bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of dielectric and magnetic nanofillers on electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of carbon/epoxy composites
Authors: Ahmad Hafiz Shehbaz , Hussain Tanveer , Nawab Yasir , Salamat Shuaib
Published: November 2021

Tremendous development in electronic devices and their indiscriminate use has created a severe problem of electromagnetic pollution. Different types of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials and structures are used to protect electronic devices from the harmful effect of electromagnetic pollution. A present study was conducted to compare the effect of dielectric and magnetic nanofillers on electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of carbon fiber reinforced composite structures (CFRC). Composites structures were developed using different dielectric and magnetic nanofillers. Effect of nanofillers on microwave absorption properties and reduction in electromagnetic pollution was investigated. Relationship between electrical conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness in L, S, C, and X-frequency range was also studied. Among the dielectric nanofillers, silicon carbide showed excellent EMI SE in X-frequency range, while among magnetic nanofillers, zinc oxide showed excellent EMI shielding characteristics in a broad frequency range of 100 MHz to 13.6 GHz. Among magnetic nanofillers, CFRC with zinc oxide nanofillers showed the lowest skin depth value of 3.32 × 10−4 mm and among dielectric nanofiller, CFRC with silicon carbide nanofillers gave the lowest skin depth value of 6.49 × 10−4 mm, implying their excellent potential in EMI shielding applications.
Actual and Perceived Parental Knowledge and Child Delinquency: Does the Sex of the Parent, the Sex of the Child, and the Child’s Age Make a Difference?
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: November 2021

Parental knowledge was tested as a possible deterrent to future delinquency in 3914 (51% male) early to mid-adolescent school children from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Using three waves of data, parent-rated mother and father knowledge were tested as correlates of future delinquency, controlling for age, perceived parental knowledge, and the willingness of children to share their thoughts and feelings with parents. Variables from Wave 5 (age 12/13) were used to predict delinquency at Wave 6 (age 14/15), and variables from Wave 6 were used to predict delinquency at Wave 7 (age 16/17). Results showed that mother- but not father-reported knowledge effectively deterred future child delinquency. A significant sex x mother knowledge interaction was found in both analyses, indicating that boys experienced a stronger deterrent effect than girls. It was further demonstrated that the deterrent effect of parental knowledge on child delinquency was stronger in early adolescence than in middle adolescence.
Alternative Global Entanglements: ‘Detachment from Knowledge’ and the Limits of Decolonial Emancipation
Authors: Orellana Matute Pablo
Published: November 2021

While the call for broader conceptions about the political in general, and International Relations in particular, points to the need to redirect attention to the entanglements of societies, species and environments, in this article I address the way in which this proposed shift might still be reproducing anthropocentric understandings of global politics if serious attention is not devoted to the ontological foundations of the discipline. To do so, I first engage in a problematisation of decolonial efforts drawn from the Latin American experience that stress knowledge diversification as a means to emancipation. I then attempt to demonstrate that an exclusive intellectual engagement with entanglements and detachments might also be misleading, for their conventional conception is dependent on certain ontological commitments inherent to knowledge production, namely mind-world dualism and the linear conception of time. I therefore propose the notion of ‘detachment from knowledge’ as an alternative ontological practice through which IR students can themselves grapple with the dualist and anthropocentric oppressor/victim logic at the root of any emancipatory project. Such practice, I finally argue, not only allows us to understand the ‘global’ as indivisible, but also to engage with it beyond the exclusive pursuit of emancipation through knowledge, however diverse or decolonial it might be.
Reclaiming Substances in Relationalism: Quantum Holography and Substance-based Relational Analysis in World Politics
Authors: Pan Chengxin
Published: November 2021

The relational turn in International Relations (IR) has made important contributions by challenging the substantialist claim to substance/thing as ontological primitives, by drawing much-needed attention to relations as ontologically fundamental, and by introducing a diversity of relational ways of being/becoming, knowing and doing. Yet, while rightly repudiating substantialism, the relational turn has remained ambivalent about the concept of substance itself, leaving open an important question: How should we understand substance within a relational ontology? As a result, we are left with different and sometimes confusing positions on the issue of substances vis-à-vis relations. Seeing this gap as a missed opportunity for relationalism in IR, this article seeks to bring substance back in without falling back into substantialism. It draws on a quantum conception of substance via the idea of quantum holography (QH) and its related notion of whole-part duality, and stresses the little-understood dual and inseparable nature of substance-relation (‘relatance’). The concept of substance-relation duality not only enriches our relational thinking, but also allows us to engage in relational analysis through a reimagined notion of substance. To illustrate, the article turns to a substance-based relational analysis of US-China relations.
“We ain’t nothing but white trash”: The ethnography of poor whites and the politics of stigma in Zora Neale Hurston’s Seraph on the Suwanee.
Authors: Zeneidi Djemila
Published: November 2021

This article aims to demonstrate the documentary value of Zora Neale, Hurston’s descriptions, in her novel Seraph on the Suwanee, of the condition of the poor white US Southerners known as “crackers.” By, depicting a “cracker” woman’s upward social trajectory through, marriage, Hurston reveals the social and existential reality of this, segment of the white population. Her novel presents an objective, analysis of the crackers as a socio-historical group distinct from other, whites. However, Hurston also explores the subjective side of belonging to this discredited group by offering an account of her heroine’s experience of stigmatization.
Prevalence and timing of specialist palliative care access among advanced cancer patients and association with hospital death
Authors: Yang Grace Meijuan , Lim Cindy , Zhuang Qingyuan , Ong Wah Ying
Published: November 2021

Background

Patients with advanced cancer have poor quality of life and high utilisation of acute healthcare services. Early access to palliative care has been shown to improve quality of life as well as reduce acute healthcare utilisation and costs.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and timing of hospital-based specialist palliative care reviews for patients with advanced cancer known to National Cancer Centre Singapore. We also explored the association between specialist palliative care review and place of death.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients with Stage 4 cancer who died in a 2-year period from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2017 (regardless of their date of diagnosis) and who received treatment in National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS).

Results

A total of 2572 patients were included, of which 1226 (47.7%) had at least one inpatient or outpatient specialist palliative care consultation. Those who had their first specialist palliative care review 30 days or less before death had a 2.01 (95% CI 1.62 to 2.49, p < 0.001) increased odds of hospital death while those who had the first hospital-based palliative care review more than 30 days before death a 0.76 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.93, p = 0.009) reduced odds of hospital death.

Conclusions

Our study found inadequate and late access to specialist palliative care among advanced cancer patients. Furthermore, late access to specialist palliative care was associated with hospital death. There is an urgent need to improve access to specialist palliative care in order to improve patient outcomes.
Healthcare resource utilisation and cost analysis associated with opioid analgesic use for non-cancer pain: A case-control, retrospective study between 2005 and 2015
Authors: Davies Emma , Phillips Ceri J , Jones Mari , Sewell Bernadette
Published: November 2021

Objective

To examine differences in healthcare utilisation and costs associated with opioid prescriptions for non-cancer pain issued in primary care.

Method

A longitudinal, case-control study retrospectively examined Welsh healthcare data for the period 1 January 2005–31 December 2015. Data were extracted from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) databank. Subjects, aged 18 years and over, were included if their primary care record contained at least one of six overarching pain diagnoses during the study period. Subjects were excluded if their record also contained a cancer diagnosis in that time or the year prior to the study period. Case subjects also received at least one prescription for an opioid analgesic. Controls were matched by gender, age, pain-diagnosis and socioeconomic deprivation. Healthcare use included primary care visits, emergency department (ED) and outpatient (OPD) attendances, inpatient (IP) admissions and length of stay. Cost analysis for healthcare utilisation used nationally derived unit costs for 2015. Differences between case and control subjects for resource use and costs were analysed and further stratified by gender, prescribing persistence (PP) and deprivation.

Results

Data from 3,286,215 individuals were examined with 657,243 receiving opioids. Case subjects averaged 5 times more primary care visits, 2.8 times more OPD attendances, 3 times more ED visits and twice as many IN admissions as controls. Prescription persistence over 6 months and greater deprivation were associated with significantly greater utilisation of healthcare resources. Opioid prescribing was associated with 69% greater average healthcare costs than in control subjects. National Health Service (NHS) healthcare service costs for people with common, pain-associated diagnoses, receiving opioid analgesics were estimated to be £0.9billion per year between 2005 and 2015.

Conclusion

Receipt of opioid prescriptions was associated with significantly greater healthcare utilisation and accompanying costs in all sectors. Extended prescribing durations are particularly important to address and should be considered at the point of initiation.
Turner syndrome: language profile of young girls at 12 and 24 months of age
Authors: Reinhartsen Debra B. , Cornea Emil , DeRamus Margaret , Waitt Angelia B. , Pretzel Rebecca Edmondson , Knickmeyer Rebecca C. , Davenport Marsha L. , Gilmore John H. , Hooper Stephen R.
Published: November 2021

Background

Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic disorder associated with complete or partial absence of an X chromosome affecting approximately 1/2000 live female births. Available evidence suggests that, in the school-age years, girls with TS often require speech and language services; however, little is known about the language development of infants and toddlers.

Method

This study (N= 31) explored the language profiles of 12- and 24-month-old girls with TS, as well as the percentage of girls who might be “at risk” for language delays. We also followed a subset of 12-month-old girls with TS to 24 months of age to determine the stability of the 12-month findings.

Results

Although all mean scores were within the average range at both time points, results revealed a higher prevalence of 24-month-old girls with TS “at risk” for receptive language difficulties. In addition, expressive language skills significantly exceeded receptive language skills at both time points. We found 12-month-old girls to be “at risk” for social and symbolic difficulties based on clinical assessment; only symbolic difficulties were significant based on caregiver report. At 24 months, clinical assessment indicated greater use of speech sounds and words than normative expectations. Caregivers reported greater use of speech sounds, and also, greater use of gestures. Although some changes occurred over a 1-year time span (12 to 24 months), all mean test scores remained within the average range and the changes in the percentage of girls manifesting “at risk” status on either thePLS-4orCSBS-DPwere non-significant.

Conclusions

Although within normal limits, receptive language skills were found to be significantly lower than expressive language skills at both ages. Social and symbolic communication skills also were in the average range, with both showing significant improvement from 12 to 24 months based on clinical assessment. Caregiver report found that use of gestures and production of speech sounds not only improved from 12 to 24 months, but also exceeded normative expectations. Findings suggest the presence of relatively intact speech and language abilities during the first 2 years of life, with perhaps some emergent concerns for receptive language development. Ongoing developmental surveillance will be important.
How have sheep breeds differentiated from each other in Morocco? Genetic structure and geographical distribution patterns
Authors: Kandoussi Asmae , Badaoui Bouabid , Boujenane Ismaïl , Piro Mohammed , Petit Daniel
Published: November 2021

Background

Based on the relatively homogeneous origin of the sheep breeds in Morocco that originate mainly from Iberia, it is highly relevant to address the question of how these very diverse sheep populations differentiated from each other. The Mountains of the High Atlas and Middle Atlas are expected to constitute North–South and West–East geographical barriers, respectively, which could have shaped the history of the differentiation of sheep breeds. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis by considering the genetic structure and the spatial distribution of five major breeds (Sardi, Timahdite, Beni Guil, Boujaad and D’man) and one minor breed (Blanche de Montagne), by analysing the mtDNA control region, using 30 individuals per breed.

Results

Phylogenetic and network analyses did not indicate any clear separation among the studied breeds and discriminant component principal analysis showed some overlap between them, which indicates a common genetic background. The calculated pairwise FST values and Nei’s genetic distances revealed that most breeds showed a moderate genetic differentiation. The lowest and highest degrees of differentiation were retrieved in the Beni Guil and Boujaad breeds, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that more than 95% of the genetic diversity occurs within individuals, while between- and within-population variabilities represent only 1.332% and 2.881%, respectively. Isolation-by-distance, spatial Principal Component Analysis (sPCA), and spatial AMOVA analyses evidenced clear examples of geographical structuration among the breeds, both between and within breeds. However, several enigmatic relationships remain, which suggest the occurrence of complex events leading to breed differentiation.

Conclusions

The approaches used here resulted in a convergent view on the hypothetic events that could have led to the progressive differentiation between the Moroccan breeds. The major split seems to be linked to the West–East barrier of the Middle Atlas, whereas the influence of the High Atlas is less obvious and incompletely resolved. The study of additional breeds that have settled near the High Atlas should clarify the relationships between the breeds of the West part of the country, in spite of their small population size.
MSA: reproducible mutational signature attribution with confidence based on simulations
Authors: Senkin Sergey
Published: November 2021

Background

Mutational signatures proved to be a useful tool for identifying patterns of mutations in genomes, often providing valuable insights about mutagenic processes or normal DNA damage. De novo extraction of signatures is commonly performed using Non-Negative Matrix Factorisation methods, however, accurate attribution of these signatures to individual samples is a distinct problem requiring uncertainty estimation, particularly in noisy scenarios or when the acting signatures have similar shapes. Whilst many packages for signature attribution exist, a few provide accuracy measures, and most are not easily reproducible nor scalable in high-performance computing environments.

Results

We present Mutational Signature Attribution (MSA), a reproducible pipeline designed to assign signatures of different mutation types on a single-sample basis, using Non-Negative Least Squares method with optimisation based on configurable simulations. Parametric bootstrap is proposed as a way to measure statistical uncertainties of signature attribution. Supported mutation types include single and doublet base substitutions, indels and structural variants. Results are validated using simulations with reference COSMIC signatures, as well as randomly generated signatures.

Conclusions

MSA is a tool for optimised mutational signature attribution based on simulations, providing confidence intervals using parametric bootstrap. It comprises a set of Python scripts unified in a single Nextflow pipeline with containerisation for cross-platform reproducibility and scalability in high-performance computing environments. The tool is publicly available from https://gitlab.com/s.senkin/MSA.
Bacteriological profile, antibiotic susceptibility and factors associated with neonatal Septicaemia at Kilembe mines hospital, Kasese District Western Uganda
Authors: Zamarano Henry , Musinguzi Benson , Kabajulizi Immaculate , Manirakiza Godfrey , Guti Walker , Muhwezi Ivan , Hussein Ayan Ahmed , Baweera Agnes , Kabahinda Boaz , Itabangi Herbert , Bazira Joel , Kabanda Taseera
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Neonatal septicaemia is one of the most common leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. It is estimated to affect more than 30 million people worldwide annually, potentially leading to 6 million deaths.

Objective(s)

To determine the prevalence, bacteriological profile, antibiotic susceptibility and factors associated with neonatal septicaemia among neonates suspected to sepsis at Kilembe mines hospital.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study, where purposive sampling technique was used and blood was drawn from 122 neonates suspected to sepsis attending Kilembe Mines Hospital during the period (July to November 2020). Specimens were inoculated in Brain heart infusion broth, transported to Fortportal Regional Referral Hospital, plated daily up to 7 days on blood, chocolate, MacConkey agar and incubated in aerobic and 5% carbondioxide. Pure colonies were identified by Gram stain, biochemical tests and antibiotic sensitivities obtained by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Associations were tested using Chi square with Fisher’s exact or Yates correction tests where necessary and statistical significance was set atP < 0.05. Stata (version 14) used for statistical analysis.

Results

Blood cultures were positive in 59.0% cases with 55.5% male and 44.4% female. EOS was present in 56.9% and LOS 43.1% of the cases. Gram negative (56.9%) organisms were most implicated with neonatal septicaemia than Gram positives ones (43.1%). Gram positive organisms exhibited better susceptibility to amikacin, linezolid and vancomycin but more resistant to ampicillin and gentamicin. Of the aminoglycosides, amikacin exhibited a verge over netilmicin and gentamicin against Gram negative isolates. Risk factors of neonatal septicaemia were mother’s age of ≥25 years, employed mothers, tertiary-level of education, SVD, ANC attendance of ≥4 times, UTI during pregnancy, PROMS, foul Smelling liquor, urban residence, neonatal birth weight of ≥2500 g, Apgar score 1st and 5th min ≥6 and resuscitation.

Conclusion

Multi-drug resistant organisms were isolated. Therefore caution is required in selection of antibiotic therapy and avoid empirical treatment.
Risk factors for injuries in New Zealand older adults with complex needs: a national population retrospective study
Authors: Abey-Nesbit Rebecca , Schluter Philip J. , Wilkinson Tim J. , Thwaites John Hugh , Berry Sarah D. , Allore Heather , Jamieson Hamish A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Falls and falls-related injuries are common among older adults. Injuries in older adults lead to poor outcomes and lower quality of life. The objective of our study was to identify factors associated with fall-related injuries among home care clients in New Zealand.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of 75,484 community-dwelling people aged 65 years or older who underwent an interRAI home care assessment between June 2012 and June 2018 in New Zealand. The injuries included for analysis were fracture of the distal radius, hip fracture, pelvic fracture, proximal humerus fracture, subarachnoid haemorrhage, traumatic subdural haematoma, and vertebral fracture. Unadjusted and adjusted competing risk regression models were used to identify factors associated with fall-related injuries.

Results

A total of 7414 (9.8%) people sustained a falls-related injury over the 6-year period, and most injuries sustained were hip fractures (4735 63.9%). The rate of injurious falls was 47 per 1000 person-years. The factors associated with injury were female sex, older age, living alone, Parkinson’s disease, stroke/CVA, falls, unsteady gait, tobacco use, and being underweight. Cancer, dyspnoea, high BMI, and a decrease in the amount of food or fluid usually consumed, were associated with a reduced risk of sustaining an injury. After censoring hip fractures the risks associated with other types of injury were sex, age, previous falls, dyspnoea, tobacco use, and BMI.

Conclusions

While it is important to reduce the risk of falls, it is especially important to reduce the risk of falls-related injuries. Knowledge of risk factors associated with these types of injuries can help to develop focused intervention programmes and development of a predictive model to identify those who would benefit from intervention programmes.
Amoebic liver abscess in a COVID-19 patient: a case report
Authors: Maricuto Andrea L. , Velásquez Viledy L. , Pineda Jacinto , Flora-Noda David M. , Rodríguez Isaac , Rodríguez-Inés Crismar A. , Noya-González Óscar O. , Contreras Rosa , Omaña-Ávila Óscar D. , Escalante-Pérez Iván A. , Camejo-Ávila Natasha A. , Kuffaty-Akkou Nicolle A. , Carrión-Nessi Fhabián S. , Carballo Martín , Landaeta María E. , Forero-Peña David A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which affects people living in low- and middle-income countries and has intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations. To date, knowledge on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) coinfection with enteric parasites is limited, and E. histolytica coinfection has not been previously described. Here we present the case of a patient with COVID-19 who, during hospitalisation, presented a clinical picture consistent with an amoebic liver abscess (ALA).

Case presentation

A 54-year-old man, admitted as a suspected case of COVID-19, presented to our hospital with dyspnoea, malaise, fever and hypoxaemia. A nasopharyngeal swab was positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. After 7 days, he developed diarrhoea, choluria and dysentery. An abdominal ultrasound showed a lesion compatible with a liver abscess; stool examination revealed E. histolytica trophozoites, and additional serology for E. histolytica was positive. After 12 days of treatment with metronidazole, ceftazidime and nitazoxanide, the patient reported acute abdominal pain, and an ultrasound examination revealed free liquid in the abdominal cavity. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed, finding 3000 mL of a thick fluid described as “anchovy paste”. Computed tomography scan revealed a second abscess. He ended up receiving 21 days of antibiotic treatment and was discharged with satisfactory improvement.

Conclusion

Here we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of ALA and COVID-19 co-presenting. Based on their pathophysiological similarities, coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and E. histolytica could change the patient’s clinical course; however, larger studies are needed to fully understand the interaction between these pathogens.
The association between low birth weight and dental caries among 11-to-13-year-old school age children in Ningbo, China
Authors: Weng Xiaoyan , Lou Yiting , Tao Ran , Li Yongzheng , Cao Danna , Yu Mengfei , Ying Binbin , Wang Huiming
Published: November 2021

Background

The association between low birth weight (LBW) and dental caries is currently unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of LBW with dental caries in permanent teeth in children of Ningbo city.

Methods

A total of 1975 children aged 11-to-13 years in Ningbo, China were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. LBW was defined as a birthweight< 2500 g. Ten dentists assessed the status of dental caries in permanent teeth in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and guidelines. Decayed, missing or filled teeth were considered to have dental caries. Parental questionnaires were used to collect child information. Non-conditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Dental caries in permanent teeth was found in 610 children (30.9%), with a mean DMFS of 2.09 (SD = 1.2). The adjusted ORs for dental caries in permanent teeth was 1.46 (95% CI 1.00, 2.13) for LBW.

Conclusions

LBW was not associated with dental caries in permanent teeth in the study population.
Individual and poly-substance use and condomless sex among HIV-uninfected adults reporting heterosexual sex in a multi-site cohort
Authors: Fredericksen R. J. , Whitney B. M. , Trejo E. , Nance R. M. , Fitzsimmons E. , Altice F. L. , Carrico A. W. , Cleland C. M. , Del Rio C. , Duerr A. , El-Sadr W. M. , Kahana S. , Kuo I. , Mayer K. , Mehta S. , Ouellet L. J. , Quan V. M. , Rich J. , Seal D. W. , Springer S. , Taxman F. , Wechsberg W. , Crane H. M. , Delaney J. A. C.
Published: November 2021

Background

We analyzed the association between substance use (SU) and condomless sex (CS) among HIV-negative adults reporting heterosexual sex in the Seek, Test, Treat, and Retain (STTR) consortium. We describe the impact of SU as well as person/partner and context-related factors on CS, identifying combinations of factors that indicate the highest likelihood of CS.

Methods

We analyzed data from four US-based STTR studies to examine the effect of SU on CS using two SU exposures: 1) recent SU (within 3 months) and 2) SU before/during sex. Behavioral data were collected via 1:1 or self-administered computerized interviews. Adjusted individual-study, multivariable relative risk regression was used to examine the relationship between CS and SU. We also examined interactions with type of sex and partner HIV status. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using traditional fixed-effects meta-analysis. We analyzed data for recent SU (n = 6781; 82% men, median age = 33 years) and SU before/during sex (n = 2915; 69% men, median age = 40 years).

Results

For both exposure classifications, any SU other than cannabis increased the likelihood of CS relative to non-SU (8–16%, p-values< 0.001). In the recent SU group, however, polysubstance use did not increase the likelihood of CS compared to single-substance use. Cannabis use did not increase the likelihood of CS, regardless of frequency of use. Type of sex was associated with CS; those reporting vaginal and anal sex had a higher likelihood of CS compared to vaginal sex only for both exposure classifications (18–21%, p < 0.001). Recent SU increased likelihood of CS among those reporting vaginal sex only (9–10%, p < 0.001); results were similar for those reporting vaginal and anal sex (5–8%, p < 0.01). SU before/during sex increased the likelihood of CS among those reporting vaginal sex only (20%; p < 0.001) and among those reporting vaginal and anal sex (7%; p = 0.002). Single- and poly-SU before/during sex increased the likelihood of CS for those with exclusively HIV-negative partners (7–8%, p ≤ 0.02), and for those reporting HIV-negative and HIV-status unknown partners (9–13%, p ≤ 0.03).

Conclusion

Except for cannabis, any SU increased the likelihood of CS. CS was associated with having perceived HIV-negative partners and with having had both anal/vaginal sex.
Classification tree analysis for an intersectionality-informed identification of population groups with non-daily vegetable intake
Authors: Mena Emily , Bolte Gabriele ,   on behalf of the Advance Gender study group, Holmberg Christine , Jaehn Philipp , Merz Sibille , Rommel Alexander , Saß Anke-Christine , Pöge Kathleen , Strasser Sarah , Bolte Gabriele , Mena Emily
Published: November 2021

Background

Daily vegetable intake is considered an important behavioural health resource associated with improved immune function and lower incidence of non-communicable disease. Analyses of population-based data show that being female and having a high educational status is most strongly associated with increased vegetable intake. In contrast, men and individuals with a low educational status seem to be most affected by non-daily vegetable intake (non-DVI). From an intersectionality perspective, health inequalities are seen as a consequence of an unequal balance of power such as persisting gender inequality. Unravelling intersections of socially driven aspects underlying inequalities might be achieved by not relying exclusively on the male/female binary, but by considering different facets of gender roles as well. This study aims to analyse possible interactions of sex/gender or sex/gender related aspects with a variety of different socio-cultural, socio-demographic and socio-economic variables with regard to non-DVI as the health-related outcome.

Method

Comparative classification tree analyses with classification and regression tree (CART) and conditional inference tree (CIT) as quantitative, non-parametric, exploratory methods for the detection of subgroups with high prevalence of non-DVI were performed. Complete-case analyses (n = 19,512) were based on cross-sectional data from a National Health Telephone Interview Survey conducted in Germany.

Results

The CART-algorithm constructed overall smaller trees when compared to CIT, but the subgroups detected by CART were also detected by CIT. The most strongly differentiating factor for non-DVI, when not considering any further sex/gender related aspects, was the male/female binary with a non-DVI prevalence of 61.7% in men and 42.7% in women. However, the inclusion of further sex/gender related aspects revealed a more heterogenous distribution of non-DVI across the sample, bringing gendered differences in main earner status and being a blue-collar worker to the foreground. In blue-collar workers who do not live with a partner on whom they can rely on financially, the non-DVI prevalence was 69.6% in men and 57.4% in women respectively.

Conclusions

Public health monitoring and reporting with an intersectionality-informed and gender-equitable perspective might benefit from an integration of further sex/gender related aspects into quantitative analyses in order to detect population subgroups most affected by non-DVI.
Patient-reported outcomes in patients with hematological relapse or progressive disease: a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Sommer Mia , Nielsen Lene Kongsgaard , Nielsen Lars Børty , Brøndum Rasmus Froberg , Nielsen Marlene Maria , Rytter Anne Stoffersen , Vesteghem Charles , Severinsen Marianne Tang , El-Galaly Tarec Christoffer , Bøgsted Martin , Grønkjær Mette , Jørgensen Lone
Published: November 2021

Background

Patients with hematological cancer who experience relapse or progressive disease often face yet another line of treatment and continued mortality risk that could increase their physical and emotional trauma and worsen their health-related quality of life. Healthcare professionals who use patient-reported outcomes to identify who will have specific sensitivities in particular health-related quality of life domains may be able to individualize and target treatment and supportive care, both features of precision medicine. Here, in a cohort of patients with relapsed or progressive hematological cancer, we sought to identify health-related quality of life domains in which they experienced deterioration after relapse treatment and to investigate health-related quality of life patterns.

Method

Patients were recruited in connection with a precision medicine study at the Department of Hematology, Aalborg University Hospital. They completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the relapse diagnosis or progressive cancer. Modes of completion were electronically or on paper. Clinically relevant changes from baseline to 12 months were interpreted according to Cocks’ guidelines. We quantified the number of patients with moderate or severe symptoms and functional problems and the number who experienced improvements or deterioration from baseline to 12 months.

Results

A total of 104 patients were included, of whom 90 (87%) completed baseline questionnaires and 50 (56%) completed the 12-month assessments. The three symptoms that patients most often reported as deteriorating were fatigue (18%), insomnia (18%), and diarrhea (18%). The three functions that patients most often reported as deteriorating were role (16%) and emotional (16%) and cognitive (16%) functioning.

Conclusion

In this study, patient-reported outcome data were useful for identifying negatively affected health-related quality of life domains in patients with relapsed or progressive hematological cancer. We identified patients experiencing deterioration in health-related quality of life during treatment and characterized a potential role for patient-reported outcomes in precision medicine to target treatment and supportive care in this patient group.
The temporal relationship between parental concern of overeating and childhood obesity considering genetic susceptibility: longitudinal results from the IDEFICS/I.Family study
Authors: Masip Guiomar , Foraita Ronja , Silventoinen Karri , Adan Roger A. H. , Ahrens Wolfgang , De Henauw Stefaan , Hebestreit Antje , Keski-Rahkonen Anna , Lissner Lauren , Mehlig Kirsten , Molnar Dénés , Moreno Luis A. , Pigeot Iris , Russo Paola , Veidebaum Toomas , Bogl Leonie H. , Kaprio Jaakko ,   on behalf of the IDEFICS/I.Family Consortia
Published: November 2021

Background

Many genes and molecular pathways are associated with obesity, but the mechanisms from genes to obesity are less well known. Eating behaviors represent a plausible pathway, but because the relationships of eating behaviors and obesity may be bi-directional, it remains challenging to resolve the underlying pathways. A longitudinal approach is needed to assess the contribution of genetic risk during the development of obesity in childhood. In this study we aim to examine the relationships between the polygenic risk score for body mass index (PRS-BMI), parental concern of overeating and obesity indices during childhood.

Methods

The IDEFICS/I.Family study is a school-based multicenter pan-European cohort of children observed for 6 years (mean ± SD follow-up 5.8 ± 0.4). Children examined in 2007/2008 (wave 1) (mean ± SD age: 4.4 ± 1.1, range: 2–9 years), in 2009/2010 (wave 2) and in 2013/2014 (wave 3) were included. A total of 5112 children (49% girls) participated at waves 1, 2 and 3. For 2656 children with genome-wide data we constructed a PRS based on 2.1 million single nucleotide polymorphisms. Z-score BMI and z-score waist circumference (WC) were assessed and eating behaviors and relevant confounders were reported by parents via questionnaires. Parental concern of overeating was derived from principal component analyses from an eating behavior questionnaire.

Results

In cross-lagged models, the prospective associations between z-score obesity indices and parental concern of overeating were bi-directional. In mediation models, the association between the PRS-BMI and parental concern of overeating at wave 3 was mediated by baseline z-BMI (β = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.21) and baseline z-WC (β = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.23). To a lesser extent, baseline parental concern of overeating also mediated the association between the PRS-BMI and z-BMI at wave 3 (β = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.13) and z-WC at wave 3 (β = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.12).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the prospective associations between obesity indices and parental concern of overeating are likely bi-directional, but obesity indices have a stronger association with future parental concern of overeating than vice versa. The findings suggest parental concern of overeating as a possible mediator in the genetic susceptibility to obesity and further highlight that other pathways are also involved. A better understanding of the genetic pathways that lead to childhood obesity can help to prevent weight gain.

Trial registration

Registry number: ISRCTN62310987 Retrospectively registered 17 September 2018.
Advances in mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium-mediated periodontal tissue regeneration
Authors: Lin Hongbing , Chen Huishan , Zhao Xuetao , Chen Zhen , Zhang Peipei , Tian Yue , Wang Yawei , Ding Tong , Wang Lijing , Shen Yuqin
Published: November 2021

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of both soft and hard periodontal tissues. Complete periodontal regeneration in clinics using the currently available treatment approaches is still a challenge. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promising potential to regenerate periodontal tissue in various preclinical and clinical studies. The poor survival rate of MSCs during in vivo transplantation and host immunogenic reaction towards MSCs are the main drawbacks of direct use of MSCs in periodontal tissue regeneration. Autologous MSCs have limited sources and possess patient morbidity during harvesting. Direct use of allogenic MSCs could induce host immune reaction. Therefore, the MSC-based indirect treatment approach could be beneficial for periodontal regeneration in clinics. MSC culture conditioned medium (CM) contains secretomes that had shown immunomodulatory and tissue regenerative potential in pre-clinical and clinical studies. MSC-CM contains a cocktail of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, enzymes, and exosomes, extracellular vesicles, etc. MSC-CM-based indirect treatment has the potential to eliminate the drawbacks of direct use of MSCs for periodontal tissue regeneration. MSC-CM holds the tremendous potential of bench-to-bed translation in periodontal regeneration applications. This review focuses on the accumulating evidence indicating the therapeutic potential of the MSC-CM in periodontal regeneration-related pre-clinical and clinical studies. Recent advances on MSC-CM-based periodontal regeneration, existing challenges, and prospects are well summarized as guidance to improve the effectiveness of MSC-CM on periodontal regeneration in clinics.
The antennal scape organ of Scutigera coleoptrata (Myriapoda) and a new type of arthropod tip-pore sensilla integrating scolopidial components
Authors: Sombke Andy , Rosenberg Jörg , Hilken Gero , Müller Carsten H. G.
Published: November 2021

Background

Centipedes are terrestrial, predatory arthropods with specialized sensory organs. However, many aspects of their sensory biology are still unknown. This also concerns hygroreception, which is especially important for centipedes, as their epicuticle is thin and they lose water rapidly at low humidity. Thus, the detection of humid places is vital but to date no definite hygroreceptor was found in centipedes. House centipedes (Scutigeromorpha) possess a peculiar opening at the base of their antenna, termed ‘scape organ’, that houses up to 15 cone-shaped sensilla in a cavity. Lacking wall and tip-pores, these socket-less sensilla may be hypothesized to function as hygroreceptors similar to those found in hexapods.

Results

The cone-shaped sensilla in the scape organ as well as nearby peg-shaped sensilla are composed of three biciliated receptor cells and three sheath cells. A tip-pore is present but plugged by a highly electron-dense secretion, which also overlays the entire inner surface of the cavity. Several solitary recto-canal epidermal glands produce the secretion. Receptor cell type 1 (two cells in cone-shaped sensilla, one cell in peg-shaped sensilla) possesses two long dendritic outer segments that project to the terminal pore. Receptor cell type 2 (one cell in both sensilla) possesses two shorter dendritic outer segments connected to the first (proximal) sheath cell that establishes a scolopale-like structure, documented for the first time in detail in a myriapod sensillum.

Conclusions

The nearly identical configuration of receptor cells 1 with their long dendritic outer segments in both sensilla is similar to hexapod hygroreceptors. InScutigera coleoptrata, however, the mechanism of stimulus transduction is different. Water vapor may lead to swelling and subsequent elongation of the plug pin that enters the terminal pore, thus causing stimulation of the elongated dendritic outer segments. The interconnection of receptor cell 2 with short outer dendritic segments to a scolopale-like structure potentially suits both sensilla for vibration or strain detection. Thus, both sensilla located at the antennal base of scutigeromorph centipedes fulfill a dual function.
Genetic pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of short-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase hyperinsulinism
Authors: Zhang Wei , Sang Yan-Mei
Published: November 2021

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), a major cause of persistent and recurrent hypoglycemia in infancy and childhood. Numerous pathogenic genes have been associated with 14 known genetic subtypes of CHI. Adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel hyperinsulinism (KATP-HI) is the most common and most severe subtype, accounting for 40–50% of CHI cases. Short-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase hyperinsulinism (SCHAD-HI) is a rare subtype that accounts for less than 1% of all CHI cases that are caused by homozygous mutations in the hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (HADH) gene. This review provided a systematic description of the genetic pathogenesis and current progress in the diagnosis and treatment of SCHAD-HI to improve our understanding of this disease.
Co-existing of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia and cerebrovascular diseases: a series of 22 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Song Xiaowen , Li Zhi
Published: November 2021

Background

Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia is a fairly rare condition. Some literature have reported a few patients with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia suffering from vascular abnormalities. This study aimed to describe the possible coexistence of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia and cerebrovascular diseases for the first time.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed the 1175 patients with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia in Beijing Tiantan Hospital and the information of the 22 patients coexisted with cerebrovascular diseases were described. In addition, we performed a systematic review for cases of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia with vascular abnormalities.

Result

22 out of 1175 patients (1.9%) were diagnosed with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia and cerebrovascular diseases including 9 intracranial aneurysms, 4 venous malformations, 2 arteriovenous malformations, 1 moyamoya disease, 2 intracranial venous stenosis and 4 cerebral ischemia with a mean age of 38.18 years old. Only 2 patients were managed surgically for craniofacial fibrous dysplasia and 6 patients were treated with neurosurgery for cerebrovascular diseases. 8 patients were closely followed and only 1 patient’s symptoms worsened.

Conclusion

Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia might cause constriction of the intracranial vessels and alteration of the overall hemodynamics of the intracranial vasculature resulting in various cerebrovascular diseases. Multimodal screening and examinations seems reasonable for patients with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia for throughout treatment and prognosis evaluations.
Centrifugal force assessment in ram sperm: identifying species-specific impact
Authors: Neila-Montero Marta , Riesco Marta F. , Alvarez Mercedes , Montes-Garrido Rafael , Boixo Juan Carlos , de Paz Paulino , Anel-Lopez Luis , Anel Luis
Published: November 2021

Background

Centrifugation is routinely employed in handling the ejaculates of some species, but it is not part of the commonly used protocols in ram. However, the development and implementation of new assisted reproductive technologies, alternative preservation models based on washing sperm from a cellular ageing-accelerating substance such as the seminal plasma, and basic studies in spermatology is associated with the use of centrifugation. This requires a specific evaluation of the centrifugation protocols considering the species-specific relationship with the potential damage produced by this procedure. No previous studies have determined the effect of different centrifugation forces on ram sperm. Therefore, we aimed to assess the performance of three centrifugal forces (600×g, 3000×g, and 6000×g for 10 min at room temperature) and their effects on ram sperm motility and functionality.

Results

Sperm motility and functionality parameters were assessed at 0 h and after 2 h of incubation at 37 °C. As expected, a higher cell packaging degree was obtained at high centrifugation forces (P ≤ 0.0001). Cell packaging was unstable at all centrifugal forces. Thus, there was a high cell resuspension rate after less than 2 min. Regarding sperm quality, there was a change in movement pattern of 3000×g and 6000×g centrifuged sperm after 2 h of incubation at 37 °C, characterized by an increase in rapid progressive motility, linearity, straightness, and beat frequency, and a decrease in medium progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, path velocity, and head lateral amplitude. Non-significant differences were obtained among the different treatments concerning the total viability. However, we observed a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the percentage of viable apoptotic sperm in the samples centrifuged at 6000×g at 0 h.

Conclusions

Centrifugal forces equal to or greater than 3000×g induced some deleterious effects in ram sperm quality, and lower forces did not provide a successful cell packaging degree.