bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium ionophore improves embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes in patients with previous developmental problems in ICSI cycles
Authors: Chen Xiaolei , Zhao Haibin , Lv Jiale , Dong Yi , Zhao Maoning , Sui Xinlei , Cui Ran , Liu Boyang , Wu Keliang
Published: December 2022

Background

Calcium (Ca2+) ionophores are now mainly considered as efficient treatments for fertilization failure. Recently, its application for rescuing poor embryo development was proposed but still non-routine. This study aimed to explore whether Ca2+ ionophore improves embryo development and pregnancy outcomes in patients with poor embryo development in previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.

Methods

This study included 97 patients undergoing assisted oocyte activation (AOA) with Ca2+ ionophore (calcimycin, A23187) treatment. Preimplantation embryonic development and clinical outcomes were compared between ICSI-AOA cycles (AOA group) and previous ICSI cycles of the same patients in which poor embryo developmental potential was present (non-AOA group). Subgroups stratified by maternal age (< 35, 35–40, ≥ 40 years, respectively) were analyzed separately.

Results

A total of 642 MII oocytes were collected in AOA group, and 689 in non-AOA group. Significantly higher day 3 good quality embryo rate (P = 0.034), good quality blastocyst formation rate (P <  0.001), and utilization rate (P <  0.001) were seen in AOA group. Similar results were seen in each subgroup. For pregnancy outcomes, there were significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.039) and live birth rate (P = 0.045) in total group. In subgroup aged < 35 years, biochemical (P = 0.038), clinical (P = 0.041), and ongoing pregnancy rate (P = 0.037) in AOA group were significantly higher than that in non-AOA group. No significant improvement for clinical outcomes for subgroups aged 35–40 and aged ≥40.

Conclusion

The study suggests that calcimycin could improve preimplantation development and pregnancy outcomes in patients aged < 35 years with embryo developmental problems in previous ICSI cycles.
Aesthetic Reconstruction of Onco-surgical Mandibular Defects Using Free Fibular Flap with and without CAD/CAM Customized Osteotomy Guide: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Al-Sabahi Mohammed Esmail , Jamali Omer Mohammed , Shindy Mostafa Ibrahim , Moussa Basma Gamal , Amin Ayman Abdel-Wahab , Zedan Mohamed Hamdallah
Published: December 2022

Background

Reconstruction of mandibular defects following ablative surgery remains a challenge even for experienced surgeons. Virtual planning and guided surgery, including computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), afford optimized ways by which to plan complex surgery. This study aimed to evaluate and compare aesthetic outcome and surgical efficiency of free fibular flap (FFF) with and without CAD/CAM customized osteotomy guide (COG) for reconstruction of onco-surgical mandibular defects.

Methods

Twenty-two patients indicated for segmental mandibulectomy were randomly assigned to either CAD/CAM with COG group or that without COG- Model based reconstruction (MB group) at a 1:1 ratio. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by means of morphometric assessment and comparison for each differential area (DAr) and angle (DAn) in the affected side to the contralateral side of the mandible using computerized digital imaging analysis (CDIA) based on the post-operative 3D CT-scan. Subjective evaluation was performed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Patient’s Satisfaction Score (PSS). Surgical efficiency was a secondary outcome and evaluated as total operative time and ischemia time.

Results

The mean sagittal DAr was significantly lower in the COG group (277.28 ± 127.05 vs. 398.67 ± 139.10 mm2, P = 0.045). Although there was an improvement in the axial DAr (147.61 ± 55.42 vs. 183.68 ± 72.85 mm2), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.206). The mean differences (Δ) in both sagittal and coronal DAn were significantly lower in the COG group than in the MB group (6.11 ± 3.46 and 1.77 ± 1.12° vs. 9.53 ± 4.17 and 3.44 ± 2.34°), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the axial DAn between the two groups (P = 0.386). The PSS was significantly higher in the COG group, reflecting better aesthetic satisfaction than in the MB group (P = 0.041). The total operation and ischemia time were significantly shorter in favor of the COG group with a mean of (562.91 ± 51.22, 97.55 ± 16.80 min vs. 663.55 ± 53.43, 172.45 ± 21.87 min), respectively.

Conclusion

The CAD/CAM with COG is more reliable and highly valuable in enhancing aesthetic outcomes and surgical efficiency of mandibular reconstruction by FFF compared to that without COG (MB reconstruction).

Trial registration

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration number: NCT03757273. Registration date: 28/11/2018.
Dopamine receptor D3 is related to prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma and inhibits tumor growth
Authors: Yan Yan , Chen Yonghua , Pan Jiahao , Xing Wei , Li Qiang , Wang Yan , Gei Liba , Yuan Yunfei , Xie Jingdun , Zeng Weian , Chen Dongtai
Published: December 2022

Background

Dopamine receptors have been reported to play important roles in cancer progression. However, the role of dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

Methods

The expression of DRD3 was detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time qPCR. The prognostic value of DRD3 in patients was investigated by analyzing selected databases, including cBioPortal and Kaplan–Meier plotter. Cell growth was tested by CCK8 assay, and Transwell assays were performed to assess cancer cell migration and invasion. The cAMP/ERK/CREB signaling pathway was evaluated by Western blot analysis and ELISA. An HCC xenograft model was established for in vivo experiments.

Results

DRD3 mRNA expression was significantly higher in nontumor tissues than in tumor tissues. Lower protein expression of DRD3 was related to poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Kaplan–Meier plotter analysis showed that higher expression of DRD3 mRNA was associated with better OS, RFS, disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free survival (PFS). cBioPortal analysis revealed that the alteration group, which harbored genetic mutations in DRD3, exhibited poor OS, RFS, DSS and PFS. According to CCK8 and Transwell assays, stable DRD3 overexpression cell line (ex-DRD3-SK-HEP-1) showed weaker proliferation, migration and invasion behaviors. PD128907, a DRD3 agonist, suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion in HCC cell lines, while U99194, a DRD3 antagonist, enhanced proliferation, migration and invasion in HCC cell lines. Western blot analysis and ELISA revealed that stable DRD3 knock-down cell line (sh-DRD3-PLC/PRF/5) and U99194 both increased the protein levels of cAMP, p-ERK and p-CREB; on the other hand, ex-DRD3-SK-HEP-1 and PD128907 decreased the protein levels of cAMP, p-ERK and p-CREB. SCH772984, an ERK antagonist, abolished the effect of U99194 on the malignant biological behaviors of HCC cells. In vivo, PD128907 suppressed tumor growth, and U99194 enhanced tumor growth.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that down-regulation of DRD3 is strongly involved in the progression of HCC, and DRD3 might be consider as an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Furthermore, DRD3 agonists may be a promising strategy for HCC therapy.
Effect of parenting intervention through “Care for Child Development Guideline” on early child development and behaviors: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bemanalizadeh Maryam , Badihian Negin , Khoshhali Mehri , Badihian Shervin , Hosseini Neda , Purpirali Marziye , Abadian Mansoore , Yaghini Omid , Daniali Seyede Shahrbanoo , Kelishadi Roya
Published: December 2022

Background

Several studies showed that parenting intervention programs play a core component in early child development. Considering the limited healthcare resources in developing countries, group-session intervention based on care for child development (CCD) guideline might be cost-effective.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at an outpatient public Pediatrics clinic in Isfahan, Iran. We included 210 pregnant women aged 18–45 years in their third trimester and followed their children for 18 months. The intervention group underwent 5 educational group sessions, each lasting for almost 45 minutes. The main outcomes were the children’s development and socio-emotional behavior problems based on Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III (BSID-III) at 12 months and the Children Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at 18 months.

Results

Overall, data of 181 children were included in the current study, including 80 in the intervention group and 101 controls. The adjusted median/mean differences between intervention and control groups using median/linear regression were not significant for all BSID-III domains except for median differences for cognitive score based on BSID-III (β (SE): − 4.98(2.31), p:0.032) and mean differences for anxiety/depression score based on CBCL (β (SE): − 2.54(1.27), p:0.046).

Conclusion

In this study, parenting interventions through CCD group sessions were significantly effective on just one subscale of children’s socio-emotional behavior domains based on CBCL and one domain of children’s development based on BSID-III. There might be a ceiling or floor effects for the BSID-III and CBCL assessment, respectively, leaving little room for improvement as almost all children have achieved their full developmental potential in our study.

Trial registration

IRCT20190128042533N2, Date of registration: 16/01/2020, www.irct.ir
Enhancing pre-school teachers’ competence in managing pediatric injuries in Pemba Island, Zanzibar
Authors: Salim Mohamed A. , Gabrieli Prosper , Millanzi Walter C.
Published: December 2022

Background

Safe and healthy learning environment in pre-schools has received increased attention in promoting the well-being of pre-school children. However, pediatric injuries have remained one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality around the globe. Empowering pre-school teachers with first aid competencies have been identified as being of potential strategy against pediatric health burdens of problem. This study tested the effect of established pediatric first aid training on pre-school teachers’ knowledge, attitude, and intention to practice first aid management to pre-school children in Zanzibar. 

Methods

Uncontrolled quasi-experimental design with a quantitative research approach was conducted in Teachers’ Resource Centers among 120 preschool teachers at Pemba Island, Zanzibar. First aid training was facilitated based on the prescribed guidelines and standards of materials adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics and implemented. The intervention was preceded by a baseline assessment using structured questionnaires adopted from previous studies that served as the main data collection tool.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 32 years ± 6.2 with 84.2% of the sample being females. Given the training, post-test findings demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.01) in participants’ first aid management scores with mean differences of M = 15.08 ± 5.34 (Knowledge), M = 26.99 ± 6.587 (Attitude), and (M = 4.76 ± 0.648 (Intentional practice).

Conclusion

The established pediatric first aid training can enhance the spectrum of managing pediatric injuries among preschool teachers in Zanzibar. Ongoing public health services opportunities should be structured within teachers’ continuous learning against pediatric injuries in Zanzibar-Tanzania.
COVID-19 in Europe: from outbreak to vaccination
Authors: Vicente Paula , Suleman Abdul
Published: December 2022

Background

COVID-19 is a pandemic of unprecedented proportions in recent human history. To date, the world has paid a high toll in terms of human lives lost, and on economic, financial, and social repercussions. In Europe, countries tried to mobilize all resources available to contain the COVID-19 effects, but the outcomes are diverse across countries. There have also been massive efforts geared towards finding safe and effective vaccines and to distribute them massively to the population. The main objective of this paper is to describe the COVID-19 prevalence in Europe. Secondly, it aims to identify epidemiological typologies allowing to distinguish the countries in terms of their response to the pandemic, and finally assess the effect of vaccination on pandemic control.

Methods

The study covers 30 European countries: EU 27 in addition to Norway, Switzerland, and United Kingdom. Four epidemiological variables are analyzed at two distinct moments, at the end of 2020 and at the beginning of 2022: total number of cases per million, total number of deaths per million, total number of tests per thousand, and case fatality rate. In a second step, it uses a fuzzy approach, namely archetypal analysis, to identify epidemiological typologies, and positions countries by their response to the pandemic. Finally, it assesses how vaccination, stringency measures, booster doses and population age affect the case fatality rate, using a multiple regression model.

Results

The outcomes unveil four epidemiological typologies for both periods. The clearest sign of change in the two periods concerns the case fatality rate that is found to be low in a single typology in 2020 but occurs in three typologies in 2022, although to different degrees. There is also statistical evidence of the positive impact of the primary vaccination on mortality reduction; however, the same does not hold for the booster dose and stringency measures.

Conclusions

The study shows that primary vaccination is the most effective measure to reduce mortality by COVID-19 suggesting that vaccination provides hope for an end to the pandemic. However, a worldwide access to vaccination is needed to make this happen.
Benefits from the first year of GnRHa therapy in boys with idiopathic central precocious puberty when initiating treatment after age 9 years: findings from a real-world retrospective study
Authors: Ni Ming-ming , Yang Shu-ting , Wu Wen-wen , Wang Shan-shan , Li Man , Liu Qing-qing , Ji Xing
Published: December 2022

Background

GnRHa treatment was established for improving final adult height (FAH) in children presenting with Idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) up to age 8, while several controversies remained for older age groups. The primary objective was to evaluate whether boys diagnosed with ICPP over 9 years of chronological age (CA) could achieve a height benefit from GnRHa treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 23 boys treated for idiopathic central precocious puberty between January 2018 and January 2021 at Jiangsu Children’s Medical Center. All patients started treatment with intramuscular depot GnRHa at a dose of 80–100 μg/kg, followed by continuous intramuscular injection every 28 days at a dose of 60–80 μg/kg. The hormonal parameters, bone age/chronological age ratio, FAH, growth velocity (GV), tanner staging and body mass index (BMI) were assessed during the treatment period.

Results

After one course of treatment (3 months), the basal FSH and testosterone levels were reduced, while the basal LH value was not significantly changed compared with those before treatment. Furthermore, the mean BA/CA ratio reduction was statistically significant at month 12. The mean PAH following administration of GnRHa after 12 months was statistically improved compared with those at baseline. In addition, the clinical sign of puberty and GV were significantly improved and the BMI remained unchanged as desired at month 12.

Conclusions

This analysis highlighted the positive outcome on the decrease in the rate of bone maturation, with a favorable effect on progression of clinical signs of puberty. Furthermore, our study confirmed PAH was improved even in the older children at onset of treatment (ages 9–10), emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment in such population.
Determinants of cervical cancer screening service utilization among women attending healthcare services in Amhara region referral hospitals: a case–control study
Authors: Legasu Temesgen Dessalegne , Temesgen Kibir , Ayele Zenebe Tefera , Chekole Moges Sisay , Bayou Fekade Demeke , Fetene Jemberu Chane , Tibebu Abebe Tadesse , Taye Birhan Tsegaw , Ali Mohammed Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Background

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death and one of the top 20 causes of death among women in Ethiopia. Cervical cancer screening service has a vital value to reduce morbidity and mortality. Even though cervical cancer screening service utilization in Ethiopia is unacceptably low, its determinant factors were not well studied in the study area. Hence, this study was aimed at filling this information gap. This study aimed to identify determinants of cervical cancer screening service utilization among women attending healthcare services in Amhara region referral hospitals, Ethiopia.

Methods

Hospital-based case–control study was conducted among 441 women (147 cases and 294 controls) from May to July 2021. Cases were included consecutively and controls were selected using a systematic random sampling technique from the randomly selected hospitals. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from respondents. The data were entered into Epi data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed. Adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval andpvalue < 0.05 were used to estimate the strength and significance of the association.

Result

A total of 147 cases and 294 controls were enrolled in this study. Women with 30–39 years-old [AOR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.21, 4.68] and 40–49 years-old [AOR = 4.4 95% CI 1.97, 10.12], urban residence [AOR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.36, 5.21], secondary education [AOR = 4.4; 95% CI 2.18, 8.87] and diploma and above [AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.05, 4.59], ever gave birth [AOR = 9.4; 95% CI 4.92, 18.26], having multiple sexual partners [AOR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.60, 5.03], good knowledge towards cervical cancer screening [AOR = 3.6; 95% CI 2.07, 6.43] and positive attitude on cervical cancer screening [AOR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.20, 3.70] were significant determinants of cervical cancer screening service utilization.

Conclusion

In this study, age (30–39 and 40–49), urban residence, secondary education, ever gave birth, good knowledge of cervical cancer screening, positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening, and having multiple sexual partners were significant determinants of cervical cancer screening service utilization. There is a need to strengthen the policy and health education on safe sexual practices and healthy lifestyles through information dissemination and communication to scale up screening service utilization.
Paramedics’ perceptions of job demands and resources in Finnish emergency medical services: a qualitative study
Authors: Ericsson Christoffer R. , Lindström Veronica , Rudman Ann , Nordquist Hilla
Published: December 2022

Background

Paramedics’ fatigue is rising. Stress factors show increased risk for burnout, fatigue, leaving the profession, decreased performance and risk for patient safety. Meanwhile, paramedics’ strong community of practice, autonomy and a sense of professional respect are important factors in forming psychological resilience. We aimed to explore Finnish paramedics’ perceptions of job demands and resources.

Methods

Our study design was descriptive, inductive with a constructivist approach. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we analyse open-ended questions, from a web-based survey and essays written by Finnish paramedic masters-degree students. The study followed the SRQR checklist.

Results

We identified paramedics’ job demands as stress from a high workload, environmental factors and emotional burden. Performance expectations and a sense of inadequacy were further noted, as well as an organizational culture of hardiness, presenting lack of support and sense of inequality. Paramedics’ job resources were pressure management strategies, which were expressed as positive coping mechanisms, agency to affect workload and professional self-actualization, expressed as psychologically safe work community, professional pride and internal drive to professional development.

Conclusions

Finnish paramedics exhibit resources and demands related to uncertainty and emotional burden as well as cultural hardiness and psychological safety in communities.

Patient or public contribution

This study was done based on survey data collected and analysed by the authors. No patient or public contribution was utilized for this study.
Enablers and inhibitors of community participation in Ghana’s Community-based Health Planning and Services programme: a qualitative study in the Builsa North Municipality
Authors: Agalga Shieghard , Alatinga Kennedy A. , Abiiro Gilbert Abotisem
Published: December 2022

Background

Community participation is essential for the successful implementation of primary health care programmes across the globe, including sub-Saharan Africa. The Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) programme is one of the primary health care interventions in Ghana which by design and implementation heavily relies on community participation. However, there is little evidence to establish the factors enabling or inhibiting community participation in the Ghanaian CHPS programme. This study, therefore, explored the enabling and inhibiting factors influencing community participation in the design and implementation of the CHPS programme in the Builsa North Municipality in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Methods

A qualitative approach, using a cross-sectional design, was employed to allow for a detailed in-depth exploration of the enabling and inhibiting factors influencing community participation in the design and implementation of the CHPS programme. The data were collected in January 2020, through key informant interviews with a stratified purposive sample of 106 respondents, selected from the 15 functional CHPS facilities in the Municipality. The data were audio-recorded, transcribed and manually analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The results showed that, public education on the CHPS concept, capacity of the community to contribute material resources towards the construction of CHPS facilities, strong and effective community leadership provided by community chiefs and assembly persons, the spirit of volunteerism and trust in the benefits of the CHPS programme were the enablers of community participation in the programme. However, volunteer attrition, competing economic activities, lack of sense of ownership by distant beneficiaries, external contracting of the construction of CHPS facilities and illiteracy constituted the inhibiting factors of community participation in the programme.

Conclusion

Extensive public education, volunteer incentivization and motivation, and the empowerment of communities to construct their own CHPS compounds are issues that require immediate policy attention to enhance effective community participation in the programme.
Economic burden of multiple sclerosis in Slovakia — from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Babela Robert , Dugas Judit
Published: December 2022

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, commonly diagnosed during young adulthood. The proportion of direct and indirect costs of MS vary across settings. The International Multiple Sclerosis Study, involving 1152 patients with MS from 19 countries, reported the average annual costs per patient to be €41,212, with direct medical costs of €21,093, direct non-medical costs of €2110, and €16,318 marked as indirect costs. However, there are no precise data on the economic burden of MS in Slovakia. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the economic impact of MS in Slovakia by identifying and measuring the direct medical costs and indirect costs of this disease.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective prevalence-based cost-of-illness analysis for MS in Slovakia sourced from the third-party payer and societal perspective. Patient co-payments and out-of-pocket expenses were not included in our study. We analysed all available costs and healthcare resources utilised in a 6-years period, from 2015 to 2020. For each year, all costs (in euro) were specified as total and the average annual cost per patient.

Results

The estimated total economic burden of MS in Slovakia in 2020 was €57,347,523, with direct medical costs estimated to be €53,348,337 and indirect costs standing at €3,999,186. The total annual cost per patient in 2020 was €6682. Over the 6 years, the total diagnostic and treatment cost of patients with MS was estimated to be €283,974,236. With an average year-by-year increase of 5%, the total direct costs of MS had significantly grown during the examined 6 years. The total cost due to the MS-associated loss of productivity in these 6 years was €16,633,798. The average year-by-year increase of indirect costs of MS was 20%.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the substantial health and economic burden of MS, with the average annual cost per patient to be approximately €6,682 in 2020. We provide the first extensive assessment of the burden of MS on Slovakian patients, the healthcare system, and society. It indicates the need for a detailed analysis of the employment of patients with MS to assess disability and work performance and the development of allied health policies.
Residual efficacy of SumiShield™ 50WG for indoor residual spraying in Ethiopia
Authors: Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Simma Eba Alemayehu , Zemene Endalew , Zeleke Kassahun , Degefa Teshome
Published: December 2022

Background

The rate of decay of the biological efficacy of insecticides used for indoor residual spraying (IRS) is an important factor when making decisions on insecticide choice for national malaria control programmes. A key roadblock to IRS programme is insecticide resistance. If resistance is detected to most of the existing insecticides used for IRS (DDT, pyrethroids, organophosphates and carbamates), the logical next choice could be neonicotinoid insecticides, as pyrethroids are used to treat nets. SumiShield™ 50WG belongs to the neonicotinoid class of insecticides and has shown promising results in several phase I, II and III trials in different settings. The aim of this study was to assess the persistence of SumiShield™ 50WG by spraying on different wall surfaces and determine its decay rates over time in Ethiopia.

Methods

Five huts with different wall surface types (mud, dung, paint and cement) which represented the Ethiopian house wall surfaces were used to evaluate the residual efficacy of SumiShield™ 50WG. Actellic 300CS sprayed on similar wall surfaces of another five huts was used as a comparator insecticide and two huts sprayed with water were used as a control. All huts were sprayed uniformly by an experienced spray operator; non-stop starting from the door and moving clockwise to cover the entire wall surface of the hut. The treatments were assigned to huts randomly. The residual efficacy of the insecticide formulations was evaluated against a susceptible insectary-reared population of Anopheles arabiensis using WHO cone bioassays.

Results

SumiShield™ 50WG resulted in mortality rates of over 80% at 120 h post-exposure on all surface types for up to nine months post-spray, while Actellic 300CS yielded mortality rates of over 80% for eight months after spray.

Conclusions

The results of this trial demonstrated that the residual efficacy of SumiShield™ 50WG extends up to nine months on all treated wall surface types. The long-lasting residual efficacy and unique mode of action of the SemiShield™ 50WG shows that it could be an ideal product to be considered as a potential candidate insecticide formulation for IRS in malaria endemic countries such as Ethiopia or other sub-Saharan countries where the transmission season lasts up to four months or longer.
Factors influencing consistent use of bed nets for the control of malaria among children under 5 years in Soroti District, North Eastern Uganda
Authors: Akello Anne Ruth , Byagamy John Paul , Etajak Samuel , Okadhi Charles Stephen , Yeka Adoke
Published: December 2022

Background

The use of insecticide-treated bed nets has been proven to be effective in reducing malaria transmission in highly endemic areas. Use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) has been embraced by many malaria endemic countries. LLINs are up to 95% effective in inhibiting blood feeding, when used consistently even after 7 years. The challenge, however, is enhancing their consistent use, especially by the most vulnerable groups (children under 5 years and pregnant women). The study established factors associated with consistent use of bed nets for malaria control among children under 5 years in Soroti district.

Methods

The study employed a cross-sectional design, with multi-stage sampling of households. A total of 400 households (HH) were sampled and the HH head in each household interviewed. Key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with 7 key informants who were knowledgeable on the subject matter. Data analysis was done using SPSS 17.0 at Univariate, Bivariate and Multivariable levels; after entry and cleaning. Key informants’ data were summarized manually; verbatim quotes and text used to reinforce quantitative data in line with objectives.

Results

Only 56.8% of the 690 children under 5 years used bed nets consistently. The factors affecting consistent bed net use were age of the child, their use of bed nets the previous night, occupation of caretaker, respondents’ perceived susceptibility, perceived risk of getting malaria, size and shape of the bed nets. Rectangular nets were difficult to hang daily in huts according to most key informants.

Conclusion

Consistent bed net use among under fives is still below the RBM target of 85% by 2015 and can be enhanced by providing conical bed nets and setting aside a health education programme to emphasize the effectiveness of even one mosquito in spreading malaria at night to the entire household and ability of bed nets to stop transmission better than other methods.
LncRNA ELF3-AS1 inhibits gastric cancer by forming a negative feedback loop with SNAI2 and regulates ELF3 mRNA stability via interacting with ILF2/ILF3 complex
Authors: Li Dandan , Shen Li , Zhang Xudong , Chen Zhen , Huang Pan , Huang Congcong , Qin Shanshan
Published: December 2022

Background

The biological function of lncRNA ELF3-AS1 remains largely unknown in cancers. The cause of SNAI2 overexpression in tumor metastasis remains largely unclear. The molecular mechanisms underlying the high co-expression of antisense lncRNAs and adjacent protein-coding genes remains unclear.

Methods

RNA-seq, CHIP and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to identify lncRNAs regulated by SNAI2. MicroRNA-seq and RNA-seq studies were conducted to reveal the biological function of ELF3-AS1 in GC. RNA pulldown and CHIRP assays were conducted to identify the protein that interacts with ELF3-AS1.

Results

A total of 123 lncRNAs were identified to be regulated by SNAI2 in GC by RNA sequencing. The ELF3 gene and antisense lncRNA ELF3-AS1 were both transcriptionally repressed by SNAI2 or SNAI1. Down-regulation of ELF3-AS1 and ELF3 predicted poor prognosis in GC. Nuclear localized lncRNA ELF3-AS1 negatively regulated GC cell cycle progression via suppressing G1/S transition and histone synthesis. ELF3-AS1 mainly inhibited GC metastasis by repressing SNAI2 signaling. Additionally, ELF3-AS1 modulated ELF3 mRNA stability by RNA-RNA interaction. The RNA duplexes formed by ELF3 mRNA and lncRNA ELF3-AS1 directly interacted with the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding protein complex ILF2/ILF3 (NF45/NF90). In turn, the ILF2/ILF3 complex dynamically regulated the expression of ELF3-AS1 and ELF3 by affecting the dsRNA stability.

Conclusions

The SNAI2-ELF3-AS1 feedback loop regulates ELF3 expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and drives gastric cancer metastasis by maintaining SNAI2 overexpression. The ILF2/ILF3 complex plays a critical role in regulating dsRNA stability. In addition, our work provides a direct evidence that head-to-head antisense lncRNAs can share promoters with neighboring coding genes, which make their expression subject to similar transcriptional regulation, leading to high co-expression.
Increased copy number of imprinted genes in the chromosomal region 20q11-q13.32 is associated with resistance to antitumor agents in cancer cell lines
Authors: Krushkal Julia , Vural Suleyman , Jensen Travis L. , Wright George , Zhao Yingdong
Published: December 2022

Background

Parent of origin-specific allelic expression of imprinted genes is epigenetically controlled. In cancer, imprinted genes undergo both genomic and epigenomic alterations, including frequent copy number changes. We investigated whether copy number loss or gain of imprinted genes in cancer cell lines is associated with response to chemotherapy treatment.

Results

We analyzed 198 human imprinted genes including protein-coding genes and noncoding RNA genes using data from tumor cell lines from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer datasets. We examined whether copy number of the imprinted genes in 35 different genome locations was associated with response to cancer drug treatment. We also analyzed associations of pretreatment expression and DNA methylation of imprinted genes with drug response. Higher copy number of BLCAP, GNAS, NNAT, GNAS-AS1, HM13, MIR296, MIR298, and PSIMCT-1 in the chromosomal region 20q11-q13.32 was associated with resistance to multiple antitumor agents. Increased expression of BLCAP and HM13 was also associated with drug resistance, whereas higher methylation of gene regions of BLCAP, NNAT, SGK2, and GNAS was associated with drug sensitivity. While expression and methylation of imprinted genes in several other chromosomal regions was also associated with drug response and many imprinted genes in different chromosomal locations showed a considerable copy number variation, only imprinted genes at 20q11-q13.32 had a consistent association of their copy number with drug response. Copy number values among the imprinted genes in the 20q11-q13.32 region were strongly correlated. They were also correlated with the copy number of cancer-related non-imprinted genes MYBL2, AURKA, and ZNF217 in that chromosomal region. Expression of genes at 20q11-q13.32 was associated with ex vivo drug response in primary tumor samples from the Beat AML 1.0 acute myeloid leukemia patient cohort. Association of the increased copy number of the 20q11-q13.32 region with drug resistance may be complex and could involve multiple genes.

Conclusions

Copy number of imprinted and non-imprinted genes in the chromosomal region 20q11-q13.32 was associated with cancer drug resistance. The genes in this chromosomal region may have a modulating effect on tumor response to chemotherapy.
Longitudinal monitoring of cell-free DNA methylation in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Janke Florian , Angeles Arlou Kristina , Riediger Anja Lisa , Bauer Simone , Reck Martin , Stenzinger Albrecht , Schneider Marc A. , Muley Thomas , Thomas Michael , Christopoulos Petros , Sültmann Holger
Published: December 2022

Background

DNA methylation (5-mC) signals in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of cancer patients represent promising biomarkers for minimally invasive tumor detection. The high abundance of cancer-associated 5-mC alterations permits parallel and highly sensitive assessment of multiple 5-mC biomarkers. Here, we performed genome-wide 5-mC profiling in the plasma of metastaticALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. We established a strategy to identifyALK-specific 5-mC changes from cfDNA and demonstrated the suitability of the identified markers for cancer detection, prognosis, and therapy monitoring.

Methods

Longitudinal plasma samples (n = 79) of 21ALK-positive NSCLC patients and 13 healthy donors were collected alongside 15ALK-positive tumor tissue and 10 healthy lung tissue specimens. All plasma and tissue samples were analyzed by cell-free DNA methylation immunoprecipitation sequencing to generate genome-wide 5-mC profiles. Information on genomic alterations (i.e., somatic mutations/fusions and copy number alterations) determined in matched plasma samples was available from previous studies.

Results

We devised a strategy that identified tumor-specific 5-mC biomarkers by reducing 5-mC background signals derived from hematopoietic cells. This was followed by differential methylation analysis (cases vs. controls) and biomarker validation using 5-mC profiles ofALK-positive tumor tissues. The resulting 245 differentially methylated regions were enriched for lung adenocarcinoma-specific 5-mC patterns in TCGA data and indicated transcriptional repression of several genes described to be silenced in NSCLC (e.g.,PCDH10,TBX2,CDO1, andHOXA9). Additionally, 5-mC-based tumor DNA (5-mC score) was highly correlated with other genomic alterations in cell-free DNA (Spearman,ρ > 0.6), while samples with high 5-mC scores showed significantly shorter overall survival (log-rankp = 0.025). Longitudinal 5-mC scores reflected radiologic disease assessments and were significantly elevated at disease progression compared to the therapy start (p = 0.0023). In 7 out of 8 instances, rising 5-mC scores preceded imaging-based evaluation of disease progression.

Conclusion

We demonstrated a strategy to identify 5-mC biomarkers from the plasma of cancer patients and integrated them into a quantitative measure of cancer-associated 5-mC alterations. Using longitudinal plasma samples of ALK-positive NSCLC patients, we highlighted the suitability of cfDNA methylation for prognosis and therapy monitoring.
Regulation of muscle stem cell fate
Authors: Fu Xin , Zhuang Cheng-le , Hu Ping
Published: December 2022

Skeletal muscle plays a critical role in human health. Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) serve as the major cell type contributing to muscle regeneration by directly differentiating to mature muscle cells. MuSCs usually remain quiescent with occasionally self-renewal and are activated to enter cell cycle for proliferation followed by differentiation upon muscle injury or under pathological conditions. The quiescence maintenance, activation, proliferation, and differentiation of MuSCs are tightly regulated. The MuSC cell-intrinsic regulatory network and the microenvironments work coordinately to orchestrate the fate transition of MuSCs. The heterogeneity of MuSCs further complicates the regulation of MuSCs. This review briefly summarizes the current progress on the heterogeneity of MuSCs and the microenvironments, epigenetic, and transcription regulations of MuSCs.
Fish species classification using a collaborative technique of firefly algorithm and neural network
Authors: Prasenan Pooja , Suriyakala Chethamangalathu Damodharaprabhu
Published: December 2022

Monitoring various Fish Species and its distribution of the species obtains a primary significance in receiving the insights to marine ecological-system. After this, visual classification of those species would aid in tracing out the movement and yield the patterns and trends in fish activities, which provides in depth knowledge of the species. Unconstrained under-water images pose highly variations because of the fish orientation changes, Light-intensities, similarity in fish patterns and fish shapes. This would create the greater challenge for Image-processing techniques in accurate classification of Fish species or the Fish classes. Hence, for this reason, Underwater Image Enhancement is implemented in combination of Morphological-operations in pre-processing method. The pre-processed image is then subjected to feature extraction process by using Speed-up Robust Feature algorithm. This is followed by Firefly Algorithm, applied for optimization of Region of interest selection in the selected-features. For the categorization of Fish-species, PatternNet is a technique which is employed, in classifying 10,000 marine fish-images to five categories (Dascyllus reticulatus, Plectroglyphidodon dickii, Chromis chrysura, Amphiprion clarkii, and Chaetodon lunulatus). The Efficiency of the proposed-framework is performed in terms of Classification accuracy, execution time, precision value, F-measure and recall factors with respect to various categories of fish species. The comparison of the proposed-framework is also assessed with the other existing methods. 98% of accuracy rate in classification was produced by the evaluation results of the proposed framework with a lesser average computation time of 3.64 s upon different tested images. Thus, the higher efficiency of the proposed framework is proved by the outcomes of the study.
Do task and item difficulty affect overestimation of one’s hand hygiene compliance? A cross-sectional survey of physicians and nurses in surgical clinics of six hospitals in Germany
Authors: Lamping Jonas , Tomsic Ivonne , Stolz Maike , Krauth Christian , Chaberny Iris F. , von Lengerke Thomas
Published: December 2022

Background

One barrier to hand hygiene compliance is overestimation of one’s own performance. Overconfidence research shows that overestimation tends to be higher for difficult tasks, which suggests that the magnitude of overestimation also depends on how it is assessed. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that overestimation was stronger for hand hygiene indications with low compliance (i.e., high difficulty), and the hypothesis that self-reported overall compliance based on a single item is higher than based on “5 Moments of Hand Hygiene” (WHO-5) items, since the single item implies an aggregation across indications.

Methods

In the WACH trial (German Clinical Trials Register [DRKS] ID: DRKS00015502), a questionnaire survey was conducted among physicians and nurses in nine surgical clinics (general/visceral surgery or orthopedics/trauma surgery) of six German hospitals. Self-reported compliance was assessed both by a single item and the WHO-5-items using percentage scales. These were compared with each other and with direct observations. Relative frequencies of the WHO-5 indications used to calculate the WHO-5-based self-reported overall compliance rate were estimated by a systematized review of the literature (see appendix). In analysis, t-tests, Chi2-tests and multiple linear regressions were used.

Results

Ninety-three physicians (response rate: 28.4%) and 225 nurses (30.4%) participated. Significant compliance differences between physicians and nurses were found for direct observations and were in favor of nurses, while no such differences were found for self-reports. Across the WHO-5, overestimation showed inverse correlations with observed compliance (physicians: r = −0.88, p = 0.049; nurses: r = −0.81, p = 0.093). Support for the hypothesis that the self-reported overall compliance based on one item is higher than that based on WHO-5 items was found for physicians (M = 87.2 vs. 84.1%, p = 0.041; nurses: 84.4 vs. 85.5%, p = 0.296). Exploratory analyses showed that this effect was confined to orthopedic/trauma surgeons (89.9 vs. 81.7%, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Among physicians, results indicate stronger hand hygiene overestimation for low-compliance indications, and when measurements are based on a single item versus the five WHO-5 items. For practice, results contribute to infection prevention and control’s understanding of overestimation as a psychological mechanism that is relevant to professional hand hygiene.
Prevalence of anti-leptospiral IgM and detection of pathogenic Leptospira species DNA in neonates presenting with clinical sepsis in Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Hope Derick , Businge Stephen , Kyoyagala Stella , Bazira Joel
Published: December 2022

Background

Leptospirosis is an emerging neglected zoonotic disease that presents with nonspecific signs/symptoms and it can be mistaken for other diseases. Owing to limited diagnostic capacity and unawareness, the data on human leptospirosis particularly in neonates are scarce in many sub-Saharan countries. It has been underreported hindering preventive and control measures in place. The study aimed at determining prevalence of leptospirosis as a cause of febrile illness in neonates using IgM ELISA and a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR).

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that included 103 neonatal sepsis cases whose parents/legal guardians gave informed consent. The data on demographic and clinical characteristics were collected using structured data collection form. EDTA whole blood sample was collected from the neonates by trained study nurses. From the samples, IgM ELISA was done using automated analyzers, DNA extracted and qPCR was performed using primers for LipL32, specific for the pathogenic leptospires.

Results

The prevalence of anti-leptospiral IgM among the neonates as determined by ELISA was 4.3%, where all of them presented with lethargy and poor feeding. No pathogenicLeptospiraspecies DNA was amplified by qPCR.

Conclusions

Evidence of leptospirosis was demonstrated in neonatal sepsis cases in this study. The findings suggest considerations of leptospirosis in the differential diagnosis of neonates with sepsis. More data are needed on the real epidemiology, clinical features, and burden of leptospirosis in neonates. There is need to include intermediate pathogenic species ofLeptospirain the diagnostic qPCR assays.
An improved workflow for accurate and robust healthcare environmental surveillance using metagenomics
Authors: Shen Jiaxian , McFarland Alexander G. , Blaustein Ryan A. , Rose Laura J. , Perry-Dow K. Allison , Moghadam Anahid A. , Hayden Mary K. , Young Vincent B. , Hartmann Erica M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Effective surveillance of microbial communities in the healthcare environment is increasingly important in infection prevention. Metagenomics-based techniques are promising due to their untargeted nature but are currently challenged by several limitations: (1) they are not powerful enough to extract valid signals out of the background noise for low-biomass samples, (2) they do not distinguish between viable and nonviable organisms, and (3) they do not reveal the microbial load quantitatively. An additional practical challenge towards a robust pipeline is the inability to efficiently allocate sequencing resources a priori. Assessment of sequencing depth is generally practiced post hoc, if at all, for most microbiome studies, regardless of the sample type. This practice is inefficient at best, and at worst, poor sequencing depth jeopardizes the interpretation of study results. To address these challenges, we present a workflow for metagenomics-based environmental surveillance that is appropriate for low-biomass samples, distinguishes viability, is quantitative, and estimates sequencing resources.

Results

The workflow was developed using a representative microbiome sample, which was created by aggregating 120 surface swabs collected from a medical intensive care unit. Upon evaluating and optimizing techniques as well as developing new modules, we recommend best practices and introduce a well-structured workflow. We recommend adopting liquid-liquid extraction to improve DNA yield and only incorporating whole-cell filtration when the nonbacterial proportion is large. We suggest including propidium monoazide treatment coupled with internal standards and absolute abundance profiling for viability assessment and involving cultivation when demanding comprehensive profiling. We further recommend integrating internal standards for quantification and additionally qPCR when we expect poor taxonomic classification. We also introduce a machine learning-based model to predict required sequencing effort from accessible sample features. The model helps make full use of sequencing resources and achieve desired outcomes.

Conclusions

This workflow will contribute to more accurate and robust environmental surveillance and infection prevention. Lessons gained from this study will also benefit the continuing development of methods in relevant fields.