bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case report of subacute thyroiditis after inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
Authors: Wijenayake Umesha Nuwanrasee , Ratnayake Gowri Malka , Abeyratne Dilini , Bulugahapitiya Uditha Sirimewan
Published: November 2022

Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory thyroid disorder. It is often triggered following viral infections. Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, several cases of subacute thyroiditis were reported worldwide related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines. We report a rare case of subacute thyroiditis possibly related to immunization with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine Sinopharm BIBP. A 29-year-old previously healthy Sri Lankan woman presented with anterior neck pain, low-grade fever and fatigue appearing 7 days after immunization with the second dose of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine Sinopharm BIBP. She apparently reported similar symptoms which subsided spontaneously within a few days, following immunization with first dose of vaccine. On examination, she had tenderness over the anterior neck. She was afebrile, not tachycardic and clinically euthyroid. Her inflammatory markers were elevated. An ultrasound scan of the neck demonstrated two low echogenic micronodules of 6 x 3 mm2 and 5 x 3 mm2 and low background thyroid vascularity. Technetium 99 m pertechnetate (Tc – 99 m) thyroidal uptake scan shows reduced thyroidal uptake suggestive of subacute thyroiditis. Thyroid function tests were normal at the time of the assessment. The patient was treated symptomatically with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Her neck pain and tenderness resolved gradually. Serial measurements of thyroid functions during follow-up were within normal limits. Inflammatory markers normalized over the course of follow-up. Subacute thyroiditis following COVID-19 vaccination is a rare occurrence. However, due to its mild clinical course, it could very well be underreported. It is a mild and self-limiting illness with transient thyroid dysfunction; thus, it should be emphasized that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh any rare and mild side effects reported.
Carbon nanoparticles induce DNA repair and PARP inhibitor resistance associated with nanozyme activity in cancer cells
Authors: Fan Haiyan , Sun Qinglei , Dukenbayev Kanat , Benassi Enrico , Manarbek Limara , Nurkesh Ayan A. , Khamijan Medina , Mu Chenglin , Li Guoliang , Razbekova Madina , Chen Zhenbang , Amin Amr , Xie Yingqiu
Published: November 2022

Background

Quantum nanodots especially carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have been widely studied in biomedicine in imaging, and drug delivery, but anti-cancer mechanisms remain elusive.

Methods

Here, we investigated a type of cell death induced by food (beet, soybean) derived CNPs in cancer cells and tested whether CNPs induced DNA damage and resistant to anti-cancer agent PARP inhibitor (PARPi) could be overcome by quantum calculations, TEM, AFM, FT-IR, soft agar assay, and cytotoxicity assay.

Results

At high doses, CNPs derived from beet lead to a pop-like apoptosis (Carbopoptosis) in cancer cells. Quantum mechanical calculations confirmed CNPs binding with phosphate groups as well as DNA bases. At low doses, CNPs develop PARPi drug resistance through interactions between CNPs and PARPi. A synergistic drug effect was achieved with the combination of phosphatase inhibitor (PPi), PARPi, and CNPs. This is corroborated by the fact that sulfur modulated CNPs which exhibit super high phosphatase nanozyme activity abrogated the CNPs induced colony formation in anchorage-independent cancer cell growth.

Conclusion

Thus, our data suggest the CNPs intrinsic nanozyme activity of phosphatase may crosstalk with drug resistance, which can be reversed upon modulations.
Evidence for a chemical arms race between cuckoo wasps of the genus Hedychrum and their distantly related host apoid wasps
Authors: Castillo Ruth , Wurdack Mareike , Pauli Thomas , Keller Alexander , Feldhaar Heike , Polidori Carlo , Niehuis Oliver , Schmitt Thomas
Published: November 2022

Background

Brood parasites can exert strong selection pressure on their hosts. Many brood parasites escape their detection by mimicking sensory cues of their hosts. However, there is little evidence whether or not the hosts are able to escape the parasites’ mimicry by changing these cues. We addressed this question by analyzing cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of Cerceris and Philanthus wasps and their brood parasites, cuckoo wasps mimicking the CHC profiles of their hosts. Some of these hosts use hydrocarbons to preserve their prey against fungal infestation and thus, they cannot significantly change their CHC composition in response to chemical mimicry by Hedychrum brood parasites.

Results

We found that the CHC overlap between brood parasites and their hosts was lower in case of host wasps not preserving their prey than in case of prey-preserving host wasps, whose CHC evolution is constrained. Furthermore, the CHC profiles in non-preserving host wasps is more strongly diversified in females than in males, thus in the sex that is chemically mimicked by brood parasites.

Conclusion

Our results provide evidence for a chemical arms race between those hosts that are liberated from stabilizing selection on their chemical template and their parasites.
Dyadic relationship, carer role, and resources: a theory-driven thematic analysis of interviews with informal carers focusing on the stability of home-based care arrangements for people living with dementia
Authors: Köhler Kerstin , Dreyer Jan , Hochgraeber Iris , Pinkert Christiane , von Kutzleben Milena , Holle Bernhard , Roes Martina
Published: November 2022

Background

Most people with dementia live at home and are supported by informal carers. During the care trajectory, the creation of a stable care situation is a guiding principle of informal carers, who often manage complex care arrangements. A recently developed theory – ‘Stability of home-based care arrangements for people living with dementia' (SoCA-Dem) – conceptualises how such care arrangements develop over time, and it highlights the relevance of the dyadic relationship, carer role, and resources with regard to the continuation of home-based care throughout the course of dementia. To further explore these three concepts, and to provide feedback for a further refinement of SoCA-Dem theory, this study aims to gain a deeper understanding of (1) how informal carers perceive their dyadic relationship, their carer role, and the resources of the care arrangement, and (2) how these concepts are interrelated.

Methods

This study was a secondary data analysis of n = 11 problem-centred interviews. Data were interpreted by a thematic qualitative text analysis.

Results

The findings distinguished subthemes within the concepts and uncovered their interrelations. The kinship relation, living situation and character of the dyadic relationship shaped informal carers’ self-conception of the carer role. This influenced the integration of resources into the care arrangement. Conversely, the quantity and quality of informal and formal support resulted in a feeling of relief or overload in the carer role, that shaped the informal carers’ way of living their dyadic relationship. The respective forming of the concepts had a significant impact with regard to the perceived stability or instability of the care situation in the examined care arrangements.

Conclusions

This study provided valuable evidence for future research alignment and targeted refinement of the SoCA-Dem theory. Scholars should further explore the specifics of spousal versus parent–child-dyads to better understand the dyads' diverse strategies in the creation of stable home-based care arrangements. Furthermore, future research should focus on the complex dynamics of dyads, family networks, and service providers, and all actors’ perspectives should be integrated in SoCA-Dem theory. Based on this growing knowledge base, innovative care interventions and structures should be developed to support people with dementia and their informal carers in better living and caring in the place of their choice.
Application of machine learning model to predict lacunar cerebral infarction in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture before surgery
Authors: Huang Cheng-bin , Tan Kai , Wu Zong-yi , Yang Lei
Published: November 2022

Background

Femoral neck fracture and lacunar cerebral infarction (LCI) are the most common diseases in the elderly. When LCI patients undergo a series of traumas such as surgery, their postoperative recovery results are often poor. Moreover, few studies have explored the relationship between LCI and femoral neck fracture in the elderly. Therefore, this study will develop a ML (machine learning)-based model to predict LCI before surgery in elderly patients with a femoral neck fracture.

Methods

Professional medical staff retrospectively collected the data of 161 patients with unilateral femoral neck fracture who underwent surgery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University database from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on LCI (diagnosis based on cranial CT image): the LCI group and the non-LCI group. Preoperative clinical characteristics and preoperative laboratory data were collected for all patients. Features were selected by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, with age, white blood cell (WBC), prealbumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, globulin, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (Bun)/Scr, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum sodium and fibrinogen as the features of the ML model. Five machine learning algorithms, Logistic regression (LR), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Random Forest (RF), and Decision tree (DT), were used in combination with preoperative clinical characteristics and laboratory data to establish a predictive model of LCI in patients with a femoral neck fracture. Furthermore, indices like the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated to test the models’ performance.

Results

The AUROC of 5 ML models ranged from 0.76 to 0.95. It turned out that the RF model demonstrated the highest performance in predicting LCI for femoral neck fracture patients before surgery, whose AUROC was 0.95, sensitivity 1.00, specificity 0.81, and accuracy 0.90 in validation sets. Furthermore, the top 4 high-ranking variables in the RF model were prealbumin, fibrinogen, globulin and Scr, in descending order of importance.

Conclusion

In this study, 5 ML models were developed and validated for patients with femoral neck fracture to predict preoperative LCI. RF model provides an excellent predictive value with an AUROC of 0.95. Clinicians can better conduct multidisciplinary perioperative management for patients with femoral neck fractures through this model and accelerate the postoperative recovery of patients.
Reliability of rubidium-82 PET/CT for renal perfusion determination in healthy subjects
Authors: Langaa Stine Sundgaard , Mose Frank Holden , Fynbo Claire Anne , Theil Jørn , Bech Jesper Nørgaard
Published: November 2022

Background

Changes in renal perfusion may play a pathophysiological role in hypertension and kidney disease, however to date, no method for renal blood flow (RBF) determination in humans has been implemented in clinical practice. In a previous study, we demonstrated that estimation of renal perfusion based on a single positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan with Rubidium-82 (82Rb) is feasible and found an approximate 5% intra-assay coefficient of variation for both kidneys, indicative of a precise method.This study’s aim was to determine the day-to day variation of82Rb PET/CT and to test the method’s ability to detect increased RBF induced by infusion of amino acids.

Methods

Seventeen healthy subjects underwent three dynamic82Rb PET/CT scans over two examination days comprising: Day A, a single 8-minute dynamic scan and Day B, two scans performed before (baseline) and after RBF stimulation by a 2-hour amino acid-infusion. The order of examination days was determined by randomization. Time activity curves for arterial and renal activity with a 1-tissue compartment model were used for flow estimation; the K1kinetic parameter representing renal82Rb clearance. Day-to-day variation was calculated based on the difference between the unstimulated K1values on Day A and Day B and paired t-testing was performed to compare K1values at baseline and after RBF stimulation on Day B.

Results

Day-to-day variation was observed to be 5.5% for the right kidney and 6.0% for the left kidney (n = 15 quality accepted scans). K1values determined after amino acid-infusion were significantly higher than pre-infusion values (n = 17, p = 0.001). The mean percentage change in K1from baseline was 13.2 ± 12.9% (range − 10.4 to 35.5) for the right kidney; 12.9 ± 13.2% (range − 15.7 to 35.3) for the left kidney.

Conclusion

Day-to-day variation is acceptably low. A significant K1increase from baseline is detected after application of a known RBF stimulus, indicating that82Rb PET/CT scanning can provide a precise method for evaluation of RBF and it is able to determine changes herein.

Clinical Trial Registration

EU Clinical Trials Register, 2017-005008-88. Registered 18/01/2018.
Outcomes of near confluent laser versus combined less dense laser and bevacizumab treatment of prethreshold ROP Type 1 Zone 2: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Namvar Ehsan , Bolkheir Alireza , Emadi Zahra , Johari Mohammadkarim , Nowroozzadeh Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2022

Background

To evaluate the results of near confluent laser therapy versus combined less dense laser and intra vitreal bevacizumab in treatment of infants with type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in zone II.

Methods

This is a prospective double-blinded randomized clinical trial study. Infants with Type 1 ROP in Zone 2 were randomized into case and control groups. Conventional laser therapy was executed for control group and combination of IVB and laser treatment was employed for the case group.

Results

Eighty-six eyes from 43 infants were analyzed in this trial. The first group included 42 eyes from 21 infants receiving a combination of laser ablation and IVB. The second group contained 44 eyes from 22 infants who received only conventional laser therapy. The combined IVB and laser ablation group demonstrated the neovascularization regression (20 out of 21 infants) one week after the procedure. In the conventional laser therapy group, this regression was found in (12 out of 22 infants) within one week after laser therapy (P = 0.001). Plus disease regression was observed in 20 (20/21) of combined treatment group and 7 infants (7/22) of conventional laser treatment group after one week.

Conclusion

Combined less dense laser and bevacizumab treatment resulted in more rapid regression in comparison with the conventional laser treatment.

Trial registration

IRCT20201120049450N1, 27/12/2021.
The relationships between parents’ and children’s screen times on body mass index: a cross-sectional path analysis
Authors: Ishii Kaori , Shibata Ai , Koohsari Mohammad Javad , Oka Koichiro
Published: November 2022

Background

Understanding factors contributing to an individual reducing screen time is essential for promoting a healthy weight. Parents’ behavior affects children by influencing their daily decision-making through modeling, rules or restrictions, social support, and co-participation. We examined how the direct and indirect effects of parents’ and children’s behaviors regarding screen time influenced body mass index (BMI) among Japanese elementary school children.

Methods

We included 283 Japanese children, one child per household, aged 6–12 years, who were randomly selected from resident registries of two cities. The questionnaires were completed by children and their mothers and fathers. Screen time and sociodemographic attributes, including sex, age, employment status, height, and weight, were assessed using a mail-based survey. Path analyses were conducted to determine associations among children’s, fathers’, and mothers’ variables. It was hypothesized that after controlling for household income and children’s sex and age, mothers’ and fathers’ screen time on weekdays and weekends would be related to children’s weekdays and weekend screen time, respectively. In addition, we hypothesized that children’s weekday and weekend screen time was related to children’s BMI.

Results

Both fathers’ and mothers’ weekday screen times were associated with children’s weekday and weekend screen times. BMI was affected by children’s weekday screen time (0.117). The path coefficients for the indirect effects of mothers’ and fathers’ screen time on children’s BMI through children’s weekday screen time were 0.016 from the fathers’ weekday screen time and 0.024 from the mothers’ weekday screen time (GFI = .980, AGFI = .953, RMSEA = .030, AIC = 93.030).

Conclusions

Both fathers’ and mothers’ weekday screen times indirectly affected children’s BMI through children’s weekday screen time among Japanese elementary school children. The strongest indirect effects could be seen by examining the paths of a mother’s weekday screen time through children’s screen time to BMI. Mothers who spend much time with their children are role models, and their behavior could affect the child’s behavior. The findings imply that intervention strategies to reduce screen time in children should also focus on modeling the mothers’ behavior.
The impact of body mass index on laboratory, clinical outcomes and treatment costs in assisted reproduction: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dornelles Victoria Campos , Hentschke Marta Ribeiro , Badalotti Mariangela , Telöken Isadora Badalotti , Trindade Vanessa Devens , Cunegatto Bibiana , de Vasconcelos Natália Fontoura , da Costa Bartira Ercília Pinheiro , Petracco Alvaro , Padoin Alexandre Vontobel
Published: November 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the body mass index (BMI) on laboratory, clinical outcomes and treatment costs of assisted reproduction, as there are still controversial and inconclusive studies on this subject.

Methods

This research was retrospective cohort study, including women undergoing assisted reproduction in a Reproductive Medicine Center between 2013 and 2020. The participants were divided into groups according to BMI (kg/m2): Group 1 < 25; Group 2, 25–29.9 and Group 3, ≥ 30. A total of 1753 in vitro fertilization (IVF) fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles were included for assisted reproduction outcomes analysis and 1869 IVF-ET plus frozen embryo transfer (FET) for cumulative pregnancy analysis.

Results

As higher the BMI, higher was the proportion of canceled IVF cycles (G1 (6.9%) vs. G2 (7.8%) vs. G3 (10.4%), p = 0.002) and gonadotropin’s total dose (IU) and treatment costs (G1 (1685 ± 595, U$ 683,02) vs. G2 (1779 ± 610, U$ 721,13) vs. G3 (1805 ± 563, U$ 764,09), p = 0.001). A greater number of mature oocytes was observed in G1 and G2 (6 [6.4–7.0] vs. 6 [5.6–6.6] vs. 4 [4.6–6.7], p = 0.011), which was not found in oocyte maturity rate (p = 0.877). A significant linear tendency (p = 0.042) was found in cumulative pregnancy rates, pointing to worse clinical outcomes in overweight and obese patients.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the importance of considering the higher treatment costs for these patients, beyond all the well-known risks regarding weight excess, fertility, and pregnancy, before starting IVF treatments.
Comparison of machine learning methods with logistic regression analysis in creating predictive models for risk of critical in-hospital events in COVID-19 patients on hospital admission
Authors: Sievering Aaron W. , Wohlmuth Peter , Geßler Nele , Gunawardene Melanie A. , Herrlinger Klaus , Bein Berthold , Arnold Dirk , Bergmann Martin , Nowak Lorenz , Gloeckner Christian , Koch Ina , Bachmann Martin , Herborn Christoph U. , Stang Axel
Published: November 2022

Background

Machine learning (ML) algorithms have been trained to early predict critical in-hospital events from COVID-19 using patient data at admission, but little is known on how their performance compares with each other and/or with statistical logistic regression (LR). This prospective multicentre cohort study compares the performance of a LR and five ML models on the contribution of influencing predictors and predictor-to-event relationships on prediction model´s performance.

Methods

We used 25 baseline variables of 490 COVID-19 patients admitted to 8 hospitals in Germany (March–November 2020) to develop and validate (75/25 random-split) 3 linear (L1 and L2 penalty, elastic net [EN]) and 2 non-linear (support vector machine [SVM] with radial kernel, random forest [RF]) ML approaches for predicting critical events defined by intensive care unit transfer, invasive ventilation and/or death (composite end-point: 181 patients). Models were compared for performance (area-under-the-receiver-operating characteristic-curve [AUC], Brier score) and predictor importance (performance-loss metrics, partial-dependence profiles).

Results

Models performed close with a small benefit for LR (utilizing restricted cubic splines for non-linearity) and RF (AUC means: 0.763–0.731 [RF–L1]); Brier scores: 0.184–0.197 [LR–L1]). Top ranked predictor variables (consistently highest importance: C-reactive protein) were largely identical across models, except creatinine, which exhibited marginal (L1, L2, EN, SVM) or high/non-linear effects (LR, RF) on events.

Conclusions

Although the LR and ML models analysed showed no strong differences in performance and the most influencing predictors for COVID-19-related event prediction, our results indicate a predictive benefit from taking account for non-linear predictor-to-event relationships and effects. Future efforts should focus on leveraging data-driven ML technologies from static towards dynamic modelling solutions that continuously learn and adapt to changes in data environments during the evolving pandemic.

Trial registration number: NCT04659187.
Translation and psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Audit of Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life (IR-ADDQoL)
Authors: Ghazanfari Zeinab , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Hadavi Marzieh , Naghizadeh Moghari Fatemeh , Montazeri Ali
Published: November 2022

Background

This study aimed to undertake linguistic validation and assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (IR-ADDQoL) questionnaire in Iranian patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The gold-standard linguistic-validation procedure required by the developer of the ADDQoL (see https://www.healthpsychologyresearch.com) including cross-cultural adaptation was followed. Validity and reliability of the Persian ADDQoL were then evaluated in a cross-sectional study of a sample of 153 patients with diabetes. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to assess structural validity. Internal consistency reliability was assessed.

Results

Both forced one-factor and unforced four-factor solutions were extracted from the exploratory factor analysis that jointly accounted for 48% and 66.53% of the variance observed, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an acceptable model fit for the Persian ADDQoL. Cronbach’s alpha showed excellent internal consistency for the questionnaire (alpha = 0.931 for the single scale).

Conclusion

The Persian ADDQoL (IR-ADDQoL) showed adequate structural validity and excellent internal consistency. Therefore, it could be efficiently used to evaluate the impact of diabetes on quality of life in outcome studies and research settings in Iran.
Typologies of women’s abortion trajectories in Burkina Faso: findings from a qualitative study
Authors: Bazié Fiacre , Thomas Haley L. , Byrne Meagan E. , Kindo Boukary , Bell Suzanne O. , Moreau Caroline
Published: November 2022

Background

Abortion is a legally restricted, yet common reproductive life event among women in Burkina Faso; however, women’s abortion experiences vary greatly depending on their social and economic capital, partner involvement, and level of knowledge. We sought to classify women’s abortion care-seeking experiences across the life course and social conditions into typologies using qualitative data.

Methods

An initial quantitative survey among a nationally representative sample of women ages 15–49 years collected information on women’s induced abortion experiences. Women who reported an abortion in the last 10 years were asked if they would agree to participate in a subsequent in-depth interview (IDI) to learn more about their abortion experience. Twenty-five women, identified via purposive sampling, completed an IDI. Using a process of typology construction, we identified attributes of each woman’s condition at the time of her abortion and aspects of her abortion experience, created a matrix of attributes and cases, and identified emerging relationships. Three types were identified through this process.

Results

Twenty-three IDIs were analyzed, and women’s abortion experiences were grouped into three types: abortion to delay childbearing in adolescence; abortion to space childbirth among women in union; abortion to avoid childbearing among single mothers. Two cases were identified as outliers. Cases were grouped based on the context of their pregnancy, the reason for the abortion and involved decision-makers, and their patterns of care-seeking, including methods and sources used.

Conclusion

Structural inequities related to gender and wealth were prominent forces shaping women’s abortion experiences. Comprehensive sexuality education coupled with community-based interventions to promote gender-equitable relationships and address social stigma related to women’s sexuality could reduce reproductive coercion and unintended pregnancies.
Characterization and dynamics of the soluble immunological microenvironment in melanoma patients undergoing radiotherapy
Authors: Oertel Michael , Borrmann Katrin , Baehr Andrea , Eich Hans Theodor , Greve Burkhard
Published: November 2022

Background and purpose

Malignant melanoma constitutes an aggressive tumor of the skin, the pathogenesis of which is influenced by immunological processes. In this context, the influence of radiotherapy (RT) on inflammatory markers has not been studied in detail, yet.

Materials and methods

In this prospective analysis, 28 patients were recruited, 24 of these could be included for further analysis. According to protocol, patients underwent three blood-draws: before, after half of RT-fractions and after completion of RT. Serum levels of programmed death-ligand (PD-L) 1 and 2, interleukin 6 and cytotoxic t-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 were assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared to healthy volunteers. Correlation with clinical data was attempted.

Results

Comparing patients with healthy volunteers, a significant difference in the mean baseline serum-level of PD-L1 (90.1 pg/ml vs. 76.7 pg/ml for patients vs. control, respectively; p = 0.024) and PD-L2 (4.4 ng/ml vs. 8.7 ng/ml; p = 0.04) could be found. Increased levels of PD-L1 were only found in patients with prior immunotherapy. There was a tendency for higher interleukin 6 levels in the patients (8.5 pg/ml vs. 0.6 pg/ml; p = 0.052). No significant differences in serum levels could be found between the three time points.

Conclusion

The present study reveals a characteristic immunological pattern for melanoma patients in comparison to healthy controls. Future studies will have to focus on a putative correlation between immunological markers and clinical outcome parameters.
Effect of short-term methylphenidate on social impairment in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: systematic review
Authors: Alkalay Sarit , Dan Orrie
Published: November 2022

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders in school-age children. In addition to learning difficulties associated with the disorder’s core symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, children with ADHD display substantial social impairments. Methylphenidate (MPH) in formulations such as Ritalin or Concerta mitigates inattention and hyperactivity, but the effects of the therapy on social behavior in children with ADHD are not clear. This review aims to determine the effectiveness of short term (up to 6 months) MPH treatment on three domains of social skills in children aged 6–14 with ADHD: (i) Recognition of nonverbal emotional expressions, which are a marker of inherent (unlearned) social understanding, (ii) theory of mind (ToM) components that relate to learned cognition and social communication, and (iii) social competence in everyday environments. 15 relevant studies were identified based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The results show mixed effects: the overall social performance as evaluated by parents, teachers or peers, and some components of ToM, were found to improve following a weeks-long course of MPH treatment. However, the effects of the medication are less clear when evaluating momentary/nonverbal social responses such as reactions to emotional facial expressions. While the findings of this review indicate that an MPH medication regime of order weeks to months could improve, to a degree, social impairment in children with ADHD, more studies are required to identify the medications’ mechanism and confirm such a conclusion.
Emotion dysregulation in ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions: a co-twin control study
Authors: Astenvald Rebecka , Frick Matilda A. , Neufeld Janina , Bölte Sven , Isaksson Johan
Published: November 2022

Background

Emotion dysregulation (ED) is common in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and often results in adverse outcomes. However, ED has been suggested as a transdiagnostic construct, why the specific association between ADHD and ED when adjusting for other mental health conditions needs further investigation. It is also important to determine the aetiological basis of the association between ADHD and ED to inform the theoretical conceptualization of ADHD.

Method

This study used a co-twin control design, including a sample of dizygotic (DZ) and monozygotic (MZ) twins (N = 389; 45.8% females, age = 8–31 years, MZ twin pairs 57.6%). ED was assessed using the dysregulation profile from the parent-rated Child Behaviour Checklist and its adult version. Regression analyses were used across individuals and within the pairs, while adjusting for diagnoses of autism, intellectual disability, other neurodevelopmental conditions and affective conditions.

Results

ADHD was significantly associated with ED, even when adjusting for age, sex, attention problems and other mental health conditions, and was the diagnosis most strongly associated with ED. Within-pair analyses revealed that twins with ADHD had higher levels of ED compared to their co-twin without ADHD. This association remained within DZ twins and was non-significant in the MZ subsample, with non-overlapping confidence intervals between the DZ and MZ estimates.

Conclusion

ADHD is strongly and in part independently linked to ED, stressing the importance of early detection and treatment of emotional difficulties within this group. The findings from the within-pair analyses indicate a genetic influence on the association between ADHD and ED.
Efficacy and cerebral mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion for treating primary dysmenorrhea: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Dong Xiaohui , Yang Jie , Wei Wei , Chen Ling , Su Menghua , Li Aijia , Guo Xiaoli , Liu Liying , Li Shenghong , Yu Siyi , Zeng Fang
Published: November 2022

Background

Acupuncture or moxibustion has been proven to be effective for patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PDM). However, the respective advantages and potential central mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion are worthy of investigating to promote their further application.

Methods

In this randomized controlled neuroimaging trial, 72 patients with PDM will be randomly assigned to three groups: acupuncture treatment group, moxibustion treatment group, and waiting list group. The acupuncture treatment group and moxibustion treatment group will receive acupuncture or moxibustion, respectively, for a total of 3 sessions over 3 consecutive menstrual cycles, and the waiting list group will not take acupuncture or moxibustion during these 3 menstrual cycles. The COX Menstrual Symptom Scale (CMSS), visual analog scale (VAS), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) will be used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. The Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) will be used to assess the mental state and quality of life at baseline and at the end of treatment. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be performed for detecting the cerebral activity changes at baseline and at the end of the treatment. The clinical data and imaging data will be analyzed among the groups. Correlation analysis will be conducted to investigate the relationship between brain functional changes and symptom improvement.

Discussion

The application of the randomized controlled neuroimaging trial will provide objective and valid evidence about how acupuncture and moxibustion treatment relieve menstrual pain. The results of this study would be useful to confirm the potential similarities and differences between acupuncture and moxibustion in clinical efficacy and central mechanism for patients with PDM.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100043732. Registered on 27 February 2021
Hypoglycemia unawareness identified by continuous glucose monitoring system is frequent in outpatients with type 2 diabetes without receiving intensive therapeutic interventions
Authors: Huang Bingkun , Jiang Qiuhui , Wu Ting , Shen Qingbao , Wang Wengui , Wang Shoubi , Huang Yinxiang , Wang Shunhua , Huang Peiying , Lin Mingzhu , Shi Xiulin , Li Xuejun
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients with diabetes are prone to asymptomatic hypoglycemia (AH) due to diminished ability to perceive the onset of hypoglycemia. However, the actual prevalence and influencing factors of AH in outpatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have not been well investigated.

Methods

A total of 351 outpatients with T2DM underwent glucose monitoring by continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) for consecutive 72 h without changing their lifestyle and treatment regimens. Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood glucose level less than 3.9 mmol/L, which was further divided into Level 1 hypoglycemia (blood glucose 3.0–3.9 mmol/L) and Level 2 hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 3.0 mmol/L). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the possible risk factors of AH.

Results

In all 351 subjects studied, 137 outpatients (39.0%) were captured AH events, in which Level 1 AH and Level 2 AH accounted for 61.3% and 38.7%, respectively. 85 (62.0%) of the AH patients experienced nocturnal asymptomatic hypoglycemia (NAH) and 25 (18.2%) exclusively NAH. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that patients with younger age, lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were associated with increased risk of AH. While after further grading of AH, male sex and Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) regime were shown to be associated with lower risk of Level 2 AH.

Conclusions

Hypoglycemia unawareness could be frequently observed at either daytime or nighttime, although NAH was more common, in outpatients with T2DM. Relative relax HbA1c targets should be considered for patients who are prone to AH.
Dynamic patterns of blood lipids and DNA methylation in response to statin therapy
Authors: Qin Xueying , Wang Yunzhang , Pedersen Nancy L. , Tang Bowen , Hägg Sara
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Statins are lipid-lowering drugs and starting treatment has been associated with DNA methylation changes at genes related to lipid metabolism. However, the longitudinal pattern of how statins affect DNA methylation in relation to lipid levels has not been well investigated.

Methods

We conducted an epigenetic association study in a longitudinal Swedish twin sample in previously reported lipid-related CpGs (cg10177197, cg17901584 and cg27243685). First, we applied a mixed-effect model to assess the association between blood lipids (total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total triglyceride (TG)) and DNA methylation. Then, we performed a piecewise latent linear–linear growth curve model (LGCM) to explore the long-term changing pattern of lipids and methylation in response to statin treatment. Finally, we used a bivariate autoregressive latent trajectory model with structured residuals (ALT-SR) to analyze the cross-lagged effects in different lipid-CpG pairs in statin users and non-users.

Results

We replicated the associations between TC, LDL, HDL and DNA methylation level in cg17901584 and cg27243685 (P values ranged from 4.70E−12 to 1.84E−04). From the piecewise LGCM, we showed that TC and LDL significantly decreased in statin users before treatment started and then remained stable. For non-statin users, we only found a slightly significant decreasing trend for TC and TG. We observed a similar dynamic pattern for methylation levels at cg27243685 and cg17901584. Before statin initiation, cg27243685 showed a significantly increasing trend and cg17901584 a decreasing trend, but post-treatment, there were no additional changes. From the ALT-SR model, we found TG levels to be significantly associated with the DNA methylation level of cg27243685 at the next measurement in statin users (estimate = 0.383, 95% CI: 0.173, 0.594, P value < 0.001).

Conclusions

Longitudinal blood lipid and DNA methylation levels change after statin treatment initiation, where the latter is mostly a response to alterations in lipid levels and not vice versa.
Creating a digital database of tephra fallout distribution and frequency in Japan
Authors: Uesawa Shimpei , Toshida Kiyoshi , Takeuchi Shingo , Miura Daisuke
Published: November 2022

Tephra fallout is a potential hazard to livelihoods, critical infrastructure, and health, even in areas that are far from volcanoes. Therefore, it is important to quantitatively evaluate tephra fall hazards for both residents and infrastructure around hazardous volcanoes. Modern probabilistic volcanic hazard assessments of tephra fallout strongly rely on computer modeling; however, assessments based on isopach maps can also be also helpful in assisting decision-makers. To assess the tephra fall hazards in Japan, we created a digital database “Isopach map-Based Tephra fall Hazard Analysis (IB-THA)” and a tool to draw the cumulative number of tephra fallout events exceeding a specific thickness at a particular location. The database was re-digitized using an existing catalog of 551 tephra fall deposit distribution maps. The re-digitized datasets were utilized here to estimate the cumulative number of tephra fallout events exceeding a specific thickness at 47 prefectural offices for the last 150 kyr. This allowed the characterization of regional tephra fall hazards in Japan for the first time. High cumulative numbers (20) of tephra fall deposits > 0 mm were identified in the NE-E region (e.g., Maebashi), whereas low numbers (2) were recognized in the SW and W regions of Japan (e.g., Naha). The thickest tephra fall deposit (2850 mm) was observed at Kagoshima. We used IB-THA to create a hazard curve for Tokyo. This hazard curve provides the minimum frequency needed to exceed the tephra fall thickness at any location. To refine the digital database presented here, further studies are required to incorporate recent (i.e., 2003 or younger) tephra distributions, review questionable isopach maps, and improve the interpolation method for digitizing tephra fall distributions.
Enterotypical Prevotella and three novel bacterial biomarkers in preoperative stool predict the clinical outcome of colorectal cancer
Authors: Huh Ji-Won , Kim Min Jung , Kim Jaesik , Lee Hyeon Gwon , Ryoo Seung-Bum , Ku Ja-Lok , Jeong Seung-Yong , Park Kyu Joo , Kim Dokyoon , Kim Jihyun F. , Park Ji Won
Published: November 2022

Background

A significant proportion of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients suffer from early recurrence and progression after surgical treatment. Although the gut microbiota is considered as a key player in the initiation and progression of CRC, most prospective studies have been focused on a particular pathobionts such as Fusobacterium nucleatum. Here, we aimed to identify novel prognostic bacteria for CRC by examining the preoperative gut microbiota through 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.

Results

We collected stool samples from 333 patients with primary CRC within 2 weeks before surgery and followed up the patients for a median of 27.6 months for progression and 43.6 months for survival. The sequence and prognosis data were assessed using the log-rank test and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis. The gut microbiota was associated with the clinical outcomes of CRC patients (Pprogress = 0.011, Pdecease = 0.007). In particular, the high abundance of Prevotella, a representative genus of human enterotypes, indicated lower risks of CRC progression (P = 0.026) and decease (P = 0.0056), while the occurrence of Alistipes assigned to Bacteroides sp., Pyramidobacter piscolens, Dialister invisus, and Fusobacterium nucleatum indicated a high risk of progression. A microbiota-derived hazard score considering the five prognostic bacteria accurately predicted CRC progression in 1000 random subsamples; it outperformed widely accepted clinical biomarkers such as carcinoembryonic antigen and lymphatic invasion, after adjustment for the clinicopathological stage (adjusted HR 2.07 [95% CI, 1.61–2.64], P = 7.8e−9, C-index = 0.78). PICRUSt2 suggested that microbial pathways pertaining to thiamine salvage and L-histidine degradation underlie the different prognoses.

Conclusions

The enterotypical genus Prevotella was demonstrated to be useful in improving CRC prognosis, and combined with the four pathobionts, our hazard score based on the gut microbiota should provide an important asset in predicting medical outcomes for CRC patients.
The Monkeypox Fear Scale: development and initial validation in a Peruvian sample
Authors: Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Vilca Lindsey W. , Carbajal-León Carlos , Gallegos Miguel , Reyes-Bossio Mario , Noe-Grijalva Martin , Delgado-Campusano Mariel , Muñoz-del-Carpio-Toia Águeda
Published: November 2022

Background

Fear is one of the basic emotions generated during periods of infectious diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a scale that assesses monkeypox fear, the Monkeypox Fear Scale (MFS).

Methods

A total of 451 Peruvians participated (61% women and 39% men), with a mean age of 28.31 years (SD = 9.72). based on procedures from classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) procedures were used.

Results

The results showed that MFS has a two-factor structure related to emotional and physiological fear factors (χ2 = 41.87; df = 12; p < .001; CFI = .99; TLI = .99; RMSEA = .074 [IC90% .051–.100]). In addition, the physiological and emotional factors showed good reliability. Measurement invariance analysis showed that the factor structure of the MFS is strictly invariant between male and female groups. Finally, the discrimination and difficulty parameters of the items show adequacy. In addition, the scale seems to be more accurate in measuring high levels of fear of monkeypox.

Conclusion

The MFS has adequate psychometric evidence to assess fear of monkeypox in the Peruvian population. These findings may guide future studies related to the consequences of monkeypox on mental health.
Microwave pyrolyzed sewage sludge: influence on soil microbiology, nutrient status, and plant biomass
Authors: Lonova Kamila , Holatko Jiri , Hammerschmiedt Tereza , Mravcova Ludmila , Kucerik Jiri , Mustafa Adnan , Kintl Antonin , Naveed Muhammad , Racek Jakub , Grulichova Marie , Miklasova Marta , Brtnicky Martin
Published: November 2022

Background

Sewage sludge (SS) has been considered a potent source of soil nutrients. However, its direct application to agricultural soils have been discouraged owing to its toxic nature. Therefore, conversion and modification of SS to decrease its toxicity has resulted in advanced methods. Co-pyrolysis of SS with other amendments is an ideal treatment resulting in an environmentally safe and nutrient rich final products with additional properties to sequester carbon. In the present study, a novel biochar was produced through the microwave pyrolysis of SS mixed with zeolite and sawdust. The pyrolysis product was thus characterized for elemental composition, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and for its effects on soil microbial characteristics, soil health and plant biomass after soil application.

Results

Results revealed that, the SS modification resulted in stable product with higher nutrients which further depend on the type and ratio of feedstock used. Its application to soil significantly improved soil chemical and microbiological properties and altered lettuce biomass.

Conclusions

We concluded that sawdust feedstock promoted nutrient availability in the resulting biochar and induced higher activity of nutrient mineralizing enzymes, whereas zeolite slowed down the release of nutrients from soil and putatively immobilized enzymes. This joint effect of sewage sludge biochar, sawdust and zeolite benefited the plant acquisition of nutrients in comparison with the microbial nutrient uptake. We thus conclude that microwave pyrolyzed SS could be used as a soil enhancer.

Graphical Abstract
Quantitation and speciation of inorganic arsenic in a biological sample by capillary ion chromatography combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Seon-Jin , Lee Yonghoon , Nam Sang-Ho
Published: November 2022

The toxicity and biological activity of arsenic depend on its chemical form. In particular, inorganic arsenics are more toxic than organic ones. Apart from the determination of total arsenics, their accurate speciation is important for toxicity assessment. To separate arsenic species using a cation or an anion separation column, at least 0.5–1.0 mL of sample is required because conventional ion chromatography columns use a sample loop of 100–200 μL. It is thus difficult to analyze samples with small volumes, such as clinical and biological samples. In this study, a method for separating arsenic species using a 5-μL sample loop combined with a capillary ion exchange column has been developed for analyzing small volume of samples. The separated arsenics were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. By oxidizing As(III) to As(V) prior to analysis, the total inorganic arsenics, As(III) and As(V), could be well separated from the organic ones. Linear calibration curves (0.5–50 μg/kg) were obtained for total inorganic arsenics dissolved in water. Sub-picogram-level detection limit was obtained. The analytical capability of this method was successfully validated for certified reference materials, namely water and human urine, with total inorganic arsenic recovery efficiencies of 100% and 121%, respectively. Our method requires less than ~ 10 μL of sample and will be very useful to analyze valuable samples available in limited amounts.