bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frailty and long-term survival of patients with ovarian cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Kemin , Yin Rutie , Li Zhengyu
Published: October 2022

Background

Frailty has been related with poor prognosis of various diseases, including ovarian cancer. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between frailty and long-term survival of patients with ovarian cancer.

Methods

Relevant cohort studies were retrieved by search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane’s Library, and Web of Science electronic databases. Two authors independently performed literature search, data collection, and statistical analyses. A random-effect model incorporating the possible influence of heterogeneity was used to pool the results.

Results

Nine cohort studies including 2497 women with confirmed diagnosis of ovarian cancer contributed to the meta-analysis, and 536 (21.5%) of them were with high frailty. The median follow-up durations varied between 24 and 69 months. Compared to patients with low or non-frailty, OC patients with high frailty were associated with poor overall survival (risk ratio [RR]: 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41 to 1.85, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%) and progression-free survival (RR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.89, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses according to study design, cancer stage, age of patients, scales for frailty evaluation, follow-up duration, and quality score of the included study showed consistent association between high frailty and poor overall survival in women with ovarian cancer (p for subgroup effects all < 0.05). After considering GRADE criteria for strength of the evidence, it was rated low for both the two outcomes.

Conclusion

High frailty may be an independent risk factor of poor survival in women with ovarian cancer. Evaluating frailty may be important for predicting the prognosis and determining the optimal anticancer treatments in women with ovarian cancer.

Systematic Review Registration

https://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY202290028.
Identification and validation of a lipid metabolism gene signature for predicting biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Cai Yingxin , Lin Jingwei , Wang Zuomin , Ma Yuxiang , Pan Jinyou , Liu Yangzhou , Zhao Zhigang
Published: October 2022

Background

Pro5state cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men worldwide and biochemical recurrence occurs in approximately 25% of patients after radical prostatectomy. Current decisions regarding biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy are largely dependent on clinicopathological parameters, which are less accurate. A growing body of research suggests that lipid metabolism influences tumor development and treatment, and that prostate cancer is not only a malignancy but also a lipid metabolism disease. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prognostic value of lipid metabolism-related gene signaling disease to better predict biochemical recurrence and contribute to clinical decision-making.

Methods

Expression data and corresponding clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the MSKCC database. Candidate modules closely associated with BCR were screened by univariate and LASSOcox regression analyses, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to construct gene signatures. Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis, time-dependent subject operating curves (ROC), independent prognostic analysis, and Nomogram were also used to assess the prognostic value of the signatures. In addition, Gene Ontology Analysis (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to explore potential biological pathways.

Results

A 6-gene lipid metabolism-related gene signature was successfully constructed and validated to predict biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer patients. In addition, we identified the 6-gene signature as an independent risk factor. Functional analysis showed that lipid metabolism-related genes were closely associated with arachidonic acid metabolism, PPAR transduction signaling pathway, fatty acid metabolism, peroxisome, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Prognostic models were associated with immune cell infiltration.

Conclusion

We have successfully developed a novel lipid metabolism-related gene signature that is highly effective in predicting BCR in patients with limited prostate cancer after RP and created a prognostic Nomogram. Furthermore, the signature may help clinicians to select high-risk subpopulations, predict patient survival, and facilitate more personalized treatment than traditional clinical factors.
Integrated single-cell and transcriptome sequencing analyses determines a chromatin regulator-based signature for evaluating prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shi Qingtong , Han Song , Liu Xiong , Wang Saijian , Ma Haitao
Published: October 2022

Background

Accumulating evidence has highlighted the significance of chromatin regulator (CR) in pathogenesis and progression of cancer. However, the prognostic role of CRs in LUAD remains obscure. We aim to detect the prognostic value of CRs in LUAD and create favorable signature for assessing prognosis and clinical value of LUAD patients.

Methods

The mRNA sequencing data and clinical information were obtained from TCGA and GEO databases. Gene consensus clustering analysis was utilized to determine the molecular subtype of LUAD. Cox regression methods were employed to set up the CRs-based signature (CRBS) for evaluating survival rate in LUAD. Biological function and signaling pathways were identified by KEGG and GSEA analyses. In addition, we calculated the infiltration level of immunocyte by CIBERSORT algorithm. The expressions of model hub genes were detected in LUAD cell lines by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

KEGG analysis suggested the CRs were mainly involved in histone modification, nuclear division and DNA modification. Consensus clustering analysis identified a novel CRs-associated subtype which divided the combined LUAD cohort into two clusters (C1 = 217 and C2 = 296). We noticed that a remarkable discrepancy in survival rate among two clusters. Then, a total of 120 differentially expressed CRs were enrolled into stepwise Cox analyses. Four hub CRs (CBX7, HMGA2, NPAS2 and PRC1) were selected to create a risk signature which could accurately forecast patient outcomes and differentiate patient risk. GSEA unearthed that mTORC1 pathway, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and p53 pathway were greatly enriched in CRBS-high cohort. Moreover, the infiltration percentages of macrophage M0, macrophage M2, resting NK cells, memory B cells, dendritic cells and mast cells were statistically significantly different in the two groups. PCR assay confirmed the differential expression of four model biomarkers.

Conclusions

Altogether, our project developed a robust risk signature based on CRs and offered novel insights into individualized treatment for LUAD cases.
Characterization of pediatric brain tumors using pre-diagnostic neuroimaging
Authors: Green Shannon , Vuong Victoria D. , Khanna Paritosh C. , Crawford John R.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To evaluate for predictive neuroimaging features of pediatric brain tumor development and quantify tumor growth characteristics in patients who had neuroimaging performed prior to a diagnosis of a brain tumor.

Methods

Retrospective review of 1098 consecutive pediatric patients at a single institution with newly diagnosed brain tumors from January 2009 to October 2021 was performed to identify patients with neuroimaging prior to the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Pre-diagnostic and diagnostic neuroimaging features (e.g., tumor size, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values), clinical presentations, and neuropathology were recorded in those patients who had neuroimaging performed prior to a brain tumor diagnosis. High- and low-grade tumor sizes were fit to linear and exponential growth regression models.

Results

Fourteen of 1098 patients (1%) had neuroimaging prior to diagnosis of a brain tumor (8 females, mean age at definitive diagnosis 8.1 years, imaging interval 0.2-8.7 years). Tumor types included low-grade glioma (n = 4), embryonal tumors (n = 2), pineal tumors (n=2), ependymoma (n = 3), and others (n = 3). Pre-diagnostic imaging of corresponding tumor growth sites were abnormal in four cases (28%) and demonstrated higher ADC values in the region of high-grade tumor growth (p = 0.05). Growth regression analyses demonstrated R2-values of 0.92 and 0.91 using a linear model and 0.64 and 0.89 using an exponential model for high- and low-grade tumors, respectively; estimated minimum velocity of diameter expansion was 2.4 cm/year for high-grade and 0.4 cm/year for low-grade tumors. High-grade tumors demonstrated faster growth rate of diameter and solid tumor volume compared to low-grade tumors (p = 0.02, p = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

This is the first study to test feasibility in utilizing pre-diagnostic neuroimaging to demonstrate that linear and exponential growth rate models can be used to estimate pediatric brain tumor growth velocity and should be validated in a larger multi-institutional cohort.
Topology of pain networks in patients with temporomandibular disorder and pain-free controls with and without concurrent experimental pain: A pilot study
Authors: Smith Jeremy L. , Allen Jason W. , Fleischer Candace C. , Harper Daniel E.
Published: October 2022

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) involve chronic pain in the masticatory muscles and jaw joints, but the mechanisms underlying the pain are heterogenous and vary across individuals. In some cases, structural, functional, and metabolic changes in the brain may underlie the condition. In the present study, we evaluated the functional connectivity between 86 regions of interest (ROIs), which were chosen based on previously reported neuroimaging studies of pain and differences in brain morphology identified in an initial surface-based morphometry analysis. Our main objectives were to investigate the topology of the network formed by these ROIs and how it differs between individuals with TMD and chronic pain (n = 16) and pain-free control participants (n = 12). In addition to a true resting state functional connectivity scan, we also measured functional connectivity during a 6-min application of a noxious cuff stimulus applied to the left leg. Our principal finding is individuals with TMD exhibit more suprathreshold correlations (higher nodal degree) among all ROIs but fewer “hub” nodes (i.e., decreased betweenness centrality) across conditions and across all pain pathways. These results suggest is this pain-related network of nodes may be “over-wired” in individuals with TMD and chronic pain compared to controls, both at rest and during experimental pain.
Association of rs2435357 and rs2506030 polymorphisms in RET with susceptibility to hirschsprung disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mu Jianhua , Zhang Yuxi , Liao Guoying , Li Xinxin , Luo Yinyan , Huang Zhaorong , Luo Caiyun , Wu Kai
Published: October 2022

Background

There are numerous published studies on the association between RET polymorphisms and susceptibility to Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). However, some of the results are inconsistent and the studies were conducted with small sample sizes. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify the relationship.

Methods

Relevant data were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, and Google Scholar according to PRISMA guidelines. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to assess susceptibility to HSCR. Meanwhile, heterogeneity and publication bias were also calculated by R software package (version 4.2.1). The protocol was published in PROSPERO (CRD42022348940).

Results

A total of 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis and comprised 12 studies on the RET polymorphism rs2435357 (1,939 subjects and 3,613 controls) and 7 studies on the RET polymorphism rs2506030 (1,849 patients with HSCR and 3,054 controls). The analysis revealed that rs2435357 [A vs. G: odds ratio (OR) = 3.842, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.829–5.220; AA vs. GG: OR = 2.597, 95% CI 1.499–4.501; AA + AG vs. GG: OR = 6.789, 95% CI 3.0711–14.9973; AA vs. AG + GG: OR = 8.156, 95%CI 5.429–12.253] and rs2506030 (A vs. G: OR = 0.519, 95% CI 0.469–0.573; AA vs. GG: OR = 0.543, 95% CI 0.474–0.623; AA + AG vs. GG: OR = 0.410, 95% CI 0.360–0.468; AA vs. AG + GG: OR = 0.361, 95%CI 0.292–0.447) were significantly associated with susceptibility to HSCR.

Conclusions

The polymorphisms rs2435357 and rs2506030 in the RET may be related to susceptibility to HSCR, of which rs2435357 (T > C) is the causal locus and rs2506030 (A > G) is the protective locus.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier:CRD42022348940.
Processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx.: A review of cardiotonic effects and cardiotoxicity on molecular mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Dan , Zhong Dan , Zhou Qinmei , Yin Yanpeng , Gao Jihai , Peng Cheng
Published: October 2022

Fuzi, the lateral root of A. carmichaelii Debx., is a typical traditional herbal medicine with both poisonousness and effectiveness, and often used in the treatment of heart failure and other heart diseases. In this review, we searched domestic and foreign literature to sort out the molecular mechanisms of cardiotonic and cardiotoxicity of Fuzi, also including its components. The major bioactive components of Fuzi for cardiotonic are total alkaloids, polysaccharide and the water-soluble alkaloids, with specific mechanisms manifested in the inhibition of myocardial fibrosis, apoptosis and autophagy, and improvement of mitochondrial energy metabolism, which involves RAAS system, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, etc. Diester-diterpenoid alkaloids in Fuzi can produce cardiotoxic effects by over-activating Na+ and Ca2+ ion channels, over-activating NLRP3/ASC/caspase-3 inflammatory pathway and mitochondria mediated apoptosis pathway. And three clinically used preparations containing Fuzi are also used as representatives to summarize their cardiac-strengthening molecular mechanisms. To sum up, Fuzi has shown valuable cardiotonic effects due to extensive basic and clinical studies, but its cardiotonic mechanisms have not been systematically sorted out. Therefore, it is a need for deeper investigation in the mechanisms of water-soluble alkaloids with low content but obvious therapeutic effect, as well as polysaccharide.
Research on laser center positioning under CV model segmentation
Authors: Guo Xingchen , Ma Pengge , Meng Dongdong , Sun Junling , Jin Qiuchun , Wei Hongguang
Published: October 2022

Spot positioning accuracy is an important index of laser processing system and ranging system. When the laser spot is noisy or the gray level is not uniform, the positioning accuracy is easily affected. Aiming at the above problems, this paper proposes a laser spot segmentation method based on the Chan-Vese model, which can improve the accuracy of spot center localization in combination with the gray centroid method. Firstly, the laser spot image is decomposed by two-dimensional wavelet, and the high-frequency component is suppressed by soft threshold function to eliminate the noise in the laser spot image. Secondly, the level set algorithm based on Chan-Vese model is used to segment the laser spot image with adaptive improvement of the initial coordinates of the evolution curve. Finally, the center coordinates are calculated inside the segmentation curve using the gray centroid method. Experimental results show that the method is more accurate and robust.
Ideal phononic charge-two nodal point and long nontrivial surface arcs in Na2Zn2O3
Authors: Yang Ying
Published: October 2022

Recently, there has been significant interest in exploring the chiral quasiparticles in phonons, which describe the atomic lattice vibrations in solids. In this work, using first-principle calculation, we select a realistic material Na2Zn2O3 as an example to demonstrate that it is an ideal candidate with charge-two Dirac point phonons and charge-two Weyl point phonons at high-symmetry points A and Γ, respectively. The phononic charge-two nodal points in Na2Zn2O3 are visible and almost ideal. That is, there are no other phonon bands nearby. Moreover, nontrivial phononic surface arcs span the whole surface Brillouin zone. Such clean and long nontrivial arc-shaped phononic surface states benefit the experimental detection. The current work is hoped to guide the investigations of chiral nodal points in phononic systems.
Phononic nodal point in two dimensions: A mini-review
Authors: Yang Ying
Published: October 2022

In recent decades, nodal point states in electronic systems have attracted significant interest in current research. Recently, the conceptual framework of nodal point states has been extended to bosonic systems, especially the phononic one. It is well known that the nodal point states may exist much more universally in materials other than topological electronic systems. Fortunately, a series of nodal point phonons are reported in three-dimensional realistic materials, and some are certified in experiments. However, to our knowledge, the study of phononic 2D nodal points is still relatively primitive. Hence, a highlight of research in the emerging area covering approximately the last two-three years is necessary. This mini-review will summary the recent advances in the phononic nodal point in two dimensions. Some typical examples, including graphene, CrI3 monolayer, YGaI monolayer, TiB4 monolayer, Ti2P monolayer, and Cu2Si monolayer, are concluded in this mini-review. The topological properties and possible applications of these material candidates are also summarized.
Whole genome and transcriptome reveal flavone accumulation in Scutellaria baicalensis roots
Authors: Hu Suying , Wang Donghao , Wang Wentao , Zhang Caijuan , Li Yunyun , Wang Yueyue , Zhou Wen , Niu Junfeng , Wang Shiqiang , Qiang Yi , Cao Xiaoyan , Wang Zhezhi
Published: October 2022

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is a medicinal plant in the Lamiaceae family that contains high levels of 4’-deoxyflavone and other flavonoids in its roots. Therefore, it has strong potential as a plant resource for researching the biosynthesis of specific flavonoids. In this study, we report on a chromosome-level S. baicalensis genome assembled to nine chromosomes (376.81M) using PacBio, HiSeq XTen, and Hi-C assisted assembly. The assembly ratio was 99.22%, the contig N50 was 1.80 million bases, and the scaffold N50 was 40.57 million bases, with 31896 genes being annotated. Comparative genome analysis revealed that S. baicalensis and Salvia miltiorrhiza belonged to the same branch, and diverged 36.3 million years ago. Other typically correlated species were Boea hygrometrica and Sesamum indicum. We investigated the structural genes involved in flavonoid synthesis in combination with transcriptome sequencing analysis for different tissues (roots, stems, flowers, leaves) of purple, pink, and white flowers. The results revealed that S.baiF6H is involved in the accumulation of baicalein and was significantly increased in both purple roots vs. pink roots and white roots vs. pink roots. S.baiMYB gene family expression pattern analysis and co-expression network analysis revealed that S.baiMYB transcription factors primarily regulated the production of flavonoids in S. baicalensis. S.baiMYB serves as a major factor regulating flavonoid synthesis in the roots, where yeast one-hybrid assays revealed that these transcription factors could bind to the promoter regions of structural genes to control the accumulation of flavonoids. Genome and transcriptome sequencing, co-expression analysis, and yeast one-hybrid experiments provided valuable genetic resources for understanding flavonoid biosynthesis in S. baicalensis. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the accumulation of metabolites in Lamiaceae.
A novel elicitor MoVcpo is necessary for the virulence of Magnaporthe oryzae and triggers rice defense responses
Authors: Nie Yanfang , Li Guanjun , Li Jieling , Zhou Xiaoshu , Zhang Yanzhi , Shi Qingchuan , Zhou Xiaofan , Li Huaping , Chen Xiao-Lin , Li Yunfeng
Published: October 2022

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most important diseases of rice. Elicitors secreted by M. oryzae play important roles in the interaction with rice to facilitate fungal infection and disease development. In recent years, several elicitor proteins have been identified in M. oryzae, and their functions and importance are increasingly appreciated. In this study, we purified a novel elicitor-activity protein from M. oryzae, which was further identified as a vanadium chloroperoxidase (MoVcpo) by MAIDL TOF/TOF MS. The purified MoVcpo induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in host cells, up-regulated the expression of multiple defense-related genes, thus significantly enhancing rice resistance against M. oryzae. These results suggested that MoVcpo functions as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) to trigger rice immunity. Furthermore, MoVcpo was highly expressed in the early stage of M. oryzae infection. Deletion of MoVcpo affected spore formation, conidia germination, cell wall integrity, and sensitivity to osmotic stress, but not fungal growth. Interestingly, compared with the wild-type, inoculation with MoVcpo deletion mutant on rice led to markedly induced ROS accumulation, increased expression of defense-related genes, but also lower disease severity, suggesting that MoVcpo acts as both an elicitor activating plant immune responses and a virulence factor facilitating fungal infection. These findings reveal a novel role for vanadium chloroperoxidase in fungal pathogenesis and deepen our understanding of M. oryzae-rice interactions.
Transgene-free genome editing and RNAi ectopic application in fruit trees: Potential and limitations
Authors: Gouthu Satyanarayana , Mandelli Christian , Eubanks Britt A. , Deluc Laurent G.
Published: October 2022

For the past fifteen years, significant research advances in sequencing technology have led to a substantial increase in fruit tree genomic resources and databases with a massive number of OMICS datasets (transcriptomic, proteomics, metabolomics), helping to find associations between gene(s) and performance traits. Meanwhile, new technology tools have emerged for gain- and loss-of-function studies, specifically in gene silencing and developing tractable plant models for genetic transformation. Additionally, innovative and adapted transformation protocols have optimized genetic engineering in most fruit trees. The recent explosion of new gene-editing tools allows for broadening opportunities for functional studies in fruit trees. Yet, the fruit tree research community has not fully embraced these new technologies to provide large-scale genome characterizations as in cereals and other staple food crops. Instead, recent research efforts in the fruit trees appear to focus on two primary translational tools: transgene-free gene editing via Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery and the ectopic application of RNA-based products in the field for crop protection. The inherent nature of the propagation system and the long juvenile phase of most fruit trees are significant justifications for the first technology. The second approach might have the public favor regarding sustainability and an eco-friendlier environment for a crop production system that could potentially replace the use of chemicals. Regardless of their potential, both technologies still depend on the foundational knowledge of gene-to-trait relationships generated from basic genetic studies. Therefore, we will discuss the status of gene silencing and DNA-based gene editing techniques for functional studies in fruit trees followed by the potential and limitations of their translational tools (RNP delivery and RNA-based products) in the context of crop production.
How maritime logistic SMEs lead and gain competitive advantage by applying information technology?
Authors: Luo Dean , Shahbaz Muhammad Saeed , Qureshi Muhammad Asif , Anis Maira , Mahboob Farhan , Kazouz Hayfa , Mao Jie
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the importance of information technology for logistics Small Medium Entreprise (SMEs) in Pakistan. It is the time of technological rapidness; especially after COVID-19, the word business has majorly transformed into a digital business. If an organization did not shift toward technology, it would be hard for it to even sustain in this rapid era. This study adopts the questionnaire after extensive literature review. A quantitative study was conducted among logistics SMEs in Pakistan to empirically verify what competitive advantages they are leading and gaining from information technology and how much information technology is important for their sustainability. The literature lacks information about the ways in which information technology has been integrated into logistics SMEs operating model, and more specifically, there is no information about IT valence, IT resource commitment, IT managerial commitment, and IT competency. The research is primarily quantitative in nature, where the data were collected via a close-ended questionnaire from 340 logistics SMEs in Pakistan. The independent variable of this research was information technology (i.e., IT valence, IT resource commitment, IT managerial commitment, and IT competency), whereas the dependent variable was competitive advantage. The study found that IT had a significant impact on the competitive advantage of logistics SMEs operating in Pakistan. All the variables related to IT had a significant impact on competitive advantage, which included IT valence, IT resource commitment, IT managerial commitment, and IT competency. This study helps managers and owners of logistics SMEs in decision-making, who can understand how much IT can enhance their performance and reduce their risks. This study has been specifically conducted with logistics SMEs operating in Pakistan, which means that there is much scope to be worked upon, i.e., by selecting companies operating in other countries and comparing them with current findings. This study observes the impact of information technology (i.e., IT valence, IT resource commitment, IT managerial commitment, and IT competency) on competitive advantage, and other independent variables can be studied to find the impact on competitive advantage.
Mental health and fatigue status of the medical workforce during the COVID-19 outbreak in the Yangzhou city, China
Authors: Tang Xiaojia , Pei Yunlong , Wang Xin , Jiang Li , Liu Peipei , Chen Yingzhu , Meng Zhaoxiang
Published: October 2022

Background

When the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) erupted in Yangzhou, China, at the end of July 2021, medical workers in Yangzhou immediately joined the frontline for the fight against the pandemic. This study aimed to identify the mental health and fatigue experienced by the medical workers in Yangzhou during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods

We included 233 medical workers who participated in the front-line work for more than 1 month through the questionnaire, including doctors, nurses, medical technicians and medical students. The generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Fatigue self-assessment scale (FSAS) were administered to the participants and their responses were evaluated.

Results

A total of 233 eligible questionnaires were received. Among them, 130 people (57.08%) were probably anxious and 141 (60.52%) people were clinically depressed. Poor sleep was considered an independent risk factor for anxiety (OR = 7.164, 95% CI: 3.365 15.251, p = 0.000) and depression (OR = 6.899, 95% CI: 3.392 14.030, p = 0.000). A high PHQ-9 score was considered an independent risk factor for general fatigue (OR = 1.697, 95% CI: 1.481 1.944, p = 0.000). Mental fatigue (OR = 1.092, 95% CI: 1.027 1.161, p = 0.005) and fatigue response to sleep/rest (OR = 1.043, 95% CI: 1.011 1.076 p = 0.008) were considered independent risk factors for general fatigue.

Conclusion

Poor quality of sleep led to probable anxiety, depression, and general fatigue. Mental fatigue and fatigue response to sleep/rest were independent risk factors for depression, which merits attention for battling COVID-19.
Systematic review and meta-analysis on the therapeutic reference range for escitalopram: Blood concentrations, clinical effects and serotonin transporter occupancy
Authors: Eichentopf Luzie , Hiemke Christoph , Conca Andreas , Engelmann Jan , Gerlach Manfred , Havemann-Reinecke Ursula , Hefner Gudrun , Florio Vincenzo , Kuzin Maxim , Lieb Klaus , Reis Margareta , Riemer Thomas G. , Serretti Alessandro , Schoretsanitis Georgios , Zernig Gerald , Gründer Gerhard , Hart Xenia M.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

A titration within a certain therapeutic reference range presupposes a relationship between the blood concentration and the therapeutic effect of a drug. However, this has not been systematically investigated for escitalopram. Furthermore, the recommended reference range disagrees with mean steady state concentrations (11–21 ng/ml) that are expected under the approved dose range (10–20 mg/day). This work systematically investigated the relationships between escitalopram dose, blood levels, clinical effects, and serotonin transporter occupancy.

Methods

Following our previously published methodology, relevant articles were systematically searched and reviewed for escitalopram.

Results

Of 1,032 articles screened, a total of 30 studies met the eligibility criteria. The included studies investigated escitalopram blood levels in relationship to clinical effects (9 studies) or moderating factors on escitalopram metabolism (12 studies) or serotonin transporter occupancy (9 studies). Overall, the evidence for an escitalopram concentration/effect relationship is low (level C).

Conclusion

Based on our findings, we propose a target range of 20–40 ng/ml for antidepressant efficacy of escitalopram. In maintenance treatment, therapeutic response is expected, when titrating patients above the lower limit. The lower concentration threshold is strongly supported by findings from neuroimaging studies. The upper limit for escitalopram’s reference range rather reflects a therapeutic maximum than a tolerability threshold, since the incidence of side effects in general is low. Concentrations above 40 ng/ml should not necessarily result in dose reductions in case of good clinical efficacy and tolerability. Dose-related escitalopram concentrations in different trials were more than twice the expected concentrations from guideline reports.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=215873], identifier [CRD42020215873].
The magnitude and importance of perceived health dimensions define effective tailor-made health-promoting interventions per targeted socioeconomic group
Authors: Dierx John A. J. , Kasper Hans D. P.
Published: October 2022

Recent insights and developments on health and society urge a critical look at the positive relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health. We challenge the notions that it is sufficient to distinguish only between two groups of SES (low and high) and that only overall health is taken into account. A new grouping of SES was developed based on both income and education, resulting in six SES groups. Health was defined in terms of a new positive health concept, operationalized into six health dimensions generating a measure of total general health (TGH). Next, six socioeconomic and demographic determinants of health were included. Linear regression, T-tests and one-way ANOVA were applied to investigate the relationships in a Dutch sample. A subjective way to measure health was applied: self-rated health (SRH). As a result, four out of six dimensions of health determined TGH: bodily functions, daily functioning, quality of life, and social and societal participation. Three out of six socioeconomic and demographic determinants impacted TGH: housing situation, age, and difficulties meeting financial obligations. While this is the general picture for the entire sample, there were interesting similarities and differences between the six SES groups. The similarities lie in the positive impact of the evaluation of bodily functions and daily functioning on TGH in all SES groups. The other dimensions affected TGH in some groups, and some dimensions only in one SES group. None of the socioeconomic and demographic determinants affected TGH in all SES groups. New insights on health inequalities are provided. It is concluded, first that the well-known positive relationship between SES and health is confirmed in this study. Second, further refining the health concept into six dimensions provides more detailed insights on which dimensions impact health the most. The subjective approach applied offers more refined information to better understand which health issues really matter to people. This yields new insights to develop tailor-made interventions aimed at increasing healthy behaviour in specific societal groups.
The knowledge, attitudes and practices of hand, foot, and mouth disease prevention strategies amongst parents and educators of children under 5 years amidst COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Min Xian , Pang Junxiong
Published: October 2022

Background

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is endemic in Singapore. Prevention efforts have been ramped up since major outbreaks in the early 2000's. This study aims to assess the current knowledge, and attitudes towards and practise (KAP) levels of HFMD prevention strategies (HFMD-PS) amongst parents and teachers of children under 5 years amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods and results

A convenience sample of 240 teachers and 404 parents responded to a self-administered standardised questionnaire between mid-October and December 2020. A scoring framework was used to assess responses in the ‘knowledge', ‘attitude', and ‘practice' domains. A multivariable analysis was adjusted for ethnicity and attitudes towards getting children to follow proper handwashing steps and regularly disinfecting children's toys amongst parents, knowledge about HFMD's infectious period, and the responses to a child turning symptomatic in the childcare centre amongst teachers. Existing levels of knowledge and attitudes of parents and teachers were not high, and only a small proportion practised high levels of prevention measures (99 parents and 28 teachers). Key facilitators for a higher practise level in parents include the following: (1) awareness of regular liquid soap's efficacy as a disinfectant, (2) toy cleaning before and after playtime, and (3) the cleaning agent used for this practise. Teachers had no significant factors associated with higher practise levels.

Conclusion

This study suggested potential gaps between positive knowledge and attitudes towards prevention strategies and their actual adoption levels in homes and childcare centres during COVID-19 pandemic. These evidences suggest the importance of continuous promotion of HFMD prevention practise in homes and childcare centres, even amidst pandemics.
Participation rate in cervical cancer screening in general practice related to the proximity of gynecology care facilities: A 3 year follow-up cohort study
Authors: Quersin François , Serman Fanny , Favre Jonathan , Rochoy Michaël , Descamps Axel , Gers Elise , Duhamel Alain , Collins Claire , Deken-Delannoy Valérie , Berkhout Christophe , Raginel Thibaut
Published: October 2022

Cervical cancer screening (CCS) by Pap tests is mainly performed by gynecologists in France, but also by general practitioners (GPs) and midwives. The screening uptake is insufficient to reduce the incidence of cervical neoplasms. Our aim was to investigate the association between screening rates in patients listed with GPs and the distance between GPs' offices and gynecology facilities. The population of 345 GPs, and their 93,918 female patients eligible for screening over 3 years (2013–2015), were derived from the Health Insurance claim database. We estimated the socioeconomic level of the geographical area of GPs' offices using the European Deprivation Index (EDI). The proximity of gynecology facilities was calculated by computing their distance from GPs' offices (in order to adjust the proximity of gynecology facilities with EDI and performance of smears by the GP). The number of gynecologists within 5 km of a GP's office was associated with the CCS rate increasing by 0.31% for every unit increase in the density of gynecologists within 5 km (p < 0.0001). The close proximity of gynecology facilities was not significantly associated with screening uptake among female patients when the office of the GP where they were registered was settled in a deprived area.
Fall detection using accelerometer-based smartphones: Where do we go from here?
Authors: Stampfler Tristan , Elgendi Mohamed , Fletcher Richard Ribon , Menon Carlo
Published: October 2022

According to World Health Organization statistics, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide. With older people being particularly vulnerable, detecting, and reporting falls have been the focus of numerous health technology studies. We screened 267 studies and selected 15 that detailed pervasive fall detection and alerting apps that used smartphone accelerometers. The fall datasets used for the analyses included between 4 and 38 participants and contained data from young and old subjects, with the recorded falls performed exclusively by young subjects. Threshold-based detection was implemented in six cases, while machine learning approaches were implemented in the other nine, including decision trees, k-nearest neighbors, boosting, and neural networks. All methods could ultimately achieve real-time detection, with reported sensitivities ranging from 60.4 to 99.3% and specificities from 74.6 to 100.0%. However, the studies had limitations in their experimental set-ups or considered a restricted scope of daily activities—not always representative of daily life—with which to define falls during the development of their algorithms. Finally, the studies omitted some aspects of data science methodology, such as proper test sets for results evaluation, putting into question whether reported results would correspond to real-world performance. The two primary outcomes of our review are: a ranking of selected articles based on bias risk and a set of 12 impactful and actionable recommendations for future work in fall detection.
Spatial dimensions of illiteracy in Romania, 1992–2011
Authors: Buza Victoria
Published: October 2022

Starting with the chapter approaching the educational characteristics of the three census databases carried out in post-communist Romania (1992, 2002, and 2011), broken down at the local administrative unit level, the article aims to analyze from a geographical perspective the phenomenon of illiteracy. In the collective mindset, this notion is primarily associated with poverty, lack of accessibility to education, and/or lack of interest in school. During the three decades covered by this study, influenced by the change of the communist political regime and the economic instability, the complexity of the spatial dimensions of illiteracy is defined by particular demographic, confessional, and ethnic connections which have experienced various dynamics, but following the general tendency of the peripheralization of the phenomenon. Although the Romanian education system adopted certain Western reforms and implemented certain modern strategies, its quasi-obsolete strategies have persisted or have been aggravated in certain well-defined communities, which have been evolving against the downward trend, betraying a severe educational failure, especially in the south of the Romanian Plain, the south of Dobrogea Region, and in Transylvanian Depression. Therefore, in pursuing the implications of the ethnic and religious heritage, as well as the residential area factor, this research is devoted to the study of the main geographical areas where illiteracy is still present and to its relations with the social and economic environment.
Production of solar abundances for nuclei beyond Sr: The s- and r-process perspectives
Authors: Busso Maurizio M. , Kratz Karl-Ludwig , Palmerini Sara , Akram Waheed , Antonuccio-Delogu Vincenzo
Published: October 2022

We present the status of nucleosynthesis beyond Sr, using up-to-date nuclear inputs for both the slow (s-process) and rapid (r-process) scenarios of neutron captures. It is now widely accepted that at least a crucial part of the r-process distribution is linked to neutron star merger (NSM) events. However, so far, we have found only a single direct observation of such a link, the kilonova GW170817. Its fast evolution could not provide strict constraints on the nucleosynthesis details, and in any case, there remain uncertainties in the local r-process abundance patterns, which are independent of the specific astrophysical site, being rooted in nuclear physics. We, therefore, estimate the contributions from the r-process to solar system (S.S.) abundances by adopting the largely site-independent waiting-point concept through a superposition of neutron density components normalized to the r-abundance peaks. Nuclear physics inputs for such calculations are understood only for the trans-Fe nuclei; hence, we restrict our computations to the Sr–Pr region. We then estimate the s-process contributions to that atomic mass range from recent models of asymptotic giant branch stars, for which uncertainties are known to be dominated by nuclear effects. The outcomes from the two independent approaches are then critically analyzed. Despite the remaining problems from both sides, they reveal a surprisingly good agreement, with limited local discrepancies. These few cases are then discussed. New measurements in ionized plasmas are suggested as a source of improvement, with emphasis on β-decays from unstable Cs isotopes. For heavier nuclei, difficulties grow as r-process progenitors lie far off experimental reach and poorly known branchings affect s-processing. This primarily concerns nuclei that are significantly long-lived in the laboratory and have uncertain decay rates in stars, e.g., Lu176 and Re187. New measurements are urgently needed for them, too.
Investigating a microbial approach to water conservation: Effects of Bacillus subtilis and Surfactin on evaporation dynamics in loam and sandy loam soils
Authors: Gutierrez Moises M. , Cameron-Harp Micah V. , Chakraborty Partha P. , Stallbaumer-Cyr Emily M. , Morrow Jordan A. , Hansen Ryan R. , Derby Melanie M.
Published: October 2022

Semi-arid regions faced with increasingly scarce freshwater resources must manage competing demands in the food-energy-water nexus. A possible solution modifies soil hydrologic properties using biosurfactants to reduce evaporation and improve water retention. In this study, two different soil textures representative of agricultural soils in Kansas were treated with a direct application of the biosurfactant, Surfactin, and an indirect application via inoculation of Bacillus subtilis. Evaporation rates of the wetted soils were measured when exposed to artificial sunlight (1000 W/m2) and compared to non-treated control soils. Experimental results indicate that both treatments alter soil moisture dynamics by increasing evaporation rates by when soil moisture is plentiful (i.e., constant rate period) and decreasing evaporation rates by when moisture is scarce (i.e., slower rate period). Furthermore, both treatments significantly reduced the soil moisture content at which the soil transitioned from constant rate to slower rate evaporation. Out of the two treatments, inoculation with B. subtilis generally produced greater changes in evaporation dynamics; for example, the treatment with B. subtilis in sandy loam soils increased constant rate periods of evaporation by 43% and decreased slower rate evaporation by 49%. In comparing the two soil textures, the sandy loam soil exhibited a larger treatment effect than the loam soil. To evaluate the potential significance of the treatment effects, a System Dynamics Model operationalized the evaporation rate results and simulated soil moisture dynamics under typical daily precipitation conditions. The results from this model indicate both treatment methods significantly altered soil moisture dynamics in the sandy loam soils and increased the probability of the soil exhibiting constant rate evaporation relative to the control soils. Overall, these findings suggest that the decrease in soil moisture threshold observed in the experimental setting could increase soil moisture availability by prolonging the constant rate stage of evaporation. As inoculation with B. subtilis in the sandy loam soil had the most pronounced effects in both the experimental and simulated contexts, future work should focus on testing this treatment in field trials with similar soil textures.
The governance of quality and safety in Tanzania's informal milk markets
Authors: Blackmore Emma , Guarin Alejandro , Kinyua Charity , Vorley William , Grace Delia , Alonso Silvia
Published: October 2022

Despite significant economic and social transformation in Tanzania, 95% of the milk produced in Tanzania is marketed informally. Most of this is commercialized raw (unpasteurized) and distributed and sold through informal traders and vendors to low-income consumers, making it an important source of nutrition and livelihoods. While Tanzania's official dairy policy promotes pasteurization and formal industry, in practice the regulatory environment is relatively permissive of informal raw milk trade. We draw on original data from a survey with over 200 informal market actors, and insights from key informant interviews, to examine the context, perceptions and practices that affect quality and safety in the informal milk market in Tanzania. Our insights contribute to the potential for a more realistic and effective engagement with the informal sector, in Tanzania and beyond. Our results show that all informal market actors are concerned with milk quality and safety and take measures to mitigate risk. Loyalty and repeated interactions between buyers and sellers contribute to ensuring milk quality and safety in the absence of formal mechanisms such as testing. Despite this there is room for improvement. Informal actors expressed interest in training and finance to upgrade their premises and equipment and would also like to see improved communication with policymakers. Any future policy interventions should build on the indigenous practices being used by informal actors that already contribute to risk management. Efforts to better understand the informal sector and address the broader challenge of the lack of voice and representation of the informal sector in policy making in Tanzania are needed.