bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Maintenance Session Attendance and Early Weight Loss Goal Achievement on Weight Loss Success in a Community-Based Diabetes Prevention Program Intervention
Authors: Napoleone Jenna M. , Miller Rachel G. , Devaraj Susan M. , Rockette-Wagner Bonny , Arena Vincent C. , Venditti Elizabeth M. , Kramer Kaye , Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Kriska Andrea M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine how maintenance session attendance and 6-month weight loss (WL) goal achievement impacted 12-month 5% WL success in older adults participating in a community-based Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention.

Methods

Data were combined from 2 community trials that delivered the 12-month DPP-based Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) to overweight/obese adults (mean age = 62 years, 76% women) with prediabetes and/or metabolic syndrome. Included participants (n = 238) attended ≥4 core sessions (months 0-6) and had complete data on maintenance attendance (≥4 of 6 sessions during months 7-12) and 6- and 12-month WL (5% WL goal, yes/no). Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of 12-month 5% WL associated with maintenance attendance and 6-month WL. Associations between age (Medicare-eligible ≥65 vs <65 years) and WL and attendance were examined.

Results

Both attending ≥4 maintenance sessions and meeting the 6-month 5% WL goal increased the odds of meeting the 12-month 5% WL goal. For those not meeting the 6-month WL goal, maintenance session attendance did not improve odds of 12-month WL success. Medicare-eligible adults ≥65 years were more likely to meet the 12-month WL goal (odds ratio = 3.03, 95% CI, 1.58-5.81) versus <65 years.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide important information regarding participant attendance and WL for providers offering DPP-based lifestyle intervention programs across the country who are seeking Medicare reimbursement. Understanding Medicare reimbursement-defined success will allow these providers to focus on and develop strategies to enhance program effectiveness and sustainability.
Micro-econometric evaluation of subsidized employment in morocco: the case of the "Idmaj" program
Authors: Chatri Abdellatif , Hadef Khadija , Samoudi Naima
Published: June 2021

This paper aims to assess the impact of the Moroccan wage subsidy program "Idmaj". It applies the propensity score matching method to the data from a survey conducted by the Ministry of Labour on a sample of eligible individuals. Our results suggest that wage subsidies in Morocco have a positive but marginally significant effect on reducing unemployment and improving employment and a significant negative impact on wages. It also highlights some heterogeneous effects of the program, particularly on women. Finally, it appears that the program did not serve as a stepping stone to higher-paying, high-quality work and, in contrast, it had a stigmatizing effect on beneficiaries.
New residual feed intake criterion for longitudinal data
Authors: David Ingrid , Huynh Tran Van-Hung , Gilbert Hélène
Published: June 2021

Background

Residual feed intake (RFI) is one measure of feed efficiency, which is usually obtained by multiple regression of feed intake (FI) on measures of production, body weight gain and tissue composition. If phenotypic regression is used, the resulting RFI is generally not genetically independent of production traits, whereas if RFI is computed using genetic regression coefficients, RFI and production traits are independent at the genetic level. The corresponding regression coefficients can be easily derived from the result of a multiple trait model that includes FI and production traits. However, this approach is difficult to apply in the case of multiple repeated measurements of FI and production traits. To overcome this difficulty, we used a structured antedependence approach to account for the longitudinality of the data with a phenotypic regression model or with different genetic and environmental regression coefficients [multi- structured antedependence model (SAD) regression model].

Results

After demonstrating the properties of RFI obtained by the multi-SAD regression model, we applied the two models to FI and production traits that were recorded for 2435 French Large White pigs over a 10-week period. Heritability estimates were moderate with both models. With the multi-SAD regression model, heritability estimates were quite stable over time, ranging from 0.14 ± 0.04 to 0.16 ± 0.05, while heritability estimates showed a U-shaped profile with the phenotypic regression model (ranging from 0.19 ± 0.06 to 0.28 ± 0.06). Estimates of genetic correlations between RFI at different time points followed the same pattern for the two models but higher estimates were obtained with the phenotypic regression model. Estimates of breeding values that can be used for selection were obtained by eigen-decomposition of the genetic covariance matrix. Correlations between these estimated breeding values obtained with the two models ranged from 0.66 to 0.83.

Conclusions

The multi-SAD model is preferred for the genetic analysis of longitudinal RFI because, compared to the phenotypic regression model, it provides RFI that are genetically independent of production traits at all time points. Furthermore, it can be applied even when production records are missing at certain time points.
Genetic variation in recombination rate in the pig
Authors: Johnsson Martin , Whalen Andrew , Ros-Freixedes Roger , Gorjanc Gregor , Chen Ching-Yi , Herring William O. , de Koning Dirk-Jan , Hickey John M.
Published: June 2021

Background

Meiotic recombination results in the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. Recombination rate varies between different parts of the genome, between individuals, and is influenced by genetics. In this paper, we assessed the genetic variation in recombination rate along the genome and between individuals in the pig using multilocus iterative peeling on 150,000 individuals across nine genotyped pedigrees. We used these data to estimate the heritability of recombination and perform a genome-wide association study of recombination in the pig.

Results

Our results confirmed known features of the recombination landscape of the pig genome, including differences in genetic length of chromosomes and marked sex differences. The recombination landscape was repeatable between lines, but at the same time, there were differences in average autosome-wide recombination rate between lines. The heritability of autosome-wide recombination rate was low but not zero (on average 0.07 for females and 0.05 for males). We found six genomic regions that are associated with recombination rate, among which five harbour known candidate genes involved in recombination: RNF212, SHOC1, SYCP2, MSH4 and HFM1.

Conclusions

Our results on the variation in recombination rate in the pig genome agree with those reported for other vertebrates, with a low but nonzero heritability, and the identification of a major quantitative trait locus for recombination rate that is homologous to that detected in several other species. This work also highlights the utility of using large-scale livestock data to understand biological processes.
MicroPIPE: validating an end-to-end workflow for high-quality complete bacterial genome construction
Authors: Murigneux Valentine , Roberts Leah W. , Forde Brian M. , Phan Minh-Duy , Nhu Nguyen Thi Khanh , Irwin Adam D. , Harris Patrick N. A. , Paterson David L. , Schembri Mark A. , Whiley David M. , Beatson Scott A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) long-read sequencing has become a popular platform for microbial researchers due to the accessibility and affordability of its devices. However, easy and automated construction of high-quality bacterial genomes using nanopore reads remains challenging. Here we aimed to create a reproducible end-to-end bacterial genome assembly pipeline using ONT in combination with Illumina sequencing.

Results

We evaluated the performance of several popular tools used during genome reconstruction, including base-calling, filtering, assembly, and polishing. We also assessed overall genome accuracy using ONT both natively and with Illumina. All steps were validated using the high-quality complete reference genome for the Escherichia coli sequence type (ST)131 strain EC958. Software chosen at each stage were incorporated into our final pipeline, MicroPIPE.

Further validation of MicroPIPE was carried out using 11 additional ST131 E. coli isolates, which demonstrated that complete circularised chromosomes and plasmids could be achieved without manual intervention. Twelve publicly available Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial genomes (with available raw ONT data and matched complete genomes) were also assembled using MicroPIPE. We found that revised basecalling and updated assembly of the majority of these genomes resulted in improved accuracy compared to the current publicly available complete genomes.

Conclusions

MicroPIPE is built in modules using Singularity container images and the bioinformatics workflow manager Nextflow, allowing changes and adjustments to be made in response to future tool development. Overall, MicroPIPE provides an easy-access, end-to-end solution for attaining high-quality bacterial genomes. MicroPIPE is available at https://github.com/BeatsonLab-MicrobialGenomics/micropipe.
Implementation of a top five list to identify medical overuse in general practice according to patients’ viewpoint in 2019 in France
Authors: Hazard Agnès , Debin Marion , Hervé Corentin , Guerrisi Caroline , Bonnet Camille , François Mathilde
Published: June 2021

Background

There is a current trend to reassess the adequacy of care. Establishing top five lists by involving patients is one way to address medical overuse. The objective of this study was to establish a patients’ top five list in general practice in France. The secondary objective was to identify selection criteria.

Method

Patients from the web-based cohort GrippeNet.fr were invited to establish their top five list from 15 care procedures previously selected by general practitioners on the basis of medical overuse. The care procedures were presented on a web-interface with guides written with the help of a patient association. A questionnaire was used to explore factors that may have influenced the choices of the participants.

Results

In total, 691 patients established the following top five list: 1/ Prescription of antibiotics for acute bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, otitis media with effusion, or uncomplicated influenza; 2/ Prescription of benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine-like agents for insomnia, generalised anxiety and all indications for older patients; 3/ Prescription of a homeopathic treatment (Influenzinum) for flu prevention; 4/ Prescription of antitussive or expectorant agents for acute cough or acute bronchitis care; 5/ Prescription of statins for the primary prevention of cardio-vascular risk in older patients. More than 70% of participants gave importance to the recommendations, effectiveness, and tolerance of the care procedures, whereas only half considered the cost.

Conclusion

This study is the first to establish a patient’s top-five list in general practice. This list provides direction for deciding the main targets in limiting medical overuse.
Late-onset neuromuscular disorders in the differential diagnosis of sarcopenia
Authors: Hofmeister Fabian , Baber Lisa , Ferrari Uta , Hintze Stefan , Jarmusch Stefanie , Krause Sabine , Meinke Peter , Mehaffey Stefan , Neuerburg Carl , Tangenelli Fabiana , Schoser Benedikt , Drey Michael
Published: June 2021

Background

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. Undiagnosed late-onset neuromuscular disorders need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Aim

Based on emblematic case reports and current neuromuscular diagnostic guidelines for three common late-onset neuromuscular disorders, a differential diagnostic approach for geriatric patients presenting with a sarcopenic phenotype is given.

Methods

Patients over 65 years of age with sarcopenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, inclusion body myositis and myotonic dystrophy type 2 were recruited. All patients were assessed for sarcopenia based on the revised European consensus definition. Patients with neuromuscular diseases were diagnosed according to the revised El Escorial criteria and the European neuromuscular centre criteria. Phenotypes and diagnostic criteria for all patients were summarized including their specific histopathological findings.

Results

All patients with neuromuscular diseases were positively screened for sarcopenia and classified as severe sarcopenic by means of assessment. The clinical phenotype, the evolution pattern of weakness and muscle atrophy combined with laboratory finding including electromyography could unquestionably distinguish the diseases.

Discussion

Neuromuscular disorders can manifest beyond the age of 65 years and misdiagnosed as sarcopenia. The most common diseases are inclusion body myositis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myotonic dystrophy type 2. A diagnostic work-up for neuromuscular diseases ensures their correct diagnosis by clinical-, electrophysiological, histopathological, and genetic work-up.

Conclusions

In geriatric patients with a focal or asymmetrical muscular weakness and atrophy, sarcopenia assessment should be extended with patient’s history of disease course. Furthermore, concomitant diseases, analysis of serum creatine kinase, electrophysiological examination, and in selected patients muscle biopsy and gene analysis is needed to rule out a late-onset neuromuscular disorder.
Risk factors for postoperative ischemic complications in pediatric moyamoya disease
Authors: Deng Xiaofeng , Ge Peicong , Wang Rong , Zhang Dong , Zhao Jizong , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2021

Background

Ischemic events are the most common postoperative complication in bypass surgery for moyamoya disease (MMD), but the risk factors for pediatric MMD remain unclear. The goal of the study was to investigate the risk factors for postoperative ischemic complications in pediatric MMD patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of pediatric MMD cases at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from June 2010 through June 2019. Preoperative clinical variables and radiographic findings were recorded, and logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the risk factors for postoperative ischemic events.

Results

A total of 533 operations in 336 patients were included in this study. Postoperative complications occurred after 51 operations (9.6%), including 40/447 indirect bypass procedures, 9/70 direct bypass procedures, and 2/16 combined bypass procedures. Postoperative ischemic events were the most common complication and occurred in 30 patients after 31 procedures (8.9% per patient; 5.8% per operation), including 26/447 indirect bypass procedures, 4/70 direct bypass procedures, and 1/16 combined bypass procedures, and the incidence of these events did not differ significantly between indirect and non-indirect bypass (5.8% vs 5.8%; p = 0.999). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that older age at operation (OR 1.129, 95% CI 1.011–1.260, p = 0.032) and posterior cerebral artery involvement (OR 2.587, 95% CI 1.030–6.496, p = 0.043) were significantly associated with postoperative ischemic events.

Conclusion

We speculate that older age at operation and posterior cerebral artery involvement are risk factors for postoperative ischemic events in pediatric MMD patients.
The value of the tumour-stroma ratio for predicting neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy response in locally advanced rectal cancer: a case control study
Authors: Liang Yanting , Zhu Yaxi , Lin Huan , Zhang Shenyan , Li Suyun , Huang Yanqi , Liu Chen , Qu Jinrong , Liang Changhong , Zhao Ke , Li Zhenhui , Liu Zaiyi
Published: June 2021

Background

The tumour-stroma ratio (TSR) is recognized as a practical prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. However, TSR assessment generally utilizes surgical specimens. This study aims to investigate whether the TSR evaluated from preoperative biopsy specimens by a semi-automatic quantification method can predict the response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

Methods

A total of 248 consecutive patients diagnosed with LARC and treated with nCRT followed by resection were included. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained sections of biopsy specimens were collected, and the TSR was evaluated by a semi-automatic quantification method and was divided into three categories, using the cut-offs determined in the whole cohort to balance the proportion of patients in each category. The response to nCRT was evaluated on the primary tumour resection specimen by an expert pathologist using the four-tier tumour regression grade (TRG) system.

Results

The TSR can discriminate patients that are major-responders (TRG 0–1) from patients that are non-responders (TRG 2–3). Patients were divided into stroma-low (33.5%), stroma-intermediate (33.9%), and stroma-high (32.7%) groups using 56.3 and 72.8% as the cutoffs. In the stroma-low group, 58 (69.9%) patients were major-responders, and only 39 (48.1%) patients were considered major-responders in the stroma-high group (P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis showed that the TSR was the only pre-treatment predictor of response to nCRT (adjusted odds ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.21–0.76, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

An elevated TSR in preoperative biopsy specimens is an independent predictor of nCRT response in LARC. This semi-automatic quantified TSR could be easily translated into routine pathologic assessment due to its reproducibility and reliability.
The role of early-onset-sepsis in the neurodevelopment of very low birth weight infants
Authors: Ortgies Tjark , Rullmann Michael , Ziegelhöfer Dorothée , Bläser Annett , Thome Ulrich H.
Published: June 2021

Aims

The study investigated a putative association between early-onset-sepsis (EOS) and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years corrected age in very low birth weight infants.

Methods

This was a single-center cohort study on infants weighing less than 1500 g with a gestational age below 35 weeks at birth born between 2008 and 2011. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at follow-up with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II. EOS was defined as either culture-proven EOS or clinical EOS using blood culture, CrP levels, and clinical symptoms and treatment. Neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was defined as one or more of the following: Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and/or Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) scores lower than 70; presence of cerebral palsy.

Results

Of 405 eligible newborns in the study period 166 were included. Two had culture-proven and 29 clinical EOS. Median MDI scores in patients with EOS were 96 (IQR: 86–106) and in the control group 94 (84–106, p = 0.77). PDI scores in patients with EOS were 96 (86–106) and in the control group 99,5 (92–103, p = 0.03). Of infected patients 7/31 (24%) showed NDI as defined, whereas only 11/135 (8%) showed NDI in the control group (OR 3.3, p = 0.03). Multiple regression analyses identified chorioamnionitis and poor CRIB-Scores as individual risk factors for MDI or PDI values < 70.

Conclusion

In our study, EOS among VLBW-infants significantly impaired the neurodevelopment at 2 years corrected age. As shown in previous reports infection continues to be a problem and strategies for a reduction need further improvement.
Effect of electromyostimulation on intramyocellular lipids of the vastus lateralis in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hioki Maya , Kanehira Nana , Koike Teruhiko , Saito Akira , Takahashi Hideyuki , Shimaoka Kiyoshi , Sakakibara Hisataka , Oshida Yoshiharu , Akima Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Background

Excessive intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) accumulation is a primary cause of skeletal muscle insulin resistance, especially in older adults, and interventions that reduce IMCL contents are important to improve insulin sensitivity. Electromyostimulation (EMS)-induced changes in IMCL content in older adults remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of a single bout of EMS on the IMCL content of the vastus lateralis muscle in older adults.

Methods

Twenty-two physically active, non-obese older men and women were randomly assigned to an EMS intervention group (69.0 ± 5.2 years, n = 12) or a control group (68.4 ± 3.5 years, n = 10). EMS was applied to the vastus lateralis (7 s on and 7 s off) for 30 min; control participants sat quietly for 30 min. IMCL content within the vastus lateralis was quantified with 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (n = 7 per group). Fasting plasma glucose and insulin values were determined from blood samples collected before and after the EMS intervention.

Results

EMS induced a significant reduction in plasma glucose (93.1 ± 9.6 to 89.5 ± 9.1 mg/dL, p < 0.01), but not IMCL content (15.7 ± 15.7 to 15.8 ± 13.1 mmol/kg wet weight, p = 0.49) or insulin (5.4 ± 2.4 to 4.7 ± 2.7 μIU/mL, p = 0.18). In the control group, no changes in IMCL content in the vastus lateralis was observed after prolonged quiet sitting.

Conclusion

EMS intervention for 30 min induces changes in plasma glucose, but no changes in IMCL content in older adults.

Trial registration

University hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Center ID: UMIN000020126. Retrospectively registered on December 222,015. https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000023242
A systematic review of the quality and scope of decision modelling studies in child oral health research
Authors: Taylor Greig D. , Carr Katherine , Rogers Helen J. , Vernazza Chris R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Decision analytic models are often used in economic evaluations to estimate long-term costs and effects of treatment which span beyond the time-frame of a clinical trial, therefore providing a better understanding of the long-term implications of decisions that conventional trial-based economic evaluations fail to provide. This is particularly relevant for considering oral health interventions in children as treatments may affect adult oral health. However, in the field of child oral health there has not been an evaluation of the quality and scope of decision analytical models which extend into adulthood. The aim of this review is to examine the scope and quality of decision modelling studies, with horizons extending into adulthood, within the field of child oral health.

Methods

The following databases were searched: NHS Economic Evaluation Database (CRD York), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Econlit. Full economic evaluations, in the field of child oral health, published after 1997 which included a decision model with a horizon that extended beyond the age of 18 years old were included. Included studies were appraised against the Drummond checklist and the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards by calibrated reviewers.

Results

Four hundred studies were identified, of which nine met the inclusion criteria. Of the nine, eight were cost-effectiveness models. The majority focussed on the prevention or management of dental caries. The mean percentage of applicable Drummond checklist criteria met by the studies in this review was 82% (median = 85%, range = 54–100%). Discounting of costs and performing an incremental analysis were noted as key methodological weaknesses. The mean percentage of applicable CHEERS criteria met by each study was 82% (median = 87%, range = 32–96%). Justifying the type of model, analytical methods used, and sources of funding were most commonly unreported.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of decision analytical models in the field of child oral health. Most of those that are available are of high methodological and reporting quality.
Impact of surgery on quality of life of Ugandan women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kayondo Musa , Kaye Dan Kabonge , Migisha Richard , Tugume Rodgers , Kato Paul Kalyebara , Lugobe Henry Mark , Geissbüehler Verena
Published: June 2021

Background

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a significant public health issue that negatively affects the Quality of Life (QOL) of women in both low and high-income countries. About 20% of women will undergo surgery for POP over their lifetime. However, there is a paucity of information on the effect of surgery on QOL especially in resource-limited settings. We therefore assessed the QOL among women with symptomatic POP living in rural southwestern Uganda and the impact of surgery on their quality of life.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study among 120 women with symptomatic POP scheduled for surgery at the urogynecology unit of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. The QOL at baseline and at 1 year after surgery in the domains of physical performance, social interaction, emotional state, sexual life, sleep quality, personal hygiene and urinary bladder function was determined using a King’s Quality of Life questionnaire. A paired t-test was used to compare the difference in mean scores at baseline and at 1-year post-surgery.

Results

Of the 120 participants that were enrolled at baseline, 117(98%) completed the follow-up period of 1 year. The baseline QOL was poor. The domains with the poorest QOL were physical, social, sexual, emotional and sleep quality. The mean QOL scores in all the domains and the overall QOL significantly improved 1 year after surgery (p < 0.001). The overall QOL improved by 38.9% after surgery (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The QOL was poor among women with symptomatic POP and surgery improved the QOL in all the domains of life. We recommend that surgery as an option for treatment of symptomatic POP should be scaled up to improve on the QOL of these women.
Lipidomics study of the therapeutic mechanism of Plantaginis Semen in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia rat
Authors: Yang Fei , Shi Wenjun , Wang Liting , Qin Nankun , Wang Chengxiang , Guo Yuying , Xu Guang , Fang Jie , Yu Xue , Ma Qun
Published: June 2021

Background

Plantaginis Semen has been widely used as folk medicine and health care food against hyperuricemia (HUA) and gout, but its pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the therapeutic mechanism of Plantaginis Semen extract on potassium oxonate -induced HUA rats based on a lipidomics approach.

Methods

A model of HUA was established by potassium oxonate intragastric administration. 42 Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, benzbromarone group (10 mg/kg) and three Plantaginis Semen groups (n = 7). The Plantaginis Semen groups were treated orally with Plantaginis Semen, 0.9375, 1.875  or 3.75 g/kg for 28 days. The levels of serum uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), triacylglycerol (TG) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were  measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was used for the serum lipidomics analysis, multivariate statistical analysis and independent samples t-test were carried out for the pattern recognition and characteristic metabolites identification. The relative levels of critical regulatory factors were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results

Compared with the model group, the levels of serum UA, Cr, TG and TNF-α were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in benzbromarone and three Plantaginis Semen groups. With lipidomics analysis, significant lipid metabolic perturbations were observed in HUA rats, 13 metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was  most affected. These perturbations  were partially restored via treatment of benzbromarone and Plantaginis Semen. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of urate anion transporter 1 (URAT1) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinases B (PI3K/Akt) were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) after treatment with benzbromarone and high dose of Plantaginis Semen.

Conclusions

Plantaginis Semen had significant effects on anti-HUA, anti-inflammatory and renal protection. It attenuated potassium oxonate-induced HUA through regulation of lipid metabolism disorder.
Drug use pattern using WHO core drug use indicators in public health centers of Dessie, North-East Ethiopia
Authors: Wendie Teklehaimanot Fentie , Ahmed Abdulmejid , Mohammed Solomon Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Background

Rational drug use requires that patients receive and take medication appropriately. Though the process of diagnosis and pharmaceutical care is complex, World Health Organization (WHO)/international network for rational use of drugs (INRUD) core drug use indicators investigate drug use to minimize the hazardous effect of the drug and enhance the wise use of scares resources. This study assessed drug use patterns in health centers of Dessie town using WHO/INRUD indicators.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in public health centers of Dessie town. Data were retrospectively collected from 1500 prescriptions dispensed from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018 using WHO data collection tool to assess prescribing indicators. For patient care and health facility indicators, 600 patients and 3 health centers were prospectively reviewed. Systematic random sampling was used to select samples. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.

Results

The average number of drugs per encounter was 2.1. The percentage of encounters with antibiotics and injection was 44% and 13.9%, respectively. The percentage of drugs prescribed by generic name and from an essential drug list was 98% and 100%, respectively. On average, patients spent 4.7 min for consultation and 105 s for dispensing. From 1305 prescribed drugs, 92% were dispensed, while only 4% were labeled adequately. More than half (54.8%) of patients had adequate knowledge of their medication. None of the health centers had an essential drug list. The availability of key essential medicines was 64.10%.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated irrational drug use practices in all healthcare facilities. Polypharmacy, antibiotics over-prescribing, short consultation and dispensing times, inadequate labeling of medicines, inadequate level of patients' knowledge about prescribed medicines, and unavailability of key drugs in stock were found to be the major problems. Continuous refreshment trainings on rational use of drugs and WHO recommendations should be given for prescribers and pharmacists. Further, we recommend studies involving large number of facilities to estimate overall prescribing practices.
Identifying prognostic factors of severe metabolic acidosis and uraemia in African children with severe falciparum malaria: a secondary analysis of a randomized trial
Authors: Mzumara Grace , Leopold Stije , Marsh Kevin , Dondorp Arjen , Ohuma Eric O. , Mukaka Mavuto
Published: June 2021

Background

Severe metabolic acidosis and acute kidney injury are major causes of mortality in children with severe malaria but are often underdiagnosed in low resource settings.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the ‘Artesunate versus quinine in the treatment of severe falciparum malaria in African children’ (AQUAMAT) trial was conducted to identify clinical features of severe metabolic acidosis and uraemia in 5425 children from nine African countries. Separate models were fitted for uraemia and severe metabolic acidosis. Separate univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify prognostic factors for severe metabolic acidosis and uraemia. Both analyses adjusted for the trial arm. A forward selection approach was used for model building of the logistic models and a threshold of 5% statistical significance was used for inclusion of variables into the final logistic model. Model performance was assessed through calibration, discrimination, and internal validation with bootstrapping.

Results

There were 2296 children identified with severe metabolic acidosis and 1110 with uraemia. Prognostic features of severe metabolic acidosis among them were deep breathing (OR: 3.94, CI 2.51–6.2), hypoglycaemia (OR: 5.16, CI 2.74–9.75), coma (OR: 1.72 CI 1.17–2.51), respiratory distress (OR: 1.46, CI 1.02–2.1) and prostration (OR: 1.88 CI 1.35–2.59). Features associated with uraemia were coma (3.18, CI 2.36–4.27), Prostration (OR: 1.78 CI 1.37–2.30), decompensated shock (OR: 1.89, CI 1.31–2.74), black water fever (CI 1.58. CI 1.09–2.27), jaundice (OR: 3.46 CI 2.21–5.43), severe anaemia (OR: 1.77, CI 1.36–2.29) and hypoglycaemia (OR: 2.77, CI 2.22–3.46)

Conclusion

Clinical and laboratory parameters representing contributors and consequences of severe metabolic acidosis and uraemia were independently associated with these outcomes. The model can be useful for identifying patients at high risk of these complications where laboratory assessments are not routinely available.
Circ3823 contributes to growth, metastasis and angiogenesis of colorectal cancer: involvement of miR-30c-5p/TCF7 axis
Authors: Guo Yaxin , Guo Yuying , Chen Chen , Fan Dandan , Wu Xiaoke , Zhao Luyang , Shao Bo , Sun Zhenqiang , Ji Zhenyu
Published: June 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumours. The recurrence and metastasis of CRC seriously affect the survival rate of patients. Angiogenesis is an extremely important cause of tumour growth and metastasis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been emerged as vital regulators for tumour progression. However, the regulatory role, clinical significance and underlying mechanisms still remain largely unknown.

Methods

High-throughput sequencing was used to analyse differential circRNAs expression in tumour and non-tumour tissues of CRC. In situ hybridization (ISH) and qRT-PCR were used to determine the level of circ3823 in CRC tissues and serum samples. Then, functional experiments in vitro and in vivo were performed to investigate the effects of circ3823 on tumour growth, metastasis and angiogenesis in CRC. Sanger sequencing, RNase R and Actinomycin D assay were used to verify the ring structure of circ3823. Mechanistically, dual luciferase reporter assay, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down experiments were performed to confirm the underlying mechanisms of circ3823.

Results

Circ3823 was evidently highly expressed in CRC and high circ3823 expression predicted a worse prognosis of CRC patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) indicated that the expression of circ3823 in serum showed high sensitivity and specificity for detecting CRC which means circ3823 have the potential to be used as diagnostic biomarkers. Functional experiments in vitro and in vivo indicated that circ3823 promote CRC cell proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis. Mechanism analysis showed that circ3823 act as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-30c-5p to relieve the repressive effect of miR-30c-5p on its target TCF7 which upregulates MYC and CCND1, and finally facilitates CRC progression. In addition, we found that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification exists on circ3823. And the m6A modification is involved in regulating the degradation of circ3823.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that circ3823 promotes CRC growth, metastasis and angiogenesis through circ3823/miR-30c-5p/TCF7 axis and it may serve as a new diagnostic marker or target for treatment of CRC patients. In addition, m6A modification is involved in regulating the degradation of circ3823.
In silico analysis of differentially expressed genesets in metastatic breast cancer identifies potential prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Kim Jongchan
Published: June 2021

Background

Identification of specific biological functions, pathways, and appropriate prognostic biomarkers is essential to accurately predict the clinical outcomes of and apply efficient treatment for breast cancer patients.

Methods

To search for metastatic breast cancer-specific biological functions, pathways, and novel biomarkers in breast cancer, gene expression datasets of metastatic breast cancer were obtained from Oncomine, an online data mining platform. Over- and under-expressed genesets were collected and the differentially expressed genes were screened from four datasets with large sample sizes (N > 200). They were analyzed for gene ontology (GO), KEGG pathway, protein-protein interaction, and hub gene analyses using online bioinformatic tools (Enrichr, STRING, and Cytoscape) to find enriched functions and pathways in metastatic breast cancer. To identify novel prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer, differentially expressed genes were screened from the entire twelve datasets with any sample sizes and tested for expression correlation and survival analyses using online tools such as KM plotter and bc-GenExMiner.

Results

Compared to non-metastatic breast cancer, 193 and 144 genes were differentially over- and under-expressed in metastatic breast cancer, respectively, and they were significantly enriched in regulating cell death, epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, and membrane and cytoskeletal structures according to the GO analyses. In addition, genes involved in progesterone- and estrogen-related signalings were enriched according to KEGG pathway analyses. Hub genes were identified via protein-protein interaction network analysis. Moreover, four differentially over-expressed (CCNA2, CENPN, DEPDC1, and TTK) and three differentially under-expressed genes (ABAT, LRIG1, and PGR) were further identified as novel biomarker candidate genes from the entire twelve datasets. Over- and under-expressed biomarker candidate genes were positively and negatively correlated with the aggressive and metastatic nature of breast cancer and were associated with poor and good prognosis of breast cancer patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Transcriptome datasets of metastatic breast cancer obtained from Oncomine allow the identification of metastatic breast cancer-specific biological functions, pathways, and novel biomarkers to predict clinical outcomes of breast cancer patients. Further functional studies are needed to warrant validation of their roles as functional tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing genes.
First insights into molecular basis identification of 16 s ribosomal RNA gene of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Sudan
Authors: Gumaa Manal A. , Idris Abeer Babiker , Bilal N. E. , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: June 2021

Objective

In this study, we analyzed the molecular evolution of Staphylococcus aureus isolates using 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic analysis to detect the prevalence of S. aureus infections in Sudan.

Results

Molecular detection of S. aureus has shown that 20 (43.47%) of patients were positive for S. aureus. The phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA sequences was divided into three lineages of S. aureus isolates detected from wound infections in Sudan. Nucleotides base-pair substitution was appeared at position 249. This mutation do not linked with Macrolides, Lincosamides and Streptogramines b resistant phenotype. Further studies should investigate the effect of that mutation on resistance to other antibiotics.
Pathological correlates of impaired self-awareness of memory function in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gagliardi Geoffroy , Kuppe Madeline , Lois Cristina , Hanseeuw Bernard , Vannini Patrizia ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Impaired self-awareness of memory function, a.k.a. anosognosia, is a common symptom in Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, its pathological correlates remain unclear. Here, we investigated the impact of amyloid and tau on memory self-awareness.

Methods

Two hundred thirty-six clinically normal (N) and 102 impaired (I) participants from the ADNI cohort were included. Amyloid (global) and tau burden (in entorhinal and inferior temporal cortices) were assessed using positron emission tomography (PET). Self-awareness of memory was assessed using discrepancy indexes of subjective participant-informant ratings, as well as participant-objective scores of memory performance. Subjective and objective values were derived from the Everyday Cognition memory questionnaire and Logical Memory (delayed recall).

Results

Lower awareness (both methods) of memory function was associated with higher levels of pathology in the I group as compared to N. There was a significant effect of tauopathy, but not amyloidosis, on individual complaint, such that higher levels of tau associated with lower awareness.

Discussion

Impaired self-awareness appears progressively in the evolution of the disease related to AD biomarkers. Discordant subjective and objective measures may be important for clinical consideration.
An improved apparent polar wander path for southwest Japan: post-Cretaceous multiphase rotations with respect to the Asian continent
Authors: Uno Koji , Idehara Yuta , Morita Daichi , Furukawa Kuniyuki
Published: June 2021

To construct the Mesozoic apparent polar wander path (APWP) for the inner arc of the southwestern Japanese islands (referred to as southwest Japan) and compare it to that of East Asia, a 110 Ma paleomagnetic pole for southwest Japan was determined. Mudstone and sandstone samples were collected from 16 sites for paleomagnetic analysis in the Lower Cretaceous Inakura Formation of the Inakura area in the central part of southwest Japan. A high-temperature magnetization component, with unblocking temperatures of 670–695 °C, was isolated from 12 sites of red mudstone. Of these, 11 sites revealed a primary remanent magnetization during the Early Cretaceous. The primary directions combined with the previously reported ones provide a new mean direction (D = 79.7°, I = 47.4°, α95 = 6.5°, N = 17), and a corresponding paleomagnetic pole that is representative of southwest Japan (24.6° N, 203.1° E, A95 = 6.8°). The Early Cretaceous paleomagnetic pole, together with the Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic poles, constitute a new APWP for southwest Japan. The new APWP illustrates a standstill polar position during 110–70 Ma, suggesting tectonic quiescence of this region. This standstill was followed by two large tracks during the Cenozoic. We interpret these tracks as clockwise tectonic rotations of southwest Japan that occurred twice during the Cenozoic. The earlier tectonic rotation occurred for a tectonic unit positioned below northeast China, the Liaodong and Korean Peninsulas, and southwest Japan (East Tan-Lu Block) during the Paleogene. The later rotation took place only under southwest Japan during the Neogene. Cenozoic multiphase rifting activity in the eastern margin of the Asian continent was responsible for the tectonic rotations that are observed from the paleomagnetic studies. Intermittent rifting may constitute a series of phenomena due to asthenospheric convection, induced by the growth of the Eurasian mega-continent in the Mesozoic.
Contextual interference in children with brain lesions: a pilot study investigating blocked vs. random practice order of an upper limb robotic exergame
Authors: Graser Judith V. , Bastiaenen Caroline H. G. , Gut Anja , Keller Urs , van Hedel Hubertus J. A.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Evidence about contextual interference in children with brain lesions when practising motor tasks is lacking. Our main objective was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing blocked with random practice order of an upper limb robotic exergame to improve reaching in children with neuromotor disorders with a pilot trial.

Methods

We recruited children with brain lesions and impaired upper limb functions who underwent a 3-week schedule that consisted of baseline assessments, intervention period (participants were randomised to a blocked or random order group), and follow-up assessment. We evaluated ten feasibility criteria, including the practicability of the inclusion/exclusion criteria, recruitment rate, feasibility of randomisation, scheduling procedure, and the participants’ programme adherence.

Results

The inclusion/exclusion criteria were not completely feasible as patients who were not able to perform the exergames were included. Twelve participants were recruited, and six datasets were used for analysis. The scheduling and randomisation procedures were generally feasible, but the procedure was only partially feasible for the participants, as some sessions were aborted due to lack of motivation and fatigue.

Conclusion

An RCT following this study protocol is not feasible. We formulated suggestions for future studies that aim to investigate contextual interference as in this pilot study.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02443857, registered on May 14, 2015
Studying visual search without an eye tracker: an assessment of artificial foveation
Authors: Matzen Laura E. , Stites Mallory C. , Gastelum Zoe. N.
Published: June 2021

Eye tracking is a useful tool for studying human cognition, both in the laboratory and in real-world applications. However, there are cases in which eye tracking is not possible, such as in high-security environments where recording devices cannot be introduced. After facing this challenge in our own work, we sought to test the effectiveness of using artificial foveation as an alternative to eye tracking for studying visual search performance. Two groups of participants completed the same list comparison task, which was a computer-based task designed to mimic an inventory verification process that is commonly performed by international nuclear safeguards inspectors. We manipulated the way in which the items on the inventory list were ordered and color coded. For the eye tracking group, an eye tracker was used to assess the order in which participants viewed the items and the number of fixations per trial in each list condition. For the artificial foveation group, the items were covered with a blurry mask except when participants moused over them. We tracked the order in which participants viewed the items by moving their mouse and the number of items viewed per trial in each list condition. We observed the same overall pattern of performance for the various list display conditions, regardless of the method. However, participants were much slower to complete the task when using artificial foveation and had more variability in their accuracy. Our results indicate that the artificial foveation method can reveal the same pattern of differences across conditions as eye tracking, but it can also impact participants’ task performance.
Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients—a new threat?
Authors: Awal Sandeep Singh , Biswas Som Subhro , Awal Sampreet Kaur
Published: June 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to be associated with a myriad of viral, fungal, and bacterial co-infections. Rhino-orbital mucormycosis is a rare angio-invasive fungal infection which has shown a rising trend in the setting of COVID-19.

Case presentation

We describe the imaging findings in 3 cases of rhino-orbital mucormycosis in patients with history of COVID-19. All cases had varying involvement of paranasal sinuses extending into the orbital compartment while case 3 had intracranial extension of infection.

Conclusions

Rhino-orbital mucormycosis can have aggressive necrosis of the involved paranasal sinuses and orbits with or without cerebral extension. Hence, the correct diagnosis is imperative as prompt antifungal drugs and surgical debridement can significantly reduce mortality and morbidity.
Transitioning to community-based mental healthcare: reform experiences of five countries
Authors: Wong Ben Hoi-Ching , Chkonia Eka , Panteleeva Lilia , Pinchuk Irina , Stevanovic Dejan , Tufan Ali Evren , Skokauskas Norbert , Ougrin Dennis
Published: June 2021

Following the growing global focus on deinstitutionalisation in the past 50 years, accessible community mental health services was a highlighted commitment in the European Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020 to improve well-being of patients and families. The progress of transition has been uneven in some Eastern European countries. This paper aims to update and reflect on the examples of five countries across the region.