bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women regarding COVID‐19 vaccination in pregnancy in 7 low‐ and middle‐income countries: An observational trial from the Global Network for Women and Children’s Health Research
Authors: Naqvi Seemab , Saleem Sarah , Naqvi Farnaz , Billah Sk Masum , Nielsen Eleanor , Fogleman Elizabeth , Peres‐da‐Silva Nalini , Figueroa Lester , Mazariegos Manolo , Garces Ana L. , Patel Archana , Das Prabir , Kavi Avinash , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Esamai Fabian , Chomba Elwyn , Lokangaka Adrien , Tshefu Antoinette , Haque Rashidul , Siraj Shahjahan , Yousaf Sana , Bauserman Melissa , Liechty Edward A. , Krebs Nancy F. , Derman Richard J. , Carlo Waldemar A. , Petri William A. , Hibberd Patricia L. , Koso‐Thomas Marion , Thorsten Vanessa , McClure Elizabeth M. , Goldenberg Robert L.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

We sought to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women regarding COVID‐19 vaccination in pregnancy in seven low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC).

Design

Prospective, observational, population‐based study.

Settings

Study areas in seven LMICs: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Guatemala, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Zambia.

Population

Pregnant women in an ongoing registry.

Methods

COVID‐19 vaccine questionnaires were administered to pregnant women in the Global Network's Maternal Newborn Health Registry from February 2021 through November 2021 in face‐to‐face interviews.

Main outcome measures

Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding vaccination during pregnancy; vaccination status.

Results

No women were vaccinated except for small proportions in India (12.9%) and Guatemala (5.5%). Overall, nearly half the women believed the COVID‐19 vaccine is very/somewhat effective and a similar proportion believed that the COVID‐19 vaccine is safe for pregnant women. With availability of vaccines, about 56.7% said they would get the vaccine and a 34.8% would refuse. Of those who would not get vaccinated, safety, fear of adverse effects, and lack of trust predicted vaccine refusal. Those with lower educational status were less willing to be vaccinated. Family members and health professionals were the most trusted source of information for vaccination.

Conclusions

This COVID‐19 vaccine survey in seven LMICs found that knowledge about the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine was generally low but varied. Concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness among pregnant women is an important target for educational efforts to increase vaccination rates.
Increased variability of fetal heart rate during labour: a review of preclinical and clinical studies
Authors: Tarvonen Mikko J. , Lear Christopher A. , Andersson Sture , Gunn Alistair J. , Teramo Kari A.
Published: May 2022

Increased fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) in intrapartum cardiotocographic recording has been variably defined and poorly understood, limiting its clinical utility. Both preclinical (animal) and clinical (human) evidence support that increased FHRV is observed in the early stage of intrapartum fetal hypoxaemia but can also be observed in a subset of fetuses during the preterminal stage of repeated hypoxaemia. This review of available evidence provides data and expert opinion on the pathophysiology of increased FHRV, its clinical significance and a stepwise approach regarding the management of this pattern, and propose recommendations for standardisation of related terminology.
Expression profile of CYP402C1 and its role in resistance to imidacloprid in the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Guo Lei , Zhang Zhuang , Xu Wei , Ma Jiangya , Liang Ni , Li Changyou , Chu Dong
Published: May 2022

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cosmopolitan insect pest causing serious damage to crop production. Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) of B. tabaci are widely known to be involved in the metabolic resistance to a variety of insecticides, continuously increasing the difficulty in controlling this pest. In this study, four P450 genes (CYP6CM1, CYP6CX1, CYP6CX3, and CYP402C1) in B. tabaci exhibited correlations with the resistance to imidacloprid. We have focused on trying to understand the function and metabolism capacity of CYP402C1. The expression profiles of CYP402C1 were examined by reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridizations. Its role in resistance to imidacloprid was investigated by RNA interference, transgenic Drosophila melanogaster, and heterologous expression. The results showed that CYP402C1 was highly expressed in the active feeding stages of B. tabaci, such as nymphs and female adults. CYP402C1 was mainly expressed in midguts of nymphs and adults, especially in the filter chamber. Knockdown of CYP402C1 significantly decreased the resistance of B. tabaci to imidacloprid by 3.96‐fold (50% lethal concentration: 186.46 versus 47.08 mg/L). Overexpression of CYP402C1 in a transgenic D. melanogaster line (Gal4 > UAS‐CYP402C1) significantly increased the resistance to imidacloprid from 12.68‐ to 14.92‐fold (129.01 and 151.80 mg/L versus 1925.14 mg/L). The heterologous expression of CYP402C1 showed a metabolism ability of imidacloprid (imidacloprid decreased by 12.51% within 2 h). This study provides new insights for CYP402C1 function in B. tabaci and will help develop new strategies in B. tabaci control and its insecticide resistance.
FSTruct: AnFST‐based tool for measuring ancestry variation in inference of population structure
Authors: Morrison Maike L. , Alcala Nicolas , Rosenberg Noah A.
Published: May 2022

In model‐based inference of population structure from individual‐level genetic data, individuals are assigned membership coefficients in a series of statistical clusters generated by clustering algorithms. Distinct patterns of variability in membership coefficients can be produced for different groups of individuals, for example, representing different predefined populations, sampling sites or time periods. Such variability can be difficult to capture in a single numerical value; membership coefficient vectors are multivariate and potentially incommensurable across predefined groups, as the number of clusters over which individuals are distributed can vary among groups of interest. Further, two groups might share few clusters in common, so that membership coefficient vectors are concentrated on different clusters. We introduce a method for measuring the variability of membership coefficients of individuals in a predefined group, making use of an analogy between variability across individuals in membership coefficient vectors and variation across populations in allele frequency vectors. We show that in a model in which membership coefficient vectors in a population follow a Dirichlet distribution, the measure increases linearly with a parameter describing the variance of a specified component of the membership vector and does not depend on its mean. We apply the approach, which makes use of a normalizedFSTstatistic, to data on inferred population structure in three example scenarios. We also introduce a bootstrap test for equivalence of two or more predefined groups in their level of membership coefficient variability. Our methods are implemented in therpackage FSTruct.
An integrated biomarker of PD‐L1 expression and intraepithelial CD8+ T cell infiltration was associated with the prognosis of lung cancer patients after intracranial resection of brain metastases
Authors: Li Lin‐Lin , Zhou De‐Xiang , Lu Ming , Zhou Dong , Lin Xiao‐Feng , Chen Yu , Yin Kai , Feng Hui‐Bo , Guo Wei‐Bang , Xie Zhi , Yan Wen‐Qing , Lv Zhi‐Yi , Lu Dan‐Xia , Zhang Shui‐Lian , Zhang Xu‐Chao
Published: May 2022

Background

Brain metastases (BM) are common in lung cancer. However, data on the status of immune biomarkers in BM lesions remain limited.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed PD‐L1 expression and infiltration levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T cells as biomarkers by immunohistochemistry in both BM lesions and primary lung cancer (PL) lesions of 29 lung cancer (LC) patients. In addition, the correlations between these biomarkers and the clinical outcome were analyzed using log‐rank test.

Results

Intratumoral heterogeneous expression of PD‐L1 was observed on tumor cells (TCs) in 11 cases and on immune cells (ICs) in 10 cases with BM samples from multiple regions. There was a disagreement in PD‐L1 expression on TCs between paired BM and PL lesions in 15 cases and on ICs in seven cases. Intraepithelial CD3+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration levels in BM samples were lower than those in the paired PL samples. PD‐L1 positivity on both TCs and ICs was associated with a better post‐BM‐surgery prognosis (p = 0.010; p = 0.041). Notably, PD‐L1 positivity on TCs and a high level of intraepithelial CD8+ T cell infiltration could serve as an integrated biomarker that indicates longer survival time (p = 0.004) in LC patients.

Conclusion

The heterogeneity in PD‐L1 expression was common in both stromal and intraepithelial regions in BM lesions of LC patients, suggesting the need for multiregional PD‐L1 testing in clinical practice. More importantly, a combination of PD‐L1 expression on TCs with intraepithelial CD8+ T cell infiltration might predict better post‐BM‐surgery outcomes.
Successful treatment of induced oligometastasis and repeated oligoprogression of advanced lung adenocarcinoma with immunotherapy and radiotherapy
Authors: Lee Ho Young , Kim Sung Hyun , Lee Hong Yeul , Lee Young‐Min , Han Ji Yeon , Cho Heunglae , Lee Hyun‐Kyung
Published: May 2022

Highly active and durable systemic therapies such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy can convert widespread metastatic disease into oligometastatic status, for which metastasis‐directed local intervention can control and potentially prolong survival. Radiation therapy is an effective therapeutic option for oligometastatic and oligoprogressive disease. Here, we present a case of induced oligometastasis and repeated oligoprogressive lung cancer in which more than 6 years of survival was achieved with a combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy.
Strengthening health promotion development with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males in remote Australia: A Northern Territory perspective
Authors: Souter Jonathan , Smith James A. , Canuto Kootsy , Gupta Himanshu
Published: May 2022

Aims

To elucidate key considerations for effective health promotion with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males in remote Northern Territory.

Context

Despite the significant disparities in health outcomes amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males, particularly in remote Northern Territory, investment in health promotion policy and practice has been inadequate. Progressing towards self‐determination with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males, and to meet the unique health and well‐being needs of this marginalised demographic, consideration for staff retention and training, strengths‐based approaches, and implications of divergent masculinities must be considered when devising and delivering culturally responsive and appropriate health promotion interventions. Health promotion needs to be conducted in a collaborative manner, and in less conventional settings, to better engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males.

Approach

This commentary draws on the author's reflections about working in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy, practice and research contexts in Northern Australia. It brings together diffuse strands of scholarship about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health promotion; and health promotion in rural and remote contexts. In doing so, we identify and discuss strategies that have potential to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health promotion in rural and remote Australia.

Conclusion

Health services and professionals in remote Northern Territory must leverage the inherent strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males to imbue service delivery with both meaning and capacity for self‐determination. In doing so, this might ultimately help to alleviate the marginalisation of this demographic.
Low‐density cell culture enhances hepatic function through tight junction formation in HepG2 cells
Authors: Tanaka‐Yachi Rieko , Aizawa Kazuko , shimizu Kie , Akutsu Hidenori , Nakamura Kazuaki
Published: May 2022

Background Information

An in vitro evaluation system using cultured hepatocytes is the most useful method in preclinical research, such as drug metabolism and toxicity test. Human hepatocytes should be used in an in vitro evaluation system because the expression of drug‐metabolizing enzymes varies among animal species. HepG2 cells, a liver cancer‐derived cell line, are widely used as a human hepatocyte model; however, their hepatic functions are generally weak.

Results

In this study, we showed that low‐density HepG2 cell culture induces hepatic function. The morphology of HepG2 cells was altered depending on the cell density at the time of seeding. Low‐density cultured HepG2 cells proliferated as tightly packed colonies. The HepG2 cell colonies in low‐density culture demonstrated enhanced tight junction formation. Tight junction protein gene expression levels, such as those of zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1), junctional adhesion molecule 1 (JAM), claudin, occludin, and tricellulin, increased in low‐density cultured HepG2 cells. Phases I and II metabolic enzymes, phase III transporter gene expression, and CYP3A4 activity also increased in low‐density cultured HepG2 cells. Occludin and tricellulin knockdown inhibited the increased hepatic function in low‐density cultures. Tricellulin knockdown reduced the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 6 (HNF6), CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein alpha (CEBPA), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). In addition, the expression of nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group h member 2 (NR1H2) increased in low‐density cultures, canceled by occludin and tricellulin knockdown.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that low‐density HepG2 cell cultures enhance hepatic function by promoting tight junction formation and demonstrate the importance of cell density in drug evaluation using hepatocyte cell lines.
Novel LNPK variant causes progressive cerebral atrophy: Expanding the clinical phenotype
Authors: Türkyılmaz Ayberk , Sağer Safiye Güneş , Günbey Hediye Pınar , Akın Yasemin
Published: May 2022

The biallelic variations of the LNPK gene are associated with the “neurodevelopmental disorder with epilepsy and hypoplasia of the corpus callosum” phenotype [MIM:618090] in the Online Mendelian Inheritance In Men database, and so far, two families have been identified in the literature. A third family with novel clinical features, who bears a novel variant in LNPK (NM_030650.3: c.770delA, p.D257fs*31) is described in the present study. The coexistence of psychomotor regression and neurodegeneration in brain magnetic resonance imaging was found for the first time in the present study, thanks to the long‐term follow‐up data on the case, which contributed to the phenotypic and mutation spectrum by means of the novel variation.
Fatal melanoma with a novel MYO5A‐BRAF fusion and small associated conventional nevus: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Clark Hannah E. , Huang Yuan Yu Michael , Vance Gail H. , Alomari Ahmed K.
Published: May 2022

Kinase fusions play an important role in the pathogenesis of Spitz neoplasms and occasionally non‐Spitz neoplasms. We report a case of a 19‐year‐old woman with a growing nodule on the scalp, morphologically consistent with a diagnosis of melanoma with epithelioid features arising in association with small nevus. This tumor aggressively metastasized and failed to respond to immunotherapy. Next‐generation sequencing of a metastatic focus revealed an MYO5A‐BRAF kinase fusion with a low mutational burden and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of the primary melanoma showed similar results. FISH testing of the associated nevus failed because of technical reasons. MYO5A has rarely been reported as the fusion partner with BRAF‐rearranged melanocytic tumors. Moreover, this case raises speculations and contributes to the growing literature on the pathogenesis, nomenclature, and tumorigenic pathways in kinase‐fusion melanomas. The patient succumbed to disease, which is in concordance with some literature suggesting aggressive behavior of BRAF fusion melanomas with TERT promoter mutations.
Oral candidiasis in patients with haematological diseases: Diagnosis through clinical and cytopathological examinations
Authors: Pereira Fernanda Guimarães de Azevedo , Milagres Adrianna , Werneck Juliana Tristão , Marques Letícia Côgo , Picciani Bruna Lavinas Sayed , Junior Arley Silva
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study is the first to analyse the prevalence of oral candidiasis in onco‐haematological patients by physical and oral cytopathological examinations.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional and observational study with a retrospective sample composed of participants hospitalised in the haematology clinic, who were diagnosed with haematological diseases. All participants received an oral mucosal examination and scraping from oral mucosa.

Results

Of the 62 participants, 56.5% were male and 82.3% were white, with mean age of 57 years. Lymphoma was the most common haematological disease (24.2%). In total, 48.4% of the sample was diagnosed with oral candidiasis. Of the participants with oral candidiasis, 13 (21.0%) had a clinical diagnosis. Cytopathological analysis revealed 17 more (27.4%) cases without oral lesions indicative of candidiasis. Erythematous candidiasis (P = 0.02), pseudomembranous candidiasis (P < 0.001), clinical candidiasis (P < 0.001), fibrous hyperplasia (P = 0.032), and coated tongue (P = 0.012) showed a correlation with a candidiasis cytopathological diagnosis.

Conclusions

Oral candidiasis is common among patients with haematological disease, and the cytopathological examination proved to be a useful tool, confirming clinical diagnosis of candidiasis and identifying subclinical cases. These data are of great relevance considering the possible complications that these patients may develop, such as longer hospitalisations, worsening of the general condition or even death due to candidemia.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on glycaemic control in people with diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: O'Mahoney Lauren L. , Highton Patrick J. , Kudlek Laura , Morgan Jessica , Lynch Rosie , Schofield Ella , Sreejith Nayanika , Kapur Ajay , Otunla Afolarin , Kerneis Sven , James Olivia , Rees Karen , Curtis Ffion , Khunti Kamlesh , Hartmann‐Boyce Jamie
Published: May 2022

Aim

To identify, appraise and synthesize the available evidence on the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and lockdown (LD) on glycaemic control in people with diabetes.

Materials and Methods

We searched multiple databases up to 2 February 2021 for studies reporting HbA1c, time in range (TIR), average or fasting glucose, severe hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Data were pooled using random effects meta‐analysis and are presented as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). This review was preregistered on PROSPERO (CRD42020179319).

Results

We include 59 studies; 44 (n = 15 464) were included in quantitative syntheses and 15 were narratively synthesized. Pooled data were grouped by diabetes type. Results from 28 studies (n = 5048 type 1 diabetes [T1D] and combined diabetes participants) showed that TIR increased during LD compared with before LD (MD 2.74%, 95% CI 1.80% to 3.69%). Data from 10 studies (n = 1294 T1D participants) showed that TIR increased after LD compared with before LD (MD 5.14%, 95% CI 3.12% to 7.16%). Pooled results from 12 studies (n = 4810 T1D and type 2 diabetes participants) resulted in average glucose decreasing after LD compared with before LD (MD –6.86 mg/dl, 95% CI –8.54 to –5.18). Results for other outcomes, including HbA1c, were not statistically significantly different.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with small improvements across multiple outcomes of glycaemic control, although there was insufficient evidence to suggest that this led to changes in HbA1c. Most evidence came from people with access to diabetes technologies in high‐income countries; more research is needed in less advantaged populations.
Summer drought affects abundance of grassland grasshoppers differently along an elevation gradient
Authors: Fartmann Thomas , Brüggeshemke Jonas , Poniatowski Dominik , Löffler Franz
Published: May 2022

Orthoptera (hereinafter termed ‘grasshoppers’) are of great functional significance since they are the main arthropod consumers in grasslands and an important food source for medium‐sized insectivorous vertebrates. However, research investigating the effects of extreme weather events on the abundance of grasshoppers has lacked thus far.

Here, we studied the effects of summer drought on grasshopper abundance in temperate semi‐natural grasslands with low land‐use intensity. We considered calcareous and mesic grasslands; per type, we randomly selected 27 plots.

Our study revealed distinct differences in habitat characteristics between plots of calcareous and mesic grasslands. Overall, calcareous grasslands had a more heterogeneous and shorter vegetation than mesic grasslands. Consequently, species richness was higher in calcareous grasslands. By contrast, grasshopper abundance did not differ between the two types.

Summer temperature was the key driver of grasshopper abundance. Abundance was lowest in grasslands that were situated at lower elevations with higher summer temperatures and that were characterised by the strongest effects of summer drought. Its influence even overrode the differences in habitat characteristics between calcareous and mesic grasslands.

Extreme weather events, such as summer droughts, are expected to become more frequent due to global warming. Accordingly, suitable conservation strategies that increase the resistance and resilience of temperate semi‐natural grasslands and their insect assemblages against summer drought are highly needed. Based on our study, increasing habitat heterogeneity seems to be the most effective way to mitigate the negative effects of summer drought.
Unravelling another mystery: Parasite escape and host‐switching vary spatially in non‐indigenous populations of Japanese mystery snails
Authors: Fowler Amy E. , Loonam Grace A. , Blakeslee April M. H.
Published: May 2022

Due to anthropogenic mechanisms, global freshwater biodiversity is declining, and non‐indigenous species are consistently cited as a major threat to native ecosystems. In particular, exotic freshwater gastropods and their parasites have invaded ecosystems through deliberate introductions and/or accidental transfer. In many cases, introduced hosts experience parasite escape in their non‐indigenous range by leaving behind some of their native parasite load during introduction. We investigated whether the Japanese mystery snail, Heterogen japonica, may be exhibiting signatures of parasite escape in non‐indigenous populations in the mid‐Atlantic U.S.A. by comparing the prevalence and diversity of trematode parasites in H. japonica and co‐occurring indigenous snails. Because trematodes can severely impact snail host reproduction, they are an important parasite group to investigate using comparative parasite analyses. Finally, we used genetic data to elucidate whether host switching of trematode lineages had occurred among the indigenous and non‐indigenous snails.

Six locations from Richmond, Virginia to Washington, D.C. were surveyed for non‐indigenous and indigenous snails in 2018 and 2019. A random subset of each species was measured, dissected, sexed, and examined for parasite diversity. Brooding embryos were also counted in non‐indigenous snails.

Among all snails, native species had a higher diversity of trematode (digenean and aspidogastrean) parasites than the invasive mystery snail, and infection was also influenced by site. Although H. japonica was uninfected at the majority of sites, it had moderate prevalence (up to 34%) of aspidogastrean trematodes at two sites. Female H. japonica infected with aspidogastreans had significantly fewer brooding embryos than uninfected snails. We found additional associates such as ciliates, nematodes, and the oligochaete Chaetogaster sp. in indigenous snails; of these, only ciliates and nematodes were found in association with H. japonica at comparatively low prevalence.

While H. japonica has escaped several trematode species, specific populations still had high prevalence of aspidogastreans, the highest of which was found where H. japonica co‐occurred with the indigenous snail Elimia virginica. Genetic data found at least two cryptic lineages of aspidogastreans, and one was shared between H. japonica and E. virginica, suggesting that host‐switching has occurred.

Parasites can play powerful roles in interspecific relationships, influence species interactions, and even impact ecosystem functioning. The ability of parasites to host switch could further influence community interactions in this system, particularly if H. japonica continues to spread in North America. Further research is needed to evaluate how parasites (or lack thereof) may mediate the interactions and demographics of indigenous and non‐indigenous species in invaded ranges.
WHO 2022 landscape of papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lobo João , Ohashi Riuko , Amin Mahul B , Berney Daniel M , Compérat Eva M , Cree Ian A , Gill Anthony J , Hartmann Arndt , Menon Santosh , Netto George J , Raspollini Maria R , Rubin Mark A , Tan Puay Hoon , Tickoo Satish K , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Turajlic Samra , Zhou Ming , Srigley John R , Moch Holger
Published: May 2022

The 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Urinary and Male Genital Systems contains relevant revisions and introduces a group of molecularly defined renal tumour subtypes. Herein we present the World Health Organization (WHO) 2022 perspectives on papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with emphasis on their evolving classification, differential diagnosis, and emerging entities. The WHO 2022 classification eliminated the type 1/2 papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) subcategorization, given the recognition of frequent mixed tumour phenotypes and the existence of entities with a different molecular background within the type 2 pRCC category. Additionally, emerging entities such as biphasic squamoid alveolar RCC, biphasic hyalinising psammomatous RCC, papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity, and Warthin‐like pRCC are included as part of the pRCC spectrum, while additional morphological and molecular data are being gathered. In addition to oncocytomas and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC), a category of ‘other oncocytic tumours’ with oncocytoma/chRCC‐like features has been introduced, including emerging entities, most with TSC/mTOR pathway alterations (eosinophilic vacuolated tumour and so‐called ‘low‐grade’ oncocytic tumour), deserving additional research. Eosinophilic solid and cystic RCC was accepted as a new and independent tumour entity. Finally, a highly reproducible and clinically relevant universal grading system for chRCC is still missing and is another niche of ongoing investigation. This review discusses these developments and highlights emerging morphological and molecular data relevant for the classification of renal cell carcinoma.
A 5‐hour follow‐up of the impact on ageing facial signs of some foundations in Japanese women through automatically analysed selfie pictures
Authors: Flament Frederic , Velleman Damien , Yamashita Eri , Nicolas Alexandre , Yokoyama Emilie , Chibout Salim , Jiang Ruowei , Houghton Jeff , Kroely Camille , Cassier Matthieu
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore the possibility of an automatic grading algorithm to detect and quantify, from selfie pictures, the subtle changes of facial signs brought by the application of a foundation.

Material and Methods

A total of 270 Japanese differently aged women (30–54y) living in four different Japanese cities took selfies before, immediately and 5 h after having applied their own foundation, with their own routine.

Results

The analysis of 810 selfie pictures revealed (3 times × 270 women) that, prior to applications, all women presented a low grade of facial ageing. In most cases, the severities of less marked facial signs were detected and quantified, found affected by routine at different extents in all age‐classes, but more intensely in the older age‐class (45–54y) despite their more pronounced signs in bare skin status. In contrast, periorbital wrinkles were detected as more severe in all age‐classes at both timing, that is, immediately and 5 h post‐application as well as Nasolabial folds 5 h post‐application. The amplitude of these positive or negative changes, although found of low amplitude, as decimals of the initial grades, was significantly detected.

Conclusion

This automatic system appears apt at grading subtle changes in facial ageing signs brought by a foundation and could be a valuable help to the consumers of make‐up products, in refining their individual procedure to obtain a more personalized desired facial appearance.
Double emulsion (W/O/W) gel stabilised by polyglycerol polyricinoleate and calcium caseinate as mangiferin carrier: insights on formulation and stability properties
Authors: Xing Yuhang , Li Ruyi , Xue Lu , Chen Mianhong , Lu Xuli , Duan Zhihao , Zhou Wei , Li Jihua
Published: May 2022

Mangiferin (MGF) is a phenolic compound isolated from mango, but its poor solubility significantly limits its use. In this study, MGF was embedded into the inner aqueous phase of W1/O/W2 emulsions. Firstly, the dissolution method of MGF was determined. MGF remained stable in solution with pH 13 at 30 min, and its solubility reached 10 mg mL−1. When the pH of MGF solutions was adjusted from pH 13 to pH 6, MGF did not immediately crystallise, providing sufficient time to construct the MGF‐loaded W1/O/W2 emulsions. Subsequently, the MGF‐loaded W1/O/W2 emulsions were constructed using polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) and calcium caseinate (CAS). The formation and stability of the W1/O/W2 emulsions were investigated. The MGF‐loaded W1/O/W2 emulsions stabilised with 1% PGPR and 1% – 3% CAS exhibited a low viscosity, limited loading capacity, and poor stability. Conversely, the MGF‐loaded W1/O/W2 emulsions stabilised by 3%PGPR–3%CAS exhibited optimal loading capacity (encapsulation efficiency = 95.31% and loading efficiency = 0.91%) and stability, which was attributed to the fact that high viscosity and gel state retarded the migration of inner aqueous phase. These results indicated that the W1/O/W2 emulsions stabilised by PGPR and CAS may be a potential alternative for encapsulating mangiferin.
Effect of selenium fortification during sprouting of peanut seeds receivingHVEFand selenium soaking combination on yield, selenium and resveratrol contents, anti‐oxidative properties, and microbial control
Authors: Chiu Kai Ying
Published: May 2022

Selenium (Se) is essential for human nutrition as it involves many biological functions. In this study, three seed treatments (water soaking, high‐voltage electric field (HVEF), HVEF and water soaking), and two Se fortification treatments (Se soaking with Se fortification during sprouting and HVEF plus Se soaking with Se fortification during sprouting) were used to examine their effects on peanut seed germination, Se contents and microbial loads on 8‐days‐old peanut sprouts. The results indicated that the best treatment for enhancing germination (99.6%), increasing the sprout's total Se and resveratrol contents (61.32 and 46.32 μg g−1, respectively) was HVEF plus Se soaking in combination with Se fortification. It also reduced the microbial loads to <3 log CFU g−1FW on the resultant 8‐days‐old peanut sprouts. Thus, the treatment of HVEF and Se soaking combination with Se fortification can be used to produce Se‐fortified peanut sprouts with improved nutritional quality and microbial control.
Chinese older adults' personal–family life balance and its associations with social networks: The moderating role of internet use
Authors: Xie Lili , Wang Bin
Published: May 2022

This study used nationally representative data from the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey 2018 to examine how activity patterns in the personal and family life domains were associated with social networks among Chinese older adults and whether internet use changed these relationships. Using latent class analysis, we identified four activity patterns, including Personal‐centered Activity class (14.37%), Low Activity class (58.06%), Family‐centered Activity class (19.24%), and Balanced Activity class (8.33%). Multivariate analyses revealed that the Personal‐centered Activity and Low Activity classes were associated with looser family ties compared with the Family‐centered Activity class, whereas the Balanced Activity class was associated with closer friendship ties. Internet usage was significantly associated with stronger family and friendship ties in the Low Activity group. Intervention programs to address the digital divide and engage older adults with limited offline social engagement in online communications may have positive effects on maintaining or expanding their social networks.
Urodynamics findings pre‐ and post‐untethering surgery in children with filum lipoma: A single‐institution experience
Authors: Morizawa Yosuke , Satoh Hiroyuki , Arai Masashi , Iwasa Shun , Sato Atsuko , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: May 2022

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the changes in urodynamics and voiding cystourethrogram parameters on pre‐ and post‐untethering surgery in patients aged under 2 years with filum lipoma.

Methods

Sixty‐two patients were enrolled in this study. The changes in urodynamics and voiding cystourethrogram parameters were compared before untethering surgery and 6 months after untethering surgery. These parameters were bladder volume, bladder deformity, vesicoureteral reflux during voiding cystourethrogram, detrusor overactivity, bladder compliance, and post‐void residual volume in urodynamics.

Results

Bladder volume during voiding cystourethrogram and bladder compliance increased significantly from 89.8 ± 49.5 mL to 114.5 ± 50.5 mL (P = 0.0069) and 10.2 ± 6.2 mL/mmH2O to 17.0 ± 13.3 mL/mmH2O (P = 0.0008), respectively, at 6‐month follow‐up. Six patients required combination management with clean intermittent catheterization at 25.1 ± 8.2 months (14.3 ± 6.5‐months follow‐up) because of elevated post‐void residual volumes.

Conclusions

According to voiding cystourethrogram results, bladder function and urodynamics in patients with filum lipoma significantly improved after untethering surgery. Non‐invasive assessment based on measurements of post‐void residual should be considered as a postoperative follow‐up method.
Too much sugar does not just make us fat; it can also make us sick
Authors: Dwyer Karen M. , Robson Breonny , Muecke James
Published: May 2022

The post‐COVID‐19 care era is likely to see a burgeoning of metabolic dysfunction and chronic kidney disease. Attention to self‐care, including nutrition, will underpin the management of those affected. The damaging effects of sugar‐sweetened beverages are well documented and profound and counter many accepted medical treatments. Government leadership is urgently required with explicit and strong messaging to avoid sugar‐sweetened beverages.
Electronic assistive technology use and supported employment
Authors: Heman Parker , Rhodes Darson , Cox Carol
Published: May 2022

Background

Level of electronic assistive technology use by people with intellectual disabilities is lower than for other disability groups.

Methods

In this mixed‐methods exploratory study during the pandemic, staff (online survey) and executive administration (focus group) from a regional supported employment service provider in the Midwest US were surveyed about use of and barriers to use of electronic assistive technology for their clients with intellectual disabilities.

Results

Forty percent of staff reported ‘not’ using any of the assistive technologies with their clients. Executive administration perceived that they should be providing technology resources to clients and staff. Both groups rated expense, access, and complexity as barriers to assistive technology use at the client's worksite.

Conclusions

Identifying the types of assistive technologies that can be most easily accessed and most cost‐effective, including lower‐cost consumer market devices, as employment supports for people with intellectual disabilities may be a first step in helping to overcome perceived barriers to use.
Age‐related changes in mean corpuscular volumes in patients without anaemia: An analysis of large‐volume data from a single institute
Authors: Lee Jin Young , Choi Hanlim , Park Jin Woo , Son Bo Ra , Park Jong Hyock , Jang Lee Chan , Lee Jae Gil
Published: May 2022

Although the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) has been associated with various diseases, these associations in relation to the age‐related trends in MCV remain unclear. Therefore, we used a dataset with over one million values to identify the relationship between ageing and MCV changes. All laboratory data obtained between November 1998 and November 2019 at Chungbuk National University Hospital were retrospectively collected. After excluding cases with missing values for individual complete blood count parameters, outlier MCV values, and ages less than 1 year and more than 88 years, 977,335 MCV values were obtained from 309,393 patients. Principal component analysis of blood components with ages and analysis of the median value changes for each blood component across decade‐wise age groups were conducted to identify relationships between ageing and changes in blood components. The median values of MCV showed gradual increments with age. The linear relationship for patients aged 1–25 years had a larger slope than that for patients aged 26–88 years. For MCV, the equation for patients aged 1–25 years was 0.40*(age) + 81.24 in females and 0.45*(age) + 79.58 in males. The equation for patients aged 26–90 years was 0.04*(age) + 88.97 in females and 0.06*age + 88.30 in males. Among patients aged >40 years, the MCV value was higher in men than in women. Analysis of a large dataset showed that the MCV gradually increased with age and the linear relationship differed between patients aged 1–25 and 26–88 years.
Assessment of storage stability and quality characteristics of thermo‐sonication assisted blended bitter gourd seed oil and sunflower oil
Authors: Naik Mohan , Natarajan Venkatachalapathy , Thangaraju Suka , Modupalli Nikitha , Rawson Ashish
Published: May 2022

The use of thermo‐sonication to intensify the various chemical process and to modify the techno‐functional characteristics of edible lipids is an emerging focus for research. On the other hand, the concept of “edible oil blending” is arisen as an economical way to improve the quality trait of oils and fats. In present study, the effect of blending ratio of Bitter gourd seeds oil (BSO) with sunflower oil (SO), thermo‐sonication (Low intensity thermo‐sonication (LIThS), high intensity thermo‐sonication (HIThS), and storage conditions (ambient: 40°C; accelerated: 60°C) on free fatty acids (FFA), p‐anisidine value, color, viscosity, fatty acids composition, functional groups, crystallization and melting behavior were evaluated. The kinetics of FFA formation was assessed based on a pseudo‐first‐order oxidation mechanism. Increase in FFA, p‐anisidine value, viscosity and decrease in color, fatty acids composition, changes in functional group were noticed in all the samples during storage. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study indicated the shift of crystallization and melting temperature to lower temperatures range and decrease in enthalpy. The LIThS has exhibited higher rate of oxidation or degradation than HIThS and PB. The rate of oxidation was much higher in accelerated storage than the ambient storage. The oil blends are mainly composed of linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, alpha eleostearic acid, and gamma‐linolenic acid. On the basis of present findings, it appears that, blending of Bitter gourd seeds oil with sunflower oil and thermo‐sonication brings characteristics changes in quality attributes with improved storage stability. Physical mixing is commonly practiced method for oil blending. It has some limitations like, phase separation and non‐uniform mixing. Thermo‐sonication is an efficient, quick, and environmentally friendly method, which is widely used in food processing unit operations due to its overwhelming advantages over conventional methods. Blending of edible oil is emerged as an economical way of modifying the techno‐functional characteristics of oils. Bitter gourd seeds oil is rich in alpha‐eleostearic acid, phytosterols, polyphenolic compounds, and tocopherols. The present study demonstrated that, blending of Bitter gourd seeds oil with Sunflower oil has modified the quality characteristics. High intensity thermo‐sonication‐assisted blending improves the storage stability of blended oil. The oil blends are mainly composed of linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, alpha eleostearic acid, and gamma‐linolenic acid. Hence, the blended oil can be used in various food preparations.
Incidence of accidental falls and development of a fall risk prediction model among elderly patients with diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Cheng Zhengnan , Li Xiaohui , Xu Hongmei , Bao Di , Mu Chun , Xing Qiuling
Published: May 2022

Aims

To investigate the incidence of accidental falls and develop a fall risk prediction tool in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus.

Background

The risk of fall in elderly patients with diabetes is higher than that in the general elderly, there is fewer fall assessment tools for elderly patients with diabetes.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Methods

Between June and September 2019, a total of 1007 elderly patients with diabetes were enrolled from a tertiary specialist diabetes hospital in Tianjin and were prospectively followed up for 6 months to determine outcomes of accidental falls through telephone. Demographic and diseases related factors were collected at baseline. Incidence of falls was investigated, and a nomogram was developed based on logistic regression model. SPSS 21.0 and R 3.6.3 were used to analyse the data. The article was reported in accordance with STROBE guidelines.

Results

Among 1007 elderly patients, 950 finished the follow‐up. A total of 133 falls occurred in 93 patients during the follow‐up period, with a fall rate of 9.79%. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, walking aids, depression, fall history, fatigue and sex were independent predictors of accidental fall in diabetes elderly patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the predictive model were 73.12% and 52.63%, respectively, and a fall risk prediction nomogram was developed based on the regression model.

Conclusions

A nomogram including 6 easily available prediction factors (diabetic peripheral neuropathy, walking aids, depression, fall history within 1 year, fatigue, sex) was developed, and it can be used in safety management among Chinese elderly patients diagnosed with diabetes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nomogram can be used to identify diabetic elderly patients at high risk of accidental falls.
The MCPF under the pandemic
Authors: Morita Shigeo
Published: May 2022

This study examines the marginal cost of public funds (MCPF) to assess the optimality of preventive governmental expenditure based on the optimal nonlinear income taxation with preventive behaviors by both individuals and the government. We show that the optimal condition with respect to preventive government expenditure consists of two parts. One part reflects how the trade‐off between preventive expenditure and consumption should deviate from the laissez faire for high‐skilled and low‐skilled individuals, which is interpreted as the Pigou effect. The other part measures how mimickers benefit from preventive government expenditure, which is called the genetic effect. Whether the MCPF is greater than 1 or not depends on the relative magnitude of the Pigou effect and the genetic effect. Moreover, we examine the MCPF if the government cannot commit to a certain policy and if the types of individuals are completely separated and show that the Pigou effect should be modified.
Electric field aspects in hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea: A bilateral electrophysiological evaluation of unilateral electrode configuration changes
Authors: Steffen Armin , Moritz Florian Joffrey , König Inke R. , Suurna Maria V. , Brüggemann Norbert
Published: May 2022

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is an established treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea in selected patients. A unilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation system was approved a decade ago, yet the physiological effect of unilateral hypoglossal stimulation on bilateral tongue motion remains unclear. This study examined how electrode configuration, stimulation cuff position, or body mass index influenced the contralateral genioglossus electromyography (EMG) signal. Twenty‐nine patients underwent three EMG recordings in a polysomnographic setting after being implanted with a unilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulator for at least 6 months. The ratio of EMG signals between the ipsi‐ and contralateral sides was evaluated. No difference in EMG signals was demonstrated based on electrode configurations, stimulation‐cuff position, body‐mass‐index, or sleep apnea severity, even in patients with right tongue protrusion only. Our findings may be explained by a significant level of cross‐innervation and by a smaller and less variable circumferential electric field than expected based on prior biophysical models. A patient's individual anatomy needs to be considered during therapy titration in order to achieve an optimal response.
The road not taken: Evolution of tetrodotoxin resistance in the Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchii) by a path less travelled
Authors: Reimche Jessica S. , del Carlo Robert E. , Brodie Edmund D. , McGlothlin Joel W. , Schlauch Karen , Pfrender Michael E. , Brodie Edmund D. , Leblanc Normand , Feldman Chris R.
Published: May 2022

The repeated evolution of tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistance provides a model for testing hypotheses about the mechanisms of convergent evolution. This poison is broadly employed as a potent antipredator defence, blocking voltage‐gated sodium channels (Nav) in muscles and nerves, paralysing and sometimes killing predators. Resistance in taxa bearing this neurotoxin and a few predators appears to come from convergent replacements in specific Nav residues that interact with TTX. This stereotyped genetic response suggests molecular and phenotypic evolution may be constrained and predictable. Here, we investigate the extent of mechanistic convergence in garter snakes (Thamnophis) that prey on TTX‐bearing newts (Taricha) by examining the physiological and genetic basis of TTX resistance in the Sierra garter snake (Th. couchii). We characterize variation in this predatory adaptation across populations at several biological scales: whole‐animal TTX resistance; skeletal muscle resistance; functional genetic variation in three Nav encoding loci; and levels of gene expression for one of these loci. We found Th. couchii possess extensive geographical variation in resistance at the whole‐animal and skeletal muscle levels. As in other Thamnophis, resistance at both levels is highly correlated, suggesting convergence across the biological levels linking organism to organ. However, Th. couchii shows no functional variation in Nav loci among populations or difference in candidate gene expression. Local variation in TTX resistance in Th. couchii cannot be explained by the same relationship between genotype and phenotype seen in other taxa. Thus, historical contingencies may lead different species of Thamnophis down alternative routes to local adaptation.