bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, and practice of cervical cancer prevention and associated factors among commercial sex workers in Shashemene Town, West Arsi, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Argaw Muche , Embiale Aynamaw , Amare Belay
Published: June 2022

Background

The distribution of deaths and morbidities related to cervical cancer is disproportionally higher in low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, there is a limited study on cervical cancer prevalence on Sex Workers, but a study conducted in Central America risk of developing HPV infection in sex workers is 2.5 times more than the general population. But a study conducted in the general population in Ethiopia reports that the incidence and mortality due to cervical cancer in Ethiopia is 26.4 and 18.4/100,000 respectively. However, there is limited data on knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention among sexual sex workers in Ethiopia.

Methods

A health institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to investigate the knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention and its associated factors among 405 women of commercial sex workers with a systematic random sampling technique and with an interviewr administered. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of knowledge and practice towards cervical cancer prevention with a p value < 0.05.

Result

In this study, three hundred eighty-five participants were included making a response rate of 95%. About half (50.1%) of respondents have knowledge regarding to cervical cancer, screening, and its prevention, and 20.3% of respondents were practiced cervical cancer screening. Having a history of use of combined oral contraceptives, AOR 2.190, (95% CI 1.374–3.492) and having a history of sexually transmitted infection, AOR 1.861, (95% CI 1.092–3.172). were significantly associated factors with knowledge of cervical cancer prevention. Regarding their uptake of cervical cancer screening, the level of knowledge was a significant factor, AOR 17.216 (95% CI 7.092–41.793).

Conclusions

The study participants have an average knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention and their practice was low as other women. Curtailing cervical cancer; through increasing their knowledge by integrating sexual and reproductive health services to cervical cancer screening clinics and equipping them with audiovisual materials that will increase their knowledge that end up with good uptake.
Analysis of TMIE gene mutations including the first large deletion of exon 1 with autosomal recessive non-syndromic deafness
Authors: Rayat Sima , Farhadi Mohammad , Emamdjomeh Hessamaldin , Morovvati Saeid , Falah Masoumeh
Published: June 2022

Background

Transmembrane inner ear (TMIE) protein is an essential component of the mechanotransduction complex. In collaboration with other components, TMIE aids the maintenance and function of the sensory hair cells. Autosomal recessive deafness-6 (DFNB6) is caused by mutated TMIE, a gene in the high genetic heterogeneity spectrum of deafness. Hearing loss has a significant impact on the global economy and the quality of life of affected persons, their families, and society. Here, three unrelated families with TMIE variants are presented. All three cases were found while studying the genetic causes of an Iranian cohort of subjects with cochlear implants.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed to find possible genetic etiology in probands of families after a comprehensive medical evaluation for hearing loss. Co-segregation analysis in probands and other family members was performed by Sanger sequencing. The variants were interpreted per the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.

Results

Three different variants associated with TMIE were confirmed as reasons for autosomal recessive non-syndromic deafness. The first novel ~ 10-kb deletion surrounding exon 1 of TMIE along with two previously reported variants co-segregated with families including a frameshift variant c.122_125dup (p.Pro43fs) and a missense variant c.250 C > T; p.(Arg84Trp) in exons 2, and 3, respectively.

Conclusion

This study increases the mutational spectrum of the TMIE gene and highlights the importance of the large deletion of this gene as a reason for hearing loss. Moreover, an efficient and simple multiplex PCR assay was developed to determine the exact breakpoints of the TMIE deletion.
Astaxanthin and eicosapentaenoic acid production by S4, a new mutant strain of Nannochloropsis gaditana
Authors: Cecchin Michela , Cazzaniga Stefano , Martini Flavio , Paltrinieri Stefania , Bossi Simone , Maffei Massimo E. , Ballottari Matteo
Published: June 2022

Background

Astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid with high antioxidant power used in different fields as healthcare, food/feed supplementation and as pigmenting agent in aquaculture. Primary producers of astaxanthin are some species of microalgae, unicellular photosynthetic organisms, as Haematococcus lacustris. Astaxanthin production by cultivation of Haematococcus lacustris is costly due to low biomass productivity, high risk of contamination and the requirement of downstream extraction processes, causing an extremely high price on the market. Some microalgae species are also primary producers of omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients for humans, being related to cardiovascular wellness, and required for visual and cognitive development. One of the main well-known producers of omega-3 fatty eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is the marine microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana (named also Microchloropsis gaditana): this species has been already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption and it is characterized by a fast grow phenotype.

Results

Here we obtained by chemical mutagenesis a Nannochloropsis gaditana mutant strain, called S4, characterized by increased carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio. S4 strain showed improved photosynthetic activity, increased lipid productivity and increased ketocarotenoids accumulation, producing not only canthaxanthin but also astaxanthin, usually found only in traces in the WT strain. Ketocarotenoids produced in S4 strain were extractible in different organic solvents, with the highest efficiency observed upon microwaves pre-treatment followed by methanol extraction. By cultivation of S4 strain at different irradiances it was possible to produce up to 1.3 and 5.2 mgL−1 day−1 of ketocarotenoids and EPA respectively, in a single cultivation phase, even in absence of stressing conditions. Genome sequencing of S4 strain allowed to identify 199 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP): among the mutated genes, mutations in a carotenoid oxygenase gene and in a glutamate synthase gene could explain the different carotenoids content and the lower chlorophylls content, respectively.

Conclusions

By chemical mutagenesis and selection of strain with increased carotenoids to chlorophyll ratio it was possible to isolate a new Nannochloropsis gaditana strain, called S4 strain, characterized by increased lipids and ketocarotenoids accumulation. S4 strain can thus be considered as novel platform for ketocarotenoids and EPA production for different industrial applications.
The private sector market for malaria rapid diagnostic tests in Nigeria: results of the 2018 market survey
Authors: Edwards Hannah M. , Sarwar Rubaiyath , Mahmud Parvez , Emmanuel Shekarau , Maxwell Kolawole , Tibenderana James K.
Published: June 2022

Background

To avoid misuse of anti-malarials, correct diagnosis of fever prior to drug prescription is essential. Presumptive treatment in the private healthcare sector is a concern in Nigeria, where availability of affordable artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is high following the implementation of subsidy schemes from 2010 to 2017. Similar subsidies have not, however, been implemented for malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). A market survey in 2018 predominantly designed to assess the ACT market in the private sector also collected data related to RDTs, results of which are presented herein.

Methods

A 2018 market survey consisted of (i) an outlet survey targeting private pharmacies and Proprietary and Patent Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) across different regions of Nigeria to assess supply-side market factors related to availability of RDTs (defined as having stock available for purchase at the time of the survey) and (ii) a household survey to determine demand-side factors related to knowledge of RDTs, healthcare-seeking practices and affordability.

Results

Availability of RDTs at the time of the survey was low in both outlet types and significantly lower in PPMVs (22.1%, 95% CI) among pharmacies versus (13.6%, 95% CI) among PPMVs (p < 0.01). Reasons for not restocking RDTs included low demand and no supply. The majority of households diagnose malaria based on experience, while one-third would visit a PPMV or pharmacy. Half of households had heard of RDTs (48.4%) and 38.6% thought they were affordable.

Conclusions

Low availability of RDTs among PPMVs and pharmacies may be attributed to lack of demand, supply-side issues and cost. Increasing household knowledge of RDTs may aid increasing demand, while subsidized RDTs may address supply and price issues. Addressing the deficit in RDT provision is important for targeting of ACT medicines.
Modulated nanowire scaffold for highly efficient differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Perez Jose E. , Bajaber Bashaer , Alsharif Nouf , Martínez-Banderas Aldo I. , Patel Niketan , Sharip Ainur , Di Fabrizio Enzo , Merzaban Jasmeen , Kosel Jürgen
Published: June 2022

Background

Nanotopographical cues play a critical role as drivers of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Nanowire scaffolds, in this regard, provide unique and adaptable nanostructured surfaces with focal points for adhesion and with elastic properties determined by nanowire stiffness.

Results

We show that a scaffold of nanowires, which are remotely actuated by a magnetic field, mechanically stimulates mesenchymal stem cells. Osteopontin, a marker of osteogenesis onset, was expressed after cells were cultured for 1 week on top of the scaffold. Applying a magnetic field significantly boosted differentiation due to mechanical stimulation of the cells by the active deflection of the nanowire tips. The onset of differentiation was reduced to 2 days of culture based on the upregulation of several osteogenesis markers. Moreover, this was observed in the absence of any external differentiation factors.

Conclusions

The magneto-mechanically modulated nanosurface enhanced the osteogenic differentiation capabilities of mesenchymal stem cells, and it provides a customizable tool for stem cell research and tissue engineering.

Graphical Abstract
A knowledge implementation model in health system management based on the PARIHS model
Authors: Roohi Ghanbar , Jahani Mohammad Ali , Farhadi Zeynab , Mahmoudi Ghahraman
Published: June 2022

Background

The gap between knowledge and practice, along with postponing or not implementing research findings in practice and policy-making, is one of the reasons for low-quality services. Hence, this study aimed at presenting a model of knowledge implementation in health system management in Iran.

Methods

The present two-phase study was first performed qualitatively using a directive content analysis approach based on the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) model. The researchers extracted the barriers and facilitators by conducting semi-structured individual interviews. Then, in a three-stage Delphi study, 25 health experts determined the barrier removal strategies. Data were analysed using MAXQDA10 software.

Results

 The content analysis of the interviews led to the emergence of 1212 codes under three categories of evidence, context and facilitation. The findings indicate that health managers make fewer decisions based on research findings. Instead, they make decisions regarding the experiences of service providers and organization data. In addition to the subcategories in the PARIHS model, the researchers extracted political, social and administrative factors under the context category. The relationships between the features of evidence, context, facilitation, barriers and strategies were presented in the final model.

Conclusion

 The presented model comprehensively emphasizes the evidence resources, context preparation, and facilitation of the knowledge implementation process.
Myeloid-related protein 8/14 in plasma and serum in patients with new-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis in real-world setting in a single center
Authors: Keskitalo Paula L. , Kangas Salla M. , Sard Sirja , Pokka Tytti , Glumoff Virpi , Kulmala Petri , Vähäsalo Paula
Published: June 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the usefulness of myeloid-related protein 8/14 (MRP8/14) in the prediction of disease course in a real-world setting for patients with new-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), to identify the relationship between MRP8/14 and disease activity using the physician’s global assessment of disease activity (PGA), and determine whether the MRP8/14 levels measured in serum and plasma are equally useful.

Methods

In this prospective follow-up study, 87 new-onset non-systemic JIA patients were studied. Blood and synovial fluid samples were collected prior to any antirheumatic medication use. MRP8/14 was measured from serum (S-MRP8/14), plasma (P-MRP8/14), and synovial fluid samples using ELISA.

Results

The baseline MRP8/14 blood levels were significantly higher in patients using synthetic antirheumatic drugs than in patients with no systemic medications at 1 year after diagnosis in serum (mean 298 vs. 198 ng/ml, P < 0.001) and in plasma (mean 291 vs. 137 ng/ml, P = 0.001). MRP8/14 levels at the time of JIA diagnosis were higher in patients who started methotrexate during 1.5-year follow-up compared to those who achieved long-lasting inactive disease status without systemic medications (serum: mean 298 vs. 219 ng/ml, P = 0.006 and plasma: 296 vs. 141 ng/ml, P = 0.001). P-MRP8/14 was the most effective predictive variable for disease activity (by PGA) in linear multivariate regression model (combined to ESR, CRP, leukocytes, and neutrophils), whereas S-MRP8/14 was not significant.

Conclusion

Blood MRP8/14 levels at baseline seem to predict disease course in new-onset JIA patients. P-MRP8/14 might be better than S-MRP8/14 when assessing disease activity at the time of JIA diagnosis.
Severe coagulopathy caused by cefminox sodium in a liver cirrhosis patient: a case report
Authors: Wu Shuling , Bi Xiaoyue , Lin Yanjie , Yang Liu , Li Minghui , Xie Yao
Published: June 2022

Cefminox sodium is an antimicrobial agent with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Cefminox sodium has high security in clinical practice for its few adverse effects such as coagulation dysfunction, which is rare in clinical treatment. Even in patients suffering from chronic liver disease with coagulation dysfunction, it rarely leads to further deterioration of coagulation function. Therefore, patients with chronic liver disease develop severe coagulation dysfunction during the application of cefminox sodium, which is often mistaken for worsening of liver disease other than considered to be the side effect of the drug. Therefore, we report a 55-year-old female patient with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma treated with cefminox sodium intravenously twice for peritonitis. During the treatments, severe coagulopathy occurred, and the coagulation function quickly recovered after drug withdrawal. The diagnosis and treatment of this patient provides us with ideas for dealing with similar problems in clinical practice in the future.
High rates of neonatal polycythemia and hyperbilirubinemia during the first phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: a single-center experience
Authors: Monzani Alice , Remorgida Valentino , Rabbone Ivana
Published: June 2022

In our third-level Neonatal Unit in Northern Italy, we recorded a high rate of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy in March-November 2020, during the first phase of COVID-19 pandemic, compared to the previous year (198/1348, 14.2%, vs 141/1432, 9.8%, p = 0.0004). Supposing it could be the result of neonatal polycythemia, we evaluated capillary hematocrit (Hct) and the rate of hyperbilirubinemia in all newborns ≥36 weeks gestational age born in December 2020. Out of 73 neonates, 37 had Hct ≥65% (50.7%). However, as capillary blood samples may overestimate Hct by 5-15%, even downsizing all values by 15%, Hct was still ≥65% in 9/73 neonates (12.3%), much higher than 0.4-5% prevalence of polycythemia reported in healthy newborns. All those newborns were singleton and healthy, with no clinical signs of hyperviscosity and no underlying factors predisposing to polycythemia. Out of 73 newborns, 13 (17.8%) developed hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy. Their mean Hct value was 66.3 ± 8.2%. Since hyperbilirubinemia is common in the offspring of women with SARS-CoV-2 infection and we recorded increased rates of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in the first phase of COVID-19 pandemic, it could be hypothesized that even asymptomatic Sars-CoV2 infection during pregnancy might cause placental vascular malperfusion, eliciting polycythemia in the fetus as a compensatory response, that could be the link between COVID-19 in the mothers and hyperbilirubinemia in the newborns.
Perinatal outcomes in twin late preterm pregnancies: results from an Italian area-based, prospective cohort study
Authors: Monari Francesca , Chiossi Giuseppe , Ballarini Michela , Menichini Daniela , Gargano Giancarlo , Coscia Alessandra , Baronciani Dante , Facchinetti Fabio ,   for the Late Preterm Emilia Romagna Group, Basevi Vittorio , Tiziana Frusca , Battagliarin Giuseppe , Lenzi Marinella , Ancora Gina , Corvaglia Luigi
Published: June 2022

Background

Multiple gestations represent a considerable proportion of pregnancies delivering in the late preterm (LP) period. Only 30% of LP twins are due to spontaneous preterm labor and 70% are medically indicated; among this literature described that 16–50% of indicated LP twin deliveries are non-evidence based. As non-evidence-based delivery indications account for iatrogenic morbidity that could be prevented, the objective of our observational study is to investigate first neonatal outcomes of LP twin pregnancies according to gestational age at delivery, chorionicity and delivery indication, then non evidence-based delivery indications.

Methods

Prospective cohort study among twins infants born between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks, in Emilia Romagna, Italy, during 2013–2015. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Results

Among 346 LP twins, 84 (23.4%) were monochorionic and 262 (75.7%) were dichorionic; spontaneous preterm labor accounted for 85 (24.6%) deliveries, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes for 66 (19.1%), evidence based indicated deliveries were 117 (33.8%), while non-evidence-based indications were 78 (22.5%).

When compared to spontaneous preterm labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, pregnancies delivered due to maternal and/or fetal indications were associated with higher maternal age (p <  0.01), higher gestational age at delivery (p <  0.01), Caucasian race (p 0.04), ART use (p <  0.01), gestational diabetes (p <  0.01), vaginal bleeding (p <  0.01), antenatal corticosteroids (p <  0.01), diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR) (p <  0.01), and monochorionic (p <  0.01). Two hundred twenty-six pregnancies (65.3%) had at least one fetus experiencing one composite of adverse perinatal outcome. Multivariate analysis confirmed that delivery indication did not affect the composite of adverse perinatal outcomes; the only characteristic that affect the outcome after controlling for confounding was gestational age at delivery (p <  0.01). Moreover, there was at least one adverse neonatal outcome for 94% of babies born at 34 weeks, for 73% of those born at 35 weeks and for 46% of those born at 36 weeks (p <  0.01).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the decision to deliver or not twins in LP period should consider gestational age at delivery as the main determinant infants’ prognosis. Delivery indications should be accurately considered, to avoid iatrogenic early birth responsible of preventable complications.
Effects of agricultural pesticides on the susceptibility and fitness of malaria vectors in rural south-eastern Tanzania
Authors: Urio Naomi H. , Pinda Polius G. , Ngonzi Amos J. , Muyaga Letus L. , Msugupakulya Betwel J. , Finda Marceline , Matanila Godfrey S. , Mponzi Winifrida , Ngowo Halfan S. , Kahamba Najat F. , Nkya Theresia E. , Okumu Fredros O.
Published: June 2022

Background

Agricultural pesticides may exert strong selection pressures on malaria vectors during the aquatic life stages and may contribute to resistance in adult mosquitoes. This could reduce the performance of key vector control interventions such as indoor-residual spraying and insecticide-treated nets. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of agrochemicals on susceptibility and fitness of the malaria vectors across farming areas in Tanzania.

Methods

An exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted to assess pesticide use in four villages (V1–V4) in south-eastern Tanzania. Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) larvae were collected from agricultural fields in the same villages and their emergent adults examined for insecticide susceptibility, egg-laying and wing lengths (as proxy for body size). These tests were repeated using two groups of laboratory-reared An. arabiensis, one of which was pre-exposed for 48 h to sub-lethal aquatic doses of agricultural pesticides found in the villages.

Results

Farmers lacked awareness about the linkages between the public health and agriculture sectors but were interested in being more informed. Agrochemical usage was reported as extensive in V1, V2 and V3 but minimal in V4. Similarly, mosquitoes from V1 to V3 but not V4 were resistant to pyrethroids and either pirimiphos-methyl or bendiocarb, or both. Adding the synergist piperonyl butoxide restored potency of the pyrethroids. Pre-exposure of laboratory-reared mosquitoes to pesticides during aquatic stages did not affect insecticide susceptibility in emergent adults of the same filial generation. There was also no effect on fecundity, except after pre-exposure to organophosphates, which were associated with fewer eggs and smaller mosquitoes. Wild mosquitoes were smaller than laboratory-reared ones, but fecundity was similar.

Conclusions

Safeguarding the potential of insecticide-based interventions requires improved understanding of how agricultural pesticides influence important life cycle processes and transmission potential of mosquito vectors. In this study, susceptibility of mosquitoes to public health insecticides was lower in villages reporting frequent use of pesticides compared to villages with little or no pesticide use. Variations in the fitness parameters, fecundity and wing length marginally reflected the differences in exposure to agrochemicals and should be investigated further. Pesticide use may exert additional life cycle constraints on mosquito vectors, but this likely occurs after multi-generational exposures.

Graphical Abstract
No effects of a 4-week post-exercise sauna bathing on targeted gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function, and hsCRP in healthy men: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Karolkiewicz Joanna , Nieman David C. , Cisoń Tomasz , Szurkowska Joanna , Gałęcka Mirosława , Sitkowski Dariusz , Szygula Zbigniew
Published: June 2022

Background

Body temperature fluctuations induced by acute exercise bouts may influence the intestinal barrier with related effects on epithelial permeability, immune responses, and release of metabolites produced by the gut microbiota. This study evaluated the effects of post-exercise sauna bathing in young men undergoing endurance training on gut bacteria inflammation and intestinal barrier function.

Methods

Fifteen (15) untrained males aged 22 ± 1.5 years were randomly assigned to exercise training (ET) with or without post-exercise sauna treatments (S). Participants in the group ET + S (n = 8) exercised 60 min, 3 times per week, on a bicycle ergometer followed by a 30-min dry Finish sauna treatment. The control group (ET, n = 7) engaged in the same exercise training program without the sauna treatments. Blood and stool samples were collected before and after the 4-week training program. Blood samples were analysed for the concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and complete blood counts. Stool samples were analysed for pH, quantitative and qualitative measures of targeted bacteria, zonulin, and secretory immunoglobulin A.

Results

Interaction effects revealed no differences in the pattern of change over time between groups for the abundance of selected gut microbiome bacteria and stool pH, zonulin, sIgA, and hsCRP. Pre- and post-study fecal concentrations of Bifidobacterium spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Akkermansia muciniphila were below reference values for these bacteria in both groups.

Conclusions

The combination of 4-weeks exercise followed by passive heat exposure did not have a measurable influence on targeted gut microbiota, intestinal barrier function, and hsCRP levels in young males.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered in the clinical trials registry (Clinicaltrials.gov) under the trial registration number: NCT05277597. Release Date: March 11, 2022.
Impact of lockdowns on paediatric asthma hospital presentations over three waves of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Homaira Nusrat , Hu Nan , Owens Louisa , Chan Mei , Gray Melinda , Britton Philip N , Selvadurai Hiran , Lingam Raghu , Jaffe Adam
Published: June 2022

Public health measures to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic have altered health care for chronic conditions. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric asthma, the most common chronic respiratory cause of childhood hospitalisation, in Australia, remains unknown. In a multicentre study, we examined the impact of three waves of COVID-19 on paediatric asthma in New South Wales Australia. Time series analysis was performed to determine trends in asthma hospital presentations in children aged 2–17 years before (2015–2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) using emergency department and hospital admission datasets from two large tertiary paediatric hospitals.

In this first report from Australia, we observed a significant decrease in asthma hospital presentations during lockdown periods including April (68.85%), May (69.46%), December (49.00%) of 2020 and August (66.59%) of 2021 compared to pre-pandemic predictions.

The decrease in asthma hospital presentations coincided with the lockdown periods during first, second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and was potentially due to reduced transmission of other common respiratory viruses from restricted movement.
Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome in a tertiary pediatric center: safety of guideline-conforming food challenges
Authors: Wong Samantha , Duan Lucy , Galper Alana , Atkinson Adelle , Upton Julia , Eiwegger Thomas
Published: June 2022

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome is a non-IgE-mediated reaction to food that is poorly understood, and underdiagnosed. Trigger foods can belong to any food group, but are most commonly milk, soy, rice, oat, egg, and fish. In this retrospective study (2015–2020), we describe the clinical presentations and triggers of 37 children referred to tertiary hospital with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of food protein-inducted enterocolitis. We reviewed the safety of current recommendations by looking at the outcome of 24 oral food challenges. All of these patients presented with clear cut systemic reactions including lethargy. We also assessed the severity of the reactions. Oral food challenges occurred in the hospital day unit with the majority of patients having IV access in place. Despite a clear history of FPIES with lethargy and the requirement for re-hydration of the challenged population, 21/24 (88%) of the FPIES OFCs were successful. Of the three patients who reacted, symptoms were of moderate nature, mainly vomiting. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and a pro-active approach to performing guideline-directed oral food challenges in patients with food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.
Long-term and large-scale Quercus petraea population survey conducted in provenance tests installed in France
Authors: Ducousso Alexis , Ehrenmann François , Girard Quentin , Lamy Jean Baptiste , Louvet Jean Marc , Reynet Patrick , Musch Brigitte , Kremer Antoine
Published: June 2022

Key message

Provenance tests are invaluable resources in forest genetics and ecology. They were originally established for seed sourcing research, but they are now also used for monitoring and predicting population responses to environmental changes. They have also raised considerable interest for conservation purposes. We provide here a data resource for a multisite large-scale long-term provenance test on sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) setup in the late 1980s in France, supplemented with a few selected Q. robur provenances. The experimental layout comprises a range-wide collection of 124 provenances (109 Q. petraea and 15 Q. robur) planted at four experimental sites covering 90 ha in total. The dataset includes individual tree assessments of traits of functional, ecological and economic importance. Dataset access is at https://doi.org/10.15454/838U9L, and associated metadata are available at https://metadata-afs.nancy.inra.fr/geonetwork/srv/fre/catalog.search#/metadata/ede45af7-22bb-432b-8c30-af4c5248ff3e.
Comparison of the EQ-5D-Y-5L, EQ-5D-Y-3L and PedsQL in children and adolescents
Authors: Verstraete Janine , Scott Des
Published: June 2022

Background

There is an increased use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility, concurrent validity and known-group validity of the EQ-5D-Y-3L (Y-3L), EQ-5D-Y-5L (Y-5L) and PedsQL self-report PROMs.

Methods

Five hundred and fifty children and adolescents, aged 8–15-years, with acute and chronic health conditions and a general population sample were recruited from schools and hospitals in Cape Town South Africa. All respondents self-completed the Y-5L, PedsQL, Self-Rated Health Question and Y-3L. Feasibility of the measures was determined by comparing the number of missing responses. Convergent validity was assessed by Spearman’s and Intra-class correlations on the corresponding items and summary scores respectively. Known-groups validity across health conditions was assessed across the summary scores of the measures with analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

The Y-3L and Y-5L had a total of 1% and 3.5% missing responses compared to 19% on the PedsQL. Similar items on the PedsQL and Y-3L/Y-5L showed high correlations (> 0.5) and related items showed moderate correlations (0.3). PedsQL total score was moderately and significantly associated with Y-3L and Y-5L level sum and VAS scores. The Y-3L and Y-5L level sum and VAS scores showed significant differences between known health groups whereas the PedsQL only showed differences between those with acute and chronic illness.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that the Y-3L and Y-5L showed comparable psychometric validity to the PedsQL. When considering the choice between the PedsQL, Y-5L and Y-3L these study results indicate that the EQ-5D-Y instruments (Y-3L and Y-5L) are recommended for studies assessing known-group validity or where missing data should be minimised. The PedsQL generic measure may be preferable in future studies including the general population where a ceiling effect is anticipated. When considering the choice between the Y-5L and the Y-3L there was no systematic difference in the validity between these instruments or between the Y-3L or Y-5L and the PedsQL. Thus, the selection of EQ-5D-Y measures to include in future studies should be guided by the characteristics of the population to be tested.
Nutritional quality, functional property and acceptability of maize (Zea mays) based complementary foods enriched with defatted groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) and ginger (Zinger officinale Roscoe) powder in Wistar rats
Authors: Ijarotimi Oluwole Steve
Published: June 2022

Traditional complementary foods in Africa are cereal-based, low in nutrient-density; hence, causing severe-acute-malnutrition. This study was aimed to formulate and evaluate nutritional quality of complementary foods (CF) using locally available food materials. Yellow maize (raw, germinated & fermented), defatted groundnut (DGF) and ginger flour (GGF) were blended to obtain RDG (76.7% raw yellow maize, 20.8% DGF and 2.5% GGF), GDG (74.4% germinated yellow maize, 23.1% DGF, 2.5% GGF), and FDG (72.6% fermented yellow maize, 24.9% DGF, 2.5% GGF). Food samples were evaluated for nutritional qualities and sensory attributes using standard methods. Protein (g/100 g), energy value (kCal/100 g), total amino acids and essential amino acids (g/100 g protein) of formulated CF ranged from 19.38 to 28.58, 373.49 to 394.53, 87.33 to 91.89 and 36.17 to 37.63, respectively, and were comparable to control (17.07, 401.22, 94.47 & 35.35). Minerals were present in appreciable amount in the foods, while phytate/mineral (Ca, Fe, Zn) and oxalate/calcium molar ratios were lower than critical levels. Bulk density (1.4 - 1.6 g/mL), least gelation (4 - 6%), water absorption capacity (10.5 - 15.8%) and swelling capacity (0.5 - 1.2%) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in formulated CF than in control, except for bulk density. Biological value (78.44%) of FDG was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than GDG (78.4%) and RDG (75.87%), respectively, but lower than control (93.48%). Pack cell volume (22.50%), haemoglobin concentration (7.5 g/dL), red blood cell (3 ×  103 mm− 3), albumin (3.72 g/dL), total blood protein (5.62 g/dL) and globulin (1.9 g/dL) of rats fed on FDG were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than other diets, but comparable to that of control. Kidney (urea, 10.16 mg/dL; creatinine, 4.8 mg/dL) and liver function index (AST/ALT ratio, 0.38) of rats fed on FDG were lower than in those rats fed on RDG, GDG and control. For sensorial attributes, RDG was ranked best next by FDG in appearance, aroma, texture, taste and overall acceptability, but were significantly (p < 0.05) rated lower than control. Finally, the study established that FDG (72.6% fermented yellow maize, 24.9% defatted groundnut and 2.5% ginger) was the best in nutritional quality and growth performance in rats; hence, this CF may be suitable to mitigate expensive commercial infant formula in alleviating severe-acute-malnutrition in children.

Graphical abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging findings of two cases with West syndrome and hypomelanosis of Ito with hemimegalencephaly: a report of two cases
Authors: Gökçe Erkan , Beyhan Murat , Ocak Karataş Şükrüye Firuze
Published: June 2022

Background

Hemimegalencephaly is an unusual congenital non-familial malformation of the brain which is characterized by enlargement of the whole or part of one hemisphere due to neural proliferation and dysfunction in the cell migration. The brain stem and cerebellum may also be involved. There are also the common cortical malformation, unusual white matter proliferation, gliosis, and abnormal myelination in hemimegalencephaly. In addition, structural brain abnormalities like atrophy/hypertrophy, demyelination, gliosis, increased thickness of the cortical grey matter, increase signal intensity in the subcortical white matter, abnormal gyral patterns, blurring of the grey-white matter transition, and hamartomatous aspect can be observed on magnetic resonance imaging.

Case presentation

Two patients who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging because of West syndrome and hypomelanosis of Ito were diagnosed as hemimegalencephaly. The first case was a 9-day-old male patient initially diagnosed with West syndrome. On the brain magnetic resonance imaging performed for epilepsy, right total hemimegalencephaly, diffuse polymicrogyria, and heterotopic grey matter foci on the right hemisphere were observed. In addition, right cerebellar dysgenesis, upward angulation in the lateral ventricle's anterior horn, and colpocephalic dilatation in the posterior horn were evident. The second case was a 2-year-old female patient with hypomelanosis of Ito disease. The main reason for her parents' hospital visit was the shortness of the right leg. Initial examination showed the hypopigmented lesions on the right side and hemihypertrophy in the left leg. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed mild hemimegalencephaly in the right cerebral hemisphere, T1-weighted isointense, T2-weighted hyperintense white matter lesions extending from the basal ganglia to the ventricular body and the periventricular fronto-parieto-occipital white matter, and dilatation of the lateral ventricle.

Conclusions

Hemimegalencephaly is a rare condition which may accompany syndromic cases with epilepsy or neurocutaneous disease. Brain magnetic resonance imaging should be performed in patients with a suspicious medical history in order to make the correct diagnosis of hemimegalencephaly and to determine the severity of brain involvement, if any.
Real-life self-control conflicts in anorexia nervosa: An ecological momentary assessment investigation
Authors: Fürtjes Sophia , Seidel Maria , Diestel Stefan , Wolff Max , King Joseph A. , Hellerhoff Inger , Bernadoni Fabio , Gramatke Katrin , Goschke Thomas , Roessner Veit , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: June 2022

Background

Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) are often thought to show heightened self-control and increased ability to inhibit desires. In addition to inhibitory self-control, antecedent-focused strategies (e.g., cognitive reconstrual—the re-evaluation of tempting situations) might contribute to disorder maintenance and enable disorder-typical, maladaptive behaviors.

Methods

Over a period of 14 days, 40 acutely underweight young female patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and 40 healthy control (HC) participants reported their affect and behavior in self-control situations via ecological momentary assessment during inpatient treatment (AN) and everyday life (HC). Data were analyzed via hierarchical analyses (linear and logistic modeling).

Results

Conflict strength had a significantly lower impact on self-control success in AN compared to HC. While AN and HC did not generally differ in the number or strength of self-control conflicts or in the percentage of self-control success, AN reported self-controlled behavior to be less dependent on conflict strength.

Conclusions

While patients with AN were not generally more successful at self-control, they appeared to resolve self-control conflicts more effectively. These findings suggest that the magnitude of self-control conflicts has comparatively little impact on individuals with AN, possibly due to the use of antecedent-focused strategies. If confirmed, cognitive-behavioral therapy might focus on and help patients to exploit these alternative self-control strategies in the battle against their illness.
Capillary-Mediated Vitrification: Preservation of mRNA at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Renu Sankar , Shank-Retzlaff Mary , Sharpe Jenny , Bronsart Laura , Mohanty Pravansu
Published: June 2022

RNA is a fundamental tool for molecular and cellular biology research. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has proved it is also invaluable in vaccine development. However, the need for cold storage to maintain RNA integrity and the practical and economic burden associated with cold chain logistics highlight the need for new and improved preservation methods. We recently showed the use of capillary-mediated vitrification (CMV), as a tool for stabilizing temperature-sensitive enzymes. Here, we demonstrate the use of CMV as a method to preserve mRNA. The CMV process was performed by formulating a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-encoding mRNA with common excipients, applying the solution to a porous support, referred to as the scaffold, and drying the samples under vacuum for 30 min. The CMV preserved samples were stored at 55 °C for up to 100 days or 25 °C for 60 days and analyzed by electrophoresis and for transfection efficiency in a cell-based assay. The 55 °C-stressed mRNA exhibited comparable electrophoresis banding patterns and band intensity when compared to a frozen, liquid control. Additionally, the CMV stabilized mRNA maintained 97.5 ± 8.7% transfection efficiency after 77 days and 78.4 ± 3.9% after 100 days when stored 55 °C and analyzed using a cell-based assay in the CHO-K1 cell line. In contrast, a liquid control exhibited no bands on the electrophoresis gel and lost all transfection activity after being stored overnight at 55 °C. Likewise, after 60 days at 25 °C, the CMV-processed samples had full transfection activity while the activity of the liquid control was reduced to 40.1 ± 4.6%. In conclusion, CMV is a simple formulation method that significantly enhances the thermal stability of mRNA, requires minimal processing time, and could enable formulation of mRNA that can tolerate exposure to temperatures well above 25 °C during shipment and deployment in extreme environments.

Graphical abstract
Computational droplets: Where we stand and how far we can go
Authors: Montessori Andrea , Lauricella Marco , Tiribocchi Adriano
Published: June 2022

In this perspective we take stock of the current state of the art of computational models for droplets microfluidics and we suggest some strategies which may open the way to the full-scale simulation of microfluidic phenomena with interfaces, from near-contact interactions to the device operational lengths.
Vagueness and variety in person-centred care
Authors: Mitchell Polly , Cribb Alan , Entwistle Vikki
Published: June 2022

Person-centred care is a cornerstone of contemporary health policy, research and practice. However, many researchers and practitioners worry that it lacks a ‘clear definition and method of measurement,’ and that this creates problems for the implementation of person-centred care and limits understanding of its benefits. In this paper we urge caution about this concern and resist calls for a clear, settled definition and measurement approach. We develop a philosophical and conceptual analysis which is grounded in the body of literature concerning the theory and practice of person-centred care. We consider a range of influential definitional frameworks of person-centred care, highlighting their differences and showing that they do not correspond to a clearly circumscribed and consistent underlying concept. We argue that a degree of indeterminacy and vagueness should not be seen as a problem with the concept of person-centred care; these are features of a rich and contested concept which exists prior to and outside of practical and technical operational definitions and applications. We defend the value of operating with multiple accounts of person-centred care, arguing that what counts as being person-centred can vary across different care contexts, in relation to different patient groups, and as a reflection of different, defensible ethical perspectives. Although the idea of a single, agreed definition is attractive and may seem to be a practical or even necessary step towards meaningful and coordinated action, we argue that this is only the case in a qualified sense. Comprehensive attempts to narrow down the concept in this way should be resisted, as they risk undermining what it is that makes person-centredness a valuable concept in healthcare.
Robust Stochastic Facility Location: Sensitivity Analysis and Exact Solution
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Saldanha-da-Gama Francisco , Wang Shuming , Mao Yuchen
Published: June 2022

This work focuses on a broad class of facility location problems in the context of adaptive robust stochastic optimization under the state-dependent demand uncertainty. The demand is assumed to be significantly affected by related state information, such as the seasonal or socio-economic information. In particular, a state-wise ambiguity set is adopted for modeling the distributional uncertainty associated with the demand in different states. The conditional distributional characteristics in each state are described by a support, as well as by mean and dispersion measures, which are assumed to be conic representable. A robust sensitivity analysis is performed, in which, on the one hand, we analyze the impact of the change in ambiguity-set parameters (e.g., state probabilities, mean value abounds, and dispersion bounds in different states) onto the optimal worst-case expected total cost using the ambiguity dual variables. On the other hand, we analyze the impact of the change in location design onto the worst-case expected second-stage cost and show that the sensitivity bounds are fully described as the worst-case expected shadow-capacity cost. As for the solution approach, we propose a nested Benders decomposition algorithm for solving the model exactly, which leverages the subgradients of the worst-case expected second-stage cost at the location decisions formed insightfully by the associated worst-case distributions. The nested Benders decomposition approach ensures a finite-step convergence, which can also be regarded as an extension of the classic L-shaped algorithm for two-stage stochastic programming to our state-wise, robust stochastic facility location problem with conic representable ambiguity. Finally, the results of a series of numerical experiments are presented that justify the value of the state-wise distributional information incorporated in our robust stochastic facility location model, the robustness of the model, and the performance of the exact solution approach.
HEAT-wave – defining a new era of cyberthreats
Authors: Lee Jonathan
Published: June 2022

The acceleration of digital transformation initiatives that have catapulted users, data and business-critical applications to the cloud offers huge opportunities for businesses, but even more promise for threat actors. One of the biggest problems today is the legacy approach to security that many organisations take to protect networks from a strategic and technological standpoint: one that's cemented in ‘detect and respond’.
A Study on the Diversity and Enzyme Productivity of Mesophilic and Thermophilic Bacteria from the Arable Soil Fertilized with Modified Peat Moss
Authors: Ganbat Sondor , Ganbat Dariimaa , Jeong Ga Eul , Shin Kee-Sun , Lee Yong-Jik , Park Mi-Hwa , Koh Jin Hyun , Lee Sang-Jae
Published: June 2022

Natural environmental resources are considered a prospective source of microorganisms capable of producing biocatalysts with great potential in industrial areas. Arable soil fertilized with peat moss is a habitat for various microorganisms. The present research focused on the isolation and identification of hydrolase-producing bacteria that thrive at a broad temperature range. In this study, a total of 33 strains were isolated from arable soil fertilized with peat moss (Silla Garden in Busan, South Korea). The isolated bacteria were mesophiles and thermophiles with a wide temperature range. Taxonomic identification showed that the isolated strains belonged to 2 phyla, 5 families, 10 genera, and 24 species. Subsequently, the isolated strains were screened for hydrolase (amylase, lipase, and protease) activity. All isolates possessed activity of at least one enzyme and six bacterial isolates produced combined extracellular enzymes. Diversity of soil bacteria species in the present study suggest the potential of soil bacteria in the various industrial applications.