuxin , Cao Hai , Luo Li , Chen Long , Feng Dian , Huang Guihua
Published: July 2024

Background

Remimazolam tosilate (RT) is a new, ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine. Here, we investigated the efficacy and safety of RT for general anesthesia in patients undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods

In this study, 122 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to receive either remimazolam tosilate (Group RT) or propofol group (Group P). RT was administered as a slow bolus of 0.3 mg kg− 1 for induction, followed by 1.0–2.0 mg kg− 1 h− 1 for maintenance of general anesthesia. Propofol was started at 2 mg kg− 1 and followed by 4–10 mg kg− 1 h− 1 until the end of surgery. The primary outcome was the time to bispectral index (BIS) ≤ 60. The secondary outcome included the time to loss of consciousness (LoC), and the time to extubation. Adverse events were also assessed.

Results

A total of 112 patients were recruited for study participation. Among them, the time to BIS ≤ 60 in Group RT was longer than that in Group P (Group RT: 89.3 ± 10.7 s; Group P: 85.9 ± 9.7 s, P > 0.05). While the time to LoC comparing remimazolam and propofol showed no statistical significance (Group RT: 74.4 ± 10.3 s; Group P: 74.7 ± 9.3 s, P > 0.05). The time to extubation in Group RT was significantly longer than that in Group P (Group RT: 16.0 ± 2.6 min; Group P: 8.8 ± 4.3 min, P < 0.001). Remimazolam tosilate had more stable hemodynamics and a lower incidence of hypotension during general anesthesia.

Conclusions

Remimazolam tosilate can be safely and effectively used for general anesthesia in patients undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. It maintains stable hemodynamics during induction and maintenance of general anesthesia compared with propofol. Further studies are needed to validate the findings.

Trial registration

Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2300071256 (date of registration: 09/05/2023).
The use of diagnostic ultrasound by primary care physicians in Switzerland – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zumstein Nico , Merlo Christoph , Essig Stefan , Auer Reto , Tal Kali , Hari Roman
Published: July 2024

Background

Diagnostic ultrasound has become a bedside tool widely available to many primary care physicians (PCPs) in Europe. It is often used as point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) in this setting. In Switzerland, certain POCUS examinations are listed as learning objectives in existing ultrasound training programs (we defined these examinations as swissPOCUS = sPOCUS). Ultrasound performed by PCPs can lead to faster diagnostic workup and reduce referral to secondary care units. However, adequate training is crucial to guarantee high quality. To guide the development of ultrasound training programs for PCPs, this study explores the use of ultrasound in primary care in Switzerland.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. We invited PCPs from the Swiss practice-based research network “Sentinella” to collect data on the first 5 daily ultrasounds they ordered or performed themselves. Participating PCPs collected data for 3 months – divided into 4 groups to account for seasonal differences.

Results

Out of 188 PCPs invited, 81.9% provided data through an initial questionnaire. 46.8% provided data on 1616 ultrasounds. 56.5% of PCPs had access to ultrasound machines, while 29.8% had completed formal training. 77% of the reported ultrasounds were self-performed; 27% of the reported scans (35% of all self-performed scans) were performed by PCPs with incomplete or no formal training.

The main areas of interest were the abdominal (57.9%) and the musculoskeletal (22%) region. 36.9% of reported examinations were sPOCUS exams. Among PCPs with access to US machines, the percentages of referred examinations were similar for sPOCUS (11.9%) and non-sPOCUS (11.3%) indications. However, some sPOCUS musculoskeletal ultrasounds were often referred (e.g. tendon/ligament/muscle injuries or cutaneous/subcutaneous tumour).

Conclusion

Most Swiss PCPs had access to ultrasound equipment and performed a majority of both sPOCUS and non-sPOCUS scans themselves, often without or with incomplete training. This reflects the fact that POCUS was only recently introduced in Switzerland. There is a need for easily accessible POCUS training programs aimed at PCPs in Switzerland.

Training courses for PCPs should focus on abdominal and musculoskeletal ultrasound, because these were the most common sites for scans, and because some sPOCUS musculoskeletal examinations showed a particularly high percentage of referral.
Adjusting the 15-method to Danish general practice: identification of barriers, facilitators, and user needs
Authors: Schøler Peter Næsborg , Søndergaard Jens , Rasmussen Sanne , Nielsen Anette Søgaard
Published: July 2024

Background

The 15-method is an opportunistic screening and brief intervention tool for alcohol-related problems in primary healthcare. A Danish feasibility study of the 15-method indicated that adjustments were needed to improve its contextual fit to Danish general practice. This adjustment process was conducted in two parts. The first part focused on identifying barriers, facilitators, and user needs for addressing alcohol using the 15-method. The second part will address the identified barriers and user needs to finalize a Danish version of the method. This study reports on part one of the adjustment process.

Methods

Semi-structured individual interviews and focus group interviews with healthcare professionals (n = 8) and patients (n = 5) from general practice in Denmark. Data analysis was conducted using thematic content analysis. The results were condensed into two focus areas that will form the basis for user workshops in part two of the adjustment process.

Results

The main barriers for addressing alcohol using the 15-method were patients and healthcare professionals not having the same agenda, having difficulty opening a conversation on alcohol, and workflow in the practices. Main facilitators included high interpersonal skills, taking the patient’s perspective, and good routines and interdisciplinary work. Suggested adjustments and additions to the method included digitalization, visual icebreakers, quotes and examples, and development of a quick guide. The identified focus areas for user workshops were Communication and Material, and Integration to Workflows.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals found the opportunistic screening approach exemplified by the 15-method to be beneficial in identifying and addressing alcohol-related problems. They appreciate the method’s structured framework that assists in presenting treatment options. Identified adjustment areas to the 15-method will lay the groundwork for future efforts to develop a finalized Danish version of the 15-method.
Experiences with implementing advance care planning (ACP-GP) in Belgian general practice in the context of a cluster RCT: a process evaluation using the RE-AIM framework
Authors: Stevens Julie , Scherrens Anne-Lore , Pype Peter , Deliens Luc , De Vleminck Aline , Pardon Koen
Published: July 2024

Background

General practice is often recommended as an ideal setting to initiate advance care planning (ACP), but uptake of ACP in this setting is low. ACP-GP is a complex intervention to facilitate ACP for patients with chronic, life-limiting illness in Belgian general practice. It aims to increase patient ACP engagement and general practitioner (GP) ACP self-efficacy. In a cluster-randomized controlled trial, the intervention was not superior to control in increasing these outcomes. A parallel process evaluation aimed to enhance understanding of how the intervention was implemented, and which factors might have influenced trial results.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods process evaluation following the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Data sources include recruitment and implementation monitoring, questionnaires for patients and GPs, and semi-structured (focus group) interviews with patients and GPs. Questionnaire data were analyzed descriptively. Qualitative data were first analyzed inductively; themes were then assigned deductively to RE-AIM dimensions.

Results

Thirty-five GPs and 95 patients were recruited to the trial; GP reach was low. Sixteen GPs and 46 patients provided questionnaire data at 3 months post-baseline; qualitative data were transcribed for 14 GPs and 11 patients. Adoption of intervention components was moderate to good, with the exception of the documentation template for GPs. Interviews revealed varying patient attitudes towards ACP, but patients nonetheless emphasized that conversations made them feel reassured. GPs especially valued a positive framing of ACP. When adopted, the intervention was well-implemented and participant satisfaction was high. However, intention for maintenance was moderate, with GPs raising questions of how to sustainably implement ACP conversations in the future.

Conclusions

Implementing the complex ACP-GP intervention in general practice is feasible, and can be successful. However, the implementation process is challenging and the sustainability is suboptimal. Our findings will guide future research and recommendations for facilitating and implementing ACP in general practice.

Trial registration

ISRCTN12995230; prospectively registered on 19/06/2020.
Reliability, validity and minimal detectable change of the Chinese Version of the Assessment of Physical Activity in Frail Older People (APAFOP-C)
Authors: Li Yuelin , Lyu Linyu , Fan Xing , Xu Lijuan , Li Yan , Song Rhayun
Published: July 2024

Background

Physical activity (PA) is essential in mitigating frailty syndrome, and it is necessary to measure PA in older adults with frailty. Assessment of Physical Activity in Frail Older People (APAFOP) is a suitable patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for assessing PA among older adults with frailty. This study aimed to determine the reliability, validity and minimal detectable change of the Chinese version of the APAFOP (APAFOP-C).

Methods

This cross-sectional validation study was designed to measure the reliability and criterion validity of the APAFOP-C with 124 frail community-residing older adults. APAFOP-C was completed twice within an interval of 7–17 days to determine test-retest reliability. The investigator triangulation method was used to investigate inter-rater reliability, and a pedometer was used as the reference measurement to assess the criterion validity. Reliability and criterion validity were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), Pearson correlation coefficient for normally distributed variables, Spearman correlation coefficient, Wilcoxon signed-rank test for skewed variables, and the minimal detectable change at 95% level of confidence (MDC95). Agreement assessment was conducted using Bland-Altman plots for inter-rater reliability and criterion validity. Kendall’s W test assessed absolute agreement among three raters in inter-rater reliability. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to evaluate whether any particular day was more representative of certain daily activities.

Results

Total PA on any arbitrarily chosen day illustrates daily activity (Z= -0.84, p = 0.40). The APAFOP-C exhibited strong-to-very strong test-retest reliability (ICC2,1=0.73–0.97; Spearman ρ = 0.67–0.89), and the total PA score demonstrated MDC95 < 10%. Inter-rater reliability was also strong-to-very strong (ICC2,1=0.96–0.98; Spearman ρ = 0.88–1.00), and moderate criterion validity when compared with total PA score on pedometer readings (Spearman ρ = 0.61). Limits of agreement among different raters regarding the APAFOP-C and the pedometer were narrow.

Conclusion

The APAFOP-C was found to have limited but acceptable psychometric properties for measuring PA among community-dwelling older adults with frailty in China. It was a feasible comparative PROM for assessing PA worldwide. Practitioners can develop individualized exercise programs for frail older adults and efficiently track changes in PA utilizing the APAFOP-C.
Clinical practice guideline for the management of lipids in adults with diabetic kidney disease: abbreviated summary of the Joint Association of British Clinical Diabetologists and UK Kidney Association (ABCD-UKKA) Guideline 2024
Authors: Zac-Varghese Sagen , Mark Patrick , Bain Steve , Banerjee Debasish , Chowdhury Tahseen A. , Dasgupta Indranil , De Parijat , Fogarty Damian , Frankel Andrew , Goldet Gabrielle , Karalliedde Janaka , Mallik Ritwika , Montero Rosa , Sharif Adnan , Wahba Mona , Dhatariya Ketan , McCafferty Kieran , Lioudaki Eirini , Winocour Peter
Published: July 2024

The contribution of chronic kidney disease (CKD) towards the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) is magnified with co-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Lipids are a modifiable risk factor and good lipid management offers improved outcomes for people with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

The primary purpose of this guideline, written by the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) and UK Kidney Association (UKKA) working group, is to provide practical recommendations on lipid management for members of the multidisciplinary team involved in the care of adults with DKD.
Elevated plasma neurofilament light was associated with multi-modal neuroimaging features in Alzheimer’s disease signature regions and predicted future tau deposition
Authors: Hu Qili , Shi Mengqiu , Li Yunfei , Zhao Xiaohu
Published: July 2024

Background

Neurofilament Light (NfL) is a biomarker for early neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aims to examine the association between plasma NfL and multi-modal neuroimaging features across the AD spectrum and whether NfL predicts future tau deposition.

Methods

The present study recruited 517 participants comprising Aβ negative cognitively normal (CN-) participants (n = 135), Aβ positive cognitively normal (CN +) participants (n = 64), individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) (n = 212), and those diagnosed with AD dementia (n = 106). All the participants underwent multi-modal neuroimaging examinations. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between plasma NfL and multi-modal neuro-imaging features were evaluated using partial correlation analysis and linear mixed effects models. We also used linear regression analysis to investigate the association of baseline plasma NfL with future PET tau load. Mediation analysis was used to explore whether the effect of NfL on cognition was mediated by these imaging biomarkers.

Results

The results showed that baseline NfL levels and the rate of change were associated with Aβ deposition, brain atrophy, brain connectome, glucose metabolism, and brain perfusion in AD signature regions (P<0.05). In both Aβ positive CN and MCI participants, baseline NfL showed a significant predictive value of elevating tau burden in the left medial orbitofrontal cortex and para-hippocampus (β = 0.336, P = 0.032; β = 0.313, P = 0.047). Lastly, the multi-modal neuroimaging features mediated the association between plasma NfL and cognitive performance.

Conclusions

The study supports the association between plasma NfL and multi-modal neuroimaging features in AD-vulnerable regions and its predictive value for future tau deposition.
Plasma alpha B crystallin as potential biomarker for predicting pre-operative seizures in glioma
Authors: Xie Yongsheng , Qi Zengxin , Tong Yusheng , Zhou Nan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Glioma-associated epilepsy affects a significant proportion of glioma patients, contributing to disease progression and diminished survival rates. However, the lack of a reliable preoperative seizure predictor hampers effective surgical planning. This study investigates the potential of Alpha B crystallin protein (CRYAB) plasma levels as a predictive biomarker for epilepsy seizures in glioma patients.

Methods

Plasma samples were obtained from 75 participants, including 21 glioma patients with pre-operative epilepsy, 14 glioma patients without pre-operative epilepsy, and 21 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Additionally, 11 idiopathic epilepsy patients and 8 intractable epilepsy patients served as positive disease control groups. The study utilized ELISA to accurately quantify the circulating levels of CRYAB in the plasma samples of all participants.

Results

The analysis revealed a significant reduction in plasma CRYAB levels in glioma patients with pre-operative epilepsy and idiopathic epilepsy. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis displayed an impressive performance, indicating an AUC of 0.863 (95% CI, 0.810–0.916) across the entire patient cohort. Furthermore, plasma CRYAB levels exhibited a robust diagnostic capability, with an AUC of 0.9135, a sensitivity of 100.0%, and a specificity of 73.68%, effectively distinguishing glioma patients with preoperative epilepsy from those without epilepsy. The Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) underscored the clinical relevance of plasma CRYAB levels in predicting pre-operative epilepsy in glioma.

Conclusion

The findings imply that the reduced levels of CRYAB may assist in prediction of seizure occurrence in glioma patients, although future large-scale prospective studies are warranted.
Intersectional socioeconomic disparities in continuous smoking through pregnancy among pre-pregnant smokers in Sweden between 2006 and 2016
Authors: Axelsson Fisk Sten , Cassel Jannike , Rostila Mikael , Liu Can , Juárez Sol Pia
Published: July 2024

Background

While well-established associations exist between socioeconomic conditions and smoking during pregnancy (SDP), less is known about social disparities in the risk of continuous SDP. Intersectional analyses that consider multiple social factors simultaneously can offer valuable insight for planning smoking cessation interventions.

Methods

We include all 146,222 pregnancies in Sweden between 2006 and 2016 where the mother smoked at three months before pregnancy. The outcome was continuous SDP defined as self-reported smoking in the third trimester. Exposures were age, education, migration status and civil status. We examined all exposures in a mutually adjusted unidimensional analysis and in an intersectional model including 36 possible combinations. We present ORs with 95% Confidence Intervals, and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) as a measure of discriminatory accuracy (DA).

Results

In our study, education status was the factor most strongly associated to continuous SDP among women who smoked at three months before pregnancy. In the unidimensional analysis women with low and middle education had ORs for continuous SDP of 6.92 (95%CI 6.63–7.22) and 3.06 (95%CI 2.94–3.18) respectively compared to women with high education. In the intersectional analysis, odds of continuous SDP were 17.50 (95%CI 14.56–21.03) for married women born in Sweden aged ≥ 35 years with low education, compared to the reference group of married women born in Sweden aged 25–34 with high education. AUC-values were 0.658 and 0.660 for the unidimensional and intersectional models, respectively.

Conclusion

The unidimensional and intersectional analyses showed that low education status increases odds of continuous SDP but that in isolation education status is insufficient to identify the women at highest odds of continuous SDP. Interventions targeted to social groups should be preceded by intersectional analyses but further research is needed before recommending intensified smoking cessation to specific social groups.
Risk factors for postpartum readmission: a prediction model in Iranian pregnant women
Authors: Firouzbakht Mojgan , Nikbakht HossinAli , Omidvar Shabnam
Published: July 2024

Background

Postpartum readmissions (PPRs) are an important indicator of maternal postpartum complications and the quality of medical services and are important for reducing medical costs. The present study aimed to investigate the risk factors affecting readmission after delivery in Imam Ali Hospital in Amol, Iran.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on the mothers who were readmitted after delivery within 30 days, at Imam Ali Hospital (2019–2023). The demographic and obstetrics characteristics were identified through the registry system. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were carried out. To identify the most important variables by machine learning methods, a random forest model was used. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and R (4.1.3) at a significant level of 0.05.

Results

Among 13,983 deliveries 164 (1.2%) had readmission after delivery. The most prevalent cause of readmission after delivery was infection (59.7%). The chance of readmission for women who underwent elective cesarean section and women who experienced labor pain onset by induction of labor was twice and 1.5 times greater than that among women who experienced spontaneous labor pain, respectively. Women with pregnancy complications had more than 2 times the chance of readmission. Cesarean section increased the chance of readmission by 2.69 times compared to normal vaginal delivery.

Conclusion

The method of labor pain onset, mode of delivery, and complications during pregnancy were the most important factors related to readmission after childbirth.
A transversal cross-sectional study of factors related to HPV vaccination status and cancer screening participation among French women aged 25–40
Authors: Serman Fanny , Lisembard Gabrielle , Sahraoui Maxence , Berkhout Christophe , Rochoy Michaël , Haro Anthony , Calafiore Matthieu
Published: July 2024

Background

In 2020, uterine cervical cancer (UCC) was the 12th most common cancer among women in France and the 4th worldwide. French health authorities wanted to increase Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination and screening rates. There were still many barriers to these measures among young women, their families, and health professionals and teachers. Between 2014 and 2019, international studies found inconsistent effects of HPV vaccination on UCC screening. In 2022, a survey was conducted among women aged 25 to 40 in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region to assess participation 1) in HPV vaccination and its barriers, 2) in UCC screening as a function of HPV vaccination status.

Methods

Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire distributed by QR code in 80 general practices randomly selected in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region between January and June 2022. Results were analyzed bivariately using the Chi2 test, multivariately when numbers allowed, and in age subgroups (sensitivity analysis).

Results

407 complete questionnaires (for 602 participating women) were analyzed. In our sample, 41% of women aged 25 to 40 in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region were vaccinated against HPV viruses in 2022. The risk factors for non-vaccination, after multivariable adjustment, were: the periods of eligibility for vaccination in the early days of French vaccination (2007–2012: odds ratio OR = 0.04 [95% CI, 0.02–0.09]; 2012–2017: OR = 0.5 [0.3–0.8]), information received from non-medical sources (OR = 0.3 [0.2–0.6]), and absence of information about vaccination (OR = 0.12 [0.05–0.27]). In our sample, 90% of women were screened for UCC. In bivariate analysis, women at risk of not being screened were those who were youngest, had been vaccinated against HPV, were not heterosexual, lived alone, had gynecological follow-up by their general practitioner, and did not have regular gynecological follow-up. Sensitivity analysis showed that the only risk factor significantly correlated with non-screening regardless of age group was lack of regular gynecological follow-up.

Conclusions

Participation in HPV vaccination and UCC screening is improved by medical education and gynecological follow-up. This multicenter study, limited by the relative youth of vaccination in France, should be repeated after 2037 to assess the possible effect of vaccination on screening.
Prevalence of stunting and its correlates among children under 5 in Afghanistan: the potential impact of basic and full vaccination
Authors: Dadras Omid , Suwanbamrung Charuai , Jafari Massoma , Stanikzai Muhammad Haroon
Published: July 2024

Background

Child stunting is prevalent in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), but an information gap remains regarding its current prevalence, correlates, and the impact of vaccination against this condition in Afghanistan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of moderate and severe stunting and the potential impact of basic and full vaccination among children under five in Afghanistan.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the 2022-23 Afghanistan Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) including 32,989 children under 5. Descriptive statistics were employed to describe the distribution of independent variables and the prevalence of stunting across them. Chi-square analysis was used to examine the association between each independent variable with stunting. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the risk of stunting across different independent variables.

Results

A total of 32,989 children under 5 years old were included in this study. Of those 44.7% were stunted with 21.74% being severely stunted. Children aged 24–35 and 36–47 months faced the highest risk as compared to those aged 1–5 months. The prevalence was lower in female children and they were less likely to experience severe stunting. Stunting was more prevalent in rural areas, with children there 1.16 to 1.23 times more likely to be affected than urban counterparts. Lower wealth correlated with higher stunting. Younger maternal age at birth (≤ 18) correlated with increased stunting risks, particularly in severe cases. Parental education was inversely related to stunting; higher education levels in parents, especially fathers, were associated with lower stunting rates. Households with more than seven children showed a 25% and 44% higher risk of moderate and severe stunting, respectively, compared to families with 1–4 children. Improved sanitation, but not drinking water sources, was linked to reduced stunting in the adjusted model. Vaccination had a protective effect; in the adjusted analysis, basic and full vaccinations significantly lowered the risk of severe stunting by 46% and 41%, respectively.

Conclusion

In this nationally representative study, the prevalence of stunting was substantial (44.7%) in Afghan children. Additionally, the findings emphasize the critical factors associated with child stunting and underscore the protective role of vaccination against this condition, which provides policymakers with directions for policy efforts and intervention strategies to reduce child stunting in Afghanistan.
Faith and vaccination: a scoping review of the relationships between religious beliefs and vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Tiwana Muhammad Haaris , Smith Julia
Published: July 2024

Background

Throughout history, vaccines have proven effective in addressing and preventing widespread outbreaks, leading to a decrease in the spread and fatality rates of infectious diseases. In a time where vaccine hesitancy poses a significant challenge to public health, it is important to identify the intricate interplay of factors exemplified at the individual and societal levels which influence vaccination behaviours. Through this analysis, we aim to shed new light on the dynamics of vaccine hesitancy among religious groups, contributing to the broader effort to promote vaccine uptake, dispel misunderstandings, and encourage constructive dialogue with these groups.

Methods

We used the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) using the 20-point checklist to guide this review. The inclusion criteria for our study were that the literature should be in English, concerned with vaccine hesitancy as the focus of study, study the impact religiosity or religious beliefs as either an outcome or control variable, concerning population levels, and be peer-reviewed.

Results

We analysed 14 peer-reviewed articles that included components related to religiosity or religious beliefs and their impact on vaccine hesitancy published until September 2023. All the articles were published in approximately the last decade between 2012 and 2023, with only 4 of the articles published before 2020. Out of the 14 studies included in our review, twelve utilized quantitative methods, while the remaining two employed qualitative approaches. Among the studies included in our analysis, we found various approaches to categorizing religious belief and identity. In most studies when religion is uniformly regarded as the sole determinant of vaccine hesitancy, it consistently emerges as a significant factor in contributing to vaccine hesitancy. All studies in our review reported sociodemographic factors to some degree related to vaccine hesitancy within their sample populations. Our analysis underscored the need for nuanced approaches to addressing vaccine hesitancy among religious groups.

Conclusion

Vaccine hesitancy is a complex issue and driven by a myriad of individual and societal factors among which religious beliefs is commonly associated to be a driver of higher levels among populations.