bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseline Predictors of Longitudinal Cognitive Outcomes in Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Poulose Prashanth , Varma Ravi Prasad , Surendran Meenu , Ramachandran Sushama S. , Rajesh P.G. , Thomas Bejoy , Kesavadas Chandrasekaran , Menon Ramshekhar N.
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The study aimed to explore longitudinal cognitive outcomes and to ascertain predictors of conversion to dementia in a hospital-based mild cognitive impairment (MCI) cohort classified according to the neuropsychological phenotype at baseline. Materials and Methods: Subjects aged >55 years who had a clinical diagnosis of MCI at initial visit between 2010 and 2018, with at least one formal neuropsychological assessment at baseline and follow-up of a minimum of 2 years were included. The prospective study was completed based on evaluation at last follow-up to gauge conversion to dementia, quantification of performance on activities of daily living and when available, longitudinal neuropsychological test scores. Results: Ninety-five patients with MCI met the inclusion criteria with a mean age of 68.4 ± 6.4 years at baseline and a mean duration of follow-up for 6.4 ± 3.2 years. The cumulative conversion rate to dementia was 22.2% (21/95) and the annualized conversion rate was 3.3% per year of follow-up. The majority of subjects who had converted had multidomain MCI (66%). Only white matter changes on MRI brain revealed correlation with baseline neuropsychology tests. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the utility of lower baseline list recognition (adjusted odds ratio: 0.735 [95% confidence interval: 0.589–0.916]; p 0.006), lower immediate logical memory (0.885 [0.790–0.990]; p 0.03), and high perseverative error scores on set shifting (3.116 [1.425–6.817]; p 0.004) as predictors of conversion. A model score of +2.615 could predict conversion with sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 98% over 6.4 years follow-up. Conclusion: There was a higher risk of conversion associated with multidomain MCI. Logistic regression-based estimations of dementia risk utilizing domain-based neuropsychology test scores in MCI have high specificity for diagnosis at baseline.
Accidental Ingestion of Allergic Food at Eating-Out and Home Meal Replacement by Children with Food Allergy
Authors: Imai Takanori
Published: April 2023

Introduction: In Japan, there are no regulations for allergy labeling in eating-out and home meal replacement (HMR). Consequently, patients with food allergy are at risk of accidental ingestion when using these services. It is necessary to understand the current situation of accidental food ingestion at eating-out and HMR to consider related legislation in the future. Methods: A Web-based survey was conducted from August to September 2021 among patients participating in the survey. The survey included information on the use of eating-out and HMR, frequency of accidental ingestion, medical institution visits and treatment, and reasons for accidental ingestion. Results: There were 1,141 valid responses, with 8 (5–15) years as the median age of the participants. Moreover, 769 (67.4%) participants had a history of anaphylaxis, 622 (54.5%) experienced accidental ingestion, of which 485 (42.5%) and 348 (30.6%) occurred while eating-out and at HMR, respectively. A total of 71 (14.6%) and 31 (8.9%) participants who had accidental ingestion while eating-out and at HMR, respectively, required hospitalization. Age, milk allergy, and a history of anaphylaxis were risk factors significantly associated with accidental ingestion. The reasons for the accidental ingestions were personal and store-side error for a total of 438 cases and of 356 cases, respectively. Discussion/Conclusion: It is necessary for both stores and patients to take measures to prevent accidental ingestion in eating-out and HMR. Additionally, the fact is that the lack of allergy labeling guidelines for eating-out and HMR is a major factor in the occurrence of accidental ingestion.
Limited Reimbursement and Underuse of Digital Healthcare Concepts Are Major Barriers to Clinical Allergological Care in Germany
Authors: Schober Anna Katharina , Hollstein Moritz Maximilian , Treudler Regina , Becker Sven , Epping Jelena , Hamelmann Eckard , Taube Christian , Wagenmann Martin , Wedi Bettina , Worm Margitta , Zink Alexander , Buhl Timo , Werfel Thomas , Traidl Stephan
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Allergic diseases represent a broad spectrum of high-prevalence, chronic conditions that remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aims of this interdisciplinary, questionnaire-based, non-interventional study were to identify and analyze potential barriers to clinical allergological care in Germany. Methods: All hospitals listed in the German hospital register involved in the treatment of allergological patients (n = 899) were invited to participate. The study yielded a response rate of 52.1% (n = 468). Results: Overall, 88.5% of clinics agreed that allergological care in Germany needs improvement, especially in terms of reimbursement for diagnostics and therapy. More than 80% of participating clinics reported that the decreased availability of test substances and the time-intensity of allergological testing represent relevant barriers. For dermatology and pulmonology, the former is the strongest barrier, while for pediatric and ENT clinics, time-intensity is regarded as the strongest barrier. The availability of good therapy and appropriate guidelines present no barriers to allergological care. Regarding the use of digital healthcare concepts, a very large majority of clinics (n = 352; 91.4%) do not offer video consultations or the use of health applications in patient care. Conclusion: In conclusion, we have identified several structural barriers to allergological care in Germany. Reimbursement and the use of digital healthcare concepts in German clinics providing allergological care need improvement. Based on the results of this study, there is an urgent need for researchers and policymakers to further investigate and support allergology departments in their clinical work and in their implementation of digital healthcare concepts.
Beyond the Rainbow: A Review of Advanced Lineage Tracing Methodologies for Interrogating the Initiation, Evolution, and Recurrence of Brain Tumors
Authors: Sabet Sara , Breunig Joshua J.
Published: April 2023

The mammalian forebrain is perhaps the pinnacle of evolution and one of the most complex structures in known existence. The origin of this complexity and diversity partly lies in dynamic behavior of progenitors during embryonic neural development, all of which is under the control of regulatory mechanisms that ensure all the elements end up in the right place at the right time. Historically, dye-base, histochemical, enzymatic, or fluorescent lineage tracing techniques have been used deconvolute developmental dynamics in tissues and cells. Technical limitations resulted from a restrictive number of fluorophores, the half-life of the dyes, or the ability to deconvolute mixed population. These limitations often impede larger scale lineage tracing using these methods in spatial and temporal contexts. Genetic barcoding techniques have been used for decades to explore clonal investigations and have now evolved with high-throughput sequencing methods to allow for impressive insights into population and even organism-level lineage relationships. In this review, we will discuss the progression of lineage tracing methodologies and how they are applied to answer questions around molecular and cellular mechanisms of gliogenesis and neurogenesis. We will also discuss recent advances in computational biology, single-cell sequencing, and in situ-based lineage tracing methodologies. Incorporation of these methods into toolset of lineage tracing promise to enable a higher resolution, multimodal view of neural lineages during development and disease processes that highjack developmental signaling such as brain tumor development and recurrence – where traditional developmental hierarchies become more plastic and less predictable. Given the dismal prognosis of high-grade brain tumors like glioblastoma multiforme, a better understanding of the lineage relationships leading to disease heterogeneity and recurrence is desperately needed to formulate efficacious approaches to treatment. Here we discuss a historical foundation on, as well as the future of, lineage tracing at the intersection of development and disease.
Status of the Implementation of Alternative Learning System in Jalajala Elementary School
Authors: Besmonte Ederlinda SJ.
Published: April 2023

The study aimed to assess the status of the implementation of Alternative Learning System (ALS) in Jalajala Elementary School during the School Year 2021-2022.  The study considered 148 ALS learners in the said school.  Purposive sampling technique was used. The respondents were described in terms of their age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, and monthly family income.  Descriptive survey research design was used. A researcher-made questionnaire-checklist was utilized to assess the implementation of Alternative Learning System (ALS) in public elementary schools with respect to teaching methodologies, instructional materials, and evaluative techniques.  Problems encountered in the status of the implementation of Alternative Learning System were also determined.

The study revealed that the ALS learners are mostly on their maturity ages and predominantly males. Most of them are single; have monthly income below Php 10,000 and mostly are high school undergraduates and elementary undergraduates.  Alternative Learning System is often implemented with respect to teaching methodologies, instructional materials and evaluative techniques as evaluated by ALS learners.  No significant difference exists on the perception of the respondents on the implementation of Alternative Learning System with respect to teaching methodologies, instructional materials, and evaluative techniques in terms of age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, and monthly family income.  The most common problems encountered by ALS learners on the implementation of Alternative Learning System are family problems, marital problem, and school too far from home and financial problem as well.

Some of the recommendations include continuous implementation of the programs in ALS, provision of better co-curricular programs, purchasing of needed facilities and equipment, and provision of opportunities to ALS graduates.
Structural Teaching of Basic Practice of Writing a Publication to Young Writers of a Public Elementary School
Authors: Apolonio Edmelyn V.
Published: April 2023

This study intends to enhance writing skills among young writers in a public elementary school through the structural teaching basic practice of writing a publication. Effective expression of one's own views, opinions, ideas, and values on a certain subject through writing using one's own language is a skill that should be nurtured in school for every student. This study used a descriptive research design, and the participants were 35 students from a public elementary school. Qualitative data were gathered through the use of questionnaires with pretest and post-test to analyze whether the implementation of structural teaching basic practice of writing a publication to young writers of public elementary school was effective in improving the students' writing skills. The study revealed the skills that most of the grade 4, grade 5 and grade 6 students have not yet mastered are the following: writing an explanation, talks, commenting on an issue and an opinion on an issue (97.14%); writing scripts for radio broadcasting and writing short news, editorials, and other parts of the newspaper (100%); writing a report, sports news, letter to the editor, script for radio broadcasting (100%) respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret data gathered. The students got a pretest mean score of 11.63 with a standard deviation of 0.55 and a post-test mean score of 25.66 with a standard deviation of 0.51. It is evident that there is an increase in mean score of +14.03 between pre and post-tests, from 11.63 to 25.66. The participants' pre-test and post-test differences are very significant based on the computed t-value of 29.08 0.05 level of significance. It is important to note that the use of structural teaching basic practice of writing a publication to young writers has improved their skills in writing.
Home-School Collaboration: Maximizing Resources and Efforts to Support Students’ Independent Learning
Authors: Rosales Rolly A.
Published: April 2023

Home-school collaboration is a valuable strategy for fostering independent learning. Hence, it must be explored in the context of the new normal where the printed modular learning modality is the widely chosen learning delivery among public schools across the country. This study explored how home-school collaboration cultivates and fosters students’ independent learning in the new normal across the districts of Bilar, Batuan, Carmen, and Sierra Bullones, Division of Bohol, as of the school year 2021 – 2022, with the end goal of proposing a home-school program initiative. A descriptive qualitative research design was employed through an open-ended survey method and semi-structured interview to gather the required data. Thematic Analysis was used in making sense of the data. The results revealed that home school collaboration involves providing the necessary learning resources and exerting efforts to support independent learning. Learning resources were key instructional or supplemental in nature. Efforts exerted by the people behind this collaboration include parent-teacher partnerships, the provision of learning resources, and remedial instruction. The themes that emerged from the discussion showed that the collaborative efforts between teachers and parents fostered independent learning, which has a facilitative effect on their cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. Thus, the learners evidently showed clear manifestations of independent learning, such as an optimistic attitude towards answering modules, eagerness to learn, enhanced reading performance, and a clear indication of integrity in answering their self-learning modules. However, some identified factors could hinder school-school collaborative efforts based on the participants' narratives, such as family, school-related, learning resources, and personal factors. In capsule, home-school collaboration is a valuable strategy for fostering independent learning through its facilitative effect on the learner's mind, emotion, and behaviors.
An Unbeliever Can Rule Dār al-Islām: Ḥanafī Law in the Wake of the Mongol Invasion
Authors: Chen Edith X.
Published: April 2023

Prior to the Mongol invasion of Iran in the 7th/13th century, Ḥanafī jurists had adopted two definitions of Islamic lands (dār al-islām): according to a “lenient” definition attributed to Abū Ḥanīfa, an unbelieving ruler may rule over dār al-islām, and according to a “strict” definition attributed to Abū Yūsuf and al-Shaybānī, he may not. As the Mongols overran Central Asia and Iran, later Ḥanafīs began to favor the lenient definition so that lands under non-Muslim occupation might retain the status of dār al-islām as long as Muslims had security and the freedom to worship. In this article, I evaluate the assumptions about Mongol rule that underpin the lenient definition. Persian historians such as Waṣṣāf and Shabānkāraʾī report that the Mongols permitted self-rule, and Muslims were adjudicated in their own courts according to Islamic law. Local histories support the claim that Islamic life can continue under occupation by nonbelievers.
Ovid and Petronius’ Pyramus and Thisbe (Satyricon 131.8-11 and Metamorphoses 4.55-166)
Authors: Agócs Peter , Lightfoot Jessica
Published: April 2023

Petronius’ engagement with Ovid’s poetry in the Croton episode of the Satyricon is more extensive than has previously been appreciated. As well as drawing upon Ovidian elegiac poetry, especially Amores 3.7, the description of Encolpius’ second failed tryst with Circe at Satyricon 131.8-11 also alludes to Ovid’s narrative of Pyramus and Thisbe at Metamorphoses 4.55-166. This ironic perversion of one of the Metamorphoses’ most innocent and tragic narratives parallels Petronius’ later Ovidian allusion at 135.3-137.12, where the story of the pious couple Philemon and Baucis (Met. 8.616-724) is recalled during Encolpius’ visit to Oenothea’s hut. Petronius’ engagement with the Metamorphoses during Encolpius’ exploits in Croton is thus shown to be deeper than has previously been realised.
A new species Eriope orlandoi (Lamiaceae) from the Chapada Diamantina of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: HARLEY RAYMOND MERVYN
Published: April 2023

Ongoing fieldwork has revealed that further new species of Eriope remain to be published. After a brief introduction, a new species from the Chapada Diamantina is described and illustrated.
Aristolochia laotica (subgen. Siphisia), a new species from Northeastern Laos
Authors: DO TRUONG VAN , HOANG THAO THI , WEN FANG , WANKE STEFAN , FORBES MALCOLM , SOULADETH PHETLASY
Published: April 2023

Aristolochia laotica, a new species from Northeastern Laos, is described and illustrated here. The horseshoe-shaped perianth tube, the 3-lobed limb, and the 3-lobed gynostemium support its placement into Aristolochia subgenus Siphisia. Of the species with cylindric or saccate-shaped limb, the new species resembles A. vuquangensis. However, it differs from the latter by having an oblanceolate to narrowly elliptic leaf lamina with a truncate to shallowly cordate base, pinnate veins, sparsely brown hirsute to glabrescent perianth, uniformly purple inner surface of utricle, indistinct, straight, strongly inflated limb lobes, and pubescent and warty inner surface of the limb lobes. Detailed description, color illustrations, and remarks on ecology, conservation status are also provided, along with a key to species reported in Laos and comparison with its similar species.
Evaluation of Graft Ligamentization by MRI After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Yau W.P. , Chan Yat-Chi
Published: April 2023

Background:

The tendon graft used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) undergoes “ligamentization” after implantation, and the reported length of this process varies from 6 to 48 months. Some grafts have ruptured at subsequent follow-up evaluations. Although the progress of graft ligamentization can be followed with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for reassessment, it is not known whether a delay in ligamentization (as reflected by a higher signal of the graft) is associated with an increased chance of subsequent graft rupture.

Hypothesis:

Signal intensity of the graft on reassessment MRI (signal-noise quotient [SNQ]) would be associated with the incidence of future graft rupture at subsequent follow-up.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 565 ACLRs with intact graft on first-time reassessment MRI after surgery were followed for a mean period of 67 months. The rates of 1-year and 2-year follow-up were 99.5% and 84.5%, respectively. The signal intensity of the intact graft on the first-time reassessment MRI was evaluated (1) quantitatively by the SNQ and (2) qualitatively with the modified Ahn classification. Among the 565 ACLRs, 23 additional graft ruptures developed during a time interval of 7 months to 9 years after the surgery.

Results:

Higher SNQ was associated with increased chance of subsequent graft rupture (SNQ 7.3 ± 6 for subsequent graft rupture vs 4.4 ± 4 for grafts without subsequent rupture; P = .004, Mann-Whitney U test). The other important confounders that were associated with increased chance of graft rupture were younger age at the time of ACLR ( P < .001) and longer follow-up time ( P = .002). Multiple linear regression showed that all 3 factors (higher SNQ, younger age, and longer follow-up) were independent predictors of graft rupture (SNQ, P = .03; age, P < .001; follow-up, P = .012). When the reassessment MRI was performed in the second year after ACLR, the odds ratio of future graft rupture of a heterogeneous hyperintense graft when compared with a homogeneous hypointense graft was 12.1 (95% CI = 2.8 to 52.6) P < .001, Fisher exact test).

Conclusion:

Higher signal intensity of the intact graft on reassessment MRI (higher SNQ and heterogeneous hyperintense graft) was associated with increased chance of subsequent graft rupture.
Creation of child-patient’s autonomy in a child-parent-doctor relationship: Medical doctors’ perspectives
Authors: Paron Kristi , Kutsar Dagmar
Published: April 2023

The present study is part of a larger research that analyses children’s autonomy in healthcare settings from the perspective of doctors, children and their parents. Based on responses of 52 medical doctors in Estonia, this paper explores doctor’s perspectives on how children’s autonomy is exercised in a child-parent-doctor triangle and how patient’s duality affects this process. The article combines relational theories of agency from childhood studies with the concept of children’s autonomy applied in children’s rights studies.
Omnibus test for restricted mean survival time based on influence function
Authors: Gu Jiaqi , Fan Yiwei , Yin Guosheng
Published: April 2023

The restricted mean survival time (RMST), which evaluates the expected survival time up to a pre-specified time point [Formula: see text], has been widely used to summarize the survival distribution due to its robustness and straightforward interpretation. In comparative studies with time-to-event data, the RMST-based test has been utilized as an alternative to the classic log-rank test because the power of the log-rank test deteriorates when the proportional hazards assumption is violated. To overcome the challenge of selecting an appropriate time point [Formula: see text], we develop an RMST-based omnibus Wald test to detect the survival difference between two groups throughout the study follow-up period. Treating a vector of RMSTs at multiple quantile-based time points as a statistical functional, we construct a Wald [Formula: see text] test statistic and derive its asymptotic distribution using the influence function. We further propose a new procedure based on the influence function to estimate the asymptotic covariance matrix in contrast to the usual bootstrap method. Simulations under different scenarios validate the size of our RMST-based omnibus test and demonstrate its advantage over the existing tests in power, especially when the true survival functions cross within the study follow-up period. For illustration, the proposed test is applied to two real datasets, which demonstrate its power and applicability in various situations.
“There Are Many of Us”: Online Testimonies From “Pill Victims” as a New Form of Health Activism
Authors: Turrini Mauro
Published: April 2023

The French pill scare is usually presented as a “media debate” triggered by the case of Marion Larat, a young woman who suffered a stroke attributed to the pill she was taking. This article intends to focus on a practice that preceded, accompanied, and followed this health scare: the publication of online testimonies of thrombotic reactions posted on the website of the French Association of Victims of Pulmonary Embolism and Stroke Associated with Hormonal Contraception (Avep). Through a discourse analysis, we intend to analyze these online public self-reports as an activist practice aimed at criticizing the dominant medical discourse on contraception. Four discursive frames emerged: unpreparedness of women and doctors, denial of blame and search for the cause, breaking the silence and building solidarity, and collective action. The first two frames concern the process women put in place to obtain the right to speak about and criticize a medical practice. The right to speak is achieved through a concise narrative style focusing on facts, bodily manifestations, and risk factors. The second pair refers to the formation of pill victims as subjects with an ambivalent status and ephemeral agency. The testimonies build what we call “lone solidarity”, that is, the creation of a social bond and action around a common experience of witnessing medical injustice that develops without any exchange between members. This proves to be inclusive and viral, but at the same time fiercely anti-representational with respect to political struggles or social identification.
Helping Grieving Mothers Guide Their Children Through the Grief Process
Authors: Shaler Laurel , Brooks Capri , Kuba Summer , Kitchens Sarah
Published: April 2023

This article is written to help counselors as they work with grieving mothers in their efforts to guide their children through the grief process while grieving themselves. It begins with a self-evaluation for counselors followed by an overview of the variances in grief between children, adolescents, and adults. Particular attention is paid to a newer aspect of grief study, which is thanatechnology. Following this overview, the article narrows in on the experiences of grieving mothers, leading to a discussion on specific counseling interventions as well as examples. Finally, a brief case study is provided for application purposes.
The House Is on Fire: A Reckoning of Leadership and DEI Initiatives in Predominantly White Schools
Authors: Theoharis George , George Leela , Mauldin Courtney
Published: April 2023

Sam Patrick, a White female superintendent is in her fourth year leading the Douglasville School District, a high-performing, predominantly White suburban district that has a long history of unacknowledged and unchecked racism and racial disparities. Sam is driven to embrace a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda and move the district in a new direction. The central conflict in the case is the district response to a racist ZOOM bombing incident involving a Black Assistant Principal and the n-word. This is a useful case for district leadership/ superintendency courses and professional development. Authors suggest exploring the issues through one or more of these frameworks: equity-focused leadership, culturally responsive leadership, social justice leadership, and anti-racist solidarity.
Ethical Issues when Using Digital Platforms to Perform Interviews in Qualitative Health Research
Authors: Maldonado-Castellanos Isaac , Barrios Liliana Mondragón
Published: April 2023

Qualitative studies have become increasingly common and have been used in different fields such as economics, politics, psychology, sociology and health research for different purposes. Instead of collecting numerical data, qualitative research’s goal is to gather information from participant’s experiences and perceptions. One of the tools to get data related to the participants’ experiences in qualitative research is through interviews. One tool that may be helpful for researchers today are digital and video platforms that fall under the domain of the internet-mediated research. The aim of this work is to identify and describe some ethical controversies when using videoconferencing platforms in qualitative health research for interview purposes. Four cases related to the use of digital platforms (videotelephony systems) to conduct interviews in qualitative research were discussed. Rather than give solutions, we reflect upon the possibility and plausibility of using these telecommunication technologies when using the technique of interviews in qualitative research. The ethical issues that may arise when using these technologies are related to privacy, confidentiality, accuracy of information and expertise when using the platforms. We think that the researcher is committed to making the best decisions in favor of the participant when using digital tools to gather information. In this regard, qualitative researchers may be benefited by the reflections we present insofar they may consider these possible scenarios that may rise ethical issues when collecting data. The activity of research needs to be escorted by constant ethical deliberations to protect participants’ rights during the collection of data phase.
Genome-wide identification of WD40 transcription factors and their regulation of the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex related to anthocyanin synthesis in Qingke (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f.)
Authors: Chen Lin , Cui Yongmei , Yao Youhua , An Likun , Bai Yixiong , Li Xin , Yao Xiaohua , Wu Kunlun
Published: April 2023

Background

WD40 transcription factors, a large gene family in eukaryotes, are involved in a variety of growth regulation and development pathways. WD40 plays an important role in the formation of MYB-bHLH-WD (MBW) complexes associated with anthocyanin synthesis, but studies of Qingke barley are lacking.

Results

In this study, 164 barley HvWD40 genes were identified in the barley genome and were analyzed to determine their relevant bioinformatics. The 164 HvWD40 were classified into 11 clusters and 14 subfamilies based on their structural and phylogenetic protein profiles. Co-lineage analysis revealed that there were 43 pairs between barley and rice, and 56 pairs between barley and maize. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that the molecular function, biological process, and cell composition were enriched. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) results showed that the RNA transport pathway was mainly enriched. Based on the identification and analysis of the barley WD40 family and the transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) results, we found that HvWD40-140 (WD40 family; Gene ID: r1G058730), HvANT1 (MYB family; Gene ID: HORVU7Hr1G034630), and HvANT2 (bHLH family; Gene ID: HORVU2Hr1G096810) were important components of the MBW complex related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in Qingke, which was verified via quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), subcellular location, yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), and bimolecular fluorescent complimentary (BiFC) and dual-luciferase assay analyses.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified 164 HvWD40 genes in barley and found that HvnANT1, HvnANT2, and HvWD40-140 can form an MBW complex and regulate the transcriptional activation of the anthocyanin synthesis related structural gene HvDFR. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for further study of the mechanism of HvWD40-140 in the MBW complex related to anthocyanin synthesis in Qingke.
The effect of biological agent on body composition in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Choi Eun Jeong , Baek Dong Hoon , Lee Hong Sub , Song Geun Am , Kim Tae Oh , Park Yong Eun , Lee Chang Min ,   Busan Ulsan Gyeongnam Intestinal Study Group Society (BIGS), Lee Jong Hoon
Published: April 2023

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD) is associated with altered body composition, affecting clinical outcomes. We evaluated the impact of biologics on body composition in CD patients.

Methods

This multicenter longitudinal study across four Korean university hospitals conducted from January 2009 to August 2021 retrospectively reviewed data of CD patients with abdominal computed tomography (CT) before and after the biologic treatment. Skeletal muscle area (SMA), visceral fat area (VFA), and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) on CT were measured. Myopenia was defined as L3 skeletal muscle index (SMI) of < 49 and < 31 cm2/m2 for men and women, respectively.

Results

Among 112 participants, 79 (70.5%) had myopenia. In the myopenia group, all body composition parameters were significantly increased after the biologic treatment: SMI (37.68 vs. 39.40 cm2/m2; P < 0.001), VFA (26.12 vs. 54.61 cm2; P < 0.001), SFA (44.29 vs. 82.42 cm2; P < 0.001), while no significant differences were observed in the non-myopenia group. In multivariate analysis, penetrating CD (hazard ratio, 5.40; P = 0.020) was the independent prognostic factor for surgery. Operation-free survival rate tended to decrease in the myopenia group (Log-rank test, P = 0.090).

Conclusions

Biological agents can increase all body composition parameters in CD patients with myopenia. These patients are more likely to experience surgery.
Disparities in oesophageal cancer risk by age, sex, and nativity in Kuwait:1980–2019
Authors: Akhtar Saeed , Al-Shammari Ahmad , Al-Huraiti Mohammad , Al-Anjery Fouzan , Al-Sabah Salman , Memon Anjum , Siddique Iqbal
Published: April 2023

Background

This cross-sectional cohort study assessed the inequalities in oesophageal carcinoma risk by age, sex and nativity in Kuwait: 1980–2019.

Methods

Using oesophageal cancer incidence data from the Kuwait National Cancer Registry, relevant Kuwaiti population data and World Standard Population as a reference, age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) (per 100,000 person-years) overall and by subcohorts were computed. The incident oesophageal cancer cases count was overdispersed with excessive structural zeros, therefore, it was analyzed using multivariable zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model.

Results

Overall ASIR of oesophageal cancer was 10.51 (95% CI:  6.62-14.41). The multivariable ZINB model showed that compared with the younger age category (< 30 years), the individuals in higher age groups showed a significant (p < 0.001) increasing tendency to develop the oesophageal cancer.  Furthermore, compared with the non-Kuwaiti residents, the Kuwaiti nationals were significantly (p < 0.001) more likely to develop oesophageal cancer during the study period. Moreover, compared with 1980-84 period, ASIRs steadily and significantly  (p < 0.005) declined in subsequent periods till 2015-19.

Conclusions

A high incidence of oesophageal cancer was recorded in Kuwait, which consistently declined from 1980 to 2019. Older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) and, Kuwaiti nationals were at high risk of oesophageal cancer. Focused educational intervention may minimize oesophageal cancer incidence in high-risk groups in this and other similar settings. Future studies may contemplate to evaluate such an intervention.
Spatial distribution and determinants of stunting, wasting and underweight in children under-five in Ethiopia
Authors: Kuse Kenenisa Abdisa , Debeko Dereje Danbe
Published: April 2023

Background

The burden of malnutrition in children under five remains an important child health issue where significant regional variations are observed in Ethiopia. The main aim of the current study was to explore the spatial distribution of stunting, wasting, and underweight in children under five in Ethiopia.

Methods

The secondary data from EDHS, 2016, was employed, and a total of 7960 under-five children were included in the analysis. The general spatial analysis was performed to explore the spatial distribution of malnutrition among under-five within and between the regions of Ethiopia. The Spatial Lag and Spatial Error models were used to examine the spatial dependence between stunting, wasting, and being underweight. The Geographically weighted regression analysis was performed to estimate the types and strength of relationships between malnutrition and associated determinant factors across the regions and within the clusters or Zones of each region.

Results

Among the under-five children included in the study, 36.6% were stunted, 12.2% were wasted and 25.2% were underweight. The Global Moran Index's value indicates (Stunting, I = 0.3135,p-value < 0.00001, Wasting, I = 0.1948,p-value < 0.0001 and Underweight, I = 0.5291,p-value < 0.0001) that there was a significant spatial variation of malnutrition across the regions and Zones of Ethiopia. The significant source of spatial variation of malnutrition in children under five was associated with the mother's education level, drinking water facility, toilet facilities, number of children under-five in the household, household’s wealth index, breastfeeding duration of the child, child size at birth, Body Mass Index of Mothers (BMI), region, and place of residence.

Conclusions

The spatial association and spatial patterns of stunting, wasting, and being underweight were clustered within and between the regions of Ethiopia. The hotspot areas of stunting, wasting, and being underweight were detected in the regions where there were poor health facilities and limited socioeconomic indicators.
An open-label randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a meningococcal serogroup B (4CMenB) vaccine on Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in gay and bisexual men: the MenGO study protocol
Authors: Thng Caroline , Semchenko Evgeny A. , Hughes Ian , O’Sullivan Maree , Seib Kate L.
Published: April 2023

Background

Gonorrhoea is an ongoing public health concern due to its rising incidence and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. There are an estimated 82 million new Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections each year, with several populations at higher risk for gonococcal infection, including gay and bisexual men (GBM). If left untreated, infection can lead to serious morbidity including infertility, sepsis and increased risk of HIV acquisition. Development of a gonorrhoea vaccine has been challenging, however there is observational evidence that serogroup B meningococcal vaccines, used to protect against the closely related bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, could provide cross-protection against N. gonorrhoeae.

Methods

The MenGO (Meningococcal vaccine efficacy against Gonorrhoea) study is a phase III open-label randomised control trial in GBM to evaluate the efficacy of the four-component meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, 4CMenB, against gonorrhoea. A total of 130 GBM will be recruited at the Gold Coast Sexual Health Clinic, Australia, and randomised to either receive 2 doses of 4CMenB or no intervention. Participants will be followed up for 24 months with testing for N. gonorrhoeae and other sexually transmissible infections every three months. Demographics, sexual behaviour risk, antibiotic use, and blood samples for analysis of N. gonorrhoeae-specific immune responses, will be collected during the study. The primary outcome is the number of N. gonorrhoeae infections in participants over 2 years measured by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Secondary outcomes are vaccine-induced N. gonorrhoeae-specific immune responses, and adverse events in trial participants.

Discussion

This trial will determine if the 4CMenB vaccine is able to reduce N. gonorrhoeae infection. If shown to be effective, 4CMenB could be used in gonococcal prevention. Analysis of 4CMenB-induced immune responses will increase understanding of the type of immune response needed to prevent N. gonorrhoeae, which may enable identification of a potential correlate of protection to aid future gonorrhoea vaccine development.

Trial registration

The trial has been registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001478101) on 25 October 2019.
LncRNA LINC00205 stimulates osteoporosis and contributes to spinal fracture through the regulation of the miR-26b-5p/KMT2C axis
Authors: Wang Hongtao , Xu Weilin , Chen Xiaoqing , Mei Xiongfeng , Guo Zhonghua , Zhang Juan
Published: April 2023

Background

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common bone disease marked by decreased bone strength. Increasing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) play important roles in the occurrence and progression of OP. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of LINC00205 in the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and OP.

Methods

Bone tissue samples were obtained from healthy controls and patients with osteoporosis with a spinal fracture (OP-Frx) or without a spinal fracture (OP-no-Frx). HMSCs were cultured and induced to undergo osteogenic differentiation. The expression of LINC00205, lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2C (KMT2C), and miR-26b-5p in bone tissues and cells was evaluated using western blotting and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The effects of LINC00205, miR-26b-5p, and KMT2C on calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mRNA levels of the osteogenic differentiation marker genes [ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2)] were investigated using alizarin red S staining, an ALP activity assay, and qRT-PCR, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to ascertain the binding relationship between miR-26b-5p and LINC00205/KMT2C.

Results

LINC00205 and KMT2C were upregulated in patients with OP-Frx and OP-no-Frx, whereas miR-26b-5p was downregulated. Furthermore, LINC00205 and KMT2C expression decreased, whereas that of miR-26b-5p increased over time from day 7 to 21 of the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. The knockdown of LINC00205 and KMT2C significantly increased ALP activity, calcium deposition, and the expression of RUNX2, ALP, and OCN. In contrast, the inhibition of miR-26b-5p yielded the opposite result. These data suggest that LINC00205 inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs by modulating the miR-26b-5p/KMT2C signaling axis.

Conclusion

LINC00205 promotes OP and is involved in spinal fractures. LINC00205 is also a potential negative regulator of the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.
Impact of digital health interventions for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus on health literacy: a systematic review
Authors: Naef Aurélia Naoko , Wilhelm Christoph , Tezcan-Güntekin Hürrem , Amelung Volker Eric
Published: April 2023

Background

Evidence shows that living with diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) in adolescent age is particularly challenging and difficult to manage. A high level of health literacy is important to prevent and avoid debilitating complications. Despite the increasing prevalence and incidence of T1DM by adolescent and the large use of digital health interventions, little is known about the association between this use and health literacy. This systematic review provides an overview on the impact of digital health interventions for adolescents with type 1 diabetes on health literacy and derive recommendations for further research.

Methods

Electronic searches were performed in five databases in Medline (Medline, PubMed + via PubMed), The Cochrane Library, EMBASE (via Ovid), Web of Science and PsycINFO from 2011 to 2021. In addition, grey literature searches were conducted in Google Scholar, OAlster and Trip. Relevant studies that have been missed by electronic and hand-searching strategies were searched in the reference lists of all included studies. The review followed PRISMA guidelines. Two researchers independently screened abstracts for initial eligibility and applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria to the relevant full-text articles. Quality was assessed using the tools RoB2 Cochrane, ROBINS I, NOS (Newcastle–Ottawa Scale), CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) for primary studies and Amstar-2 for secondary studies.

Results

Out of 981 studies, 22 were included in the final review. Most primary studies included in this review were judged as moderate overall risk of bias or with some concerns and most of the secondary studies as critically low quality reviews. Our findings suggest that the interplay of health care providers (HCP) and patients through social media helps the management of the disease. This corroborates Bröder et al.’ (2017) dimension of ‘communication and interactions’ in their concept of health literacy.

Conclusions

For adolescents with T1DM, social media may be a specific and beneficial intervention for an improved communication and interaction with their HCP. Further research should investigate what specific form of social media suits best for which adolescents.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered on the 15th of November 2021 on Prospero (reg. NR: CRD42021282199).
Association between triglyceride glucose-body mass index and cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a retrospective study
Authors: Cheng Yang , Fang Zhen , Zhang Xinxin , Wen Yuchen , Lu Jiaqi , He Shenghu , Xu Bing
Published: April 2023

Background

The triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI index) has been considered a reliable surrogate measure of insulin resistance; however, its ability to predict the incidence of cardiovascular disease in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the correlation between the TyG-BMI index and cardiovascular incidence.

Methods

A total of 2533 consecutive participants who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation were included. Data from 1438 patients was analyzed in the study. The endpoint was defined as a composite of acute myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, stroke, and all-cause mortality (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, MACCEs) at 34-month follow-up. The formula for calculating the TyG-BMI index is ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)/2] × BMI.

Results

Among the 1438 participants, 195 incident patient cases of MACCEs were ascertained. The incidence of MACCEs showed no statistically significant differences in the TyG-BMI index tertiles in the overall population. Further exploratory subgroup analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a linear relationship between the TyG-BMI index (per 1 SD increased) and MACCEs in the elderly patients (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.011–1.467, p = 0.038) and in the female patients (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.004–1.764, p = 0.047). The addition of the TyG-BMI index to traditional risk factor models in elderly and female patients did not improve risk prediction for MACCEs.

Conclusion

A higher TyG-BMI index was proportionally related to an increased incidence of MACCEs in the elderly or female patients. However, the inclusion of the TyG-BMI index did not provide better predictive performance for MACCEs in the elderly, specifically in female patients.
Progress in the study of parvovirus entry pathway
Authors: Shi Jiuming , Pei Yifeng , Yu Qian , dong Hao
Published: April 2023

A group of DNA viruses called parvoviruses that have significant effects on cancer therapy and genetic engineering applications. After passing through the cell membrane to reach the cytosol, it moves along the microtubule toward the nuclear membrane. The nuclear localization signal (NLS) is recognized by importin-beta (impβ) and other proteins from the complex outside the nuclear membrane and binds to enter the nucleus via the nuclear pore complex (NPC). There are two main pathways for viruses to enter the nucleus. The classical pathway is through the interaction of imp α and impβ with NLS via NPC. The other is the NPC mediated by the combination of impβ and it. While the capsid is introduced into the nucleus through classical nuclear transduction, there is also a transient nuclear membrane dissolution leading to passive transport into the nucleus, which has been proposed in recent years. This article mainly discusses several nuclear entry pathways and related proteins, providing a reference for subsequent research on viral entry pathways.
Chitosan nanoparticles modified TLC-densitometry for determination of imidacloprid and deltamethrin residues in plants: greenness assessment
Authors: Elbaz Ghadeer A. , Zaazaa Hala E. , Monir Hany H. , Abd El Halim Lobna M.
Published: April 2023

Two thin layer chromatography (TLC) methods have been developed for the determination of pesticides residues of imidacloprid (IMD) and deltamethrin (DLM) in thyme and guava leaves. In the two methods, the used stationary phase was silica gel 60 F254 plates impregnated in chitosan nanoparticles (ChTNPs) 0.5% to improve separation using a green developing system consists of isopropyl alcohol for IMD and n-hexane-toluene-ethylacetate for DLM. The two pesticides were determined quantitatively, after TLC separation, at wavelengths 270.0 nm for IMD and 230.0 nm for DLM. Validation of both approaches was carried out in agreement with the guidelines of International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and found to be selective, reliable and reproducible. Limits of detection of IMD and DLM were 0.002 and 0.00116 μg/spot, respectively. The newly developed TLC methods were used to monitor the pre-harvest interval estimation. Analytical eco-scaling depending on penalty points for IMD was calculated and showed that this method was eco-friendlier than the reported one.

Graphical Abstract