bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women’s healthcare decision-making and unmet need for contraception in Mali
Authors: Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: August 2022

Background

Contraception plays a significant role in fertility regulation. Evidence suggests that reproductive health rights influence contraception use. Women of Mali are noted to have limited control over their healthcare decisions. As a result, this study aimed at investigating the association between women’s healthcare decision-making capacity and unmet need for contraception in Mali.

Methods

This study comprised 6593 women who participated in the 2018 Mali Demographic and Health Survey. Two binary logistic regression models were built. Whilst the first model (crude) involved healthcare decision-making capacity and unmet need for contraception, the second one was a complete model which controlled for all the socio-demographic characteristics. Sample weight was applied and Stata version 13.0 was used for all analyses.

Results

Most of the women were not taking their healthcare decisions alone (92.8%). Nearly four out of ten of them indicated that they had unmet need for contraception (35.7%). Unmet need for contraception was high among women aged 45–49 (50.9%) and low among those aged 15–19 (19.2%). Unmet need for contraception was more probable among women who took their healthcare decisions alone compared to those who did not take their healthcare decisions alone [AOR = 1.35; CI = 1.08–1.70]. Compared with women aged 15–19, unmet need was higher among women aged 45–49 [AOR = 4.58, CI = 3.05–6.86]. Richer women had lower odds of unmet need for contraception compared with poorest women [AOR = 0.77, CI = 0.61–0.97].

Conclusion

Women who took their healthcare decisions alone had higher odds of unmet need for contraception. To increase contraceptive use in Mali, it is imperative to take women’s healthcare decisions into consideration to strengthen existing policies geared towards fertility control and improvement in maternal health to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5. Sustainable Development Goal 3 seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages whilst Goal 5 aims at achieving gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Repercussions of overturning Roe v. Wade for women across systems and beyond borders
Authors: Coen-Sanchez Karine , Ebenso Bassey , El-Mowafi Ieman Mona , Berghs Maria , Idriss-Wheeler Dina , Yaya Sanni
Published: August 2022

June 24th, 2022, a day that will be etched in today and future generations’ textbooks as a historic day, the United States of America revoked the constitutional right to seek safe abortion care. Overturning Roe v Wade allowed the divided individual states to independently decide the legal parameters regarding abortion care. A decision that disproportionately effects the reproductive lives of women residing on the land of America. Given the systemic impacts of racism, neoliberalism and white supremacy, it is the Black, racialized and poor women who suffer terrible repercussions. In this commentary the authors begin by discussing the historical biopolitical perspective, colonial systems and longstanding impacts on racialized women’s bodies in America. The discussion transitions to the implications of geopolitics at play nationally and cascading impacts globally, focusing on humanitarian and emergency settings. Using a medical humanities perspective, authors highlight the collision between politics and reproductive health policy and its implications on social determinants of health, such as women’s education, employment, housing, racial and gender equity and wellbeing. Long standing advocates, community leaders and healers, leading scientists, birth attendants, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals/providers and humanitarian workers – and many others - are reminded and live the weight of the continuous battle of population control, stemming from the oppressive history of control and exploitation.
Examining the effectiveness of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VAMR) therapy for upper limb recovery and activities of daily living in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Leong Sze Chit , Tang Yuk Ming , Toh Fong Mei , Fong Kenneth N. K.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are emerging technologies in the field of stroke rehabilitation that have the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional treatment. Enhancing upper limb (UL) function is critical in stroke impairments because the upper limb is involved in the majority of activities of daily living (ADL).

Methods

This study reviewed the use of virtual, augmented and mixed reality (VAMR) methods for improving UL recovery and ADL, and compared the effectiveness of VAMR treatment to conventional rehabilitation therapy. The databases ScienceDirect, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science were examined, and 50 randomized control trials comparing VAMR treatment to standard therapy were determined. The random effect model and fixed effect model are applied based on heterogeneity.

Results

The most often used outcomes of UL recovery and ADL in stroke rehabilitation were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), followed by the Box and Block Test (BBT), the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). According to the meta-analysis, VR, AR, and MR all have a significant positive effect on improving FMA-UE for UL impairment (36 studies, MD = 3.91, 95 percent CI = 1.70–6.12, P = 0.0005) and FIM for ADL (10 studies, MD = 4.25, 95 percent CI = 1.47–7.03, P = 0.003), but not on BBT and WMFT for the UL function tests (16 studies, MD = 2.07, 95 percent CI = − 0.58–4.72, P = 0.13),

Conclusions

VAMR therapy was superior to conventional treatment in UL impairment and daily function outcomes, but not UL function measures. Future studies might include further high-quality trials examining the effect of VR, AR, and MR on UL function measures, with an emphasis on subgroup meta-analysis by stroke type and recovery stage.
Influence of physically demanding occupations on the development of osteoarthritis of the hip: a systematic review
Authors: Unverzagt Susanne , Bolm-Audorff Ulrich , Frese Thomas , Hechtl Julia , Liebers Falk , Moser Konstantin , Seidler Andreas , Weyer Johannes , Bergmann Annekatrin
Published: August 2022

Background

Hip osteoarthritis (HOA) is a disabling disease affecting around 33 million people worldwide. People of working age and the elderly are at increased risk of developing HOA and the disease is associated with high costs at individual and societal levels due to sick leaves, job loss, total hip replacements and disability pension. This systematic review evaluated the influence of physically demanding occupations on the development of HOA in men.

Methods

Cohort studies, case–control studies and cross-sectional studies with publications in English or German, which assessed the association between exposure to physically demanding occupations and development of HOA, were searched in electronic databases (Medline, Embase, HSE-Line, Cochrane Library) and conference abstracts from 1990 until May 2020. We assessed the methodological quality of selected studies, interpreted all relative effect estimators as relative risks (RRs) and meta-analytically reviewed the effects of occupations with high physical workloads. All steps are based on a study protocol published in PROSPERO (CRD42015016894).

Results

Seven cohort studies and six case–control studies were included. An elevated risk to develop HOA was shown for six physically demanding occupational groups. Working in agriculture including fishery and forestry and food production doubles the risk of HOA. Construction, metal working and sales as well as exposure to whole body vibration while driving vehicles increases the risk by roughly 50 to 60%. Unskilled or basic level workers, who were frequently exposed to repetitive heavy manual work, had nearly a doubled risk (RR 1.89 95%CI: 1.29 to 2.77) compared to workers with lower exposure.

Conclusions

Existing studies state an association between various occupations with high physical workload and an increased risk of developing HOA. High Physical workloads include including lifting and carrying heavy loads, demanding postures, repetitive activities, long standing and running, as well as exposure to body vibrations. Occupational prevention and early detection as well as individual health promotion strategies should place their focus on reducing the impact of high physical strain at work sites.
Echo-guided seldinger technique facilitates ascending aorta cannulation in type A aortic dissection
Authors: Inoue Yoshito
Published: August 2022

Background

The ascending aorta is the most simple and rapid arterial access for the establishment of antegrade systemic perfusion. In acute type A aortic dissection, prompt establishment of antegrade central perfusion, especially in unstable hemodynamic emergency operations, help to diminish organ malperfusion and to prevent retrograde embolism. The effectiveness as well as the safety of antegrade perfusion under ultrasonographic guidance through the dissected ascending aorta was evaluated for the repair of type A aortic dissection utilizing a new echo stabilizer.

Results

Ascending aortic cannulation was successfully performed in 64 consecutive patients, using the Seldinger technique, with the hands-free continuous-echo monitoring, utilizing a new stabilizer. Epiaortic 2-Dimensional and color Doppler imaging provided real-time monitoring for the placement and proper perfusion of ascending aorta cannulation.

Conlusions

Ascending aorta can routinely provide a rapid and reliable route of antegrade central systemic perfusion in type A acute aortic dissection. The echo-guided stabilizer-assisted cannulation method can safely provide a rapid and reliable route for antegrade central perfusion during in type A dissections repair.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of D-dimer in different types of aortic dissection
Authors: Wang Deli , Chen Jie , Sun Jianhua , Chen Hongmei , Li Fang , Wang Junfeng
Published: August 2022

Objective

To evaluate the serum D-dimer level and its diagnostic and prognostic predictive value in patients with different types of aortic dissection.

Methods

Eighty-four aortic dissection patients who were diagnosed clinically in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2021 were selected for the study. All patients were divided into Stanford type A (39 cases) and Stanford type B (45 cases) groups. The serum D-dimer level was detected at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 72 h after admission to the hospital, and its expression level with different types of aortic dissection was analyzed. The relationship between D-dimer and the prognosis of patients was also analyzed.

Results

The serum D-dimer levels of patients in group A were significantly higher than those in group B at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 72 h after admission, and the differences were statistically significant. In group A, 16 patients died, and 23 patients survived, while in group B, 18 patients died, and 27 patients survived. The serum D-dimer level of the dead and surviving patients in group A was significantly higher than that of group B, and the serum D-dimer level of dead patients in groups A and B was significantly higher than that of surviving patients. For diagnostic value, the AUC was 0.89, sensitivity was 76.92%, specificity was 90.00% in group A, and the AUC was 0.82, sensitivity was 71.11%, and specificity was 85.00% in group B. For the prognostic predicted value, the AUC was 0.74 in group A, while the AUC was 0.69 in group B.

Conclusions

D-dimer has different serum levels in different types of aortic dissection patients, with higher levels in Stanford A. Serum D-dimer levels may be used as a better biomarker to diagnose the two types of aortic dissection and play an important role in patient prognostic prediction, especially Stanford type A.
Electrocardiographic features of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Tang Liting , Shao Shuran , Wang Chuan
Published: August 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a clinically common X-linked recessive myopathy, which is caused by mutation of the gene encoding dystrophin on chromosome Xp21. The onset of heart injury in children with DMD is inconspicuous, and the prognosis is poor once it develops to the stage of heart failure. Cardiovascular complications remain an important cause of death in this patient population. At present, population and animal studies have suggested that Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes may be the initial manifestation of cardiac involvement in children with DMD. Relevant clinical studies have also confirmed that significant abnormal ECG changes already exist in DMD patients before cardiomegaly and/or LVEF decrease. With increases in age and decreases in cardiac function, the proportion of ECG abnormalities in DMD patients increase significantly. Some characteristic ECG changes, such as ST-segment changes, T wave inversion, Q wave at the inferolateral leads, LBBB and SDANN, have a certain correlation with the indexes of cardiac remodeling or impaired cardiac function in DMD patients, while VT and LBBB have demonstrated relatively good predictive value for the occurrence of long-term DCM and/or adverse cardiovascular events or even death in DMD patients. The present review discusses the electrocardiographic features in children with DMD.
Chopstick technique versus cross technique in LESS hysterectomy (CCLEH study): a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dou Yuya , Deng Li , Tang Shuai , Yao Yuanyang , Liang Xiaolong , Hu Qunying , Wang Yanzhou
Published: August 2022

Background

The traditional cross technique can be used to complete most laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) procedures, but some relatively precise operations, such as vaginal stump suturing, are challenging. In practice, we have introduced a novel technique named the chopstick technique and applied it to more complex operations, such as cervical cancer operations, and found that it contributes to performing delicate surgery. The efficacy and safety of two different surgical techniques in LESS hysterectomy remain to be validated.

Methods

Patients who undergo total hysterectomy will be enrolled in this RCT. Stratified randomization will be performed according to uterine size (< 10 cm, 10–15cm, ≥ 15 cm). The participants will be divided into the chopstick technique group or cross technique group to undergo laparoendoscopic single-site total hysterectomy (LESS-TH), and then the perioperative and postoperative data, including the total operation time and other times, transfer rates, estimated blood loss, surgeon fatigue, intraoperative and postoperative complications (within 8 weeks after surgery), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) scores, postoperative hospital stay, and hospitalization expenses, will be evaluated. The primary outcome is the operating time for total hysterectomy under LESS, and the other outcomes are secondary outcomes.

Discussion

It is expected that the efficacy of the two techniques in LESS, the chopstick technique vs. the cross technique, will be compared and accumulate safety data on the new techniques will be accumulated.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2000040843, registered on June 16,2020

Protocol version:

Version 2.0; Date: 2020.05.10
Effectiveness of an expert assessment and individualised treatment compared with a minimal home-based exercise program in women with late-term shoulder impairments after primary breast cancer surgery: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Feder Kim Michéle , Rahr Hans Bjarke , Lautrup Marianne Djernes , Egebæk Heidi Klakk , Christensen Robin , Ingwersen Kim Gordon
Published: August 2022

Background

In breast cancer patients, late-term upper limb sequelae, such as shoulder pain and impaired shoulder function, remain common after primary breast cancer surgery. The aim of this trial is to evaluate whether an expert assessment of shoulder impairments, followed by an individualised treatment plan, is superior to a minimal physiotherapeutic rehabilitation program in reducing shoulder symptoms, among women with late-term shoulder impairments after primary breast cancer.

Methods/design

The study is designed as a stratified, parallel-group, assessor-blinded, randomised, controlled trial conducted in Denmark; 130 participants with late-term shoulder impairments 3–7 years after primary surgery for breast cancer will be recruited. Participants will be randomised (allocation 1:1) to either an expert assessment of shoulder impairments followed by an individualised treatment plan or to follow a minimal physiotherapeutic rehabilitation program delivered in a pamphlet. The primary outcome will be a change in shoulder pain and function from baseline to 12 weeks after initiating the treatment, as measured by the patient-reported outcome Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire.

Discussion

There has been an insufficient focus in research and clinical practice on late-term shoulder impairment in women following surgery for breast cancer. This trial will focus on interventions towards late-term shoulder impairments and is expected to provide evidence-based knowledge to physiotherapists and women about the management of shoulder pain and impaired shoulder function.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05277909. Registered on 11 March 2022.
Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 spike RNA sequences in feces and nasopharynx indicates intestinal replication
Authors: Beck-Friis Thomas , Kärmander Ambjörn , Nyström Kristina , Wang Hao , Gisslén Magnus , Andersson Lars-Magnus , Norder Heléne
Published: August 2022

Background

Little is known of possible selection and replication of SARS-CoV-2 in the intestines and if viral load in feces is associated with severity of disease. Therefore, sequence variations of the spike region in strains collected from feces and nasopharynx (NPH) from the same patients were compared. It was also investigated whether viral load in feces related to severity of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in 88 (79%) fecal samples from 112 patients. The complete spike region could be sequenced in 15 fecal and 14 NPH samples. Fourteen Alpha-variants and one Beta-variant of SARS-CoV-2 were identified. The majority of the viral genetic variants (viral populations) in two fecal samples, but none in NPH, had a reversion of the H69/V70 amino acid deletion normally seen in the Alpha variants. Nine fecal samples contained up to nine minority variants, each which may constitute a separate viral population. Five NPH samples had one genetic variant each, and one NPH sample contained nine minority populations of SARS-CoV-2 spike genes.

Conclusions

The higher genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in feces compared to NPH, and the reversion of the H69/V70 deletion in Alpha variants from feces indicate a selection of viral strains and replication of SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal tract.
Force–velocity relationship in Paralympic powerlifting: two or multiple-point methods to determine a maximum repetition
Authors: Aidar Felipe J. , Brito Ciro José , de Matos Dihogo Gama , de Oliveira Levy Anthony S. , de Souza Rapahel Fabrício , de Almeida-Neto Paulo Francisco , de Araújo Tinoco Cabral Breno Guilherme , Neiva Henrique P. , Neto Frederico Ribeiro , Reis Victor Machado , Marinho Daniel A. , Marques Mário C. , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Nobari Hadi
Published: August 2022

Background

Due to the absence of evidence in the literature on Paralympic Powerlifting the present study investigated various methods to assess bench press maximum repetition and the way each method influences the measurement of minimum velocity limit (MVT), load at zero velocity (LD0), and force–velocity (FV).

Objective

To evaluate the precision of the multi-point method using proximal loads (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% of one repetition maximum; 1RM) compared to the four-point method (50, 60, 70, and 80% of 1RM) and the two-point method using distant loads (40 and 80% and 50 and 80% of 1RM) in in the MVT, LD0, and FV, in bench press performed by Paralympic Powerlifters (PP).

Methods

To accomplish this, 15 male elite PP athletes participated in the study (age: 27.7 ± 5.7 years; BM: 74.0 ± 19.5 kg). All participants performed an adapted bench press test (free weight) with 6 loads (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% 1RM), 4 loads (50, 60, 70, and 80% 1RM), and 2 loads (40–80% and 50–80% 1RM). The 1RM predictions were made by MVT, LD0, and FV.

Results

The main results indicated that the multiple (4 and 6) pointsmethod provides good results in the MVT (R2 = 0.482), the LD0 (R2 = 0.614), and the FV (R2 = 0.508). The two-point method (50–80%) showed a higher mean in MVT [1268.2 ± 502.0 N; ICC95% 0.76 (0.31–0.92)], in LD0 [1504.1 ± 597.3 N; 0.63 (0.17–0.86)], and in FV [1479.2 ± 636.0 N; 0.60 (0.10–0.86)].

Conclusion

The multiple-point method (4 and 6 points) and the two-point method (40–80%) using the MVT, LD0, and FV all showed a good ability to predict bench press 1RM in PP.
Genomic targets and selective inhibition of DNA methyltransferase isoforms
Authors: Sae-Lee Chanachai , Barrow Timothy M. , Colicino Elena , Choi Si Ho , Rabanal-Ruiz Yoana , Green Daniel , Korolchuk Viktor I. , Mathers John C. , Byun Hyang-Min
Published: August 2022

Background

DNA methylation in the human genome is established and maintained by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). DNMT isoforms show differential expression by cell lineage and during development, but much remains to be elucidated about their shared and unique genomic targets.

Results

We examined changes in the epigenome following overexpression of 13 DNMT isoforms in HEK293T cells. We observed increased methylation (Δβ > 0.2) at 43,405 CpG sites, with expression of DNMT3A2, DNMTΔ3B4 and DNMTΔ3B2 associated with the greatest impact. De novo methylation occurred primarily within open sea regions and at loci with intermediate methylation levels (β: 0.2–0.6). 53% of differentially methylated loci showed specificity towards a single DNMT subfamily, primarily DNMTΔ3B and DNMT3A and 39% towards a single isoform. These loci were significantly enriched for pathways related to neuronal development (DNMTΔ3B4), calcium homeostasis (DNMTΔ3B3) and ion transport (DNMT3L). Repetitive elements did not display differential sensitivity to overexpressed DNMTs, but hypermethylation of Alu elements was associated with their evolutionary age following overexpression of DNMT3A2, DNMT3B1, DNMT3B2 and DNMT3L. Differential methylation (Δβ > 0.1) was observed at 121 of the 353 loci associated with the Horvath ‘epigenetic clock’ model of ageing, with 51 showing isoform specificity, and was associated with reduction of epigenetic age by 5–15 years following overexpression of seven isoforms. Finally, we demonstrate the potential for dietary constituents to modify epigenetic marks through isoform-specific inhibition of methylation activity.

Conclusions

Our results provide insight into regions of the genome methylated uniquely by specific DNMT isoforms and demonstrate the potential for dietary intervention to modify the epigenome.
An updated systematic review of radiomics in osteosarcoma: utilizing CLAIM to adapt the increasing trend of deep learning application in radiomics
Authors: Zhong Jingyu , Hu Yangfan , Zhang Guangcheng , Xing Yue , Ding Defang , Ge Xiang , Pan Zhen , Yang Qingcheng , Yin Qian , Zhang Huizhen , Zhang Huan , Yao Weiwu
Published: August 2022

Objective

To update the systematic review of radiomics in osteosarcoma.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data were searched to identify articles on osteosarcoma radiomics until May 15, 2022. The studies were assessed by Radiomics Quality Score (RQS), Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement, Checklist for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging (CLAIM), and modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. The evidence supporting radiomics application for osteosarcoma was rated according to meta-analysis results.

Results

Twenty-nine articles were included. The average of the ideal percentage of RQS, the TRIPOD adherence rate and the CLAIM adherence rate were 29.2%, 59.2%, and 63.7%, respectively. RQS identified a radiomics-specific issue of phantom study. TRIPOD addressed deficiency in blindness of assessment. CLAIM and TRIPOD both pointed out shortness in missing data handling and sample size or power calculation. CLAIM identified extra disadvantages in data de-identification and failure analysis. External validation and open science were emphasized by all the above three tools. The risk of bias and applicability concerns were mainly related to the index test. The meta-analysis of radiomics predicting neoadjuvant chemotherapy response by MRI presented a diagnostic odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 28.83 (10.27–80.95) on testing datasets and was rated as weak evidence.

Conclusions

The quality of osteosarcoma radiomics studies is insufficient. More investigation is needed before using radiomics to optimize osteosarcoma treatment. CLAIM is recommended to guide the design and reporting of radiomics research.
iPSCs derived from insulin resistant offspring of type 2 diabetic patients show increased oxidative stress and lactate secretion
Authors: Memon Bushra , Elsayed Ahmed K. , Bettahi Ilham , Suleiman Noor , Younis Ihab , Wehedy Eman , Abou-Samra Abdul Badi , Abdelalim Essam M.
Published: August 2022

Background

The genetic factors associated with insulin resistance (IR) are not well understood. Clinical studies on first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients, which have the highest genetic predisposition to T2D, have given insights into the role of IR in T2D pathogenesis. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are excellent tools for disease modeling as they can retain the genetic imprint of the disease. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the genetic perturbations associated with insulin resistance (IR) in the offspring of T2D parents using patient-specific iPSCs.

Methods

We generated iPSCs from IR individuals (IR-iPSCs) that were offspring of T2D parents as well as from insulin-sensitive (IS-iPSCs) individuals. We then performed transcriptomics to identify key dysregulated gene networks in the IR-iPSCs in comparison to IS-iPSCs and functionally validated them.

Results

Transcriptomics on IR-iPSCs revealed dysregulated gene networks and biological processes indicating that they carry the genetic defects associated with IR that may lead to T2D. The IR-iPSCs had increased lactate secretion and a higher phosphorylation of AKT upon stimulation with insulin. IR-iPSCs have increased cellular oxidative stress indicated by a high production of reactive oxygen species and higher susceptibility to H2O2 -induced apoptosis.

Conclusions

IR-iPSCs generated from offspring of diabetic patients confirm that oxidative stress and increased lactate secretion, associated with IR, are inherited in this population, and may place them at a high risk of T2D. Overall, our IR-iPSC model can be employed for T2D modeling and drug screening studies that target genetic perturbations associated with IR in individuals with a high risk for T2D.
New formula of the green synthesised Au@Ag core@shell nanoparticles using propolis extract presented high antibacterial and anticancer activity
Authors: Rezk Nouran , Abdelsattar Abdallah S. , Makky Salsabil , Hussein Assmaa H. , Kamel Azza G. , El-Shibiny Ayman
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial alternatives such as nanoparticles are critically required to tackle bacterial infections, especially with the emerging threat of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to biosynthesize Au–Ag nanoparticles using propolis as a natural reducing agent and investigate their antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus sciuri (S. sciuri), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium (S. enterica), besides demonstrating their anticancer activity in cancer cell lines. The biosynthesized Au@AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectrophotometer, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Zeta potential, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the detection of antibacterial activity was assessed through disc diffusion, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), time-killing curve, and detection of cell membrane integrity via SEM. As a result, the UV–Vis spectrum revealed the formation of Au@AgNPs in a single peak between 533 and 555 nm. Furthermore, FTIR analysis confirmed nanoparticles’ green synthesis due to the presence of carbon functional groups. The formulated Au@AgNPs showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The MIC and the MBC of P. aeruginosa and S. sciuri were 31.25 µg/mL. However, nanoparticles were more effective on S. enterica with MIC of 7.5 µg/mL and MBC of 15.6 µg/mL. Furthermore, the time-killing curve of the three model bacteria with the treatment was effective at 50 µg/mL. Besides, SEM of the tested bacteria indicated unintegrated bacterial cell membranes and damage caused by Au@AgNPs. Regarding the anticancer activity, the results indicated that the biosynthesized Au@AgNPs have a cytotoxic effect on HEPG2 cell lines. In conclusion, this research revealed that the green synthesized Au@AgNPs could be effective antibacterial agents against S. sciuri, P. aeruginosa, and S. enterica and anticancer agents against HEPG2.
Estimating the population-level prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant enteric bacteria from latrine samples
Authors: Omulo Sylvia , Mugoh Maina , Obiya Joshua , Alando Moshe , Call Douglas R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Logistical and economic barriers hamper community-level surveillance for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in low-income countries. Latrines are commonly used in these settings and offer a low-cost source of surveillance samples. It is unclear, however, whether antimicrobial resistance prevalence estimates from latrine samples reflect estimates generated from randomly sampled people.

Methods

We compared the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant enteric bacteria from stool samples of people residing in randomly selected households within Kibera—an informal urban settlement in Kenya—to estimates from latrine samples within the same community. Fecal samples were collected between November 2015 and Jan 2016. Presumptive Escherichia coli isolates were collected from each household stool sample (n = 24) and each latrine sample (n = 48), resulting in 8935 and 8210 isolates, respectively. Isolates were tested for resistance to nine antibiotics using the replica-plating technique. Correlation- and Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K–S) tests were used to compare results.

Results

Overall, the prevalence values obtained from latrine samples closely reflected those from stool samples, particularly for low-prevalence (< 15%) resistance phenotypes. Similarly, the distribution of resistance phenotypes was similar between latrine and household samples (r > 0.6; K–S p-values > 0.05).

Conclusions

Although latrine samples did not perfectly estimate household antimicrobial resistance prevalence, they were highly correlated and thus could be employed as low-cost samples to monitor trends in antimicrobial resistance, detect the emergence of new resistance phenotypes and assess the impact of community interventions.
circTUBGCP5 promotes liver cancer progression and glycolysis by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4
Authors: Dai Wei , Duan Yanqun , Yuan Wenkang , Wang Siyu
Published: August 2022

A large number of researches have shown that circular RNA (circRNA) is new hope for the diagnosis or treatment of tumors, including liver cancer (LCa). However, it remains largely unclear the role of circRNA in the progression of LCa and its molecular mechanism. GSE164803 microarray dataset was applied to identify dysregulated circRNAs in LCa and noncancerous tissues. CircTUBGCP5 (hsa_circ_0034049) was selected for further research. Biological functions of circTUBGCP5 were investigated by EdU, colony formation, flow cytometry, glucose consumption and lactate production assay, and in vivo tumorigenesis. RNA pull-down assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to investigate the interaction between circTUBGCP5, miR-144-3p, and ACSL4. We demonstrated that circTUBGCP5 was significantly up-regulated in LCa tissues and cells. CircTUBGCP5 promoted LCa cell proliferation, anti-apoptotic ability, glycolysis, and tumorigenesis at least partially by sponging miR-144-3p to regulate ACSL4 protein level. In conclusion, circTUBGCP5 is a forceful contributor to malignant behaviors and glycolysis of LCa via modulating the circTUBGCP5/miR-144-3p/ACSL4 axis, which has provided a target for the diagnosis and treatment of LCa patients.
Bioeconomic production of high-quality chitobiose from chitin food wastes using an in-house chitinase from Vibrio campbellii
Authors: Thomas Reeba , Fukamizo Tamo , Suginta Wipa
Published: August 2022

Marine Vibrio species are natural degraders of chitin and usually secrete high levels of chitinolytic enzymes to digest recalcitrant chitin to chitooligosaccharides. This study used an endochitinase (VhChiA) from Vibrio campbellii to produce high-quality chitobiose from crustacean chitins. The enzyme was shown to be fully active and stable over 24 h when BSA was used as an additive. When different chitin sources were tested, VhChiA preferentially digested shrimp and squid (α) chitins compared to crab (β) chitin and did not utilize non-chitin substrates. The overall yields of chitobiose obtained from small-scale production using a single-step reaction was 96% from shrimp, and 91% from squid pen and crab-shell chitins. Larger-scale production yielded 200 mg of chitobiose, with > 99% purity after a desalting and purification step using preparative HPLC. In conclusion, we report the employment of an in-house produced chitinase as an effective biocatalyst to rapidly convert chitin food wastes to chitobiose, in a quantity and quality suitable for use in research and commercial purposes. Chitobiose production by this economical and eco-friendly approach can be easily scaled up to obtain multi-gram quantities of chitobiose for chemo-enzymic synthesis of rare chitooligosaccharide derivatives and long chain chitooligosaccharides, as well as preparation of sugar-based functionalized nanomaterials.

Graphical Abstract
Ultrafine fully vulcanized natural rubber modified by graft-copolymerization with styrene and acrylonitrile monomers
Authors: Longsiri Krittaphorn , Mora Phattarin , Peeksuntiye Watcharapong , Jubsilp Chanchira , Hemvichian Kasinee , Karagiannidis Panagiotis , Rimdusit Sarawut
Published: August 2022

This research aims to modify ultrafine fully vulcanized powdered natural rubber (UFPNR) prepared by emulsion graft-copolymerization with styrene (St) and acrylonitrile (AN) monomers onto deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR). The effects of monomers content and St/AN weight ratio on grafting efficiency and thermal stability of the developed DPNR-g-(PS-co-PAN) were investigated. The results showed that grafting efficiency was enhanced up to 86% with monomers content 15 phr and weight ratio St:AN 80:20. The obtained DPNR-g-(PS-co-PAN) was radiated by an electron beam at various doses, followed by a spray drying process to produce UFPNR. The obtained modified UFPNR particles irradiated at dose up to 300 kGy were relatively spherical with a particle size of approximately 4.4 µm. Furthermore, the degradation temperature of 5wt% loss (Td5) of UFPNR was found in the range of 349–356 °C. The results revealed that the modified UFPNR is suitable as a toughening filler for a broader spectrum of polymers.

Graphical Abstract
Undernutrition and its associated factors among school adolescent girls in Abuna Gindeberet district, Central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tafasa Segni Mulugeta , Tura Meseret Robi , Mulu Ermiyas , Begna Zenebu
Published: August 2022

Background

Adolescent is the population whose age between 10–19 years old. They are undergoing rapid growth, development and are one of the nutritionally at-risk groups who should need attention. Adolescent undernutrition is a worldwide problem. Even if this stage brings the second window of opportunity to break the intergenerational cycle of undernutrition little is known specifically in the study area. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among school adolescent girls in Abuna Gindeberet district, Central Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional quantitative study design was conducted in Abuna Gindeberet district among 10–19 years adolescent girls attending primary and secondary schools from January 1–30, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 587 adolescent girls. Data were collected by using interviewer-administered structured and anthropometric measurements. Data were coded, then entered into the Epi-info version 7.2.2.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 and WHO Anthro plus for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify predictors of under nutrition. Level of statistical significance was declared atp-value < 0.05.

Results

The overall magnitude of stunting and thinness were 15.4% [95% CI (12–18)] and 14.2% [95% CI (11–17)] respectively. Number of meals per day [AOR = 3.62, 95% C.I (2.16, 6.05)], adolescent girls of lower grades [AOR = 2.08, 95% C.I (1.07, 4.04)] and who did not begin menstruation [AOR = 1.71, 95% C.I (1.06, 2.73)] were significantly associated with stunting. Adolescent girls engaged in vigorous intensity activities [AOR = 2.51, 95% C.I (1.14, 5.54)], poor dietary diversity score [AOR = 4.05, 95% C.I (1.43, 11.46)] and adolescent age [AOR = 3.77, 95% C.I (1.06, 13.37)] were significantly associated with thinness among adolescent girls.

Conclusions

Adolescent girl's undernutrition is a public health problem in the study area. The number of meals per day, adolescent girls of lower grades and who did not begin menstruation were significantly associated with stunting as well as adolescent girls engaged in vigorous-intensity activities; poor dietary diversity score and adolescent age were significantly associated with thinness among adolescent girls. Therefore, government and other stakeholders should focus on these identified factors to improve the nutritional status of adolescent girls.
Impact of site of occlusion in proximal splenic artery embolisation for blunt splenic trauma
Authors: Boscà-Ramon A. , Ratnam L. , Cavenagh T. , Chun J-Y , Morgan R. , Gonsalves M. , Das R. , Ameli-Renani S. , Pavlidis V. , Hawthorn B. , Ntagiantas N. , Mailli L.
Published: August 2022

Background

Proximal splenic artery embolisation (PSAE) can be performed in stable patients with Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade III-V splenic injury. PSAE reduces splenic perfusion but maintains viability of the spleen and pancreas via the collateral circulation. The hypothesized ideal location is between the dorsal pancreatic artery (DPA) and great pancreatic artery (GPA). This study compares the outcomes resulting from PSAE embolisation in different locations along the splenic artery.

Materials and methods

Retrospective review was performed of PSAE for blunt splenic trauma (2015–2020). Embolisation locations were divided into: Type I, proximal to DPA; Type II, DPA-GPA; Type III, distal to GPA. Fifty-eight patients underwent 59 PSAE: Type I (7); Type II (27); Type III (25). Data was collected on technical and clinical success, post-embolisation pancreatitis and splenic perfusion. Statistical significance was assessed using a chi-squared test.

Results

Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases. Clinical success was 100% for Type I/II embolisation and 88% for Type III: one patient underwent reintervention and two had splenectomies for ongoing instability. Clinical success was significantly higher in Type II embolisation compared to Type III (p = 0.02). No episodes of pancreatitis occurred post-embolisation. Where post-procedural imaging was obtained, splenic perfusion remained 100% in Type I and II embolisation and 94% in Type III. Splenic perfusion was significantly higher in the theorized ideal Type II group compared to Type I and III combined (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The results support the proposed optimal embolisation location as being between the DPA and GPA.
Correlation between self-reported and questioned Epworth sleepiness scale results including polysomographic outcomes
Authors: Basak Hazan , Anadolu R. Yucel
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by a recurrent complete or partial obstruction in the upper airways accompanied by desaturation attacks and recurrent awakenings (arousal) during sleep and is associated with excessive sleepiness and poor quality of life. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) has long been recognized as the most important symptom of OSA and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) is a simple, easy-to-understand, self-reported, validated scale used in the evaluation of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Objective

Some researchers have reported that ESS has controversial results in evaluating OSAS due to the fact that it is based on self-reporting. It is known that ESS is a self-administered patient questionnaire, but it can also be administered by the doctor, and the information about the latter’s validity, reliability, and correlation with OSAS is limited. This study was conducted to compare the outcomes of ESS self-administered by the patient and administered by a doctor in patients with OSAS.

Methods

Ninety-three patients with OSAS symptoms, with polysomnography test results, and who were presented in a tertiary hospital in 2019 for snoring and apnea problems were included in this study. ESS, consisting of eight questions and used to measure daytime sleepiness in various situations on the basis of self-reporting, was used. Subsequently, ESS was repeated, but this time verbally administered by the doctor to the patient. ESS is a 4-point Likert-type scale scored with 0, 1, 2, and 3. Excessive daytime sleepiness is accepted in individuals with a total score of 11 or more. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program.

Results

Of the patients who participated in this study, 57% (n = 53) were male and 43% (n = 40) were female. The average age of the patients was 48.1±9.71. The body mass index (BMI) average was 29.7±5.66 kg/m2, and the average neck circumference was 38.6±4.62 cm. The mean value of the completed ESS self-administered by the patient (ESSp) was calculated as 11.0±5.25 and that of the ESS administered by the doctor (ESSd) was 7.9±4.76. For the results, while daytime sleepiness was 35.5% in ESSd, it was 52.7% in ESSp. A positive correlation was found between the ESSd and ESSp values and BMI. A positive correlation was also found between the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and BMI.

Conclusions

The ESS administered by a doctor will yield more accurate data about the severity of OSAS than the ESS self-administered by the patient.
Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6) levels in COVID-19 ICU patients are associated with mortality
Authors: Scarpati Giuliana , Baldassarre Daniela , Boffardi Massimo , Calabrese Vincenzo , De Robertis Edoardo , Lacava Graziella , Oliva Filomena , Pagliano Pasquale , Pascale Gabriele , Tripepi Giovanni L. , Piazza Ornella
Published: August 2022

Background

Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6) is a high-molecular-weight mucin-like glycoprotein, which is also known as MUC1. KL-6 is mainly produced by type 2 pneumocytes and bronchial epithelial cells, and, therefore, elevated circulating KL-6 levels may denote disorders of the alveolar epithelial lining.

The objective of this study is to verify if KL-6 serum level might support ICU physicians in predicting mortality, risk stratifying and triaging severe COVID-19 patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study, including all the COVID-19 patients who measured KL-6 serum values at least once during their ICU stay, was performed. The study sample, 122 patients, was divided in two groups, according to the median KL-6 value at ICU admission (median log-transformed KL-6 value: 6.73 U/ml; group A: KL-6 lower than the median and group B: KL-6 higher than the median).

Results

One-hundred twenty-two ICU patients were included in this study. Mortality was higher in group B than in group A (80 versus 46%;p < 0.001); both linear and logistic multivariate analyses showed ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F) significantly and inversely related to KL-6 values.

Conclusion

At ICU admission, KL-6 serum level was significantly higher in the most hypoxic COVID-19 patients and independently associated with ICU mortality.
Association Between Anesthesia Provider Education and Carbon Footprint Related to the Use of Inhaled Halogenated Anesthetics
Authors: Chambrin Coralie , de Souza Sander , Gariel Claire , Chassard Dominique , Bouvet Lionel
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Inhaled halogenated anesthetics are responsible for half of operating room total greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable anesthesia groups were set up in 4 Lyon, France, university hospitals (Hospices Civils de Lyon) in January 2018 and have supported a specific information campaign about the carbon footprint related to the use of inhaled halogenated anesthetics in June 2019. We aimed to assess whether implementing such information campaigns was associated with a decrease in the carbon footprint related to inhaled halogenated anesthetics.

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2015, to February 29, 2020, in 4 hospitals of the Hospices Civils de Lyon in France. Information meetings on sustainable anesthesia practices were organized by sustainable anesthesia groups that were set up in January 2018. In addition, a specific information campaign about the carbon footprint related to inhaled halogenated anesthetics was conducted in June 2019; it was followed by a questionnaire to be completed online. The monthly purchase of sevoflurane, desflurane, and propofol was recorded, and the estimated monthly carbon footprint from desflurane- and sevoflurane-related perioperative emissions was calculated. The interrupted time-series data from January 2015 to February 2020 were analyzed by segmented regression, considering both interventions (setting up of the sustainable anesthesia groups and specific information campaign) in the analysis and adjusting for 2 confounding factors (seasonality of the data and number of general anesthesia uses).

RESULTS:

Among the 641 anesthesia providers from the study hospitals, 121 (19%) attended the information meetings about the carbon footprint of inhaled halogenated anesthetics, and 180 (28%) completed the questionnaire. The anesthetic activity from all 641 providers was considered in the analysis. After the sustainable anesthesia groups were set up, the carbon footprint of sevoflurane and desflurane started decreasing: the slope significantly changed (P < .01) and became significantly negative, from −0.27 (95% confidence interval [CI], −1.08 to 0.54) tons.month−1 to −14.16 (95% CI, −16.67 to −11.65) tons.month−1. After the specific information campaign, the carbon footprint kept decreasing, with a slope of −7.58 (95% CI, −13.74 to −1.41) tons.month−1 (P = .02), which was not significantly different from the previous period (P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS:

The setup of the sustainable anesthesia groups was associated with a dramatic reduction in the carbon footprint related to halogenated anesthetics. These results should encourage health care institutions to undertake information campaigns toward anesthesia providers so that they also take into account the environmental impact in the choice of anesthetic drugs, in addition to the benefits for the patient and economic concerns.