bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features of thrombosis and bleeding in COVID-19
Authors: Thomas Mari R. , Scully Marie
Published: April 2022

Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, resulting in COVID-19 disease, has presented a unique scenario associated with high rates of thrombosis. The risk of venous thrombosis is some three- to sixfold higher than for patients admitted to a hospital for other indications, and for patients who have thrombosis, mortality appears to increase. Thrombosis may be a presenting feature of COVID-19. Pulmonary thrombi are the most frequent events, some related to deep vein thrombosis, but also to in situ microvascular and macrovascular thrombosis. Other venous thromboses include catheter- and circuit-associated in patients requiring hemofiltration and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Arterial thrombosis is less commonly documented, with 3% of patients in intensive care units having major arterial strokes and up to 9% having myocardial infarction, both of which are most likely multifactorial. Risk factors for thrombosis above those already documented in hospital settings include duration of COVID-19 symptoms before admission to the hospital. Laboratory parameters associated with higher risk of thrombosis include higher D-dimer, low fibrinogen, and low lymphocyte count, with higher factor VIII and von Willebrand factor levels indicative of more severe COVID-19 infection. All patients should receive thromboprophylaxis when admitted with COVID-19 infection, but the dose and length of treatment are still debated. Thrombosis continues to be treated according to standard VTE guidelines, but adjustments may be needed depending on other factors relevant to the patient’s admission.
Crushed but not lost: a colubriform snake (Serpentes) from the Miocene Swiss Molasse, identified through the use of micro-CT scanning technology
Authors: Georgalis Georgios L. , Scheyer Torsten M.
Published: April 2022

An incomplete postcranial skeleton of a snake from the middle Miocene of the Swiss Molasse in Käpfnach mine, near Zurich, Switzerland, is described in this paper. The skeleton is rather crushed and resting on a block of coal, with only some articulated vertebrae partially discerned via visual microscopy. We conducted micro-CT scanning in the specimen and we digitally reconstructed the whole preserved vertebral column, allowing a direct and detailed observation of its vertebral morphology. Due to the flattened nature of the fossil specimen, several individual vertebral structures are deformed, not permitting thus a secure precise taxonomic identification. Accordingly, we only refer the specimen to as Colubriformes indet. Nevertheless, this occurrence adds to the exceedingly rare fossil record of snakes from Switzerland, which had so far been formally described solely from three other Eocene and Miocene localities.
Probiotic-derived heptelidic acid exerts antitumor effects on extraintestinal melanoma through glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity control
Authors: Isozaki Shotaro , Konishi Hiroaki , Tanaka Hiroki , Yamamura Chikage , Moriichi Kentaro , Ogawa Naoki , Fujiya Mikihiro
Published: April 2022

Background

Several microorganisms inhabit the mammalian gastrointestinal tract and are associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer. Recent studies have indicated that several probiotics produce antitumor molecules and inhibit host tumor progression. We demonstrated that heptelidic acid (HA), a sesquiterpene lactone derived from the probiotic Aspergillus oryzae, exerts antitumor effects against pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the antitumor effects of HA against extraintestinal melanoma were assessed in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay revealed that the growth of B16F10 cells was significantly inhibited by HA in a concentration-dependent manner. The enzymatic activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) decreased in proportion with the growth inhibition effect of HA. Moreover, oral HA administration significantly suppressed the growth of transplanted B16F10 tumors without any significant changes in biochemical test values. Moreover, GAPDH activity in the transplanted tumor tissues in the HA group significantly decreased compared with that in the PBS group.

Conclusion

This study suggests that orally administered HA was absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, reached the cancer cells transplanted in the skin, and inhibited GAPDH activity, thereby inhibiting the growth of extraintestinal melanoma cells. Thus, this study proposes a novel system for extraintestinal tumor regulation via gut bacteria-derived bioactive mediators.
Comparative transcriptomic analyses of citrus cold-resistant vs. sensitive rootstocks might suggest a relevant role of ABA signaling in triggering cold scion adaption
Authors: Primo-Capella Amparo , Forner-Giner María Ángeles , Martínez-Cuenca Mary-Rus , Terol Javier
Published: April 2022

Background

The citrus genus comprises a number of sensitive tropical and subtropical species to cold stress, which limits global citrus distribution to certain latitudes and causes major economic loss. We used RNA-Seq technology to analyze changes in the transcriptome of Valencia delta seedless orange in response to long-term cold stress grafted on two frequently used citrus rootstocks: Carrizo citrange (CAR), considered one of the most cold-tolerant accessions; C. macrophylla (MAC), a very sensitive one. Our objectives were to identify the genetic mechanism that produce the tolerant or sensitive phenotypes in citrus, as well as to gain insights of the rootstock-scion interactions that induce the cold tolerance or sensitivity in the scion.

Results

Plants were kept at 1 ºC for 30 days. Samples were taken at 0, 15 and 30 days. The metabolomic analysis showed a significant increase in the concentration of free sugars and proline, which was higher for the CAR plants. Hormone quantification in roots showed a substantially increased ABA concentration during cold exposure in the CAR roots, which was not observed in MAC. Different approaches were followed to analyze gene expression. During the stress treatment, the 0-15-day comparison yielded the most DEGs. The functional characterization of DEGs showed enrichment in GO terms and KEGG pathways related to abiotic stress responses previously described in plant cold adaption. The DEGs analysis revealed that several key genes promoting cold adaption were up-regulated in the CAR plants, and those repressing it had higher expression levels in the MAC samples.

Conclusions

The metabolomic and transcriptomic study herein performed indicates that the mechanisms activated in plants shortly after cold exposure remain active in the long term. Both the hormone quantification and differential expression analysis suggest that ABA signaling might play a relevant role in promoting the cold hardiness or sensitiveness of Valencia sweet orange grafted onto Carrizo citrange or Macrophylla rootstocks, respectively. Our work provides new insights into the mechanisms by which rootstocks modulate resistance to abiotic stress in the production variety grafted onto them.
The influence of adiposity on the interactions between strength, physical function and cognition among older adults in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study
Authors: Mundell Niamh L. , Sethi Parneet , Anstey Kaarin J. , Macpherson Helen , Dunstan David W. , Fraser Steve F. , Daly Robin M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Being overweight or obese may be associated with lower physical and cognitive function, but in late-adulthood (≥ 65 years) evidence is mixed. This study aimed to investigate how being overweight or obese affected interactions between muscle strength, function and cognition in Australians aged ≥ 50 years, and whether interactions varied according to age (i.e. ≥ 50–65 vs > 65 years).

Methods

This study included 2368 adults [mean (standard deviation) age: 63 (7) years; 56% female] from the 2011/2012 Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) follow-up. Physical function was assessed via timed up-and-go (TUG) and muscle strength from knee extensor strength (KES). Cognition was assessed using Mini-Mental-State Exam (MMSE), Spot-the-Word (STW), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) and Symbol–Digit-Modalities Test (SDMT). Beta binomial regression was used to evaluate how being overweight or obese influenced strength, physical and cognitive function associations.

Results

Being overweight or obese did not affect strength-cognition associations regardless of sex or age. With slower physical function; obese females showed better STW (odds ratio [OR] 95% CI]: 1.070 [1.016, 1.127], P = 0.011); obese men better MMSE (OR [95% CI]: 1.157 [1.012, 1.322], P = 0.033); and obese men aged > 65 better CVLT (OR [95% CI]: 1.122 [1.035, 1.217], P = 0.019) and MMSE (OR [95% CI]: 1.233 [1.049, 1.449], P = 0.017) compared to normal weight participants.

Conclusion

Slower physical function was associated with better performance in some cognitive domains in obese, but not in non-obese adults aged ≥ 50 years. These findings suggest some benefits of obesity to aspects of cognition when physical function is slower, but longitudinal follow-up studies are needed.
Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for calcified benign thyroid nodules: results of over 5 years' follow-up
Authors: Li Yi , He Hongying , Li Wen , Zhao Jiahang , Ge Naiqiao , Zhang Yan , Luo Yukun
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating calcified benign thyroid nodules (CBTNs).

Methods

Fifty-two patients with 52 CBTNs who underwent RFA in our hospital were included in this retrospective study. According to the size of calcifications, CBTNs were divided into two groups: the punctate echogenic foci (PEF) group and macrocalcification group. Moreover, the macrocalcification group was further subdivided into two groups, the strong group and the weak group, based on their morphologic characteristics. After the RFA procedure, routine ultrasound (US) and clinical evaluation were performed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively and every 12 months thereafter.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 68.98 ± 7.68 months (60–87 months), and the 5-year mean volume reduction rate (VRR) after RFA was 92.95%, with a complication rate of 0.6% (3/52). The mean initial volume of the macrocalcification group was significantly larger than that of the PEF group (9.94 ± 24.60 ml vs. 0.23 ± 0.22 ml, respectively; P = 0.011). Thus, their VRRs were not comparable between the two groups. However, baseline characteristics did not show statistically significant differences between the strong and weak macrocalcification subgroups. The VRRs of the strong subgroup were significantly lower than those of the weak subgroup at the 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year follow-ups.

Conclusion

RFA was effective and safe for treating CBTNs. Strong macrocalcification was related to the VRR of CBTNs after the RFA procedure.
The role of MRI in the diagnosis and management of tracheal diverticulum
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Tan Yiqing , Chen Jing , Fang Cui
Published: April 2022

Background

Multidetector CT is currently the best imaging method for detecting tracheal diverticulum (TD). Compared with CT, MRI is radiation-free and has higher resolution. However, the MRI characteristics of this disease have not been previously reported. The present retrospective study compared the MR and CT imaging features of TD, aiming to examine the role of MRI in TD diagnosis and management.

Methods

Imaging data were collected in 26 TD patients divided into two groups, including the uninfected and infected groups. The MR and CT imaging features (size/wall/channel) of uninfected patients were compared. The performances of MRI and CT in diagnosing and monitoring therapeutic efficacy in infected TD patients were comparatively assessed.

Results

The uninfected group comprised 25 cases with 25 lesions confirmed by CT, including 23 lesions (92%) detected by MRI, with an average diameter of 8.5 mm (range from 3 to 15 mm). Meanwhile, the average diameter was 7.8 mm as measured by CT (range from 2.8 mm to 14.7 mm). The lesion diameters of the two cases not detected by MRI were 2.3 mm and 2 mm. MRI detected walls of all the 23 lesions (23/23), while CT detected no wall (0/23). CT showed channels in 18 lesions (18/23) versus3 for MRI (3/23). The infected case presented with a paratracheal abscess; MRI clearly showed a relationship between the abscess and the trachea, while CT could not show the lesion source. MRI also sensitively showed the whole process of lesion absorption.

Conclusions

MRI can be used as a supplementary method for TD diagnosis, providing information about the wall that cannot be obtained by CT. MRI is superior to CT in diagnosing infected TD cases presenting with a paratracheal abscess, and in monitoring therapeutic efficacy in these patients.
Ocular surface toll like receptors in ageing
Authors: Di Zazzo Antonio , De Piano Maria , Coassin Marco , Mori Tommaso , Balzamino Bijorn Omar , Micera Alessandra
Published: April 2022

Background

To evaluate changes in Toll Like Receptors (TLRs) expression at the ocular surface of healthy volunteers within different age groups.

Methods

Fifty-one healthy volunteers were enrolled in a pilot observational study. Clinical function tests (OSDI questionnaire, Schirmer test type I and Break Up time) were assessed in all subjects. Temporal Conjunctival imprints were performed for molecular and immunohistochemical analysis to measure TLRs expression (TLR2, 4, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and MyD88).

Results

Immunofluorescence data showed an increased TLR2 and decreased TLR7 and TLR8 immunoreactivity in old conjunctival imprints. Up-regulation of TLR2 and down-regulation of TLR7, TLR8 and MyD88 transcripts expression corroborated the data. A direct correlation was showed between increasing ICAM-1 and increasing TLR2 changes with age. Within the age OSDI score increases, T-BUT values decrease, and goblet cells showed a decreasing trend.

Conclusion

Changes in TLRs expression are associated with ageing, suggesting physiological role of TLRs in modulating ocular surface immunity. TLRs age related changes may participate to the changes of ocular surface homeostatic mechanisms which lead to inflammAging.
The role of dairy in healthy and sustainable food systems: community voices from India
Authors: Brown Kerry Ann , Venkateshmurthy Nikhil Srinivasapura , Potubariki Gopi , Sharma Piyu , Cardwell Jacqueline M. , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Knai Cecile , Mohan Sailesh
Published: April 2022

Background

Managing the role of dairy foods in healthy and sustainable food systems is challenging. Milk production is associated with greenhouse gas emissions and milk-based processed foods can be high in fat, sugar and salt; yet, milk production provides income generating opportunities for farmers and dairy foods provide essential nutrients to young children, with a cultural significance in many communities. This is particularly relevant to India, the world’s largest producer of milk. The aim of this study was to use Photovoice, a participatory research method, to explore the experiences and perceptions of communities in India on the role of dairy products in local sustainable and healthy food systems.

Methods

Purposive sampling recruited two women’s self-help groups in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: one in a rural area and one in an urban area. A total of 31 participants (10–17 urban group and 12–14 rural group), produced photographs with captions to represent their views on how dairy was produced, sold, and consumed in their community. A discussion workshop was held in each area, with prompts to consider health and the environment. Workshop transcripts, photographs and captions were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis.

Results

A range of experiences and perceptions were discussed by the two women’s self help groups. Participants had an awareness of their local food system and how stages of dairy food supply chains were non-linear and inherently interconnected. Three main themes were identified: 1) Quality and value matters to producers and consumers; 2) The need to adapt to sustain dairy farmer livelihoods in water scarce areas; 3) It’s not only about health.

Conclusions

Moderate milk-producing states such as Andhra Pradesh will continue to develop their dairy industry through policy actions. Including communities in policy discussions through innovative methods like Photovoice can help to maximise the positive and minimise the negative role of dairy in evolving local food systems.
Lung injury induced by different negative suction pressure in patients with pneumoconiosis undergoing whole lung lavage
Authors: Yang Mingyuan , Li Baoping , Wang Bin , Li Lei , Ji Yurong , Zhou Yunzhi , Huang Rui , Cheng Qinghao
Published: April 2022

Background

Pneumoconiosis is a diffuse interstitial fibronodular lung disease, which is caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica. Whole lung lavage (WLL) is a therapeutic procedure used to treat pneumoconiosis. This study is to compare the effects of different negative pressure suction on lung injury in patients with pneumoconiosis undergoing WLL.

Materials and methods

A prospective study was conducted with 24 consecutively pneumoconiosis patients who underwent WLL from March 2020 to July 2020 at Emergency General Hospital, China. The patients were divided into two groups: high negative suction pressure group (group H, n = 13, negative suction pressure of 300–400 mmHg) and low negative suction pressure group (group L, n = 11, negative suction pressure of 40–50 mmHg). The arterial blood gas, lung function, lavage data, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses to access lung injury were monitored.

Results

Compared with those of group H, the right and left lung residual were significantly increased in the group L (P = 0.04, P = 0.01). Potential of hydrogen (pH), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), lactic acid (LAC) and glucose (GLU) varied from point to point in time (P < 0.01, respectively). There was statistical difference in the trend of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) over time between the two groups (P < 0.01, P = 0.02). In comparison with the group H, the levels of IL-10 (P = 0.01) and SOD (P < 0.01) in WLL fluid were significantly increased in the group L. There was no statistical difference in the trend of maximal volumtary ventilation (MVV), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%), residual volume (RV), residual volume/total lung capacity (RV/TLC), carbon monoxide dispersion factor (DLCO%), forced expiratory volume in one second/ forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%) over time between the two groups (P > 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

Low negative suction pressure has the potential benefit to reduce lung injury in patients with pneumoconiosis undergoing WLL, although it can lead to increased residual lavage fluid. Despite differing suction strategies, pulmonary function parameters including FEV1%, RV and DLCO% became worse than before WLL.

Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial registration number ChiCTR2000031024, 21/03/2020.
Nomogram predicting long-term overall and cancer-specific survival of patients with buccal mucosa cancer
Authors: Wang Fengze , Wen Jiao , Cao Shuaishuai , Yang Xinjie , Yang Zihui , Li Huan , Meng Haifeng , Thieringer Florian M. , Wei Jianhua
Published: April 2022

Background

Few models about the personalized prognosis evaluation of buccal mucosa cancer (BMC) patients were reported. We aimed to establish predictive models to forecast the prognosis of BMC patients.

Methods

The complete clinicopathological information of BMC patients from the surveillance, epidemiology and end results program was collected and reviewed retrospectively. Two nomograms were established and validated to predict long-term overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of BMC patients based on multivariate Cox regression survival analysis.

Results

1155 patients were included. 693 and 462 patients were distributed into modeling and validation groups with 6:4 split-ratio via a random split-sample method. Based on the survival analysis, independent prognostic risk factors (variables that can be used to estimate disease recovery and relapse chance) influencing OS and CSS were obtained to establish nomograms. Then, we divided the modeling group into high- and low-risk cohorts. The low-risk cohort had improved OS and CSS compared to the high-risk cohort, which was statistically significant after the Log-rank test (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we used the concordance index (C-index), calibration curve to validate the nomograms, showing high accuracy. The decision curve analyses (DCA) revealed that the nomograms had evident clinical value.

Conclusions

We constructed two credible nomogram models, which would give the surgeons reference to provide an individualized assessment of BMC patients.
Predictors of the intention to use traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) using extended theory of planned behavior: a cross-sectional study among TCM users in Hong Kong
Authors: Ng Tommy K. C. , Lo Man Fung , Fong Ben Y. F. , Yee Hilary H. L.
Published: April 2022

Background

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine are available and have a long history in Hong Kong. Little is known on the intention to use TCM in Hong Kong. In this study, the intention to use TCM was examined by the extended theory of planned behavior.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from 15 and 29 November 2021. Respondents’ attitude towards using TCM, intention to use TCM, knowledge, perceived behavioral control, perceived service quality, satisfaction, subjective norms and demographic characteristics were collected from the survey. To examine the conceptual framework in this study, partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was adopted.

Results

In total, 446 responses (completion rate = 74.3%) were analysed. Attitude towards TCM was the strongest predictor to the intention to use TCM followed by satisfaction and subjective norms. Attitude had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intention to use TCM. Attitude had a full mediating effect on the relationship between knowledge and intention to use TCM. Satisfaction had a full mediating effect on the relationship between perceived service quality and intention to use TCM.

Conclusions

This is the first study to investigate the predictors of the intention to use TCM in Hong Kong by using TPB. Individuals’ attitude towards TCM has showed stronger effect to the intention to use TCM than other predictors, such as satisfaction, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms. To enhance the intention to use TCM in Hong Kong, key stakeholders, including TCM professional organisations, health professionals and policymakers, should develop a positive attitude towards TCM among Hong Kong population.
Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes related to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and other prevention strategies among physicians from Brazil and Mexico: cross-sectional web-based survey
Authors: Vega-Ramirez Hamid , Torres Thiago S. , Guillen-Diaz Centli , Pimenta Cristina , Diaz-Sosa Dulce , Konda Kelika A. , da Cunha Alessandro Ricardo Caruso , Robles-Garcia Rebeca , Benedetti Marcos , Hoagland Brenda , Bezerra Daniel R. B. , Caceres Carlos F. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Veloso Valdilea G. ,   for the ImPrEP Study Group
Published: April 2022

Background

In order to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, combination HIV prevention including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should be widely available, especially for the most vulnerable populations. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), only 14 out of 46 countries have access to PrEP. In Brazil and Mexico, PrEP has been provided at no cost through the Public Health System since 2017 and 2021, respectively. Thus, HIV physicians’ perspectives about PrEP and other prevention strategies may differ. This study aimed to compare awareness, knowledge, and attitudes related to PrEP and other prevention strategies among HIV physicians from Brazil and Mexico.

Methods

Cross-sectional, web-based survey targeting physicians who prescribe antiretrovirals from both countries. Participants answered questions on socio-demographic, medical experience, awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards PrEP and other HIV prevention strategies. We stratified all variables per country and compared frequencies using Chi-square, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, as appropriate.

Results

From January–October 2020, 481 HIV physicians were included: 339(70.5%) from Brazil, 276(57.4%) male, and median age was 43 years (IQR = 36–53). Awareness of PrEP did not differ between Brazil and Mexico (84.6%), while awareness of other prevention strategies, including post-exposure prophylaxis and new PrEP technologies, was higher in Brazil. More Brazilians perceived U=U as completely accurate compared to Mexicans (74.0% vs. 62.0%, P < .001). Willingness to prescribe PrEP was 74.2%, higher among Brazilians (78.2%, P = .01). Overall, participants had concerns about consistent access to PrEP medication and the risk of antiretroviral resistance in case of acute HIV infection or seroconversion. The main barriers reported were assumptions that users could have low PrEP knowledge (62.0%) or limited capacity for adherence (59.0%). Compared to Brazilians, Mexicans reported more concerns and barriers to PrEP prescription (all; P ≤ .05), except for consistent access to PrEP medication and the lack of professionals to prescribe PrEP (both; P ≤ .01).

Conclusions

Although awareness of PrEP was similar in Brazil and Mexico, differences in knowledge and attitudes may reflect the availability and stage of PrEP implementation in these countries. Strengthening and increasing information on PrEP technologies and other HIV prevention strategies among HIV physicians could improve their comfort to prescribe these strategies and facilitate their scale-up in LAC.
Silica nanoparticles protect rice against biotic and abiotic stresses
Authors: Du Jianfeng , Liu Baoyou , Zhao Tianfeng , Xu Xinning , Lin Han , Ji Yatai , Li Yue , Li Zhiwei , Lu Chongchong , Li Pengan , Zhao Haipeng , Li Yang , Yin Ziyi , Ding Xinhua
Published: April 2022

Background

By 2050, the world population will increase to 10 billion which urged global demand for food production to double. Plant disease and land drought will make the situation more dire, and safer and environment-friendly materials are thus considered as a new countermeasure. The rice blast fungus,Magnaporthe oryzae, causes one of the most destructive diseases of cultivated rice worldwide that seriously threatens rice production. Unfortunately, traditional breeding nor chemical approaches along control it well. Nowadays, nanotechnology stands as a new weapon against these mounting challenges and silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) have been considered as potential new safer agrochemicals recently but the systematically studies remain limited, especially in rice.

Results

Salicylic acid (SA) is a key plant hormone essential for establishing plant resistance to several pathogens and its further affected a special form of induced resistance, the systemic acquired resistance (SAR), which considered as an important aspect of plant innate immunity from the locally induced disease resistance to the whole plant. Here we showed that SiO2NPs could stimulate plant immunity to protect rice againstM. oryzaethrough foliar treatment that significantly decreased disease severity by nearly 70% within an appropriate concentration range. Excessive concentration of foliar treatment led to disordered intake and abnormal SA responsive genes expressions which weaken the plant resistance and even aggravated the disease. Importantly, this SA-dependent fungal resistance could achieve better results with root treatment through a SAR manner with no phytotoxicity since the orderly and moderate absorption. What’s more, root treatment with SiO2NPs could also promote root development which was better to deal with drought.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings not only revealed SiO2NPs as a potential effective and safe strategy to protect rice against biotic and abiotic stresses, but also identify root treatment for the appropriate application method since it seems not causing negative effects and even have promotion on root development.

Graphical Abstract
Development and validation of the psoriasis scale among the system of quality of life instruments for chronic diseases QLICD-PS (V2.0)
Authors: Liu Qiongling , Feng Li , Wan Chonghua , Tan Jianfeng , Yu Jianbin , Wang Li
Published: April 2022

Background and purpose

Psoriasis (PS) is difficult to cure with a high incidence. Therefore, the quality of life (QOL) of people with Psoriasis has caused widespread concern. Universal scales respond poorly to subtle changes caused by specific diseases, which makes it challenging to fully understand the impact of QOL in patients with psoriasis. In view of the deficiencies of the universal scale and the lack of a specific scale suitable for Chinese cultural background, this study aims to develop the psoriasis scale among the system of QOL instruments for chronic diseases QLICD-PS (V2.0).

Methods

The scale QLICD-PS (V2.0) was developed based on the procedural decision-making approach and the experience of establishing scales at home and abroad. 122 patients with psoriasis were participated in measuring QOL 3 times before and after treatments. The reliability was assessed by test–retest reliability (Pearson’s correlation coefficients) and also internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficients). Qualitative analysis was adopted to evaluate content validity; item-domain correlation analysis, multi-dimensional scaling analysis, and factor analysis were adopted to evaluate the construct validity; the SF-36 scale was used as the criterion to evaluate the criterion-related validity due to lack of gold standard. Paired t tests were performed to evaluate the responsiveness on each domain/facet as well as the total of the scale, with Standardized Response Mean (SRM) being calculated.

Results

The QLICD-PS was composed of the general module including 3 domains (28 items) and the psoriasis specific module (13 items). The Cronbach's α of the specific module, the general module and the total scale of the QLICD-PS was 0.78, 0.87 and 0.74 respectively, the split-half reliability of the specific module, the general module and the total scale was 0.81, 0.91 and 0.81, respectively, both indicating high reliability. Correlation and factor analysis confirmed good construct validity and criterion-related validity. After treatments, the score changes in the total scale were statistically significant with SRM being 0.5, showing moderate responsiveness.

Conclusion

As the first psoriasis-specific QOL scale developed by the modular approach in Chinese, the QLICD-PS showed good reliability, validity and responsiveness, and could be used to measure the QOL of Patients with psoriasis specifically and sufficiently.
Calorie reformulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effect of manipulating food energy density on daily energy intake
Authors: Robinson Eric , Khuttan Mercedes , McFarland-Lesser India , Patel Zina , Jones Andrew
Published: April 2022

Background

Dietary energy density is thought to be a contributor to obesity, but the extent to which different magnitudes and types of reductions to food energy density decreases daily energy intake is unclear. The primary objective was to systematically review and meta-analyse experimental studies that have examined the effect that manipulating energy density of food has on total daily energy intake. Secondary objectives were to examine moderators of the effect that altering energy density has on daily energy intake and effects on body weight.

Methods

A systematic review and multi-level meta-analysis of studies on human participants that used an experimental design to manipulate the energy density of foods served and measured energy intake for a minimum of 1 day.

Results

Thirty-one eligible studies sampling both children (n = 4) and adults (n = 27) contributed 90 effects comparing the effect of higher vs. lower energy density of served food on daily energy intake to the primary meta-analysis. Lower energy density of food was associated with a large decrease in daily energy intake (SMD = − 1.002 [95% CI: − 0.745 to − 1.266]). Findings were consistent across studies that did vs. did not manipulate macronutrient content to vary energy density. The relation between decreasing energy density and daily energy intake tended to be strong and linear, whereby compensation for decreases to energy density of foods (i.e. by eating more at other meals) was minimal. Meta-analysis of (n = 5) studies indicated that serving lower energy dense food tended to be associated with greater weight loss than serving higher energy dense food, but this difference was not significant (− 0.7 kg difference in weight change, 95% CIs: − 1.34, 0.04).

Conclusions

Decreasing the energy density of food can substantially reduce daily energy intake and may therefore be an effective public health approach to reducing population level energy intake.

Trial registration

Registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020223973).
Respectful maternity care during facility-based child birth and associated factors in public health facilities of Ilu AbaBor zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yismaw Worke Sisay , Teklu Tigist Shayi , Panduragman HariPrasath
Published: April 2022

Background

Current data suggest that far more women around the world are exposed to abuse by health care providers while receiving maternity care. This predisposes them to psychological distress; abstain from accessing health facilities for care and end up with avoidable death and disability.

Objective

To assess the level of respectful care during delivery among mothers giving birth in public health facilities in Ilu AbaBor, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019.

Materials and methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 285 randomly selected mothers in the post-natal ward from 17 health facilities in 2019. Data were collected through interviewer-administered pre-tested questionnaires. The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 statistical and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were employed.

Results

The proportion of respectful care during maternity care in health care institutions of Ilu Ababor zone was 47.3%. In the multivariable logistic regression; age (AOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08, 0.81), occupation (AOR 4.16: (1.34, 12.9)), planned pregnancy (AOR 0.28: (0.12, 0.67)), mode of delivery (AOR 0.05: (0.01, 0.33)), and receiving care from providers who had a compassionate and respectful care training (AOR 0.13: (0.06, 0.25)) were independent predictors of respectful care.

Conclusions

The proportion of respectful care of the health institution in the Ilu Ababor zone was low compared to the other studies. Variables like; age, occupational status, pregnancy plan, mode of delivery, facing complications during labor and delivery, and taking compassionate and respectful care training were independent predictors of respectful maternity care. This study recommended that the responsible stakeholders should strengthen monitoring and evaluation of the practice and mainstreaming of respectful maternity care, give training for health professionals, and develop guidelines used to monitor, report, and track barriers to the practice of maternity care.
Central nervous system infection with Seoul Orthohantavirus in a child after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a case report
Authors: Liu Enyi , Lv Shuhe , Yi Panpan , Feng Li , Deng Xiaolu , Xia Han , Xu Yajing
Published: April 2022

Background

Patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) are prone to complicate viral infection. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement caused by the viruses is rare but with poor prognosis. Hantavirus, which usually cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), and none case has been reported about these infection in allo-HSCT patients.

Case presentation

In August 2021, a 13-year-old male child developed intermittent fever and refractory hypotension after allo-HSCT. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed abnormal signal foci in the left midbrain cerebral peduncle and bilateral thalamus. His family reported traces of mouse activity in the patient’s home kitchen. HFRS was suspected, but with no significant kidney damage. The specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G and M of hantavirus were negative. The metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) detected Seoul Orthohantavirus (SEOV) sequences directly in cerebrospinal fluid and blood.

Conclusions

Allo-HSCT patients are a high-risk group for infection. Usually the causative agent of infection is difficult to determine, and sometimes the site of infection is concealed. This report highlights the importance of suspecting hantavirus infection in allo-HSCT patients with CNS symptoms despite the absence of renal syndromes. The mNGS is a powerful tool for detecting pathogens. CNS infection with Seoul orthohantavirus in transplant patients is rare but possible as demonstrated in this case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case employing mNGS to diagnose SEOV caused CNS infection in an allo-HSCT patient.
Genetic variability of E6 and E7 genes of human papillomavirus type 58 in Jingzhou, Hubei Province of central China
Authors: Yang Zhiping , Zhang Chunlin , Luo Ping , Ye Mengxia , Gong Quan , Mei Bing
Published: April 2022

Background

Cervical cancer is a common malignant tumor in women, with a high mortality rate, has great harm to women’s health. Long-term and persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the main reason of the occurrence and development of cervical cancer.

Methods

The infection rate of HPV-58 is higher in the Jingzhou area. In this study, 172 complete HPV-58 E6-E7 sequences were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the amplified products were sequenced, and the gene variations of HPV-58 E6-E7 were analyzed. A Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree was constructed by MEGA 11. The secondary structure of E6 and E7 protein was investigated. PAML X was used to analyze the selective pressure. The B cell epitopes of E6 and E7 proteins in HPV-58 were predicted by ABCpred server.

Results

In E6 sequences, 10 single nucleotide variants were observed, including 7 synonymous and 3 non-synonymous variants. In E7 sequences, 12 single nucleotide variants were found, including 3 synonymous variants and 9 non-synonymous variants. There are 5 novel variants. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all the E6-E7 sequences were distributed in A lineage. No positively selected site was found in E6 sequence, but G63 in E7 sequences was identified as positively selected site. Some amino acid substitutions affected multiple B cell epitopes.

Conclusion

Various E6 and E7 mutational data may prove useful for development of better diagnostic and vaccines for the region of Jingzhou, Hubei province of central China.
Evolution of breastfeeding indicators and early introduction of foods in Latin American and Caribbean countries in the decades of 1990, 2000 and 2010
Authors: Meira Camila Abadia Rodrigues , Buccini Gabriela , Azeredo Catarina Machado , Conde Wolney Lisbôa , Rinaldi Ana Elisa Madalena
Published: April 2022

Background

Early introduction of liquid/solid food before 6 months of age is one of the major barriers to exclusive breastfeeding. Our objective was to analyze the evolution of infant feeding practices for infants under 6 months of age in Latin American and Caribbean countries in the decades of 1990, 2000 and 2010.

Method

Cross-sectional time series study with data from Demographic and Health Surveys carried out between 1990 and 2017 in six Latin America and Caribbean countries: Bolivia (1994 to 2008), Colombia (1995 to 2010), Dominican Republic (1996 to 2013), Guatemala (1995 to 2015), Haiti (1994/1995 to 2016/2017), Peru (1996 to 2018). Pooled sample comprised of 22,545 infants under the age of 6 months. Surveys were grouped in three decades: 1990s for surveys from 1990 to 1999, 2000s for surveys from 2000 to 2009, and 2010s for surveys from 2010 to 2017. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), predominant breastfeeding (PBF), mixed breastfeeding (mixed BF), supplemented breastfeeding (supplemented BF) and non-breastfeeding (non-BF), and individual foods (water, liquids, milk, infant formula, semi-solid/solid) were analyzed. Prevalence of breastfeeding and food indicators were calculated in pooled sample, according to the infant monthly age groups, decade of survey and residence area(rural/urban).

Results

Between 1990s and 2010s, there was an increase in the exclusive breastfeeding prevalence (1990s = 38.1%, 2010s = 46.6%) and a reduction in the PBF prevalence (1990s = 51.7%, 2010 s = 43.1%). There was a decrease in the liquids (1990s = 40.7%, 2010s = 15.8%) and milk prevalence (1990s = 20.4%, 2010s = 8.3%) and an increase in water (1990s = 32.3%, 2010s = 37.6%), and infant formula (1990s = 16.6%, 2010s = 25.5%) prevalence. All breastfeeding indicators, except exclusive breastfeeding, progressively increased according to the monthly age group in three decades, and EBF prevalence sharply decreased from 2 to 3 months of age in all decades. Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence was higher in rural area in the three decades (1990srural = 43.8%, 1990surban = 32.4%, 2010srural = 51.1%, 2010surban = 42.4%) and infant formula prevalence was higher in urban area (1990srural = 8.6%, 1990surban = 24.6%, 2010srural = 15.9%, 2010surban = 34.1%).

Conclusions

In the last three decades, in all age groups, there was an increase in exclusive breastfeeding prevalence, as well as a significant reduction in liquids and milk. In the rural area, EBF prevalence remains higher than in urban. Increased water and infant formula feeding are the main barriers to achieving the Global Nutrition Target 2025 for exclusive breastfeeding.
Synthetic contrast-enhanced computed tomography generation using a deep convolutional neural network for cardiac substructure delineation in breast cancer radiation therapy: a feasibility study
Authors: Chun Jaehee , Chang Jee Suk , Oh Caleb , Park InKyung , Choi Min Seo , Hong Chae-Seon , Kim Hojin , Yang Gowoon , Moon Jin Young , Chung Seung Yeun , Suh Young Joo , Kim Jin Sung
Published: April 2022

Background

Adjuvant radiation therapy improves the overall survival and loco-regional control in patients with breast cancer. However, radiation-induced heart disease, which occurs after treatment from incidental radiation exposure to the cardiac organ, is an emerging challenge. This study aimed to generate synthetic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (SCECT) from non-contrast CT (NCT) using deep learning (DL) and investigate its role in contouring cardiac substructures. We also aimed to determine its applicability for a retrospective study on the substructure volume-dose relationship for predicting radiation-induced heart disease.

Methods

We prepared NCT-CECT cardiac scan pairs of 59 patients. Of these, 35, 4, and 20 pairs were used for training, validation, and testing, respectively. We adopted conditional generative adversarial network as a framework to generate SCECT. SCECT was validated in the following three stages: (1) The similarity between SCECT and CECT was evaluated; (2) Manual contouring was performed on SCECT and CECT with sufficient intervals and based on this, the geometric similarity of cardiac substructures was measured between them; (3) The treatment plan was quantitatively analyzed based on the contours of SCECT and CECT.

Results

While the mean values (± standard deviation) of the mean absolute error, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and structural similarity index measure between SCECT and CECT were 20.66 ± 5.29, 21.57 ± 1.85, and 0.77 ± 0.06, those were 23.95 ± 6.98, 20.67 ± 2.34, and 0.76 ± 0.07 between NCT and CECT, respectively. The Dice similarity coefficients and mean surface distance between the contours of SCECT and CECT were 0.81 ± 0.06 and 2.44 ± 0.72, respectively. The dosimetry analysis displayed error rates of 0.13 ± 0.27 Gy and 0.71 ± 1.34% for the mean heart dose and V5Gy, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings displayed the feasibility of SCECT generation from NCT and its potential for cardiac substructure delineation in patients who underwent breast radiation therapy.
Risk factor analysis of disc and facet joint degeneration after intersegmental pedicle screw fixation for lumbar spondylolysis
Authors: Meng Hao , Gao Yuan , Lu Peng , Zhao Guang-Min , Zhang Zhi-Cheng , Sun Tian-Sheng , Li Fang
Published: April 2022

Background

Patients who do not respond to conservative treatment of the isthmus are often treated with surgery. We used direct repair plus intersegment pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of lumbar spondylolysis. The aim of this observational study was to assess the effects of this technique and evaluate various risk factors potentially predicting the probability of disc and facet joint degeneration after instrumentation.

Methods

The study included 54 male L5 spondylolysis patients who underwent pars repair and intersegment fixation using pedicle screws. Bony union was evaluated using reconstruction images of computed tomography. Radiographic changes, including disc height, vertebral slip, facet joint and disc degeneration in the grade of adjacent and fixed segments, were determined from before to final follow-up. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the incidence of disc and facet joint degeneration.

Results

Bony union was achieved in all cases. Logistic regression analysis revealed that instrumentation durations of greater than 15.5 months and 21.0 months were significant risk factors for the incidence of L4/5 and L5S1 facet degeneration, respectively.

Conclusions

Intersegmental pedicle screw fixation provides good surgical outcomes and good isthmic bony union rates in patients with lumbar spondylolysis. The duration of fixation was confirmed as a risk factor for facet joint degeneration. Once bony union is achieved, instrument removal should be recommended.
microRNA-4701-5p protects against interleukin-1β induced human chondrocyte CHON-001 cells injury via modulating HMGA1
Authors: Zhang Hui , Chen Cheng , Song Jie
Published: April 2022

Background

miRNA-4701-5p has been reported to be a vital regulator in many diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, and miRNA-4701-5p is evidenced to be participated in synovial invasion and joint destruction. In our report, we investigated the roles of miRNA-4701-5p in osteoarthritis (OA) and analyzed the molecular mechanism.

Methods

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was applied for stimulating human chondrocyte CHON-001 cells to establish an OA injury model. mRNA levels and protein expression were measured using qRT-PCR and western blot assay, respectively. The proliferation ability and cytotoxicity of CHON-001 cells were checked using MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase activity. The inflammation of chondrocytes was accessed by the secretion levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The apoptosis of chondrocytes was determined by flow cytometry assay. Bioinformatics software Starbase v2.0 analyzed the functional binding sites between miRNA-4701-5p and HMGA1 and the interaction was further confirmed using dual luciferase reporter analysis. Results: miRNA-4701-5p was down-regulated in the IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes and HMGA1 directly targeted miRNA-4701-5p. Up-regulation of miRNA-4701-5p could alleviate IL-1β-treated CHON-001 cells inflammation and apoptosis, and reversed the cell proliferation decrease and cytotoxicity increase after IL-1β treatment. Nevertheless, all the roles of miRNA-4701-5p overexpression in CHON-001 cells could be reversed by HMGA1 up-regulation.

Conclusions

miRNA-4701-5p could alleviate the inflammatory injury of IL-1β-treated CHON-001 cells via down-regulating HMGA1, indicating that miRNA-4701-5p/HMGA1 is a promising therapeutic target for OA.