bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended prone positioning duration for COVID-19-related ARDS: benefits and detriments
Authors: Walter Thaïs , Zucman Noémie , Mullaert Jimmy , Thiry Ingrid , Gernez Coralie , Roux Damien , Ricard Jean-Damien
Published: July 2022

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many more patients were turned prone than before, resulting in a considerable increase in workload. Whether extending duration of prone position may be beneficial has received little attention. We report here benefits and detriments of a strategy of extended prone positioning duration for COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods

A eetrospective, monocentric, study was performed on intensive care unit patients with COVID-19-related ARDS who required tracheal intubation and who have been treated with at least one session of prone position of duration greater or equal to 24 h. When prone positioning sessions were initiated, patients were kept prone for a period that covered two nights. Data regarding the incidence of pressure injury and ventilation parameters were collected retrospectively on medical and nurse files of charts. The primary outcome was the occurrence of pressure injury of stage ≥ II during the ICU stay.

Results

For the 81 patients included, the median duration of prone positioning sessions was 39 h [interquartile range (IQR) 34–42]. The cumulated incidence of stage ≥ II pressure injuries was 26% [95% CI 17–37] and 2.5% [95% CI 0.3–8.8] for stages III/IV pressure injuries. Patients were submitted to a median of 2 sessions [IQR 1–4] and for 213 (94%) prone positioning sessions, patients were turned over to supine position during daytime, i.e., between 9 AM and 6 PM. This increased duration was associated with additional increase in oxygenation after 16 h with the PaO2/FiO2 ratio increasing from 150 mmHg [IQR 121–196] at H+ 16 to 162 mmHg [IQR 124–221] before being turned back to supine (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

In patients with extended duration of prone position up to 39 h, cumulative incidence for stage ≥ II pressure injuries was 26%, with 25%, 2.5%, and 0% for stage II, III, and IV, respectively. Oxygenation continued to increase significantly beyond the standard 16-h duration. Our results may have significant impact on intensive care unit staffing and patients’ respiratory conditions.

Trial registration: Institutional review board 00006477 of HUPNVS, Université Paris Cité, APHP, with the reference: CER-2021-102, obtained on October 11th 2021. Registered at Clinicaltrials (NCT05124197).
DeCAF: a novel method to identify cell-type specific regulatory variants and their role in cancer risk
Authors: Kalita Cynthia A. , Gusev Alexander
Published: July 2022

Here, we propose DeCAF (DEconvoluted cell type Allele specific Function), a new method to identify cell-fraction (cf) QTLs in tumors by leveraging both allelic and total expression information. Applying DeCAF to RNA-seq data from TCGA, we identify 3664 genes with cfQTLs (at 10% FDR) in 14 cell types, a 5.63× increase in discovery over conventional interaction-eQTL mapping. cfQTLs replicated in external cell-type-specific eQTL data are more enriched for cancer risk than conventional eQTLs. Our new method, DeCAF, empowers the discovery of biologically meaningful cfQTLs from bulk RNA-seq data in moderately sized studies.
The effect of Bushen Culuan Decoction on anovulatory infertile women among 6 different diseases: a study protocol for a randomized, double-blinded, positively controlled, adaptive multicenter clinical trial
Authors: Ma Kun , Shi Yun , He Junqin , Teng Xiuxiang , Wang Rongyu , Wang Guohua , Yu Yanan , Chen Yanxia , Gong Linjuan , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Huixian , Yuan Bochao , Zhang Chenhui
Published: July 2022

Background

Anovulation is one of the main causes of female infertility. This study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Bushen Culuan Decoction for anovulatory infertility caused by six diseases, including anovulatory abnormal uterine bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome, corpus luteum insufficiency, and premature ovarian insufficiency.

Methods

This is a randomized, double-blinded, double-dummy, parallel, positively controlled, adaptive, multicenter clinical trial. All participants will be randomly allocated by a central randomization system to the treatment group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. The treatment group will undergo a 14-day treatment with Bushen Culuan Decoction 13 g three times a day and a 5-day treatment with clomiphene citrate placebo tablets 50 mg once a day starting on day 5 of every menstrual period. The control group will undergo a 14-day treatment with Bushen Culuan Decoction placebo 13 g three times a day and a 5-day treatment with clomiphene citrate tablets 50 mg once a day from day 5 in every menstrual period. The whole treatment will last through 3 menstrual periods or 6 menstrual periods, depending on whether ovulation is regained in the first 3 menstrual periods. All statistical analyses will be performed in SPSS 21.0 (SPSS, Chicago, Illinois, USA), and a p value < 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Discussion

The objective of this RCT is to evaluate whether Bushen Culuan Decoction enables a higher pregnancy rate than clomiphene citrate in women with anovulatory infertility and to identify the anovulatory diseases for which Bushen Culuan Decoction has higher effectiveness .This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Xiyuan Hospital China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (No. 2017XLA037-2). The results of this study will be offered for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03709849. Registered on 19 November 2018.
The effect of sesame oil consumption compared to sunflower oil on lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Vahedi Hamid , Atefi Masoumeh , Entezari Mohammad Hassan , Hassanzadeh Akbar
Published: July 2022

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases in the world. There is strong evidence that dyslipidemia and other cardio-metabolic disorders are highly prevalent in patients with NAFLD. This trial aimed at examining the effect of sesame oil (SO) in the context of a weight loss program on lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in women with NAFLD.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was carried out on 60 women with NAFLD. Subjects were randomly assigned to the SO group (n = 30) and sunflower oil (SFO) group (n = 30), each person consuming 30 g of oil per day for 12 weeks. All the participants received a hypocaloric diet (− 500 kcal/day) during the study. Lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices were assessed at pre- and post-intervention phases.

Results

In total, 53 participants completed the study. Following 12 weeks of intervention, anthropometric indices (p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p < 0.05) were significantly decreased in both groups and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly decreased in So group (p = 0.03). There was no significant change in lipid profile in both groups (p > 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, DBP (p = 0.031) and total cholesterol (TC) divided by high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.039) in the SO group were significantly reduced compared to the SFO group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The present clinical trial revealed that SO and SFO may not differently affect anthropometric indices, SBP, and lipid profile except for TC/HDL-C. In addition, SO may be effective in improvement of DBP and TC/HDL-C compared to the SFO group.

Trial registration

Ethical approval of this trial was obtained at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with the reference number of IR.MUI.RESEARCH.REC.1399.548 (https://ethics.research.ac.ir/ProposalCertificateEn.php?id=158942&Print=true&NoPrintHeader=true&NoPrintFooter=true&NoPrintPageBorder=true&LetterPrint=true), and it was registered before the start of the patient recruitment on December 12th, 2020 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with the registration number of IRCT20140208016529N6.
Generalizability and reach of a randomized controlled trial to improve oral health among home care recipients: comparing participants and nonparticipants at baseline and during follow-up
Authors: Czwikla Jonas , Herzberg Alexandra , Kapp Sonja , Kloep Stephan , Rothgang Heinz , Nitschke Ina , Haffner Cornelius , Hoffmann Falk
Published: July 2022

Background

The generalizability of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a low response can be limited by systematic differences between participants and nonparticipants. This participation bias, however, is rarely investigated because data on nonparticipants is usually not available. The purpose of this article is to compare all participants and nonparticipants of a RCT to improve oral health among home care recipients at baseline and during follow-up using claims data.

Methods

Seven German statutory health and long-term care insurance funds invited 9656 home care recipients to participate in the RCT MundPflege. Claims data for all participants (n = 527, 5.5% response) and nonparticipants (n = 9129) were analyzed. Associations between trial participation and sex, age, care dependency, number of Elixhauser diseases, and dementia, as well as nursing, medical, and dental care utilization at baseline, were investigated using multivariable logistic regression. Associations between trial participation and the probability of (a) moving into a nursing home, (b) being hospitalized, and (c) death during 1 year of follow-up were examined via Cox proportional hazards regressions, controlling for baseline variables.

Results

At baseline, trial participation was positively associated with male sex (odds ratio 1.29 [95% confidence interval 1.08–1.54]), high (vs. low 1.46 [1.15–1.86]) care dependency, receiving occasional in-kind benefits to relieve caring relatives (1.45 [1.15–1.84]), having a referral by a general practitioner to a medical specialist (1.62 [1.21–2.18]), and dental care utilization (2.02 [1.67–2.45]). It was negatively associated with being 75–84 (vs. < 60 0.67 [0.50–0.90]) and 85 + (0.50 [0.37–0.69]) years old. For morbidity, hospitalizations, and formal, respite, short-term, and day or night care, no associations were found. During follow-up, participants were less likely to move into a nursing home than nonparticipants (hazard ratio 0.50 [0.32–0.79]). For hospitalizations and mortality, no associations were found.

Conclusions

For half of the comparisons, differences between participants and nonparticipants were observed. The RCT’s generalizability is limited, but to a smaller extent than one would expect because of the low response. Routine data provide a valuable source for investigating potential differences between trial participants and nonparticipants, which might be used by future RCTs to evaluate the generalizability of their findings.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00013517. Retrospectively registered on June 11, 2018.
Comparison of 8 weeks standard treatment (rifampicin plus clarithromycin) vs. 4 weeks standard plus amoxicillin/clavulanate treatment [RC8 vs. RCA4] to shorten Buruli ulcer disease therapy (the BLMs4BU trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled multi-centre trial in Benin
Authors: Johnson Roch Christian , Sáez-López Emma , Anagonou Esaï Sèdjro , Kpoton Godwin Gérard , Ayelo Adjimon Gilbert , Gnimavo Ronald Sètondji , Mignanwande Franck Zinsou , Houezo Jean-Gabin , Sopoh Ghislain Emmanuel , Addo Juliet , Orford Lindsay , Vlasakakis Georgios , Biswas Nandita , Calderon Felix , Della Pasqua Oscar , Gine-March Anna , Herrador Zaida , Mendoza-Losana Alfonso , Díez Gabriel , Cruz Israel , Ramón-García Santiago
Published: July 2022

Background

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans that affects skin, soft tissues, and bones, causing long-term morbidity, stigma, and disability. The recommended treatment for BU requires 8 weeks of daily rifampicin and clarithromycin together with wound care, physiotherapy, and sometimes tissue grafting and surgery. Recovery can take up to 1 year, and it may pose an unbearable financial burden to the household.

Recent in vitro studies demonstrated that beta-lactams combined with rifampicin and clarithromycin are synergistic against M. ulcerans. Consequently, inclusion of amoxicillin/clavulanate in a triple oral therapy may potentially improve and shorten the healing process.

The BLMs4BU trial aims to assess whether co-administration of amoxicillin/clavulanate with rifampicin and clarithromycin could reduce BU treatment from 8 to 4 weeks.

Methods

We propose a randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel-group, non-inferiority phase II, multi-centre trial in Benin with participants stratified according to BU category lesions and randomized to two oral regimens: (i) Standard: rifampicin plus clarithromycin therapy for 8 weeks; and (ii) Investigational: standard plus amoxicillin/clavulanate for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome will be lesion healing without recurrence and without excision surgery 12 months after start of treatment (i.e. cure rate). Seventy clinically diagnosed BU patients will be recruited per arm. Patients will be followed up over 12 months and managed according to standard clinical care procedures. Decision for excision surgery will be delayed to 14 weeks after start of treatment. Two sub-studies will also be performed: a pharmacokinetic and a microbiology study.

Discussion

If successful, this study will create a new paradigm for BU treatment, which could inform World Health Organization policy and practice. A shortened, highly effective, all-oral regimen will improve care of BU patients and will lead to a decrease in hospitalization-related expenses and indirect and social costs and improve treatment adherence. This trial may also provide information on treatment shortening strategies for other mycobacterial infections (tuberculosis, leprosy, or non-tuberculous mycobacteria infections).

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05169554. Registered on 27 December 2021.
Amitriptyline at low-dose and titrated for irritable bowel syndrome as second-line treatment (The ATLANTIS trial): protocol for a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial in primary care
Authors: Alderson Sarah L. , Wright-Hughes Alexandra , Ford Alexander C. , Farrin Amanda , Hartley Suzanne , Fernandez Catherine , Taylor Christopher , Ow Pei Loo , Teasdale Emma , Howdon Daniel , Guthrie Elspeth , Foy Robbie , Ridd Matthew J. , Bishop Felicity L. , Muir Delia , Chaddock Matthew , Herbert Amy , Cooper Deborah , Gibbins Ruth , Newman Sonia , Cook Heather , Longo Roberta , Everitt Hazel
Published: July 2022

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional bowel disorder that has a considerable impact on patient quality of life and substantial societal and health care resource costs. Current treatments are often ineffective. Tricyclic antidepressants have shown promise in secondary care populations but their effectiveness in a primary care setting remains unclear.

Methods

ATLANTIS is a randomised, multi-centre, parallel-group, two-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of low-dose amitriptyline as a second-line treatment for IBS in primary care. Participants will be invited by letter, or recruited opportunistically, from general practices in three regions of England (West Yorkshire, Wessex, and West of England) and screened for eligibility. A total of 518 adult patients with IBS, who are symptomatic despite first-line therapies, will be randomised 1:1 to amitriptyline or identical placebo for 6 months. Treatment will commence at a dose of 10 mg (or one placebo tablet) daily at night, with dose titration up to a maximum of 30 mg at night, depending on side effects and response to treatment. Participant-reported assessments will be conducted at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months post-randomisation. The primary objective is to determine the effectiveness of amitriptyline, compared with placebo, in improving participant-reported global symptoms of IBS at 6 months (using the IBS Severity Scoring System). Secondary outcomes include relief of IBS symptoms, effect on IBS-associated somatic symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-12), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), ability to work and participate in other activities (Work and Social Adjustment Scale), acceptability and tolerability of treatment, self-reported health care use, health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), and cost-effectiveness. A nested, qualitative study will explore patient and general practitioner experiences of treatments and trial participation, including acceptability, adherence, unanticipated effects, and implications for wider use of amitriptyline for IBS in primary care.

Discussion

Determining the clinical and cost-effectiveness of low-dose amitriptyline as a second-line treatment for IBS in primary care will provide robust evidence to inform management decisions.

Trial registration

ISRCTN ISRCTN48075063
. Registered on 7th June 2019.
Benzimidazole and aminoalcohol derivatives show in vitro anthelmintic activity against Trichuris muris and Heligmosomoides polygyrus
Authors: Valderas-García Elora , Häberli Cécile , Álvarez-Bardón María , Escala Nerea , Castilla-Gómez de Agüero Verónica , de la Vega Jennifer , del Olmo Esther , Balaña-Fouce Rafael , Keiser Jennifer , Martínez-Valladares María
Published: July 2022

Background

Infections by gastrointestinal nematodes cause significant economic losses and disease in both humans and animals worldwide. The discovery of novel anthelmintic drugs is crucial for maintaining control of these parasitic infections.

Methods

For this purpose, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential anthelmintic activity of three series of compounds against the gastrointestinal nematodes Trichuris muris and Heligmosomoides polygyrus in vitro. The compounds tested were derivatives of benzimidazole, lipidic aminoalcohols and diamines. A primary screening was performed to select those compounds with an ability to inhibit T. muris L1 motility by > 90% at a single concentration of 100 µM; then, their respective IC50 values were calculated. Those compounds with IC50 < 10 µM were also tested against the adult stage of T. muris and H. polygyrus at a single concentration of 10 µM.

Results

Of the 41 initial compounds screened, only compounds AO14, BZ6 and BZ12 had IC50 values < 10 µM on T. muris L1 assay, showing IC50 values of 3.30, 8.89 and 4.17 µM, respectively. However, only two of them displayed activity against the adult stage of the parasites: BZ12 killed 81% of adults of T. muris (IC50 of 8.1 µM) and 53% of H. polygyrus while BZ6 killed 100% of H. polygyrus adults (IC50 of 5.3 µM) but only 17% of T. muris.

Conclusions

BZ6 and BZ12 could be considered as a starting point for the synthesis of further structurally related compounds.

Graphical Abstract
The resting behavior of malaria vectors in different ecological zones of Ghana and its implications for vector control
Authors: Forson Akua Obeng , Hinne Isaac A. , Dhikrullahi Shittu B. , Sraku Isaac Kwame , Mohammed Abdul Rahim , Attah Simon K. , Afrane Yaw Asare
Published: July 2022

Background

In sub-Saharan Africa there is widespread use of long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying to help control the densities of malaria vectors and decrease the incidence of malaria. This study was carried out to investigate the resting behavior, host preference and infection with Plasmodium falciparum of malaria vectors in Ghana in the context of the increasing insecticide resistance of malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Indoor and outdoor resting anopheline mosquitoes were sampled during the dry and rainy seasons in five sites in three ecological zones [Sahel savannah (Kpalsogo, Pagaza, Libga); coastal savannah (Anyakpor); and forest (Konongo)]. Polymerase chain reaction-based molecular diagnostics were used to determine speciation, genotypes for knockdown resistance mutations (L1014S and L1014F) and the G119S ace1 mutation, specific host blood meal origins and sporozoite infection in the field-collected mosquitoes.

Results

Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) predominated (89.95%, n = 1718), followed by Anopheles rufipes (8.48%, n = 162) and Anopheles funestus s.l. (1.57%, n = 30). Sibling species of the Anopheles gambiae s.l. revealed Anopheles coluzzii accounted for 63% (95% confidence interval = 57.10–68.91) and 27% (95% confidence interval = 21.66–32.55) was Anopheles gambiae s. s.. The mean resting density of An. gambiae s.l. was higher outdoors (79.63%; 1368/1718) than indoors (20.37%; 350/1718) (Wilcoxon rank sum test, Z = − 4.815, P < 0.0001). The kdr west L1014F and the ace1 mutation frequencies were higher in indoor resting An. coluzzii and An. gambiae in the Sahel savannah sites than in the forest and coastal savannah sites. Overall, the blood meal analyses revealed that a larger proportion of the malaria vectors preferred feeding on humans (70.2%) than on animals (29.8%) in all of the sites. Sporozoites were only detected in indoor resting An. coluzzii from the Sahel savannah (5.0%) and forest (2.5%) zones.

Conclusions

This study reports high outdoor resting densities of An. gambiae and An. coluzzii with high kdr west mutation frequencies, and the presence of malaria vectors indoors despite the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying. Continuous monitoring of changes in the resting behavior of mosquitoes and the implementation of complementary malaria control interventions that target outdoor resting Anopheles mosquitoes are necessary in Ghana.

Graphical abstract
An equity analysis on the household costs of accessing and utilising maternal and child health care services in Tanzania
Authors: Binyaruka Peter , Borghi Josephine
Published: July 2022

Background

Direct and time costs of accessing and using health care may limit health care access, affect welfare loss, and lead to catastrophic spending especially among poorest households. To date, limited attention has been given to time and transport costs and how these costs are distributed across patients, facility and service types especially in poor settings. We aimed to fill this knowledge gap.

Methods

We used data from 1407 patients in 150 facilities in Tanzania. Data were collected in January 2012 through patient exit-interviews. All costs were disaggregated across patients, facility and service types. Data were analysed descriptively by using means, medians and equity measures like equity gap, ratio and concentration index.

Results

71% of patients, especially the poorest and rural patients, accessed care on foot. The average travel time and cost were 30 minutes and 0.41USD respectively. The average waiting time and consultation time were 47 min and 13 min respectively. The average medical cost was 0.23 USD but only18% of patients paid for health care. The poorest and rural patients faced substantial time burden to access health care (travel and waiting) but incurred less transport and medical costs compared to their counterparts. The consultation time was similar across patients. Patients spent more time travelling to public facilities and dispensaries while incurring less transport cost than accessing other facility types, but waiting and consultation time was similar across facility types. Patients paid less amount in public than in private facilities. Postnatal care and vaccination clients spent less waiting and consultation time and paid less medical cost than antenatal care clients.

Conclusions

Our findings reinforce the need for a greater investment in primary health care to reduce access barriers and cost burdens especially among the worse-offs. Facility’s construction and renovation and increased supply of healthcare workers and medical commodities are potential initiatives to consider. Other initiatives may need a multi-sectoral collaboration.
Integrated enhanced cognitive behavioural (I-CBTE) therapy significantly improves effectiveness of inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa in real life settings
Authors: Ibrahim Ali , Ryan Sharon , Viljoen David , Tutisani Ellen , Gardner Lucy , Collins Lorna , Ayton Agnes
Published: July 2022

Background

Inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa can be lifesaving but is associated with high rates of relapse and poor outcomes. To address this, the Oxford service has adapted the enhanced cognitive behavioural treatment (CBTE) model, first developed for inpatients in Italy to a UK national health service (NHS) setting. In this study, we compared the outcomes from treatment as usual (TAU), integrated CBTE (I-CBTE), and alternative treatment models in routine UK clinical practice.

Methods

This is a longitudinal cohort study, using routinely collected data between 2017 and 2020 involving all adults with anorexia nervosa admitted to specialist units from a large geographical area in England covering a total population of 3.5 million. We compared TAU with (1) I-CBTE (13 weeks inpatient CBTE, restoration to a healthy weight, combined with 7 weeks day treatment followed by 20 weeks of outpatient CBTE; (2) standalone inpatient CBTE (due to insufficient resources since the pandemic; and (3) 6–8 weeks admission with partial weight restoration as crisis management. Primary outcome measures (min. 1 year after discharge from hospital) were defined as: (1) good outcome: Body Mass Index (BMI) > 19.5 and no abnormal eating or compensatory behaviours; (2) poor outcome: BMI < 19.5 and/or ongoing eating disorder behaviours; (3) readmission; or (4) deceased. Secondary outcomes were BMI on discharge, and length of stay.

Results

212 patients were admitted to 15 specialist units in the UK depending on bed availability. The mean age was 28.9 (18–60) years, mean admission BMI was 14.1 (10–18.3), 80% were voluntary. At minimum 1-year follow up after discharge, 70% of patients receiving I-CBTE and 29% standalone inpatient CBTE maintained good outcomes, in contrast with < 5% TAU and crisis management admission. Readmission rates of I-CBTE were 14.3% vs ~ 50% (χ2 < 0.0001) in the other groups. The main predictors of good outcome were reaching healthy BMI by discharge, I-CBTE and voluntary status. Age, psychiatric comorbidity and length of stay did not predict outcomes. BMI on discharge and length of stay were significantly better in the CBTE groups than in TAU.

Conclusions

Our main finding is that in a real-life setting, I-CBTE has superior short- and minimum 1 year outcomes as compared with alternative inpatient treatment models. Dissemination of I-CBTE across the care pathway has the potential to transform outcomes of inpatient treatment for this high-risk patient population and reduce personal and societal costs.
Long-term low-dose exposure of permethrin induces liver and kidney damage in rats
Authors: Sun Ying-Jian , Liang Yu-Jie , Yang Lin , Long Ding-Xin , Wang Hui-Ping , Wu Yi-Jun
Published: July 2022

Background

Permethrin is one of the pyrethroid insecticides, which is widely used in agriculture and public health. Although acute toxicity of the insecticide has been studied, the chronic toxicity upon the long-term exposure has not been clear yet. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the organ toxicities of permethrin following its long-term low-dose exposure.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were daily administrated orally with permethrin (75 mg/kg body weight/day, gavage) for 90 days, and then the samples of biofluids (blood and urine) and organs including liver and kidney were collected. The serum and urine samples were measured by biochemical assay and the tissues of kidney and liver were examined and analyzed by histopathological method.

Results

The results showed that no change was found in serum and urine biochemical parameters for the toxicity; however, significant changes including hyperchromatic nuclei swollen in the hepatic parenchymal cells and the swelling proximal tubules in the kidneys were observed in the tissue structures of liver and kidneys in the histopathological sections.

Conclusion

These results indicate that low-dose long-term exposure of permethrin can cause chronic toxicity with slight liver and kidney damage.
A qualitative study on the involvement of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer during multiple research phases: “plan, structure, and discuss”
Authors: van Ham Camila Rosalinde , Burgers Vivian Wilhelmina Gerarda , Sleeman Sophia Helena Eva , Dickhout Annemiek , Harthoorn Niels Christiaan Gerardus Laurus , Manten-Horst Eveliene , van Eenbergen Mies Christina , Husson Olga
Published: July 2022

Background

Including the lived experience of patients in research is important to improve the quality and outcomes of cancer studies. It is challenging to include adolescents and young adults (AYAs) cancer patients in studies and this accounts even more for AYAs with an uncertain and/or poor prognosis (UPCP). Little is known about involving these AYAs in scientific research. However, by including their lived experiences during multiple phases of research, the quality of the study improves and therefore also the healthcare and quality of life of this unique patient group. We first aimed to document experiences of AYAs and researchers with AYA involvement initiatives using the Involvement Matrix and the nine phases of the research cycle. Second, we aimed to map the (expected) challenges and recommendations, according to patients and researchers, for AYA involvement in each research phase.

Methods

Thirteen semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with AYAs and researchers from February 2020 to May 2020. A thematic analysis codebook with a critical realistic framework was used to analyze the data.

Results

AYAs and researchers were predominantly positive about AYA involvement within six of the nine phases of research: identify and prioritize topics, develop study design, disseminate information, implement, and evaluate findings. Not all respondents were positive about AYA involvement in the following three phases: formulate research questions, conduct research, and analysis and interpretation. However, few respondents had experience with AYA-researcher collaborations in multiple phases of the research cycle. Last, the results indicate the importance of adding a role (practical support) and two phases (grant application and recruitment) to the Involvement Matrix.

Conclusion

Our results show the added value of AYA (with a UPCP) involvement within scientific research projects. We recommend researchers to actively think about the level and phase of collaboration prior to each research project, by involving and brainstorming with AYAs at the conception and throughout research projects. Besides, to enhance fruitful participation, we suggest thoroughly discussing the pros and cons of collaboration for each phase together with AYAs via the proposed Involvement Matrix to support transparency. We recommend to report experiences, choices, and results of AYA involvement.
Serum S100A8/A9 concentrations are associated with neuropsychiatric involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zervides Kristoffer A. , Jern Andreas , Nystedt Jessika , Gullstrand Birgitta , Nilsson Petra C. , Sundgren Pia C. , Bengtsson Anders A. , Jönsen Andreas
Published: July 2022

Background

Neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement and fatigue are major problems in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). S100A8/A9 is a marker of inflammation and responds to therapy in SLE patients. S100A8/A9 has an immunopathogenic role in various neurological diseases. We investigated S100A8/A9 in relation to NP-involvement and fatigue in SLE.

Methods

72 consecutive SLE outpatients at a tertiary centre and 26 healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. NPSLE was determined by specialists in rheumatology and neurology and defined according to three attribution models: “ACR”, “SLICC A” and “SLICC B”. Cerebral MRI was assessed by a neuroradiologist and neurocognitive testing by a neuropsychologist. The individuals were assessed by scores of pain (VAS), fatigue (VAS and FSS), and depression (MADRS-S). Concentrations of S100A8/A9 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid were measured with ELISA. Statistical calculations were performed using non-parametric methods.

Results

Serum concentrations of S100A8/A9 were higher in SLE patients compared with controls (medians 1230 ng/ml; 790 ng/ml, p = 0.023). The concentrations were higher in NPSLE patients compared with non-NPSLE patients when applying the SLICC A and ACR models, but not significant when applying the SLICC B model (medians 1400 ng/ml; 920 ng/ml, p = 0.011; 1560 ng/ml; 1090 ng/ml, p = 0.050; 1460 ng/ml; 1090 ng/ml, p = 0.083, respectively). No differences of CSF S100A8/A9 concentrations were observed between NPSLE and non-NPSLE patients. SLE patients with depression or cognitive dysfunction as an ACR NPSLE manifestation had higher serum S100A8/A9 concentrations than non-NPSLE patients (median 1460 ng/ml, p = 0.007 and 1380 ng/ml, p = 0.013, respectively). Higher serum S100A8/A9 correlated with higher VAS fatigue (r = 0.31; p = 0.008) and VAS pain (r = 0.27, p = 0.021) in SLE patients. Serum S100A8/A9 was not independently associated with NPSLE when adjusting for scores of fatigue (FSS) and pain (VAS) (OR 1.86, 95% CI 0.93–3.73, p = 0.08).

Conclusions

Serum S100A8/A9 concentrations may be associated with NPSLE and fatigue. S100A8/A9 may be of interest in evaluating NPSLE, although further investigations are needed.
The association between variant rs9939609 in the FTO gene with free leptin index and the risk of obesity in the Indonesian children population
Authors: Lubis Siska Mayasari , Fattah Miswar , Batubara Jose R. L.
Published: July 2022

Background

Several studies have reported that fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO), especially thers9939609polymorphism, are associated with obesity and high leptin levels. The free leptin index (FLI) is known to be accurate in determining the function of leptin. The aim of this study was to determine the association between thers9939609variant in the FTO gene and FLI and the risk of obesity among children living in Medan, Indonesia.

Methods

This case–control study included 212 children aged 6–12 years who were genotyped for variants of thers9939609FTO gene. The case group consisted of children with obesity who were < 6 years old, and the control group had a normal body mass index and came from the Bataknese or Chinese ethnicities. Anthropometric measurements were performed. Serum leptin and soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) levels were measured. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the risk of having obesity associated with the risk allele.

Results

In this study, there was no significant association between leptin, soluble leptin receptor, or free leptin index and thers9939609FTO gene; however, the risk allele (A) of FTO rs9939609 had a significant association with obesity in Chinese ethnicity subjects (p < 0.05). TheAA/ATgenotype had an increased risk of FLI 5.889 times compared to theTTgenotype. Multivariate analysis showed that thers9939609polymorphism in the FTO gene played a role in obesity through the FLI.

Conclusion

It was concluded that thers9939609polymorphism played a significant role in obesity through FLI. Further studies are still needed.
Impact of the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiotherapy Practice at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Tibdewal Anil , Pathak Rima , Kumar Anuj , Anand Sachith , Ghosh Laskar Sarbani , Sarin Rajiv , Chopra Supriya , Engineer Reena , Laskar Siddharth , Murthy Vedang , Gupta Tejpal , Agarwal Jai Prakash
Published: July 2022

PURPOSE

Delivery of cancer care during the pandemic required adopting various changes in the standard management. We analyzed the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiation oncology treatment practices at Tata Memorial Hospital in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 1 to October 31, 2020, all consecutive patients who attended the radiation oncology department for radiotherapy treatment were included in this study. Electronic medical records, patient files, and telephonic consult were used to collect patient's data including changes in the standard treatment practice, COVID-19 testing and its results, and subsequent impact on radiotherapy treatment. Comparison was done with the same period data of 2019 for the number of the caseload, radiotherapy regimen, referral rates, and noncompliance rates.

RESULTS

Our study included 4,256 patients with a median age of 52 years (interquartile range 41-61 years). There was a significant drop in the new-patient registrations (approximately 63%), radiotherapy consultations (44.9%), and referrals to other centers (27.8%). The reduction in the caseload was highest for genitourinary cases (–58.5%) and the lowest for breast cases (–11.5%) when compared with the 2019 cohort. Among those treated with radical intent, the noncompliance rate was 15%. Hypofractionation was the commonly adopted regimen across all sites. Compared with 2019, the maximum reduction in the average fractions per patient was seen in the breast cancer cases (–8.2 fraction), followed by genitourinary cases (–4.9 fraction). Of the 27.8% of patients tested for COVID-19, 13.4% turned positive and 3.4% died due to the disease.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the number of radiotherapy consultations and treatments at our institute. However, our department offered uninterrupted services despite grave challenges. Hypofractionated regimen was used across disease sites to minimize patient visits and allow planned treatment completion. Radiotherapy was delivered safely, and patients experienced low rates of COVID positivity during radiotherapy and even lower mortality.
Inward Turns, Then and Now
Authors: Des Forges Alexander
Published: July 2022

The term involution has been used to characterize economic development and state formation in eighteenth- through twentieth-century China; more recently, it has seen unprecedented popularity in Chinese-language social media as a representation of the lived experience of individuals in the contemporary era. In each of these cases, the trope of involution implies a judgment on the productivity of labor and resources invested and is often tied to discourses of “Chinese uniqueness.” In Sinological circles as in social media, however, the dynamics that involution claims to represent are better explained through Malthusian approaches to the problem of population increase and Marxist understandings of the relationship between capital and labor: the dynamics in question are not unique to China but typical of broader movements in the world system. I argue nonetheless that the rhetoric of involution deserves closer investigation, and focus particular attention on involution's origins in the field of aesthetics and the rise of involutionary parallelism in the Ming-Qing examination essay. It is here that the dynamics of cultural capital that dominate in the Ming and Qing anticipate the effects of surveillance capital in the twenty-first century. When a so-called eight-legged essay folds back into its own prose both literally and figuratively, can we simply dismiss the complex interiority that results? Or does it speak as well to our contemporary anxieties about individual identity in the age of algorithms?
Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying plasma membrane functionality and integrity
Authors: Vasconcelos-Cardoso Maria , Batista-Almeida Daniela , Rios-Barros Laura Valeria , Castro-Gomes Thiago , Girao Henrique
Published: July 2022

The plasma membrane not only protects the cell from the extracellular environment, acting as a selective barrier, but also regulates cellular events that originate at the cell surface, playing a key role in various biological processes that are essential for the preservation of cell homeostasis. Therefore, elucidation of the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of plasma membrane integrity and functionality is of utmost importance. Cells have developed mechanisms to ensure the quality of proteins that inhabit the cell surface, as well as strategies to cope with injuries inflicted to the plasma membrane. Defects in these mechanisms can lead to the development or onset of several diseases. Despite the importance of these processes, a comprehensive and holistic perspective of plasma membrane quality control is still lacking. To tackle this gap, in this Review, we provide a thorough overview of the mechanisms underlying the identification and targeting of membrane proteins that are to be removed from the cell surface, as well as the membrane repair mechanisms triggered in both physiological and pathological conditions. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying protein quality control at the plasma membrane can reveal promising and unanticipated targets for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
Effect of Catalyst Support in B12-Based Heterogeneous Catalysts for Catalytic Alkane Oxidations
Authors: Cheng Jiamin , Matsumoto Hikaru , Shichijo Keita , Miura Yoshiko , Shimakoshi Hisashi
Published: July 2022

Heterogeneous catalysts composed of a vitamin B12 derivative with a polymer or mesoporous silica were synthesized and characterized. These two types of catalysts were used in alkane oxidation reactions with mCPBA oxidant, and improved catalytic efficiency was obtained using the polymer supported B12 catalyst with a monolith structure compared to that of the monomeric B12 catalyst. The catalytic effects were also evaluated in several alkane substrates and the polymer supported B12 catalyst showed a better performance in all reactions compared to the silica-supported B12 catalyst.
The disconnect between researcher ambitions and reality in achieving impact in the Earth & Environmental Sciences – author survey
Authors: Kelly Andrew , Gardner Victoria , Gilbert Anna
Published: July 2022

Background: There is an increasing desire for research to provide solutions to the grand challenges facing our global society, such as those expressed in the UN SDGs (“real-world impact”). Herein, we undertook an author survey to understand how this desire influenced the choice of research topic, choice of journal, and preferred type of impact.

Methods: We conducted a survey of authors who had published in >100 of our Earth & Environmental Science journals. The survey was sent to just under 60,000 authors and we received 2,695 responses (4% response rate).  

Results: Respondents indicated that the majority of their research (74%) is currently concerned with addressing urgent global needs, whilst 90% of respondents indicated that their work either currently contributed to meeting real-world problems or that it would be a priority for them in the future; however, the impetus for this research focus seems to be altruistic researcher desire, rather than incentives or support from publishers, funders, or their institutions. Indeed, when contextualised within existing reward and incentive structures, respondents indicated that citations or downloads were more important to them than contributing to tackling real-world problems.

Conclusions: At present, it seems that the laudable and necessary ambition of researchers in the Earth & Environmental Sciences to contribute to the tackling of real-world problems, such as those included in the UN SDGs, is seemingly being lost amidst the realities of being a researcher, owing to the prioritisation of other forms of impact, such as citations and downloads.
Clinical case of acute intestinal objection caused by a foreign body
Authors: Benedyct V. , Prodan A. , Bahrii V.
Published: July 2022

Acute intestinal obstruction of various genesis remains one of the complex and urgent problems of emergency surgery. The reasons for unsatisfactory treatment results are late medical treatment and old age of such patients. The aim of the study was to shed light on a clinical case of acute intestinal obstruction on the background of diverticulosis of the distal colon.

The patient K. was treated in 75 years with the analysis of X-ray examination X-ray, ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, computed tomography of the abdominal cavity. The diagnosis was: acute obstructive intestinal obstruction in the stage of decompensation on the background of concomitant pathology: Diverticulosis of the sigmoid and descending intestine. Diverticulitis. The patient underwent surgery: upper-middle laparotomy, total nasogastrointestinal intubation, retrograde intubation of the colon, suspended sigmostoma, drainage of the abdominal cavity. In the postoperative period for 3 days in the fecal mass found a foreign body – a polyethylene film measuring 35x50 cm.

Thus, conducting a dynamic X-ray and sonographic examination in patients with acute obstruction of the digestive tract allows to confirm the presence of this pathology, but does not always help to establish the cause of this disease.
role of vegetation structure and abiotic factors affecting the temporal dynamics of ant foraging
Authors: Santos Josieia Teixeira , Da Silva Brito Emanuelle Luiz , De Mendonça Santos Gilberto Marcos
Published: July 2022

The study of foraging dynamics is essential to understanding the way organisms arrange themselves to reduce the effects of competition in the most diverse natural systems. The analysis of temporal foraging patterns is an important tool for understanding how ant communities respond to different environmental conditions. Thus, to verify how complexity of the vegetation and abiotic factors can influence ground-dwelling ants communities, we evaluated the foraging temporal patterns in three types of landscapes (Grassland, Arboreal Caatinga, Shrub Caatinga) in an área of dry seasonal rainforest. These environments were characterized by abundance of plant life forms. The ants were collected by pitfall trap, arranged in six rows each with five traps. The pitfalls were inspected every hour from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, and temperature and humidity data were taken at the same time. The foraging structure of ant communities presented a nested pattern between the phytophysiognomies, but with variation in the observed metric values. For less complex environments, foraging activity was restricted to preferential times, demonstrating a temporal niche partition. Despite more complex environments have a greater richness of species foraging throughout the day, we found greater diversity in environment with intermediate complexity. Temperature influences the richness of foraging ants throughout the day, but we found no effect on diversity. Our results indicate that, although temperature may influence the temporal dynamics of ground-dwelling ant communities, changes in the structural complexity of the environment affect the foraging activity among species, influencing ant-mediated ecological processes.