bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serpentinite dehydration at low pressures
Authors: Kempf Elias D. , Hermann Jörg , Connolly James A. D.
Published: April 2022

Petrographic observations combined with mineral compositional analyses constrain the phase relations of prograde metamorphosed serpentinites in the Bergell contact aureole (Italy). In a 1500 m profile perpendicular to the north-eastern edge of the Bergell intrusion, seven dehydration reactions ran to completion. Three previously undocumented reactions have been identified within 70 m of the intrusive contact: olivine + anthophyllite = orthopyroxene + H2O, tremolite + Cr–Al-spinel = olivine + Mg-hornblende + H2O and chlorite = olivine + orthopyroxene + Cr-Al-spinel + H2O. Petrological analysis indicates that these reactions occur over a narrow range of pressure and temperature, 300 ± 30 MPa and 720 ± 10 °C respectively. Computed phase diagram sections reproduce the observed mineral parageneses with one notable exception. Due to the underestimation of aluminium and sodium contents in Ca-amphibole models, plagioclase is predicted above 700 °C instead of Mg-hornblende. In comparison with natural grains, the aluminium content of computed chlorite compositions is overestimated for low grade parageneses while it is underestimated near the upper thermal stability limit of chlorite. In the computed sections, Fe partitioning relative to Mg between olivine and other silicates, suggests a clear preference for Fe in olivine, that therefore shows lower Mg#s. In contrast, microprobe analyses of natural mineral pairs indicate that orthopyroxene, Mg-hornblende and anthophyllite have lower Mg#s than equilibrium olivine. The inferred thermal profile of the metamorphic aureole is not consistent with simple heat conduction models and indicates a contact temperature of ~ 800 °C, which is 120–230 °C higher than previously estimated. Petrography also reveals extensive retrograde overprint of the prograde parageneses within 200 m of the contact. Retrogression is related to metamorphic fluids that were released by dehydration reactions during contact metamorphism and magmatic fluids expelled from the tonalite intrusion. The thermal gradient between the intrusion and the country rocks induced hydrothermal circulation of these fluids throughout the contact aureole, which beyond peak metamorphic conditions caused retrograde overprint of the prograde parageneses. The proposed phase relations for low and high pressures, and in particular, the transition from tremolite to Mg-hornblende, provides a complete representation of hydration and dehydration processes in serpentinites in subduction zones, along deep oceanic transform faults, and at passive continental margins. The latter has new implications, specifically for subduction initiation.
Dynamics of phytoplankton community in scallop farming waters of the Bohai Sea and North Yellow Sea in China
Authors: Kong Ning , Liu Zhaoqun , Yu Zichao , Fu Qiang , Li Huan , Zhang Yukun , Fang Xiao , Zhang Fuchong , Liu Chao , Wang Lingling , Song Linsheng
Published: April 2022

Background

As the major suppliers of food for higher consumers, phytoplankton are closely related to the yield, nutritional ingredients and even toxin contents of mariculture animals, potentially influencing the human health when they are consumed. With the increase of shellfish culture density, phytoplankton in the coastal waters have been excessively consumed in recent years, and the nutrients they depend on are becoming more and more limited, which severely restrict the shellfish mariculture and threaten the coastal ecosystems.

Results

In the present study, nutrient concentrations, phytoplankton assemblages and scallop growth status were investigated in the main bay scallop farming waters of the Bohai Sea (Qinhuangdao site) and North Yellow Sea (Zhuanghe site) in 2018. Both phosphate and silicate limitations were observed at the two sites, with the major determinant of phytoplankton assemblages being silicate in Qinhuangdao and phosphate in Zhuanghe, respectively. The phytoplankton assemblages at the two sites displayed different community structures and succession patterns. The phytoplankton community was dominated by dinoflagellates and diatoms in Qinhuangdao, while dinoflagellates were the most abundant group in Zhuanghe, which accounted for 41.9% of the total phytoplankton abundance. The dominant genera of diatoms in Qinhuangdao were Skeletonema, Thalassiosira and Leptocylindrus, while those in Zhuanghe were Thalassiosira and Cyclotella. Greater biomass and more appropriate structure of phytoplankton contributed to higher growth rate and glycogen content of cultured bay scallops.

Conclusions

Our study characterized the relationship between nutrient concentration, phytoplankton community and scallop mariculture in the main bay scallop farming waters in northern China. The results suggest that, as nutrient limitation intensified, dinoflagellates are becoming the dominant phytoplankton species in the scallop farming waters of the Bohai Sea and the North Yellow Sea, which is harmful to the coastal mariculture.
Efficacy of modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach in open gynecological surgery: a prospective observational pilot study and a cadaveric evaluation
Authors: Tanaka Nobuhiro , Suzuka Takanori , Kadoya Yuma , Okamoto Naoko , Sato Mariko , Kawanishi Hideaki , Azuma Cho , Nishi Mayumi , Kawaguchi Masahiko
Published: April 2022

Background

Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) was first described as a peripheral nerve block by Tulgar in 2019. This technique provides an analgesic effective range from Th7–11 with a single puncture per side. Although the efficacy and effective duration of M-TAPA have been reported, further examination is required. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the analgesic range and effective duration of M-TAPA in open gynecologic surgery.

Methods

Following approval, 10 adult female patients scheduled for open radical hysterectomy via a vertical incision or laparotomy using a midline incision from under the xiphoid process to the symphysis pubis were enrolled. The primary outcome was the number of anesthetized dermatomes at 2 and 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included numerical rating scale scores and the total amount of fentanyl used. Cadaveric evaluation was performed to assess the spread of the dye.

Results

The median numbers (interquartile range) of anesthetized dermatomes at 2 and 24 h postoperatively were 6 (5–7) and 6.5 (5–7) in the anterior cutaneous branch area and 5 (4–7) and 7 (5–7) in the lateral cutaneous branch area, respectively. There was an 85% chance of simultaneously acquiring analgesia in areas innervated by Th8–11, including complete block in areas innervated by the anterior cutaneous branches of Th9–10. Cadaveric evaluation showed the spread of the dye in Th8–11.

Conclusions

M-TAPA may have analgesic effects in the areas supplied by the anterior cutaneous branches of Th8–11.

Trail registration

IRB approval (No.2700; registered on July 10, 2020) and registration (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000041137; registered on July 17, 2020).
The correlation between lipoprotein(a) elevations and the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in CAD patients with different LDL-C levels
Authors: Zhu Lijun , Zheng Jiamin , Gao Beibei , Jin Xiangbo , He Ying , Zhou Liang , Huang Jinyu
Published: April 2022

Background

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] elevation is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the correlation between Lp(a) elevations and the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with established cardiovascular disease is controversial. Some studies have shown that Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels may influence the association between Lp(a) and cardiovascular risk. Our study aims to explore the correlation between Lp(a) elevations and cardiovascular risk in patients with different LDL-C levels.

Methods

We included 516 patients who received coronary stents due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and followed them for three years. They were divided into low-Lp(a) group and high-Lp(a) group according to Lp(a) levels, and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and acute coronary events (ACE) was compared between the two groups. Then the patients were divided into three subgroups (S1:LDL-C ≥ 1.8 mmol/L; S2:1.4 ≤ LDL-C < 1.8 mmol/L; S3:LDL-C < 1.4 mmol/L). The correlation between Lp(a) elevations and cardiovascular risk in different subgroups was analysed by Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The incidence of MACE and ACE in the high-Lp(a) group was significantly higher than those in the low-Lp(a) group (P < 0.05). Lp(a) elevations had independent prognostic value from the statistical point of view (MACE: HR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.12–2.38, P = 0.012; ACE: HR = 1.70, 95%CI = 1.03–2.81, P = 0.037). Subgroup analysis showed that Lp(a) elevations increased cardiovascular risk when LDL-C ≥ 1.4 mmol/L. However, this correlation no longer existed when LDL-C levels were very low (< 1.4 mmol/L) (MACE: HR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.17–1.42, P = 0.186; ACE: HR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.18–2.61, P = 0.570).

Conclusions

Lp(a) elevations are associated with recurrent cardiovascular events when LDL-C levels are high, but this association may change when LDL-C levels are extremely low. CAD patients with combination of LDL-C ≥ 1.4 mmol/L and Lp(a) elevations shall be considered as high-risk groups and require further medication for the reduction of their LDL-C levels.
Addressing chronic pain with Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in integrated primary care: findings from a mixed methods pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kanzler Kathryn E. , Robinson Patricia J. , McGeary Donald D. , Mintz Jim , Kilpela Lisa Smith , Finley Erin P. , McGeary Cindy , Lopez Eliot J. , Velligan Dawn , Munante Mariana , Tsevat Joel , Houston Brittany , Mathias Charles W. , Potter Jennifer Sharpe , Pugh Jacqueline
Published: April 2022

Background

Over 100 million Americans have chronic pain and most obtain their treatment in primary care clinics. However, evidence-based behavioral treatments targeting pain-related disability are not typically provided in these settings. Therefore, this study sought to: 1) evaluate implementation of a brief evidence-based treatment, Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT-CP), delivered by an integrated behavioral health consultant (BHC) in primary care; and 2) preliminarily explore primary (self-reported physical disability) and secondary treatment outcomes (chronic pain acceptance and engagement in valued activities).

Methods

This mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial included twenty-six participants with non-cancer chronic pain being treated in primary care (54% women; 46% Hispanic/Latino). Active participants completed a 30-min individual FACT-CP visit followed by 3 weekly 60-min group visits and a booster visit 2 months later. An enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU) control group received 4 handouts about pain management based in cognitive-behavioral science. Follow-up research visits occurred during and after treatment, at 12 weeks (booster visit), and at 6 months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data after the last research visit. General linear mixed regression models with repeated measures explored primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

The study design and FACT-CP intervention were feasible and acceptable. Quantitative analyses indicate at 6-month follow-up, self-reported physical disability significantly improved pre-post within the FACT-CP arm (d = 0.64); engagement in valued activities significantly improved within both the FACT-CP (d = 0.70) and ETAU arms (d = 0.51); and chronic pain acceptance was the only outcome significantly different between arms (d = 1.04), increased in the FACT-CP arm and decreased in the ETAU arm. Qualitative data analyses reflected that FACT-CP participants reported acquiring skills for learning to live with pain, consistent with increased chronic pain acceptance.

Conclusion

Findings support that FACT-CP was acceptable for patients with chronic pain and feasible for delivery in a primary care setting by a BHC. Results provide preliminary evidence for improved physical functioning after FACT-CP treatment. A larger pragmatic trial is warranted, with a design based on data gathered in this pilot.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04978961 (27/07/2021).
Evaluations of postoperative transitions in care for older adults: a scoping review
Authors: Hladkowicz Emily , Dumitrascu Flavia , Auais Mohammad , Beck Andrew , Davis Sascha , McIsaac Daniel I. , Miller Jordan
Published: April 2022

Background

Most people having major surgery are over the age of 65. The transition out of hospital is a vulnerable time for older adults, particularly after major surgery. Research on postoperative transitions in care is growing, but it is not clear how postoperative transitions are being evaluated. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize processes and outcomes used to evaluate postoperative transitions in care for older adults.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review that included articles evaluating a postoperative transition in care among adults aged> 65 having major elective surgery. We searched Medline (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINHAL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from their respective inception dates to April 6, 2021. We also searched The World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform andClinicalTrials.govfrom their respective inception dates to April 6, 2021. Screening and data extraction was completed by reviewers in duplicate. Data relevant to study design and objective, intervention description, and process or outcome evaluations were extracted. Process evaluations were categorized using the Ideal Transitions in Care Framework, and outcome evaluations were categorized using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Triple Aim Framework.

Results

After screening titles and abstracts and full-text article review, we included 20 articles in our final synthesis. There was variability in the processes and outcomes used to evaluate postoperative transitions in care. The most common outcomes evaluated were health service utilization (n = 9), including readmission and Emergency Department visits, experiential outcomes (n = 9) and quality of life (n = 7). Process evaluations included evaluating the education provided to patients to promote self-management (n = 6), coordination of care among team members (n = 3) and outpatient follow-up (n = 3). Only two articles measured frailty, one article used theory to guide their evaluations and no articles engaged knowledge users.

Conclusions

There is inconsistency in how postoperative transitions in care were evaluated. There is a need to use theories and to engage key stakeholders involved in postoperative transitions in care, including older adults and their caregivers, to identify the most appropriate approaches for developing and evaluating interventions to meaningfully improve care.
Associations of geriatric nutrition risk index and other nutritional risk-related indexes with sarcopenia presence and their value in sarcopenia diagnosis
Authors: Xiang Qiao , Li Yuxiao , Xia Xin , Deng Chuanyao , Wu Xiaochu , Hou Lisha , Yue Jirong , Dong Birong
Published: April 2022

Objective

Standard modalities recommended for sarcopenia diagnosis may be unavailable in primary care settings. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate and compare associations of some better popularized nutritional risk-related indexes with sarcopenia presence and their value in sarcopenia diagnosis in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly adults, including geriatric nutrition risk index (GNRI), albumin (ALB), calf circumference (CC), mid-arm circumference (MAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TST) and body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Based on the West China Health and Aging Trend study, the current study included participants aged 50 or older who were recruited in 2018. Sarcopenia-related assessment and diagnosis were in line with Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. For each single index, we assessed its association with sarcopenia presence by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis; we also computed diagnostic measures including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and sensitivity, specificity, accuracy at the optimal cut-off value determined according to Youden’s index.

Results

A total of 3829 subjects were included, consisting of 516 and 3313 subjects in the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, respectively. Regarding the risk for sarcopenia presence, the fully adjusted odds ratios of GNRI, ALB, CC, MAC, TST and BMI per standard deviation decrease were 2.95 (95% CI 2.51–3.47, P < 0.001), 1.01 (95% CI 0.90–1.15, P = 0.816), 4.56 (95% CI 3.82–5.44, P < 0.001), 4.24 (95% CI 3.56–5.05, P < 0.001), 1.67 (95% CI 1.92–1.45, P < 0.001) and 4.09 (95% CI 3.41–4.91, P < 0.001), respectively. Regarding the value in sarcopenia diagnosis in the entire study population, their AUCs could be ordered as MAC (0.85, 95% CI 0.83–0.86) > GNRI (0.80, 95% CI 0.78–0.82), CC (0.83, 95% CI 0.81–0.85), BMI (0.81, 95% CI 0.79–0.83) > TST (0.72, 95% CI 0.70–0.74) > ALB (0.62, 95% CI 0.60–0.65). At the relevant optimal cut-off values, the sensitivity was the highest for CC (0.83, 95% CI 0.80–0.87) and MAC (0.80, 95% CI 0.77–0.84), while GNRI showed the highest specificity (0.79, 95% CI 0.78–0.81) and accuracy (0.78, 95% 0.76–0.79).

Conclusion

Overall diagnostic performance was the best for MAC, followed by GNRI, CC, BMI, and the worst for TST, ALB in distinguishing sarcopenia from non-sarcopenia in middle-aged and elderly adults in community-based settings. CC or MAC might do better in reducing missed diagnosis, while GNRI was superior in reducing misdiagnosis.
The role of procalcitonin in predicting risk of mechanical ventilation and mortality among moderate to severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Twe Cher Wei , Khoo Delton Kah Yeang , Law Kian Boon , Ahmad Nordin Nur Sabreena binti , Sathasivan Subashini , Lim Kah Chuan , Atikah Sharifah Khairul , Syed Badaruddin Syarifah Nurul Ain bt , Chidambaram Suresh Kumar
Published: April 2022

Background

Serum procalcitonin (PCT) has become an emerging prognostic biomarker of disease progression in patients with COVID-19. This study aims to determine the optimal cut-off value of PCT with regards to important clinical outcomes, especially for mechanical ventilation and all-cause mortality among moderate to severe COVID-19 patients in Malaysia.

Methods

A total of 319 moderate to severe COVID-19 patients hospitalized at the National Referral Hospital in December 2020 were included in the study retrospectively. Demographics, comorbidities, the severity of COVID-19 infection, laboratory and imaging findings, and treatment given were collected from the hospital information system for analysis. The optimal cut-point values for PCT were estimated in two levels. The first level involved 276 patients who had their PCT measured within 5 days following their admission. The second level involved 237 patients who had their PCT measured within 3 days following their admission. Further, a propensity score matching analysis was performed to determine the adjusted relative risk of patients with regards to various clinical outcomes according to the selected cut-point among 237 patients who had their PCT measured within 3 days.

Results

The results showed that a PCT level of 0.2 ng/mL was the optimal cut-point for prognosis especially for mortality outcome and the need for mechanical ventilation. Before matching, patients with PCT ≥ 0.2 ng/mL were associated with significantly higher odds in all investigated outcomes. After matching, patients with PCT > 0.2 ng/mL were associated with higher odds in all-cause mortality (OR: 4.629, 95% CI 1.387–15.449, p = 0.0127) and non-invasive ventilation (OR: 2.667, 95% CI 1.039–6.847, p = 0.0415). Furthermore, patients with higher PCT were associated with significantly longer days of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.0213). There was however no association between higher PCT level and the need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.010, 95% CI 0.828–4.878, p = 0.1229).

Conclusion

Our study indicates that a rise in PCT above 0.2 ng/mL is associated with an elevated risk in all-cause mortality, the need for non-invasive ventilation, and a longer duration of mechanical ventilation. The study offers concrete evidence for PCT to be used as a prognostication marker among moderate to severe COVID-19 patients.
Real-world effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in patients with multiple sclerosis in the Czech Republic: results from core and extension parts of the GOLEMS study up to 48 months
Authors: Tichá Veronika , Počíková Zuzana , Vytlačil Josef , Štěpánová Radka
Published: April 2022

Background

Fingolimod, an oral sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor immunomodulator, is approved in Europe for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) with highly active disease despite a full and adequate course of treatment with ≥ 1 disease-modifying therapy or patients with rapidly evolving severe relapsing–remitting MS. GOLEMS, a national, multicenter, non-interventional, single-arm, real-world study showed a favorable benefit–risk profile of 12-month treatment with fingolimod in pwMS in the Czech Republic. Here, we evaluated the long-term effectiveness and safety of fingolimod and its impact on disability progression and work capability for up to 48 months in pwMS.

Methods

The endpoints assessed were the incidence and severity of MS relapses in fingolimod-treated patients and the proportion of relapse-free patients up to 48 months of fingolimod treatment, change from baseline in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and change from baseline in work capability assessment. Efficacy outcomes were analyzed in the completed and efficacy sets, and safety was evaluated in all the enrolled patients.

Results

Of 240 enrolled patients, 237 were included into efficacy set. Patients with a minimum of a 12-month observation period in the core study who continued fingolimod treatment, were eligible to participate in the extension phase. Of 211 patients enrolled in extension study, 155 were evaluated in the completed set. Based on analysis of 48-month period of fingolimod treatment, 95/237 patients (40.1%) in the efficacy set, 54/155 (34.8%) in the completed set were free of relapses. The majority of relapses reported were moderate in intensity. Mean EDSS score remained stable throughout 48-month study period (Baseline, 3.4; Month 48, 3.6). No trend was observed in changes in work capability assessment or number of missed days of work. Of 240 enrolled patients, 147 (61.3%) had ≥ 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (AE) and 20 (8.3%) reported serious AEs. In total, 45 patients (18.8%) permanently discontinued treatment because of AEs related to study drug; two patients reported pregnancy after treatment initiation and subsequently discontinued the treatment; no deaths were reported.

Conclusion

GOLEMS study demonstrated the sustained effectiveness and manageable safety profile of fingolimod under real-world conditions over 48 months in patients with MS.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Content validation of educational materials on maternal depression in Nigeria
Authors: Adefolarin Adeyinka Olufolake , Gershim Asiki
Published: April 2022

Background

This study describes the content validation process of the already developed English and Yoruba (poster and leaflet) and Yoruba (song) maternal depression educational materials in Nigeria.

Methods

This study is a cross sectional study which is a part of a larger study on training and supervision of Primary health care workers. Study utilized health professionals’ judgement for content validation, and maternal-child health clients’ evaluation for face validation with the use of Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM). Six bilingual professionals validated both English and Yoruba version of materials (Song has only Yoruba version) and 50 clients evaluated each Yoruba material. Validity Index was calculated by formula and inter-rater agreement using intra-class coefficient (ICC) was analyzed on Professionals’ ratings. ICC, ‵t′ test and Pearson correlation were analyzed on professionals’ rating versus randomly selected six clients’ rating. Descriptive statistics, and fisher exact test were used for other statistical analysis with SPSS version 25.

Results

The mean age of the professionals for poster was 44.3 ± 6.0 years, for leaflet 39.8 ± 7.2 years, for song 43.8 ± 8.4 years. For maternal child health clients, mean age is: 30.7 ± 5.4 years for poster; 31.3 ± 5.2 for leaflet and 29.0 ± 5.1 for song. Outcomes of bilingual professionals’ validation are validity index: English {leaflet (0.94), poster (0.94)}, and Yoruba {leaflet (0.94) poster (0.94) and song (1.00)}. More than 80% clients rated the suitability of each material as superior. There is no significant relationship between clients’ sociodemographic characteristics and their ratings across content, literacy demand and cultural appropriateness domains of the three materials on fisher exact test. The inter-rater agreement among the professionals is excellent on leaflet and song ICC > 0.8, but it is weak on the poster ICC < 0.6. There is no inter-rater agreement on all the three Yoruba materials, but a negative linear correlation was found on the leaflet between the professionals’ ratings and the randomly selected clients’ ratings. ‵t′ test found no statistical difference in the ratings of the professionals and clients only on song material.

Conclusion

This study shows the process of validation of the English and Yoruba versions of the educational materials. This process should be leveraged in the content validation of other maternal-child health education materials in Africa.
A decade of molecular preimplantation genetic diagnosis of 350 blastomeres for beta-thalassemia combined with HLA typing, aneuploidy screening and sex selection in Iran
Authors: Keshvar Yeganeh , Sabeghi Solmaz , Sharifi Zohreh , Fatemi Kiyana Sadat , Fouladi Panti , Younesi Khah Shahrzad , Rahiminejad Faezeh , Joudaki Atefeh , Amini Masoume , Bagherian Hamideh , Ghaffari Novin Marefat , Movahedin Mansoureh , Mojbafan Marzieh , Zeinali Sirous
Published: April 2022

Background

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been developed to detect genetic disorders before pregnancy which is usually done on blastomeres biopsied from 8-cell stage embryos obtained from in vitro fertilization method (IVF).

Here we report molecular PGD results for diagnosing of beta thalassemia (beta-thal) which are usually accompanied with evaluating chromosomal aneuploidies, HLA typing and sex selection.

Methods

In this study, haplotype analysis was performed using short tandem repeats (STRs) in a multiplex nested PCR and the causative mutation was detected by Sanger sequencing.

Results

We have performed PGDs on 350 blastomeres from 55 carrier couples; 142 blastomeres for beta-thal only, 75 for beta-thal and HLA typing, 76 for beta-thal in combination with sex selection, and 57 for beta-thal and aneuploidy screening. 150 blastomeres were transferable, 15 pregnancies were happened, and 11 babies born.

We used 6 markers for beta-thal, 36 for aneuploidy screening, 32 for sex selection, and 35 for HLA typing. To our knowledge combining all these markers together and the number of STR markers are much more than any other studies which have ever done.

Conclusions

PGD is a powerful diagnostic tool for carrier couples who desire to have a healthy child and wish to avoid medical abortion.
A novel mutation GJA8 NM_005267.5: c.124G > A, p.(E42K) causing congenital nuclear cataract
Authors: Guo Ruru , Huang Dandan , Ji Jian , Liu Wei
Published: April 2022

Background

To identify the genetic mutation of a four-generation autosomal dominant congenital cataract family in China.

Methods

Targeted region sequencing containing 778 genes associated with ocular diseases was performed to screen for the potential mutation, and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the mutation. The homology model was constructed to identify the protein structural change, several online software were used to predict the mutation impact. CLUSTALW was used to perform multiple sequence alignment from different species.

Results

A novel heterozygous mutation, GJA8 NM_005267.5: c.124G > A, p.(E42K) was found, which cosegregated with congenital cataract phenotype in this family. Bioinformatics analysis of the mutation showed that the surface potential diagram of proteins changed. Several online programs predicted the mutation was ‘Pathogenic’, ‘Damaging’, ‘Disease causing’ or ‘Deleterious’.

Conclusions

A novel mutation NM_005267.5(GJA8):c.124G > A was identified in our study. Our finding can broaden the mutation spectrum of GJA8, enrich the phenotype-genotype correlation of congenital cataract and help to better understand the genetic background of congenital cataract.
The prevalence of subthreshold psychiatric symptoms and associations with alcohol and substance use disorders: from a nationally representative survey of 36,309 adults
Authors: Johnson Jeremy C. S. , Byrne Gerard J. , Pelecanos Anita M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Our aim was to describe a broad number of subthreshold psychiatric symptoms (SPS) in a nationally representative population and evaluate associations with substance use. SPS describe groups of symptoms with significant pathology, but that do not quite meet full psychiatric diagnostic criteria. They have been associated with significant impairment and cost.

Methods

The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III was a multistage, weighted, cross-sectional survey completed in the United States in 2013 comprising 36,309 noninstitutionalized adults. We report lifetime prevalence rates of 14 SPS related to mood, anxiety, trauma, eating, and personality disorders. We then evaluate associations with lifetime alcohol use disorders (AUD) and all substance use disorders (SUD) using logistic regression and adjusted odds ratios. SPS and psychiatric diagnoses were mutually exclusive (could not co-occur).

Results

Lifetime prevalence of having at least one of 14 SPS was 57% compared with 37% for the related psychiatric disorders. This was similar for males and females, in contrast to psychiatric disorders in which prevalence was 42% in females and 31% in males. Otherwise, overall SPS and disorders had similar prevalence patterns across sociodemographic characteristics. Subthreshold personality symptoms had the highest prevalence rates (schizotypal 21.3%, antisocial 18.3%, and borderline 17.6%), followed by posttraumatic stress (13.1%). Subthreshold bipolar and depression had lifetime prevalence rates of 2.7 and 8.5%, respectively. Prevalence rates of subthreshold anxiety symptoms ranged from 2.2% (agoraphobia) to 9.8% (specific phobia). Subthreshold eating disorder related symptoms had the lowest prevalence rates (anorexia 1.5% and bulimia 1.7%). Half (seven) of the SPS had significantly increased odds of lifetime AUD. This number increased to 12 for all SUD. Subthreshold antisocial personality symptoms had the highest odds of AUD (2.2; 95% CI 2.00–2.37) and SUD (3.5; 95% CI 3.22–3.81).

Conclusions

We found high lifetime SPS prevalence rates and significant associations with AUD and SUD. To our knowledge, this is the first published study evaluating a broad number of SPS. This indicates possible opportunities for early intervention and prevention but requires additional research and development of infrastructure and guidelines to better understand and manage patients who experience SPS.
A multi-institutional study of post-traumatic stress disorder and its risk factors in Ethiopian pediatric patients with physical trauma
Authors: Tamir Tadesse Tarik , Kassa Selam Fisiha , Gebeyehu Daniel Ayelegne
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was more common in children who had suffered physical trauma than in adults. Despite its prevalence, the prevalence and factors associated with PTSD in pediatric patients with physical trauma are unknown in Ethiopia. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of PTSD and associated factors among pediatric patients with physical trauma who attended Northwest Amhara referral hospitals.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used in 422 pediatric patients with physical trauma aged 8–18 years from March 15 to May 15/2021. Using a systematic random sampling technique, data were collected from a sample of selected trauma patients via interviews and chart review. A standardized, pre-tested Child PTSD Symptom Scale was used to assess the severity of PTSD. Epidata 4.6 was used to enter the data, and Stata 14.0 was used to analyze it. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify PTSD determinants.

Result

The study included 422 paediatric patients who had suffered physical trauma, with a response rate of 97.87 percent. PTSD was found in 22.03 percent of paediatric patients with physical trauma in Northwest Amhara referral hospitals. The study discovered that female gender (AOR = 3.04, 95 percent CI: 1.58–5.84), age of 8 to 10 years old (AOR = 3.70, 95 percent CI: 1.39–9.87), having a chronic medical illness (AOR = 5.99, 95 percent CI: 2.60–13.77), having severe pain (AOR = 3.17, 95 percent CI: 1.12–8.99), low social support (AOR = 8.97, 95 percent CI: 4.04–19 were associated with PTSD.

Conclusion and recommendation

The prevalence of PTSD was found to be high among pediatric patients who had experienced physical trauma. Special attention should be given to female patients, aged 8 to 10 years old, who have a chronic illness, for those who complain of severe pain and engaging others to provide good social support systems, are strongly recommended to alleviate PTSD in this segment of population.
Prevalence and determinants of nutritional status among women and children in Pakistan
Authors: Waghmare Hanumant , Chauhan Shekhar , Sharma Santosh Kumar
Published: April 2022

Background

Nutrition has been a low-priority area in Pakistan, with low visibility from the political leadership. Despite various efforts, Pakistan has been reported to have one of the highest prevalences of child and women malnutrition compared to other developing counties. Therefore, this study intends to examine the prevalence and determinants of nutritional status of women and children in Pakistan.

Methods

The present study uses the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data from Pakistan 2012–13 (PDHS-3). The nutritional status of women was examined through Body-Mass Index (Underweight, normal, overweight, & obese), and that of children was examined through stunting (severe and moderate), wasting (severe, moderate, overweight), and underweight (severe, moderate, overweight). Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis have been used along with multinomial logistic regression.

Results

A higher proportion of children in rural areas were severely stunted (19.6% vs. 12.5%), severe wasted (2.4% vs. 2.2%), and severe underweight (9.4% vs. 6%) than their urban counterparts. A higher proportion of rural women (9.5% vs. 5.5%) were underweight than urban women, whereas a higher proportion of urban women were obese (24.3% vs. 19.0%) than rural women. The odds of severe stunting (OR = 0.24; C.I. = 0.15–0.37), severe underweight (OR = 0.11; C.I. = 0.05–0.22) were lower among children from the richest wealth quintile than their poorest counterparts. The Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) of being overweight (RRR = 3.7; C.I. = 2.47–5.54) and Obese (RRR = 4.35; C.I. = 2.67–7.07) than normal BMI were higher among women from richest wealth quintile than women belonged to poorest wealth quintile.

Conclusion

This study has highlighted determinants associated with maternal and child nutritional status, whereby the child’s nutritional status was measured by stunting, wasting, and underweight, and BMI measured the mother’s nutritional status. The main risk factors for a child’s poor nutritional status include low household wealth, urban residence, and mother’s educational status. Similarly, the main risk factors for women’s poor nutritional status include increasing the women’s age, educational status, rural residence, and household wealth. Poor households should be provided special attention to improve the nutritional status among women and children in poor households.
A content analysis of Canadian influencer crisis messages on Instagram and the public’s response during COVID-19
Authors: MacKay Melissa , Ford Caitlin , Colangeli Taylor , Gillis Daniel , McWhirter Jennifer E. , Papadopoulos Andrew
Published: April 2022

Successful mitigation of emerging infectious disease requires that the public adopt recommended behaviours, which is directly influenced by effective crisis communication. Social media has become an important communication channel during COVID-19 where official actors, influencers, and the public are co-creating crisis messages. Our research examined COVID-19-related crisis messages across Canadian influencer accounts within news media, politicians, public health and government, science communicators, and brand influencer and celebrities, posted on Instagram between December 2019 and March 2021 for Health Belief Model and Extended Parallel Processing Model constructs and the corresponding public comment sentiment and engagement. Thirty-three influencer accounts resulted in a total of 2,642 Instagram posts collected, along with 461,436 comments, which showed overall low use of constructs in both captions and images. Further, most posts used no combinations (n = 0 or 1 construct per post) of constructs in captions and images and very infrequently used captions that combined threat (severity and susceptibility) with cues to action and efficacy. Brand influencers and celebrities, politicians, and science communicators had above average post engagement while public health and government and news media had lower. Finally, most influencers saw the largest proportion of neutral sentiment comments. Crisis messages must be designed to include combinations of constructs that increase message acceptance and influence risk perception and efficacy to increase the adoption of recommended and mandated behaviours.
Predicting the protective behavioral intentions for parents with young children that possess different levels of education in Hong Kong using the theory of planned behavior for air polluted with PM2.5
Authors: Woo Siu-Kei , LePage Ben , Chiang Yi-Te , Fang Wei-Ta
Published: April 2022

Background

Air pollution has fast become an issue with great environmental and human health problems that can be attributed to rapid global industrialization and urbanization that has strong negative impacts on human health. Children are particularly vulnerable. While studies on the effects and toxicology of particulate matter pollutants that are 2.5 microns or smaller in size (PM2.5) are abundant, understanding the factors that influence human behaviors against or the avoidance of exposure/contact to air polluted with high levels of PM2.5 is lacking. In this study, this gap was narrowed by used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to investigate the effects of Attitudes (AT), Subjective Norms (SN), and Perceived Behavioral Controls (PBC) on the Behavioral Intentions (BI) of parents with young children with different levels of education against or avoiding contact/exposure to air polluted with high levels of PM2.5.

Methods

The TPB model was used to predict the BI of parents with young children with different levels of education that live in Hong Kong using the results collected from 410 online questionnaires. Aspects of the BI influencing parents with young children that earned undergraduate group and post-graduate group were analysed using Smart Partial Least Squares 2.0 software.

Results

Our results revealed there were substantial differences in the AT of parents with young children that earned undergraduate and post-graduate degrees with respect to exposure to air with PM2.5 pollution.

Conclusions

In this study we assessed the factors that influence the air pollution prevention and avoidance behaviors of parents of the undergraduate and post-graduate groups that were exposed to air polluted with PM2.5. Our results show the AT, SN, PBC, and BI used in the air pollution protection model for the parents of both groups are connected by separate pathways. The undergraduate group has a higher PBC compared to the post-graduate group because the SN associated with their social ecosystems contribute to their BI. Using path analysis, we revealed that the undergraduate and post-graduate groups had different BI paths. The BI path of the undergraduate group is purer and simpler when compared with the path of the post-graduate group.
Derivation and validation of a nomogram for predicting nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia among older hospitalized patients
Authors: Chen Zhihui , Xu Ziqin , Wu Hongmei , Gao Shengchun , Wang Haihong , Jiang Jiaru , Li Xiuyang , Chen Le
Published: April 2022

Background

Currently, there is no effective tool for predicting the risk of nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) in older hospitalized patients. The current study aimed to develop and validate a simple nomogram and a dynamic web-based calculator for predicting the risk of NV-HAP among older hospitalized patients.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation was conducted on 15,420 consecutive older hospitalized patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in China between September 2017 and June 2020. The patients were randomly divided into training (n = 10,796) and validation (n = 4624) cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Predictors of NV-HAP were screened using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method and multivariate logistic regression. The identified predictors were integrated to construct a nomogram using R software. Furthermore, the optimum cut-off value for the clinical application of the model was calculated using the Youden index. The concordance index (C-index), GiViTI calibration belts, and decision curve were analysed to validate the discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the model, respectively. Finally, a dynamic web-based calculator was developed to facilitate utilization of the nomogram.

Results

Predictors included in the nomogram were the Charlson comorbidity index, NRS-2002, enteral tube feeding, Barthel Index, use of sedatives, use of NSAIDs, use of inhaled steroids, and "time at risk". The C-index of the nomogram for the training and validation cohorts was 0.813 and 0.821, respectively. The 95% CI region of the GiViTI calibration belt in the training (P = 0.694) and validation (P = 0.614) cohorts did not cross the diagonal bisector line, suggesting that the prediction model had good discrimination and calibration. Furthermore, the optimal cut-off values for the training and validation cohorts were 1.58 and 1.74%, respectively. Analysis of the decision curve showed that the nomogram had good clinical value when the threshold likelihood was between 0 and 49%.

Conclusion

The developed nomogram can be used to predict the risk of NV-HAP among older hospitalized patients. It can, therefore, help healthcare providers initiate targeted medical interventions in a timely manner for high-risk groups.
Association of lumbar disc degeneration with low back pain in middle age in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Authors: Mertimo Teija , Karppinen Jaro , Niinimäki Jaakko , Blanco Roberto , Määttä Juhani , Kankaanpää Markku , Oura Petteri
Published: April 2022

Background

Although it has been suggested that lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is a significant risk factor for low back pain (LBP), its role remains uncertain. Our objective was to clarify the association between LDD and LBP and whether mental distress modifies the association.

Methods

Participants of a birth cohort underwent 1.5-T lumbar magnetic resonance imaging at the age of 47. The association between the sum score of LDD (Pfirrmann classification, range 0–15) and LBP (categorized into “no pain”, “mild-to-moderate pain”, “bothersome-and-frequent pain”) was assessed using logistic regression analysis, with sex, smoking, body mass index, physical activity, occupational exposure, education, and presence of Modic changes and disc herniations as confounders. The modifying role of mental distress (according to the Hopkins Symptom Check List-25 [HSCL-25], the Beck Depression Inventory and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale) in the association was analyzed using linear regression.

Results

Of the study population (n = 1505), 15.2% had bothersome and frequent LBP, and 29.0% had no LBP. A higher LDD sum score increased the odds of belonging to the “mild-to-moderate pain” category (adjusted OR corresponding to an increase of one point in the LDD sum score 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.18, P = 0.003) and the “bothersome-and-frequent pain” category (adjusted OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10–1.31, P < 0.001), relative to the “no pain” category. Mental distress significantly modified the association between LDD and LBP, as a linear positive association was consistently observed among individuals without mental distress according to HSCL-25 (adjusted B 0.16, 95% CI 0.07–0.26, P < 0.001), but not among individuals with higher mental distress.

Conclusions

LDD was significantly associated with both mild-to-moderate and bothersome-and-frequent LBP. However, the co-occurrence of mental distress diminished the association between LDD and LBP bothersomeness. Our results strongly suggest that mental symptoms affect the pain experience.
Value of the triglyceride glucose index combined with body mass index in identifying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Nong , Tan Huiwen , Xie Aixia , Li Cheng , Fu Xuan , Xang Weiting , Kirim Amina , Huang Xuefang
Published: April 2022

Background

The triglyceride glucose index combined with body mass index is a new index that reflects the degree of insulin resistance. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to explore the predictive value of the triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) in relation to the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the Chinese population with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

We selected 826 patients with T2D who were hospitalized at the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Karamay People’s Hospital from September 2016 to October 2018 for this research. The height, weight, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and lipid profiles of the subjects were collected. The liver ultrasound showed any degree of echogenic enhancement of liver tissue and the liver appeared brighter than the renal cortex on ultrasound were considered to be NAFLD. The logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate associations between the triglyceride glucose index (TyG), TyG-BMI index, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and the ratio of the triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol with a diagnosis of NAFLD. The receiver operating characteristic curve method was used to analyze its predictive value for NAFLD.

Results

Results of the logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratios of NAFLD were 6.535 (3.70–11.53) and 4.868 (2.576–9.200) for the TyG-BMI before and after correction,respectively(P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for TyG-BMI was 0.727 (0.691–0.764), which was the highest among all the other parameters studied.

Conclusion

Compared with the TyG index, the TG/HDL-C and HOMA-IR, the TyG-BMI was a more effective predictor of NAFLD in T2D.