bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 Receptors and Proteases in Testicular Cells
Authors: Ribeiro Maria Rita , Calado Ana Margarida , Alves Ângela , Pereira Rute , Sousa Mário , Sá Rosália
Published: April 2023

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been found in the human testis on occasion, but subgenomic SARS-CoV-2 and infectious SARS-CoV-2 virions have not been found. There is no direct evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection of testicular cells. To better understand this, it is necessary to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 receptors and proteases are present in testicular cells. To overcome this limitation, we focused on elucidating with immunohistochemistry the spatial distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 receptors angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), as well as their viral spike protein priming proteases, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and cathepsin L (CTSL), required for viral fusion with host cells. At the protein level, human testicular tissue expressed both receptors and proteases studied. Both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were found in interstitial cells (endothelium, Leydig, and myoid peritubular cells) and in the seminiferous epithelium (Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids). The presence of CD147 was observed in all cell types except endothelium and peritubular cells, while CTSL was exclusively observed in Leydig, peritubular, and Sertoli cells. These findings show that the ACE2 receptor and its protease TMPRSS2 are coexpressed in all testicular cells, as well as the CD147 receptor and its protease CTSL in Leydig and Sertoli cells, indicating that testicular SARS-CoV-2 infection cannot be ruled out without further investigation:
Prospective association between depressive symptoms and blood-pressure related outcomes in Kosovo
Authors: Obas Katrina A. , Kwiatkowski Marek , Bytyci-Katanolli Ariana , Statovci Shukrije , Jerliu Naim , Ramadani Qamile , Fota Nicu , Gerold Jana , Zahorka Manfred , Probst-Hensch Nicole
Published: April 2023

Kosovo has the lowest life expectancy in the Western Balkans, where cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for over half of all deaths. Depression also contributes to disability in the country, with a prevalence of moderate to severe symptoms reported as high as 42% in the general population. Although the mechanisms are not yet well understood, evidence suggests that depression is an independent risk factor for CVD. Our study assessed the prospective association between depressive symptoms and blood pressure (BP)-related outcomes among primary healthcare users in Kosovo to understand the role of BP in the relationship between depression and CVD. We included 648 primary healthcare users from the KOSCO study. The presence of depressive symptoms was defined as moderate to very severe depressive symptoms (DASS-21 depressive symptoms score ≥14). Multivariable censored regression models assessed prospective associations between baseline depressive symptoms and changes in systolic and diastolic BP while taking hypertension treatment into consideration. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed prospective associations between baseline depressive symptoms and hypertension diagnosis among normotensive patients (n = 226) as well as uncontrolled hypertension in hypertensive patients (n = 422) at follow-up. Depressive symptoms were associated with attenuated diastolic BP (β = -2.84, 95%-CI -4.64 to -1.05, p = 0.002) over a year of follow-up in our fully adjusted model, although the association with systolic BP (β = -1.98, 95%-CI -5.48 to 1.28, p = 0.23) did not meet statistical significance. We found no statistically significant association of depressive symptoms with hypertension diagnosis among initially normotensive people (OR = 1.68, 95%-CI 0.41 to 6.98, p = 0.48), nor with hypertension control among initially hypertensive people (OR = 0.69, 95%-CI 0.34 to 1.41, p = 0.31). Our findings are not consistent with increased BP as an underlying mechanism between depression and elevated CVD risk and contribute valuable evidence to cardiovascular epidemiology, where the mechanisms between depression, hypertension and CVD are yet to be elucidated.
Vaccination coverage and breakthrough infections of COVID-19 during the second wave among staff of selected medical institutions in India
Authors: Rahi Manju , Yadav Chander Prakash , Ahmad Sundus Shafat , Nitika  , Das Payal , Sharma Shweta , Baharia Rajendra Kumar , Bhattacharya Debdutta , Deshmukh Pradeep , Dhatrak Amey , Dogra Sandeep , Eapen Alex , Goel Pawan , Faizi Nafis , Khan Siraj A. , Kochar Sanjay Kumar , Kochar Aditya , Kumar Ashwani , Mundra Anuj , Narang Rahul , Narain Kanwar , Pandey Krishna , Pati Sanghamitra , Raghav Pankaja , Ranjha Ritesh , Shah Salman , Singh Kuldeep , Singh Piyoosh Kumar , Singh Raj Kumar , Kuttiatt Vijesh Shreedhar , Soni Ravinder , Sreehari Uragayala , Malhotra Sumit , Sharma Amit
Published: April 2023

India experienced the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection from April 3 to June 10, 2021. During the second wave, Delta variant B.1617.2 emerged as the predominant strain, spiking cases from 12.5 million to 29.3 million (cumulative) by the end of the surge in India. Vaccines against COVID-19 are a potent tool to control and end the pandemic in addition to other control measures. India rolled out its vaccination programme on January 16, 2021, initially with two vaccines that were given emergency authorization–Covaxin (BBV152) and Covishield (ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19). Vaccination was initially started for the elderly (60+) and front-line workers and then gradually opened to different age groups. The second wave hit when vaccination was picking up pace in India. There were instances of vaccinated people (fully and partially) getting infected, and reinfections were also reported. We undertook a survey of staff (front line health care workers and supporting) of 15 medical colleges and research institutes across India to assess the vaccination coverage, incidence of breakthrough infections, and reinfections among them from June 2 to July 10, 2021. A total of 1876 staff participated, and 1484 forms were selected for analysis after removing duplicates and erroneous entries (n = 392). We found that among the respondents at the time of response, 17.6% were unvaccinated, 19.8% were partially vaccinated (received the first dose), and 62.5% were fully vaccinated (received both doses). Incidence of breakthrough infections was 8.7% among the 801 individuals (70/801) tested at least 14 days after the 2nd dose of vaccine. Eight participants reported reinfection in the overall infected group and reinfection incidence rate was 5.1%. Out of (N = 349) infected individuals 243 (69.6%) were unvaccinated and 106 (30.3%) were vaccinated. Our findings reveal the protective effect of vaccination and its role as an essential tool in the struggle against this pandemic.
Patient reported experience measures on HIV viral load testing at public health facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A convergent mixed method study
Authors: Karoli Peter M. , Shayo Grace A. , Shayo Elizabeth H. , Wood Christine V. , Ottaru Theresia A. , Hawkins Claudia A. , Mbugi Erasto V. , Kivuyo Sokoine L. , Mfinanga Sayoki G. , Kaaya Sylvia F. , Mgina Eric J. , Hirschhorn Lisa R.
Published: April 2023

While viral load (VL) testing is critical to effective treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), little is known about patients’ experiences with, and barriers to VL-testing in the context of HIV infection. We assessed patient reported experience measures (PREMs) on VL-testing in public HIV clinics in Tanzania. In a cross-sectional convergent mixed method study, we collected information on VL test related PREMs, clinical and sociodemographic factors. PREMs were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) explored on experience, access, and barriers to VL-testing. Descriptive statistics summarized patients’ factors and PREMs. Logistic regression was used to explore association of patient factors, PREMs and satisfaction with VL-testing services. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. A total of 439 (96.48%) respondents completed the survey, 331 (75.40%) were female, median (IQR) age was 41(34, 49) years. A total of 253(57.63%) had a VL test at least once in the past 12 months, of whom 242(96.0%) had VL<1000 copies/ml. Investigating barriers to VL-testing, most participants (>92.0%) reported good or very good health services responsiveness (HSR). A scale of very good was chosen by the majority for being treated with respect 174(39.6%), listened to 173(39.4%), following advice 109(24.8%), being involved in decisions 101(23.0%), and for communication 102(23.3%). Satisfaction on VL-testing services was significantly associated with respondents following care providers’ advice, (aOR) = 2.07 [95%CI 1.13–3.78], involvement in decisions aOR = 4.16 [95%CI 2.26–7.66], and communication aOR = 2.27 [95%CI 1.25–4.14]. FGDs findings converged with the survey data, with identified barriers to VL test including lack of autonomy in decision making, little awareness on the benefits of the test, long waiting time, stigma, competing priorities for those with comorbidities and transport costs. Satisfaction on VL-testing was largely a result of involvement in decision making, following care provider’s advice and good communication; entities needing universal improvement across the country.
Facilitators and barriers to community engagement in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative–A mixed methods study
Authors: Agrawal Priyanka , Neel Abigail , Deresse Assefa Seme , Gerber Sue , Alonge Olakunle
Published: April 2023

Community engagement (CE) is an important component of public health research and program implementation, especially in low- and middle-income countries. More recently, CE activities have been utilized to develop partnerships in research and program implementation processes, and advocate for policy recommendations with the aim to improve acceptance and reduce disparities of public health research activities and benefits in the involved communities. Utilizing the tacit knowledge gained from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, this paper highlights the contributors and challenges to the implementation of the GPEI program’s community engagement initiatives from an implementers’ perspective. The study took a mixed methods approach to analyze data collected from the Synthesis and Translation of Research and Innovations from Polio Eradication (STRIPE) project, which conducted an online survey and hosted key informant interviews with individuals who had been engaged with the GPEI program from 1988 onwards for at least 12 or more continuous months. An analysis of data limited to individuals (32%, N = 3659) who were primarily involved in CE activities revealed that around 24% were front-line healthcare workers, 21% were supervisors and 8% were surveillance officers. CE activities mainly focused on building trust within the communities, addressing misinformation, myths and fears around vaccinations, mobilization to reach high-risk or hard to reach populations, as well as building ownership and buy in from the communities. The strength of the implemental process of a program (38.7%) was among the key drivers of success, coupled with personal beliefs and characteristics of the implementers (25.3%). Social, political, and financial forces received mixed opinions as to their importance, depending on the stage of execution and readiness of the communities to accept the programs. Lessons learnt from the GPEI program provide tried and tested best practices and evidence for strategies that would work in diverse backgrounds with some customization to suit the needs of the situation.
Mortality in children under 5 years of age with congenital syphilis in Brazil: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Paixao Enny S. , Ferreira Andrêa JF , dos Santos Idália Oliveira , Rodrigues Laura C. , Fiaccone Rosemeire , Salvi Leonardo , de Oliveira Guilherme Lopes , Santana José Guilherme , Cardoso Andrey Moreira , Teles Carlos Antônio de S. S. , Soares Maria Auxiliadora , Amaral Eliana , Smeeth Liam , Barreto Mauricio L. , Ichihara Maria Yury
Published: April 2023

Background

Congenital syphilis (CS) is a major and avoidable cause of neonatal death worldwide. In this study, we aimed to estimate excess all-cause mortality in children under 5 years with CS compared to those without CS.

Methods and findings

In this population-based cohort study, we used linked, routinely collected data from Brazil from January 2011 to December 2017. Cox survival models were adjusted for maternal region of residence, maternal age, education, material status, self-declared race and newborn sex, and year of birth and stratified according to maternal treatment status, non-treponemal titers and presence of signs and symptoms at birth. Over 7 years, a total of 20 057 013 live-born children followed up (through linkage) to 5 years of age, 93 525 were registered with CS, and 2 476 died. The all-cause mortality rate in the CS group was 7·84/1 000 person-years compared with 2·92/1 000 person-years in children without CS, crude hazard ratio (HR) = 2·41 (95% CI 2·31 to 2·50). In the fully adjusted model, the highest under-five mortality risk was observed among children with CS from untreated mothers HR = 2·82 (95% CI 2·63 to 3·02), infants with non-treponemal titer higher than 1:64 HR = 8·87 (95% CI 7·70 to 10·22), and children with signs and symptoms at birth HR = 7·10 (95% CI 6·60 to 7·63). Among children registered with CS, CS was recorded as the underlying cause of death in 33% (495/1 496) of neonatal, 11% (85/770) of postneonatal, and 2·9% (6/210) of children 1 year of age. The main limitations of this study were the use of a secondary database without additional clinical information and the potential misclassification of exposure status.

Conclusions

This study showed an increased mortality risk among children with CS that goes beyond the first year of life. It also reinforces the importance of maternal treatment that infant non-treponemal titers and the presence of signs and symptoms of CS at birth are strongly associated with subsequent mortality.

Trial registration

Observational study.
Immunological characterization of a VIR protein family member (VIR-14) in Plasmodium vivax-infected subjects from different epidemiological regions in Africa and South America
Authors: Fantin Raianna F. , Coelho Camila H. , Berhe Anne D. , Magalhães Luisa M. D. , Pereira Dhélio B. , Salinas Nichole D. , Tolia Niraj H. , Amaratunga Chanaki , Suon Seila , Sagara Issaka , Narum David L. , Fujiwara Ricardo T. , Abejon Claudia , Campos-Neto Antonio , Duffy Patrick E. , Bueno Lilian L.
Published: April 2023

Plasmodium vivax is a major challenge for malaria control due to its wide geographic distribution, high frequency of submicroscopic infections, and ability to induce relapses due to the latent forms present in the liver (hypnozoites). Deepening our knowledge of parasite biology and its molecular components is key to develop new tools for malaria control and elimination. This study aims to investigate and characterize a P. vivax protein (PvVir14) for its role in parasite biology and its interactions with the immune system. We collected sera or plasma from P.vivax-infected subjects in Brazil (n = 121) and Cambodia (n = 55), and from P. falciparum-infected subjects in Mali (n = 28), to assess antibody recognition of PvVir14. Circulating antibodies against PvVir14 appeared in 61% and 34.5% of subjects from Brazil and Cambodia, respectively, versus none (0%) of the P. falciparum-infected subjects from Mali who have no exposure to P. vivax. IgG1 and IgG3 most frequently contributed to anti-PvVir14 responses. PvVir14 antibody levels correlated with those against other well-characterized sporozoite/liver (PvCSP) and blood stage (PvDBP-RII) antigens, which were recognized by 7.6% and 42% of Brazilians, respectively. Concerning the cellular immune profiling of Brazilian subjects, PvVir14 seroreactive individuals displayed significantly higher levels of circulating atypical (CD21− CD27−) B cells, raising the possibility that atypical B cells may be contribute to the PvVir14 antibody response. When analyzed at a single-cell level, the B cell receptor gene hIGHV3-23 was only seen in subjects with active P.vivax infection where it comprised 20% of V gene usage. Among T cells, CD4+ and CD8+ levels differed (lower and higher, respectively) between subjects with versus without antibodies to PvVir14, while NKT cell levels were higher in those without antibodies. Specific B cell subsets, anti-PvVir14 circulating antibodies, and NKT cell levels declined after treatment of P. vivax. This study provides the immunological characterization of PvVir14, a unique P. vivax protein, and possible association with acute host’s immune responses, providing new information of specific host-parasite interaction.

Trial registration: TrialClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00663546 & ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02334462.
Prioritisation of Informed Health Choices (IHC) key concepts to be included in lower secondary school resources: A consensus study
Authors: Agaba Joseph Jude , Chesire Faith , Mugisha Michael , Nandi Pamela , Njue Jane , Nsangi Allen , Nsengimana Venuste , Oyuga Cyril , Rutiyomba Florian , Semakula Daniel , Ssenyonga Ronald , Uwimana Innocent , Oxman Andrew David
Published: April 2023

Background

The Informed Health Choices Key Concepts are principles for thinking critically about healthcare claims and deciding what to do. The Key Concepts provide a framework for designing curricula, learning resources, and evaluation tools.

Objectives

To prioritise which of the 49 Key Concepts to include in resources for lower secondary schools in East Africa.

Methods

Twelve judges used an iterative process to reach a consensus. The judges were curriculum specialists, teachers, and researchers from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. After familiarising themselves with the concepts, they pilot-tested draft criteria for selecting and ordering the concepts. After agreeing on the criteria, nine judges independently assessed all 49 concepts and reached an initial consensus. We sought feedback on the draft consensus from other stakeholders, including teachers. After considering the feedback, nine judges independently reassessed the prioritised concepts and reached a consensus. The final set of concepts was determined after user-testing prototypes and pilot-testing the resources.

Results

The first panel of judges prioritised 29 concepts. Based on feedback from teachers, students, curriculum specialists, and members of the research team, two concepts were dropped. A second panel of nine judges prioritised 17 of the 27 concepts that emerged from the initial prioritisation and feedback. Based on feedback on prototypes of lessons and pilot-testing a set of 10 lessons, we determined that it was possible to introduce nine concepts in 10 single-period (40-minute) lessons. We included eight of the 17 prioritised concepts and one additional concept.

Conclusion

Using an iterative process with explicit criteria, we prioritised nine concepts as a starting point for students to learn to think critically about healthcare claims and choices.
Single and multi-trait genomic prediction for agronomic traits in Euterpe edulis
Authors: Canal Guilherme Bravim , Barreto Cynthia Aparecida Valiati , de Almeida Francine Alves Nogueira , Zaidan Iasmine Ramos , do Couto Diego Pereira , Azevedo Camila Ferreira , Nascimento Moysés , Ferreira Marcia Flores da Silva , Ferreira Adésio
Published: April 2023

Popularly known as juçaizeiro,Euterpe edulishas been gaining prominence in the fruit growing sector and has demanded the development of superior genetic materials. Since it is a native species and still little studied, the application of more sophisticated techniques can result in higher gains with less time. Until now, there are no studies that apply genomic prediction for this crop, especially in multi-trait analysis. In this sense, this study aimed to apply new methods and breeding techniques for the juçaizeiro, to optimize this breeding program through the application of genomic prediction. This data consisted of 275 juçaizeiro genotypes from a population of Rio Novo do Sul-ES, Brazil. The genomic prediction was performed using the multi-trait (G-BLUP MT) and single-trait (G-BLUP ST) models and the selection of superior genotypes was based on a selection index. Similar results for predictive ability were observed for both models. However, the G-BLUP ST model provided greater selection gains when compared to the G-BLUP MT. For this reason, the genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) from the G-BLUP ST, were used to select the six superior genotypes (UFES.A.RN.390, UFES.A.RN.386, UFES.A.RN.080, UFES.A.RN.383, UFES.S.RN.098, and UFES.S.RN.093). This was intended to provide superior genetic materials for the development of seedlings and implantation of productive orchards, which will meet the demands of the productive, industrial and consumer market.
Structural transformation and the gender pay gap in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Van den Broeck Goedele , Kilic Talip , Pieters Janneke
Published: April 2023

The focus of this study is the implications of structural transformation for gender equality, specifically equal pay, in Sub-Saharan Africa. While structural transformation affects key development outcomes, including growth, poverty, and access to decent work, its effect on the gender pay gap is not clear ex-ante. Evidence on the gender pay gap in sub-Saharan Africa is limited, and often excludes rural areas and informal (self-)employment. This paper provides evidence on the extent and drivers of the gender pay gap in non-farm wage- and self-employment activities across three countries at different stages of structural transformation (Malawi, Tanzania and Nigeria). The analysis leverages nationally-representative survey data and decomposition methods, and is conducted separately among individuals residing in rural versus urban areas in each country. The results show that women earn 40 to 46 percent less than men in urban areas, which is substantially less than in high-income countries. The gender pay gap in rural areas ranges from (a statistically insignificant) 12 percent in Tanzania to 77 percent in Nigeria. In all rural areas, a major share of the gender pay gap (81 percent in Malawi, 83 percent in Tanzania and 70 percent in Nigeria) is explained by differences in workers’ characteristics, including education, occupation and sector. This suggests that if rural men and women had similar characteristics, most of the gender pay gap would disappear. Country-differences are larger across urban areas, where differences in characteristics account for only 32 percent of the pay gap in Tanzania, 50 percent in Malawi and 81 percent in Nigeria. Our detailed decomposition results suggest that structural transformation does not consistently help bridge the gender pay gap. Gender-sensitive policies are required to ensure equal pay for men and women.
Spatiotemporal evolution of urban populations and housing: A dynamic utility-driven market-mediated model
Authors: Robinson P. A. , McInnes A. , Sarkar Somwrita
Published: April 2023

A model of the spatiotemporal evolution of urban areas is developed that simultaneously includes the effects on household utility of geography, population density, income distribution, and household preference for characteristics of dwellings and neighbors. The result is a utility function whose structure is similar to that of the energy of interacting spin systems in external fields. Spatiotemporal housing market evolution then results via transactions driven by increases in utility and changes in numbers of households and dwellings. It is shown that the model successfully predicts formation of monocentric and polycentric urban areas, stratification by wealth, segregation due to preferences for housing or neighbors, and the balance of supply and demand. These results go well beyond those of prior models that each dealt with subsets of these phenomena, and do so within a single, unified framework. Potential generalizations are discussed and further applications are suggested.
Far from reality, or somehow accurate? Social beliefs and perceptions about traffic crashes in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Alonso Francisco , Faus Mireia , Useche Sergio A.
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite the considerable effort made during the last decades, emerging countries are still among the highest road safety concerns because they still account for most of the deaths caused by traffic crashes. Various studies suggest that one of the factors involved in this negative outcome could be road safety. However, this issue remains pending to be addressed in most emerging countries, including the Dominican Republic.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the beliefs and perceptions of Dominicans regarding some key road risky-related issues and to discuss them in the light of objective data.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, the responses by a full sample of 1,260 Dominicans (50.1% men, 49.9% women) with a mean age of 39.4 years participating in a set of surveys conducted across the country, were used.

Results

Although Dominicans (especially women) seem to attribute high importance to road crashes, there is a low perceived likelihood of getting involved in a traffic crash. As for subjective versus objective data comparisons, perceived crash features and objective crash report data considerably match. However, the numbers largely differ in terms of crash frequency and importance and relevance given to road crashes, and their consequences. Further, perceptions of traffic violations and lack of law enforcement were pertinent predictors of the degree of relevance attributed to traffic crashes.

Conclusions

Overall, the results of this study suggest that, despite a relative awareness of their actual traffic crash features, Dominicans systematically underestimate the causes, frequency, and consequences of these crashes, including yearly fatality rates. These outcomes suggest the need to strengthen road safety awareness and beliefs in further road safety actions and policymaking in the region.
Transmission dynamics and baseline epidemiological parameter estimates of Coronavirus disease 2019 pre-vaccination: Davao City, Philippines
Authors: Añonuevo Loreniel E. , Lachica Zython Paul T. , Amistas Deza A. , Lato Jayve Iay E. , Bontilao Hanna Lyka C. , Catalan Jolly Mae G. , Pasion Rachel Joy F. , Yumang Annabelle P. , Almocera Alexis Erich S. , Arcede Jayrold P. , Mata May Anne E. , de los Reyes V Aurelio A.
Published: April 2023

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exposed many systemic vulnerabilities in many countries’ health system, disaster preparedness, and adequate response capabilities. With the early lack of data and information about the virus and the many differing local-specific factors contributing to its transmission, managing its spread had been challenging. The current work presents a modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered compartmental model incorporating intervention protocols during different community quarantine periods. The COVID-19 reported cases before the vaccine rollout in Davao City, Philippines, are utilized to obtain baseline values for key epidemiologic model parameters. The probable secondary infections (i.e., time-varying reproduction number) among other epidemiological indicators were computed. Results show that the cases in Davao City were driven by the transmission rates, positivity proportion, latency period, and the number of severely symptomatic patients. This paper provides qualitative insights into the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 along with the government’s implemented intervention protocols. Furthermore, this modeling framework could be used for decision support, policy making, and system development for the current and future pandemics.
Reduction of DNA damage repair efficiency and accumulation of residual damage following chronic UVB-irradiation of HaCaT cells
Authors: Dorr Marie M. , Rochette Patrick J.
Published: April 2023

Absorption of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) by DNA leads to the predominant formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD). Since those CPD are responsible for the driver mutations found in skin cancers, their efficient repair is critical. We previously showed that pre-stimulation of fibroblasts with chronic low doses of UVB (CLUV) increases CPD repair efficiency. Since skin cancers are not arising from dermal fibroblasts, this observation is not directly relevant to cutaneous carcinogenesis. We have now exposed HaCaT keratinocytes to a CLUV irradiation protocol to determine whether this pre-stimulation influences CPD removal rate. Similar to fibroblasts, CLUV treatment leads to the accumulation of residual CPD in keratinocytes, which are not repaired but rather tolerated and diluted through DNA replication. In contrast to fibroblasts, in keratinocytes we find that CLUV pre-treatment reduces CPD removal of newly generated damage without inducing a higher sensitivity to UVR-induced cell death. Using our experimental data, we derived a theoretical model to predict CPD induction, dilution and repair that occur in keratinocytes when chronically UVB-irradiated. Altogether, these results suggest that the accumulation of unrepaired CPD and the reduction in repair efficiency caused by chronic UVB exposure might lead to an increase in skin cancer driver mutations.
Incidence, demographics and rehabilitation after digital nerve injury: A population-based study of 1004 adult patients in Sweden
Authors: Evertsson Linda , Carlsson Carin , Turesson Christina , Ezer Melih Selcuk , Arner Marianne , Navarro Cecilia Mellstrand
Published: April 2023

Objective

The main objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of surgically repaired digital nerve injuries in a Swedish population. Secondary objectives were to describe the demographics of the patient population, injury characteristics, post-operative care and rehabilitation.

Methods

From 2012 to 2018, 1004 patients with a surgically repaired digital nerve injury resident in the Stockholm region were identified in the Swedish national quality registry for hand surgery and all medical records were thoroughly reviewed.

Results

The incidence rate was 8.3 per 100.000 person-years and these injuries were more common in men than women. The median age at the time of injury was 37 years and a sharp cut was the most common mechanism of injury. Injuries were equally distributed over weekdays and the year, but surgery was most often performed on Mondays. There were no differences in treatment and rehabilitation regimens between sexes, except women were more likely than men to be operated within three days from injury. Timing and content of rehabilitation varied largely between individuals. One third of patients did not receive any sensory relearning and sensory assessment was performed in only 7%.

Conclusion

The epidemiology shows no major changes over the last decade. However, we found a large individual variation in follow up visits, rehabilitation content and assessments indicating large differences in consumption of health care resources. Our findings expose the need to further improve and evaluate rehabilitation regimens after digital nerve injury.
Clinical implication and potential function of ARHGEF6 in acute myeloid leukemia: An in vitro study
Authors: Li Kang , Wang Haiquan , Yang Chaofan , Li Chaojun , Xue Bin , Zhou Jiankui
Published: April 2023

The roles of Rho GTPases in various types of cancer have been extensively studied, but the research of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) in cancer is not comprehensive. Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 6 (ARHGEF6) is an important member of the Rho GEFs family involved in cytoskeletal rearrangement, and it has not been investigated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Our research showed that the expression of ARHGEF6 was mainly higher in AML cell lines, meanwhile, was highest in the samples from patients with AML compared to other cancer types. High ARHGEF6 expression in AML was associated with a good prognosis. ARHGEF6low cases showed significantly higher overall survival (OS) after autologous or allogeneic HSCT (auto/allo-HSCT). High expression of ARHGEF6 downregulates the negative regulation of myeloid differentiation process and upregulates G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway-related processes, among which HOXA9, HOXB6, and TRH have significant differential expression and prognostic impact in AML. Therefore, ARHGEF6 can become a prognostic marker in AML; ARHGEF6low patients can gain from auto/allo-HSCT.
Dynamics of local productive arrangements in the municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul considering the transformations of the Bioceanic Corridor
Authors: Abrita Mateus Boldrine , Vignandi Rafaella Stradiotto , Centurião Daniel Amorim Souza , Rondina Neto Angelo , Pereira Ana Paula Camilo , Espindola Junior Guilherme , Marques Nelagley , Weber Vanessa Aparecida de Moraes , Maciel Ruberval Franco
Published: April 2023

The Bioceanic Corridor is an international land route under implementation, which aims to connect the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, in Brazil, to the ports of Northern Chile. This new route could shorten the transport time between South America and Asia by approximately two weeks. This paper’s purpose is to contextualize, map, identify, and analyze the effects of this new logistics network designed by the Bioceanic Route over the Local Productive Arrangements (LPA) in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. To achieve these goals, a spatial econometric methodology was adopted to determine the State’s productive concentration. The results indicate that this route will bring many development opportunities. However, for that to happen, favorable policies are essential and must be developed to facilitate an integration that allows for competitiveness in the State’s economic activities. However, mere unplanned integration will potentially only lead to the reinforcement of already existing regional inequalities in the State.
Comprehensive proteomic analysis of autophagosomes derived from Leishmania-infected macrophages
Authors: Nandan Devki , Chen Eleanor , Chang Fabian , Moon Kyung-Mee , Foster Leonard J. , Reiner Neil
Published: April 2023

Recently, autophagy has been implicated as a host defense mechanism against intracellular pathogens. On the other hand, certain intracellular pathogens such as Leishmania can manipulate the host’s autophagy to promote their survival. Our recent findings regarding the regulation of autophagy by Leishmania donovani indicate that this pathogen induces non-classical autophagy in infected macrophages, independent of regulation by the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1. This suggests the fine-tuning of autophagy to optimally promote parasite survival, possibly by the sequestration or modulation of specific autophagosome-associated proteins. To investigate how Leishmania potentially manipulates the composition of host-cell autophagosomes, we undertook a quantitative proteomic study of the human monocytic cell line THP-1 following infection with L. donovani. We used stable isotope labeling by amino acid in cell culture and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to compare expression profiles between autophagosomes isolated from THP-1 cells infected with L. donovani or treated with known autophagy inducers. Selected proteomic results were validated by Western blotting. In this study, we showed that L. donovani modulates the composition of macrophage autophagosomes during infection when compared to autophagosomes induced by either rapamycin (selective autophagy) or starvation (non-selective autophagy). Among 1787 proteins detected in Leishmania-induced autophagosomes, 146 were significantly modulated compared to the proteome of rapamycin-induced autophagosomes, while 57 were significantly modulated compared to starvation-induced autophagosomes. Strikingly, 23 Leishmania proteins were also detected in the proteome of Leishmania-induced autophagosomes. Together, our data provide the first comprehensive insight into the proteome dynamics of host autophagosomes in response to Leishmania infection and demonstrate the complex relations between the host and pathogen at the molecular level. A comprehensive analysis of the Leishmania-induced autophagosome proteome will be instrumental in the advancement of understanding leishmaniasis.
Enhancement of neutrophil chemotaxis by trans-anethole-treated Staphylococcus aureus strains
Authors: Kwiatkowski Paweł , Tabiś Aleksandra , Sobolewski Peter , Płaziński Wojciech , Pruss Agata , Sienkiewicz Monika , Dołęgowska Barbara , Wojciechowska-Koszko Iwona
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to analyze the chemotactic response of differentiated HL-60 neutrophil-like (dHL-60) cells totrans-anethole (TA)-treatedStaphylococcus aureusstrains. Special attention was paid to evaluate the influence of TA on thechpgene expression level, as well as molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies on interactions of TA with chemotaxis inhibitory protein ofS.aureus(CHIPS). The following parameters were studied: susceptibility to TA using the agar diffusion method, thechpgene detection and its expression under TA influence, and clonal diversity ofS.aureusstrains using molecular techniques. Furthermore, a chemotactic response of dHL-60 cells to TA-treatedS.aureususing Boyden chamber assay was detected and molecular modeling using both the docking methodology and unbiased MD simulations was conducted. It was found that TA showed antibacterial activity against all strains. Three genotypes and one unique pattern were distinguished among the strains. 50% of the isolates werechp-positive. It was observed that TA reduced/inhibitedchpgene expression in mostS.aureusstrains. Enhanced chemotactic response of dHL-60 cells to TA-treatedS.aureusstrains was also noted. This correlation was similar for bothchp-positive andchp-negative strains. Both molecular docking and MD simulations studies confirmed that TA is preferentially bound in the complement component 5a/CHIPS interface interaction region and can interfere with any processes exploiting this binding cavity. It has been proven that dHL-60 cells exhibited a higher chemotactic response to TA-treatedS.aureusstrains in comparison to non-treated bacteria, regardless of the achieved expression of thechpgene or its lack. Nevertheless, further analyses are required to understand this mechanism better.
Risk factors for psychiatric symptoms in patients with long COVID: A systematic review
Authors: Zakia Halwa , Pradana Kent , Iskandar Shelly
Published: April 2023

Prolonged symptoms of COVID-19 have been found in many patients, often known as Long COVID. Psychiatric symptoms are commonly seen in Long COVID patients and could last for weeks, even months, after recovery. However, the symptoms and risk factors associated with it remain unclear. In the current systematic review, we provide an overview of psychiatric symptoms in Long COVID patients and risk factors associated with the development of those symptoms. Articles were systematically searched on SCOPUS, PubMed, and EMBASE up to October 2021. Studies involving adults and geriatric participants with a confirmed previous COVID-19 diagnosis and reported psychiatric symptoms that persist for more than four weeks after the initial infection were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies. Prevalence rates and risk factors associated with psychiatric symptoms were collected. This present study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021240776). In total, 23 studies were included. Several limitations in this review were the heterogeneity of studies’ outcomes and designs, studies limited to articles published in English, and the psychiatric symptoms mainly were assessed using self-report questionnaires. The most prevalent reported psychiatric symptoms, from the most to the least reported, were anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), poor sleep qualities, somatic symptoms, and cognitive deficits. Being female and having previous psychiatric diagnoses were risk factors for the development of the reported symptoms.
Providing environmental enrichments can reduce subclinical spondylolisthesis prevalence without affecting performance in broiler chickens
Authors: Lourenço da Silva Marconi Italo , Almeida Paz Ibiara Correia de Lima , Jacinto Andressa Silva , Nascimento Filho Marcos Antonio , Oliveira Ana Beatriz Santos de , Santos Ingrid Grazieli Althman dos , Mota Francine dos Santos , Caldara Fabiana Ribeiro , Jacobs Leonie
Published: April 2023

Environmental enrichment can increase the occurrence of natural behavior and improve leg health and other animal welfare outcomes in broiler chickens. This study aimed to assess the effects of three environmental enrichments, specifically hay bales, step platforms, and laser lights, on subclinical spondylolisthesis prevalence, productivity, behavior, and gait of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Twenty-four hundred day-old male Ross® AP95 chicks from a commercial hatchery were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and four replicate pens per treatment. Pens contained either a Control (C) treatment, an environment similar to a commercial broiler chicken system without environmental enrichments, or an environment with either additional hay bales (HB), additional step platforms (SP), or additional laser lights (LL). Performance, yield, behavior (frequencies), gait score, and subclinical spondylolisthesis prevalences were assessed. When raised with SP or LL access, fewer chickens had subclinical spondylolisthesis than chickens without enrichments (C) or with HB access. Chickens with access to SP exhibited higher wing yield and less abdominal fat than animals from the C group. Chickens from the LL and HB treatments explored more and rested less frequently than animals from the C and SP treatments. As chickens aged, they became less active, exploring less and increasing resting and comfort behaviors. Treatments did not affect gait. Gait was not associated with subclinical spondylolisthesis prevalence. Environmental enrichments benefitted chicken health (subclinical spondylolisthesis) and behavior (exploration) without negative consequences for performance and yield.
The use of culturally adapted and translated depression screening questionnaires with South Asian haemodialysis patients in England
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Norton Sam , Bhui Kamaldeep , Mooney Roisin , Caton Emma , Bansal Tarun , Day Clara , Davenport Andrew , Duncan Neill , Kalra Philip A. , Da Silva-Gane Maria , Randhawa Gurch , Warwick Graham , Wellsted David , Yaqoob Magdi , Farrington Ken
Published: April 2023

Background

Depression is common amongst patients receiving haemodialysis (HD). Assessment and intervention when faced with language and cultural barriers is challenging. To support clinician decisions, we conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the use of culturally adapted and translated versions of commonly-used depression screening questionnaires with South Asian patients receiving HD in England.

Methods

Patients completed adapted versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R), and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). All questionnaires were available in Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu, and Bengali. A comparative sample of white-Europeans completed the questionnaires in English. The research was based across 9 National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in England. Structural validity of translated questionnaires was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Diagnostic accuracy was explored in a subgroup of South Asians against ICD-10 categories using the Clinical Interview Schedule Revised (CIS-R) with receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis.

Results

229 South Asian and 120 white-European HD patients participated. A single latent depression factor largely accounted for the correlations between items of the PHQ-9, CESD-R and BDI-II. Issues with measurement equivalence implied that scores on the translations may not be comparable with the English language versions. Against CIS-R based ICD-10 diagnosis of depression, sensitivity was modest across scales (50–66.7%). Specificity was higher (81.3–93.8%). Alternative screening cut-offs did not improve positive predictive values.

Conclusions

Culturally adapted translations of depression screening questionnaires are useful to explore symptom endorsement amongst South Asian patients. However, data indicate that standard cut-off scores may not be appropriate to classify symptom severity. Use of the CIS-R algorithms for optimal case identification requires further exploration in this setting. Strategies to encourage recruitment of under-represented groups in renal research are also warranted, especially for in-depth discussions related to psychological care needs.
Development of predictive equation and score for 5-year metabolic syndrome incidence in Japanese adults
Authors: Salim Anwar Ahmed , Kawasoe Shin , Kubozono Takuro , Ojima Satoko , Kawabata Takeko , Hashiguchi Hiroshi , Ikeda Yoshiyuki , Miyata Masaaki , Miyahara Hironori , Tokushige Koichi , Nishio Yoshihiko , Ohishi Mitsuru
Published: April 2023

Background

Predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS) is important for identifying high-risk cardiovascular disease individuals and providing preventive interventions. We aimed to develop and validate an equation and a simple MetS score according to the Japanese MetS criteria.

Methods

In total, 54,198 participants (age, 54.5±10.1 years; men, 46.0%), with baseline and 5-year follow-up data were randomly assigned to ‘Derivation’ and ‘Validation’ cohorts (ratio: 2:1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in derivation cohort and scores were assigned to factors corresponding to β-coefficients. We evaluated predictive ability of the scores using area under the curve (AUC), then applied them to validation cohort to assess reproducibility.

Results

The primary model ranged 0–27 points had an AUC of 0.81 (sensitivity: 0.81, specificity: 0.81, cut-off score: 14), and consisted of age, sex, blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), serum lipids, glucose measurements, tobacco smoking, and alcohol consumption. The simplified model (excluding blood tests) ranged 0–17 points with an AUC of 0.78 (sensitivity: 0.83, specificity: 0.77, cut-off score: 15) and included: age, sex, systolic BP, diastolic BP, BMI, tobacco smoking, and alcohol consumption. We classified individuals with a score <15 and ≥15 points as low- and high-risk MetS, respectively. Furthermore, the equation model generated an AUC of 0.85 (sensitivity: 0.86, specificity: 0.55). Analysis of the validation and derivation cohorts yielded similar results.

Conclusion

We developed a primary score, an equation model, and a simple score. The simple score is convenient, well-validated with acceptable discrimination, and could be used for early detection of MetS in high-risk individuals.