bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of social media intervention in adult population during COVID-19 pandemic based on Protection Motivation Theory
Authors: Randana Muhammad Prima Cakra , Syakurah Rizma Adlia
Published: October 2021

During COVID-19 pandemic, social media has become a basis for information deployment, it has the potential to change people opinion and solve many issues in this situation. Based on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), threat and coping appraisal were predictors to behavioral responses in pandemics. This study aimed to analyze the impact of social media intervention in adult population during COVID-19 pandemic based on PMT. This review was created using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and data collection from electronic databases such as Pubmed, Mendeley app, Europe PMC, Cochrane Databases, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library. Inclusion criteria consists of English studies, studies related to the topic and match with required variables. There are five cross-sectional studies involving a total of 2.448 participants that were published in 2020. Among all categories based on included studied, it was shown that cyberchondria, perceived severity and perceived vulnerability are predictors in social media, related to behavioral responses during COVID-19 pandemic. Reducing information overload, related to cyberchondria, via the clear structuring and communication of reliable health information is needed. Hence, educating people on responsible and healthy social media use could help alleviate the observed negative consequences from perceived severity and vulnerability.
The knowledge level of dental students on color stability composite resin restoration in the COVID-19 pandemic era
Authors: Anjelia Chaterina , Octarina Octarina
Published: October 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, all professional program students learning online and still expected to have good knowledge including dental materials. Color stability of anterior teeth restoration is the most important thing. Professional program students with a good level of knowledge were expected to support the use of composite resin towards patients without causing discoloration. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge level of professional program students towards color stability of composite resin restoration in the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti in the COVID-19 pandemic era. This was a descriptive observational study using a cross-sectional approach. Data were collected using Google Form with a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. The sample was 100 professional program students who met the inclusion criteria and accepted informed consent. This study found that in the COVID-19 pandemic era, the knowledge level of 49 respondents (49%) was good, 37 respondents (37%) were fairly good and 14 respondents (14%) were less good. The majority of the professional program students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti were in the good category of knowledge about the color stability of composite resin restoration.
Knowledge and public health practices during lockdown towards COVID-19 in Bangladesh
Authors: Akhtar Sharmin , Ahmed Rubel , Jahan Sharmin , Hossain Md Mosharaf
Published: October 2021

The study aimed to assess the role of having knowledge and essential hygiene practices to prevent coronavirus pandemic and to find out the relationship between people’s knowledge and good hygiene practices with socio-demographic variables during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic situation. In this study, data were collected from 248 respondents for cross-sectional study using voluntary response sampling from April, 30 2020 to May, 30 2020, during lockdown situation in Bangladesh. Descriptive statistics were done to calculate the frequencies and percentages by using Stata SE 14.2 (StataCorp). Chi-square was performed at the significance level of 5% to find the factors which were associated with knowledge about COVID-19. After knowing about COVID-19, 86.29% respondents had taken preventive measures and 71.37% respondents had agreed to stay at home. Among the respondents, 47.98% were involved in services and were positively associated with good general knowledge of preventive practices. Our present findings indicated significant relationship between good general knowledge and practice of general people towards COVID-19 outbreak in Bangladesh. The findings of the study are helpful for the researchers and the population to follow all good promotional practices for preventive measures against coronavirus.
Intussuscepção intestinal em gestante pós by-pass gástrico: relato de caso
Authors: Trevisane Felipe Grion , Ferrari Tiago , Stefano Eduardo Henrique , Hahn Guilherme Telles , Trevisane Nathalia Grion , Felipe Daniele Fernanda , Ferrari Ariana
Published: October 2021

Em todo o mundo, estima-se que aproximadamente 634.897 pessoas são submetidas a procedimentos bariátricos a cada ano, com gastrectomia vertical e by-pass gástrico, representando 53,6% e 30%, respectivamente. Entre pacientes operados, aproximadamente metade são mulheres em idade reprodutiva. Em adultos, a intussuscepção é tipicamente devida a um local patológico no intestino, que pode ser maligno em mais da metade dos casos. A intussuscepção intestinal é rara em adultos, representando 1 a 5% das obstruções intestinais mecânicas. A intussuscepção em gestantes pós by-pass gástrico é uma patologia muito rara de origem desconhecida com alto poder de lesão e injúria de órgãos e sistemas. Suas manifestações clínicas são como abdômen agudo obstrutivo, porém, na paciente gestante dificulta o diagnóstico precoce. Este relato de caso apresenta uma paciente de 38 anos, gestante de 22 semanas, com quadro de dor abdominal de forte intensidade acompanhada de vômitos em grande quantidade há um dia, antecedente de by-pass gástrico há quatro anos. O diagnóstico do quadro de intussuscepção intestinal foi possível após o sétimo dia de internação com auxílio de exame de imagem - RNM, sendo indicado o tratamento cirúrgico para correção do caso. Evoluiu com choque séptico com necessidade de internação prolongada em leito de CTI, recebendo alta após 27 dias de internação.
Risk behaviors associated with adolescent pregnancy: contemporary challenges related to the substance use
Authors: Nichele Cíntia da Silva Telles , Ferreira Aldo Pacheco
Published: October 2021

Adolescent pregnancy is a worldwide public health problem. The number of this phenomenon is increasing every year. One of the reasons for this worsening is the use of substances. This research aimed to discuss adolescent pregnancy due to chemical health risks by inadequate conduct. The method applied consisted of a cross-sectional,observational design study associated with a survey on knowledge, attitudes, and practices, carried out in 42 pregnant adolescents aged 12-18 years in a large public maternity hospital in Rio de Janeiro. A structured questionnaire was applied at their prenatal visit from November 2017 to October 2018. Descriptive tables were prepared using frequencies in absolute numbers and percentages. 11 pregnant adolescents (26.19%) reported smoking 7 cigarettes per day (SD=4.51), ranging from 5 to 45 cigarettes/day. Concerning alcohol intake, 16 adolescents (38.09%) admitted to drinking at least one occasion during pregnancy, and 8 (19.05%) in abusive form. Regarding other types of drugs (marijuana, cocaine, crack), 12 (28.57%) admitted to having used them during pregnancy, and 3 (7.14%) of these reported injecting drug use. 7 adolescents (16.66%) had a relationship with an injecting drug user partner. The survey results show that the use of illicit drugs by the pregnant adolescents interviewed was 4 times higher than the prevalence recorded in the literature for people aged 12 to 17 years. In the case of cigarette use, this difference was also observed, reaching 20 percentage points.
Educação Médica em tempos de pandemia e a utilização de metodologias ativas mediadas por tecnologia
Authors: Melo Ana Carolina de , Valente Caroline , Souza Daniela Maysa de , Batista Keila Zaniboni Siqueira , Lopes Ricardo Dantas , Barauna Sara Cristiane
Published: October 2021

O objetivo deste relato de experiência é apresentar a utilização de metodologias ativas mediadas por tecnologia em tempos de pandemia na disciplina Integração Básico-Clínica II do curso de Medicina. A experiência é caracterizada como uma possibilidade de contribuição ao desenvolvimento docente para o mundo pós-pandemia. Em um grupo de cinco professores e 40 estudantes, a disciplina Integração Básico-Clínica II foi adaptada emergencialmente para atividades mediadas por tecnologia. Os conteúdos trabalhados propiciaram a integração dos conhecimentos disciplinares à clínica e trouxeram inúmeros desafios pedagógicos neste momento inédito de como ensinar, aprender e sobreviver a uma pandemia. Em 16 encontros via plataforma institucional foram utilizadas exclusivamente metodologias ativas de ensino-aprendizagem, com estratégias diversificadas. O modelo de aprendizagem virtual não é algo novo, apesar de inédito para esse grupo de discentes e para esta disciplina e seu valor está em possibilitar repensar a educação e seus mecanismos, num extenuante exercício de criatividade para enfrentar novos desafios surgidos decorrentes de situações extremas. A aplicação de metodologias ativas associado ao feedback dos discentes foi imprescindível para a tomada de decisões na continuidade da integração dos conteúdos, levando à construção de uma disciplina agradável e que contribuiu para o processo formativo de todos os envolvidos. O maior aprendizado foi a necessidade de adaptação e criatividade, permitindo contribuições à construção da identidade docente. A práxis foi fortalecida e reinventada, sendo a adaptação e criatividade, atributos considerados necessários para o desenvolvimento docente para o mundo pós-andemia.
Early markers of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Omazić Jelena , Ivić Vedrana , Wagner Jasenka , Müller Andrijana , Zibar Lada , Kadivnik Marta , Viljetić Barbara
Published: October 2021

Women’s metabolism during pregnancy undergoes numerous changes that can lead to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The cause and pathogenesis of GDM, a heterogeneous disease, are not completely clear, but GDM is increasing in prevalence and is associated with the modern lifestyle. Most diagnoses of GDM are made via the guidelines from the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADSPG), which involve an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Diagnosis in this stage of pregnancy can lead to short- and long-term implications for the mother and child. Therefore, there is an urgent need for earlier GDM markers in order to enable prevention and earlier treatment. Routine GDM biomarkers (plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and sex hormone-binding globulin) can differentiate between healthy pregnant women and those with GDM but are not suitable for early GDM diagnosis. In this article, we present an overview of the potential early biomarkers for GDM that have been investigated recently. We also present our view of future developments in the laboratory diagnosis of GDM.
Improved protocol for plasma microRNA extraction and comparison of commercial kits
Authors: Sriram Harshini , Deshpande Nilesh , Tembhare Prashant R , Hasan Syed , Gujral Sumeet , Subramanian Papagudi G , Patkar Nikhil V , Rajpal Sweta , Chatterjee Gaurav , Ghogale Sitaram , Tyagi Priyanka , Kedia Shweta , Khanka Twinkle
Published: October 2021

MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that are becoming popular biomarkers in several diseases. However, their low abundance in serum/plasma poses a challenge in exploiting their potential in clinics. Several commercial kits are available for rapid isolation of microRNA from plasma. However, reports guiding the selection of appropriate kits to study downstream assays are scarce. Hence, we compared four commercial kits to evaluate microRNA-extraction from plasma and provided a modified protocol that further improved the superior kit’s performance.
We compared four kits (miRNeasy Serum/Plasma, miRNeasy Mini Kit from Qiagen; RNA-isolation, and Absolutely-RNA MicroRNA Kit from Agilent technologies) for quality and quantity of microRNA isolated, extraction efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Bioanalyzer-based Agilent Small RNA kit was used to evaluate quality and quantity of microRNA. Extraction efficiency was evaluated by detection of four endogenous control microRNA using real-time-PCR. Further, we modified the manufacturer’s protocol for miRNeasy Serum/Plasma kit to improve yield.
miRNeasy Serum/Plasma kit outperformed the other three kits in microRNA-quality (P < 0.005) and yielded maximum microRNA-quantity. Recovery of endogenous control microRNA i.e. hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-191-5p, hsa-miR-423-5p and hsa-miR-484 was higher as well. Modification with the inclusion of a double elution step enhanced yield of microRNA extracted with miRNeasy Serum/Plasma kit significantly (P < 0.001).
We demonstrated that miRNeasy Serum/Plasma kit outperforms other kits and can be reliably used with a limited plasma quantity. We have provided a modified microRNA-extraction protocol with improved microRNA output for downstream analyses.
Macrolipasemia secondary to colon cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Saracoglu Hatice , Baskol Gulden , Baskol Mevlut
Published: October 2021

We reported macrolipasemia in a colon cancer patient during the chemotherapy period without any evidence of pancreatitis. A 52-year-old man formerly treated for papillary thyroid carcinoma had elevated a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentration in the latest control and was diagnosed with colon cancer. Xelox chemotherapy (oxaliplatin and capecitabine) protocol was planned for six months. Interestingly, the lipase activities gradually increased from 30 U/L to 434 U/L, and exceeded three times the upper limit of the reference range (13-60 U/L). There were no symptoms of pancreatitis, and the abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan was also normal. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) recovery % values of serum samples gradually decreased and were 27% in the recent sample before the end of chemotherapy. Interestingly, the serum lipase activity fell a month after chemotherapy, and PEG recovery % increased (39%). We considered the following possibilities: (1) macrolipasemia due to chemotherapy drugs, (2) macrolipasemia due to antibodies against chemotherapy drugs.
Discovery of Kribiodorum Kieffer (Diptera: Chironomidae) in the Neotropical region: a new species from Brazilian Amazon rainforest
Authors: DANTAS GALILEU P.S. , HAMADA NEUSA
Published: October 2021

Kribiodorum is a small genus of non-biting midges, currently composed of only five nominal species, one Nearctic, two African and two Oriental. The objective of this study is to provide the first report of this genus to the Neotropical region and to describe a new species, based on male and female from southern Amazonas state, Brazil. Kribiodorum amazonicum sp. n. is easily distinguished from the congeneric species by the color pattern of the wings and legs and by the morphology of the genitalia.
Type specimens of birds of the genus Batis (Aves: Platysteiridae) at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin 
Authors: FRAHNERT SYLKE , LOUETTE MICHEL , ECKHOFF PASCAL
Published: October 2021

The ornithological collection of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin houses an important collection of birds of the genus Batis, with many type specimens used in descriptions dating from the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Some of these scientific names are still in use today, but others are synonyms. We herein provide an updated list of all this type material for 10 names (species and subspecies) with 34 types and 21 paratypes, and we designate a lectotype for Batis puella Reichenow, 1893.
Long‐Term Health Utilization and Outcomes in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media
Authors: Thai Anthony , Aaron Ksenia A. , Kaufman Adam C. , Santa Maria Peter L.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To report health utilization patterns and outcomes of medical and surgical management in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Academic otology clinic.

Methods

This study included 175 patients with CSOM with a first clinic visit at our institution between March 2011 and November 2016. All patients displayed a diagnosis of CSOM by International Classification of Diseases code, had at least 1 episode of active CSOM (defined as perforation with otorrhea), and had a documented history of chronic ear infections. The mean age was 49.5 ± 1.5 years, 53% were female, and mean follow‐up time was 3.5 ± 0.3 years.

Results

Patients had an average of 9.5 ± 0.5 otology visits, 4.7 ± 0.4 prescriptions, and 1.7 ± 0.1 surgeries, with estimated per patient cost ranging from $3927 to $20,776. Under medical management, 69% of patients displayed recurrence of disease, with a median time to recurrence of 4 months. For tympanoplasty and tympanomastoidectomy, median time to recurrence was similar at 5 and 7 years, respectively (P =. 73). At the most recent visit, the prevalence of all patients with CSOM displaying moderate or worse sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was 41%.

Conclusions

CSOM represents a major public health issue with high health care utilization and associated costs. Surgery is superior to medical therapy for achieving short‐ to medium‐term inactive disease. Patients with CSOM display a high SNHL burden.
Electrocardiogram abnormalities in residents in cold homes: a cross-sectional analysis of the nationwide Smart Wellness Housing survey in Japan
Authors: Umishio Wataru , Ikaga Toshiharu , Kario Kazuomi , Fujino Yoshihisa , Suzuki Masaru , Ando Shintaro , Hoshi Tanji , Yoshimura Takesumi , Yoshino Hiroshi , Murakami Shuzo ,   on behalf of the SWH Survey Group
Published: October 2021

Background

Excess winter mortality caused by cardiovascular disease is particularly profound in cold houses. Consistent with this, accumulating evidence indicates that low indoor temperatures at home increase blood pressure. However, it remains unclear whether low indoor temperatures affect other cardiovascular biomarkers. In its latest list of priority medical devices for management of cardiovascular diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) included electrocardiography systems as capital medical devices. We therefore examined the association between indoor temperature and electrocardiogram findings.

Methods

We collected electrocardiogram data from 1480 participants during health checkups. We also measured the indoor temperature in the living room and bedroom for 2 weeks in winter, and divided participants into those living in warm houses (average exposure temperature ≥ 18 °C), slightly cold houses (12–18 °C), and cold houses (< 12 °C) in accordance with guidelines issued by the WHO and United Kingdom. The association between indoor temperature (warm vs. slightly cold vs. cold houses) and electrocardiogram findings was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models, with adjustment for confounders such as demographics (e.g., age, sex, body mass index, household income), lifestyle (e.g., eating habit, exercise, smoking, alcohol drinking), and region.

Results

The average temperature at home was 14.7 °C, and 238, 924, and 318 participants lived in warm, slightly cold, and cold houses, respectively. Electrocardiogram abnormalities were observed in 17.6%, 25.4%, and 30.2% of participants living in warm, slightly cold, and cold houses, respectively (p = 0.003, chi-squared test). Compared to participants living in warm houses, the odds ratio of having electrocardiogram abnormalities was 1.79 (95% confidence interval: 1.14–2.81, p = 0.011) for those living in slightly cold houses and 2.18 (95% confidence interval: 1.27–3.75, p = 0.005) for those living in cold houses.

Conclusions

In addition to blood pressure, living in cold houses may have adverse effects on electrocardiogram. Conversely, keeping the indoor thermal environment within an appropriate range through a combination of living in highly thermal insulated houses and appropriate use of heating devices may contribute to good cardiovascular health.

Trial registration

The trial was retrospectively registered on 27 Dec 2017 to the University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR, https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/, registration identifier number UMIN000030601).
CirPred, the first structure modeling and linker design system for circularly permuted proteins
Authors: Chen Teng-Ruei , Lin Yen-Cheng , Huang Yu-Wei , Chen Chih-Chieh , Lo Wei-Cheng
Published: October 2021

Background

This work aims to help develop new protein engineering techniques based on a structural rearrangement phenomenon called circular permutation (CP), equivalent to connecting the native termini of a protein followed by creating new termini at another site. Although CP has been applied in many fields, its implementation is still costly because of inevitable trials and errors.

Results

Here we present CirPred, a structure modeling and termini linker design method for circularly permuted proteins. Compared with state-of-the-art protein structure modeling methods, CirPred is the only one fully capable of both circularly-permuted modeling and traditional co-linear modeling. CirPred performs well when the permutant shares low sequence identity with the native protein and even when the permutant adopts a different conformation from the native protein because of three-dimensional (3D) domain swapping. Linker redesign experiments demonstrated that the linker design algorithm of CirPred achieved subangstrom accuracy.

Conclusions

The CirPred system is capable of (1) predicting the structure of circular permutants, (2) designing termini linkers, (3) performing traditional co-linear protein structure modeling, and (4) identifying the CP-induced occurrence of 3D domain swapping. This method is supposed helpful for broadening the application of CP, and its web server is available at http://10.life.nctu.edu.tw/CirPred/ and http://lo.life.nctu.edu.tw/CirPred/.
Identification of prostate cancer specific methylation biomarkers from a multi-cancer analysis
Authors: Pu Yiyi , Li Chao , Yuan Haining , Wang Xiaoju
Published: October 2021

Background

Detecting prostate cancer at a non-aggressive stage is the main goal of prostate cancer screening. DNA methylation has been widely used as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, however, with low clinical translation rate. By taking advantage of multi-cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we aimed to identify prostate cancer specific biomarkers which can separate between non-aggressive and aggressive prostate cancer based on DNA methylation patterns.

Results

We performed a comparison analysis of DNA methylation status between normal prostate tissues and prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) samples at different Gleason stages. The candidate biomarkers were selected by excluding the biomarkers existing in multiple cancers (pan-cancer) and requiring significant difference between PRAD and other urinary samples. By least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) selection, 8 biomarkers (cg04633600, cg05219445, cg05796128, cg10834205, cg16736826, cg23523811, cg23881697, cg24755931) were identified and in-silico validated by model constructions. First, all 8 biomarkers could separate PRAD at different stages (Gleason 6 vs. Gleason 3 + 4: AUC = 0.63; Gleason 6 vs. Gleason 4 + 3 and 8–10: AUC = 0.87). Second, 5 biomarkers (cg04633600, cg05796128, cg23523811, cg23881697, cg24755931) effectively detected PRAD from normal prostate tissues (AUC ranged from 0.88 to 0.92). Last, 6 biomarkers (cg04633600, cg05219445, cg05796128, cg23523811, cg23881697, cg24755931) completely distinguished PRAD with other urinary samples (AUC = 1).

Conclusions

Our study identified and in-silico validated a panel of prostate cancer specific DNA methylation biomarkers with diagnosis value.
Immunogenicity of a new enhanced tetanus-reduced dose diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine against Bordetella pertussis in a murine model
Authors: Kang Kyu Ri , Huh Dong Ho , Kim Ji Ahn , Kang Jin Han
Published: October 2021

Background

The necessity of the tetanus-reduced dose diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in adolescence and adults has been emphasized since the resurgence of small-scale pertussis in Korea and worldwide due to the waning effect of the vaccine and variant pathogenic stains in the late 1990s. GreenCross Pharma (GC Pharma), a Korean company, developed the Tdap vaccine GC3111 in 2010. Recently, they enhanced the vaccine, GC3111, produced previously in 2010 to reinforce the antibody response against filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA). In this study, immunogenicity and efficacy of the enhanced Tdap vaccine compared and evaluated with two Tdap vaccines, GC3111 vaccine produced in 2010 previously and commercially available Tdap vaccine in a murine model.

Methods

Two tests groups and positive control group of Balb/c mice were primed with two doses of the diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine followed by a single booster Tdap vaccine at 9 week using the commercially available Tdap vaccine or 2 Tdap vaccines from GC Pharma (GC3111, enhanced GC3111). Humoral response was assessed 1 week before and 2 and 4 weeks after Tdap booster vaccination. The enhanced GC3111 generated similar humoral response compare to the commercial vaccine for filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA). The interferon gamma (IFN-γ) (Th1), interleukin 5 (IL-5) (Th2) and interleukin 17 (IL-17) (Th17) cytokines were assessed 4 weeks after booster vaccination by stimulation with three simulators: heat inactivated Bordetella pertussis (hBp), vaccine antigens, and hBp mixed with antigens (hBp + antigen). A bacterial challenge test was performed 4 weeks after booster vaccination.

Results

Regarding cell-mediated immunity, cytokine secretion differed among the three simulators. However, no difference was found between two test groups and positive control group. All the vaccinated groups indicated a Th1 or Th1/Th2 response. On Day 5 post-bacterial challenge, B. pertussis colonies were absent in the lungs in two test groups and positive control group.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed the immunogenicity of GC Pharma’s Tdap vaccine; enhanced GC3111 was equivalent to the presently used commercial vaccine in terms of humoral response as well as cell-mediated cytokine expression.
Developing an efficient DNA barcoding system to differentiate between Lilium species
Authors: Liu Yixin , Zhang Mingfang , Chen Xuqing , Chen Xi , Hu Yue , Gao Junlian , Pan Wenqiang , Xin Yin , Wu Jian , Du Yunpeng , Zhang Xiuhai
Published: October 2021

Background

Lilium is an important ornamental bulb, possesses medicinal properties, and is also edible. Species within the Lilium genus share very similar morphology and macroscopic characteristics, thus they cannot be easily and clearly distinguished from one another. To date, no efficient species-specific markers have been developed for classifying wild lily species, which poses an issue with further characterizing its medicinal properties.

Results

To develop a simple and reliable identification system for Lilium, 45 representative species from 6 sections were used to develop a DNA barcoding system, which was based on DNA sequence polymorphisms. In this study, we assessed five commonly used DNA barcode candidates (ITS, rbcL, ycf1b, matK and psbA-trnH) and five novel barcode candidates obtained from highly variable chloroplast genomic regions (trnL-trnF, trnS-trnG, trnF-ndhJ, trnP-psaJ-rpI33 and psbB-psbH). We showed that a set of three novel DNA barcodes (ITS + trnP-psaJ-rpI33 + psbB-psbH) could be efficiently used as a genetic marker to distinguish between lily species, as assessed by methods including DNAsp, BI and ML tree, and Pair Wise Group (PWG).

Conclusions

A rapid and reliable DNA barcoding method was developed for all 45 wild Lilium species by using ITS, trnP-psaJ-rpI33, and psbB-psbH as DNA barcoding markers. The method can be used in the classification of wild Lilium species, especially endangered species, and also provides an effective method for selective lily breeding.
Effects of repeated drought stress on the physiological characteristics and lipid metabolism of Bombax ceiba L. during subsequent drought and heat stresses
Authors: Zheng Yanling , Xia Zhining , Wu Jianrong , Ma Huancheng
Published: October 2021

Background

Trees of Bombax ceiba L. could produce a large number of viable seeds in the dry-hot valleys. However, the seedling regeneration of the species is difficult in these areas as mild drought often occur repeatedly which might be followed by heat stress. However, how the repeated drought affects the subsequent drought and heat tolerance of B. ceiba is not clear. In this study, chlorophyll fluorescence, soluble sugar content and lipid metabolism were measured for the drought-treated seedlings and heat-treated seedlings with or without drought hardening.

Results

Neither the first nor third dehydration treatments affected the photosynthetic activity and soluble sugar content of B. ceiba seedlings. However, they differentially affected the fluidity of the local membranes and the levels of diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid. Heat shock severely decreased the photosynthetic efficiency but drought priming reduced the effects of heat shock. Moreover, heat shock with or without drought priming had differential effects on the metabolism of soluble sugars and some lipids. In addition, the unsaturation level of membrane glycerolipids increased following heat shock for non-drought-hardened seedlings which, however, maintained for drought-hardened seedlings.

Conclusions

The results suggest that two cycles of dehydration/recovery can affect the metabolism of some lipids during the third drought stress and may enhance the heat tolerance of B. ceiba by adjusting lipid composition and membrane fluidity.
Physiological responses and transcriptomic changes reveal the mechanisms underlying adaptation of Stylosanthes guianensis to phosphorus deficiency
Authors: Chen Zhijian , Song Jianling , Li Xinyong , Arango Jacobo , Cardoso Juan Andres , Rao Idupulapati , Schultze-Kraft Rainer , Peters Michael , Mo Xiaohui , Liu Guodao
Published: October 2021

Background

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth that participates in a series of biological processes. Thus, P deficiency limits crop growth and yield. Although Stylosanthes guianensis (stylo) is an important tropical legume that displays adaptation to low phosphate (Pi) availability, its adaptive mechanisms remain largely unknown.

Results

In this study, differences in low-P stress tolerance were investigated using two stylo cultivars (‘RY2’ and ‘RY5’) that were grown in hydroponics. Results showed that cultivar RY2 was better adapted to Pi starvation than RY5, as reflected by lower values of relative decrease rates of growth parameters than RY5 at low-P stress, especially for the reduction of shoot and root dry weight. Furthermore, RY2 exhibited higher P acquisition efficiency than RY5 under the same P treatment, although P utilization efficiency was similar between the two cultivars. In addition, better root growth performance and higher leaf and root APase activities were observed with RY2 compared to RY5. Subsequent RNA-seq analysis revealed 8,348 genes that were differentially expressed under P deficient and sufficient conditions in RY2 roots, with many Pi starvation regulated genes associated with P metabolic process, protein modification process, transport and other metabolic processes. A group of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in Pi uptake and Pi homeostasis were identified, such as genes encoding Pi transporter (PT), purple acid phosphatase (PAP), and multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE). Furthermore, a variety of genes related to transcription factors and regulators involved in Pi signaling, including genes belonging to the PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 1-like (PHR1), WRKY and the SYG1/PHO81/XPR1 (SPX) domain, were also regulated by P deficiency in stylo roots.

Conclusions

This study reveals the possible mechanisms underlying the adaptation of stylo to P deficiency. The low-P tolerance in stylo is probably manifested through regulation of root growth, Pi acquisition and cellular Pi homeostasis as well as Pi signaling pathway. The identified genes involved in low-P tolerance can be potentially used to design the breeding strategy for developing P-efficient stylo cultivars to grow on acid soils in the tropics.
Safer cycling in older age (SiFAr): a protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Siebentritt Hanna Maria , Keppner Veronika , Britting Sabine , Kob Robert , Rappl Anja , Sieber Cornel C. , Freiberger Ellen
Published: October 2021

Background

Cycling has positive effects on health and the proportion of older cyclists is rising. However, the risk for older adults to be injured or killed by a bicycle accident increases. The aim of the ongoing project “Safer Cycling in Older Age (SiFAr)” is to promote safer cycling in community-dwelling older adults with a structured, multi-component exercise training.

Methods

SiFAr is a randomized, controlled trial with a duration of 3 months for the intervention and a 6–9 months follow-up. We address community-dwelling persons aged 65 years and older living in the area Nürnberg-Fürth-Erlangen (Germany) who are either 1) beginners with the e-bike or 2) feeling self-reported unsteadiness when cycling or 3) uptaking cycling after a longer break. Long-term, experienced cyclists without subjectively reported limitations or worries when cycling are excluded. Participants are either randomized 1:1 to an intervention group (IG; receiving multi-component exercise program related to cycling, MEPC) or an active control group (aCG; receiving health and bicycle-related presentations, HRP). The purpose of this study is to investigate if the cycling competence of the IG will improve compared to the aCG. The cycling competence as primary outcome is tested not blinded in a standardized cycle course prior and after the intervention period, which consists of variant tasks requiring motor and cognitive skills related to traffic situations in daily life. Additional assessments such as physical functioning, quality of life, fear of falling, questionnaires regarding cycling behavior are obtained.

To investigate the primary objective, regression analyses with difference of errors in the cycling course as independent variable and group as dichotomous dependent variable adjusted for covariates (sex, bicycle type) will be performed.

The trial design is described in the present manuscript, using the extended CONSORT checklist for reporting pragmatic trials.

Discussion

Since there is a lack of cycling-related interventions for older people, SiFAr aims to evaluate a standardized intervention to enhance cycling safety. The results of the SiFAr trial could contribute to the implementation of an evaluated cycling course concept promoting mobility and independence of older adults.

Trial registration

This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04362514 on April 27, 2020
Health-economic burden of dementia in South Korea
Authors: Shon Changwoo , Yoon Hyejung
Published: October 2021

Background

This population-based study estimated the health-economic costs of dementia from a societal perspective using nationally representative data from 2015 to 2019 and analysed recent trends in Korea.

Methods

The prevalence of and mortality due to dementia were calculated using the National Health Insurance claims data and population census. The health-economic burden due to dementia was estimated using a prevalence-based approach, including the number of dementia patients and the number of deaths resulting from dementia during 2015–2019. The health-economic burden was presented separately as the national burden and the burden per capita by summing the direct and indirect costs.

Results

Between 2015 and 2019, the prevalence of dementia among the elderly aged 65 years or older based on clinical diagnosis increased from 5.9 to 7.3%, with approximately 588000 elderly dementia patients in Korea. The total health-economic cost of dementia increased by about 1.5 times in the last 5 years and was estimated to be about USD 4218 million. Direct costs were 52.0% in 2019, and the proportion has been steadily increasing over the past 5 years; indirect costs accounted for 48.0% of the total burden, mainly from family members and caregivers. The health-economic cost per capita due to dementia was approximately USD 6957.

Conclusions

The burden of dementia in Korea is expected to considerably increase alongside the elderly population in the future. Health policies addressing the prevention and management of dementia should be prioritised.
Renal infarction associated with low dose intravenous immunoglobulin in a kidney transplant recipient with sepsis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Choi Eun Woo , Do Jun Young , Kim A. Young , Kang Seok Hui
Published: October 2021

Background

The use of human intravenous immunoglobulin gamma (IVIG) is associated with thromboembolic events as a complication. There are few reported cases of renal infarction during IVIG use in the general population, but transplant kidney may be more susceptible to thromboembolic events following IVIG use.

Case presentation

A 41-year-old woman visited with fever and pain at the transplant kidney. Six years ago, she underwent kidney transplantation from a deceased donor. Laboratory and radiologic findings were compatible to septic condition, secondary to acute pyelonephritis. We started antibiotics, inotropics, and IVIG. The patient abruptly developed gross hematuria and urine output decreased to 100 cc/day during IVIG administration. Renal doppler and pathologic findings revealed renal infarction. Oliguria and azotemia persisted and she is undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Conclusion

Our case shows that infarction of transplant kidney can be caused by IVIG use in a patient with severe infection. Thus, when using IVIG for kidney transplant patients with high risk of thromboembolic events, we may be careful to prevent the thromboembolic events.
IMProving care After inherited Cancer Testing (IMPACT) study: protocol of a randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of two interventions designed to improve cancer risk management and family communication of genetic test results
Authors: Cragun Deborah , Beckstead Jason , Farmer Meagan , Hooker Gillian , Dean Marleah , Matloff Ellen , Reid Sonya , Tezak Ann , Weidner Anne , Whisenant Jennifer G. , Pal Tuya
Published: October 2021

Background

Implementing genetic testing for inherited cancer predisposition into routine clinical care offers a tremendous opportunity for cancer prevention and early detection. However, genetic testing itself does not improve outcomes; rather, outcomes depend on implemented follow-up care. The IMPACT study is a hybrid type I randomized effectiveness-implementation trial to simultaneously evaluate the effectiveness of two interventions for individuals with inherited cancer predisposition focused on: 1) increasing family communication (FC) of genetic test results; and 2) improving engagement with guideline-based cancer risk management (CRM).

Methods

This prospective study will recruit a racially, geographically, and socioeconomically diverse population of individuals with a documented pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant in an inherited cancer gene. Eligible participants will be asked to complete an initial trial survey and randomly assigned to one of three arms: A) GeneSHARE, a website designed to increase FC of genetic test results; B) My Gene Counsel’s Living Lab Report, a digital tool designed to improve understanding of genetic test results and next steps, including CRM guidelines; or C) a control arm in which participants continue receiving standard care. Follow-up surveys will be conducted at 1, 3, and 12 months following randomization. These surveys include single-item measures, scales, and indices related to: 1) FC and CRM behaviors and behavioral factors following the COM-B theoretical framework (i.e., capability, opportunity, and motivation); 2) implementation outcomes (i.e., acceptability, appropriateness, exposure, and reach); and 3) other contextual factors (i.e., sociodemographic and clinical factors, and uncertainty, distress, and positive aspects of genetic test results). The primary outcomes are an increase in FC of genetic test results (Arm A) and improved engagement with guideline-based CRM without overtreatment or undertreatment (Arm B) by the 12-month follow-up survey.

Discussion

Our interventions are designed to shift the paradigm by which individuals with P/LP variants in inherited cancer genes are provided with information to enhance FC of genetic test results and engagement with guideline-based CRM. The information gathered through evaluating the effectiveness and implementation of these real-world approaches is needed to modify and scale up adaptive, stepped interventions that have the potential to maximize FC and CRM.

Trial registration

This study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04763915, date registered: February 21, 2021).

Protocol version

September 17th, 2021 Amendment Number 04.
Bortezomib potentiates antitumor activity of mitoxantrone through dampening Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Qiuzi , Wei Wei , Zhang Guoan , Yan Siyuan , Dai Rongrong , Sun Ying , Su Dubo , Lv Shun , Xia Yong , Li Jing , Li Changlin
Published: October 2021

Background

Bortezomib (BZM), alone or in combination with other chemotherapies, has displayed strong anticancer effects in several cancers. The efficacy of the combination of BZM and mitoxantrone (MTX) in treating prostate cancer remains unknown.

Methods

Anticancer effects of combination of BZM and MTX were determined by apoptosis and proliferation assay in vivo and in vitro. Expression of β-Catenin and its target genes were characterized by western blot and Real-time PCR.

Results

BZM significantly enhanced MTX-induced antiproliferation in vivo and in vitro. Mice administered a combination of BZM and MTX displayed attenuated tumor growth and prolonged survival. BZM significantly attenuated MTX-induced apoptosis. Moreover, the combination of BZM and MTX contributed to inhibition of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway compared to monotherapy.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that BZM enhances MTX-induced anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in prostate cancer cells.
The treatment zone size and its decentration influence axial elongation in children with orthokeratology treatment
Authors: Lin Weiping , Li Na , Gu Tianpu , Tang Chunyu , Liu Guihua , Du Bei , Wei Ruihua
Published: October 2021

Background

To investigate whether the treatment zone size (TZS) and treatment zone decentration (TZD) will affect the axial elongation in myopic children undergoing orthokeratology treatment.

Methods

A self-controlled retrospective study was conducted on 352 children who met the inclusion criteria. Axial length was measured before and at 12 months after the initial lens wear. Corneal topography was measured at baseline and at each follow-up after lens wear. The Corneal topography obtained from the 12-month visit was used to quantify TZS and TZD for each subject. Cycloplegic refraction was required for all children before fitting the orthokeratology lenses.

Results

Axial elongation was significantly associated with age, baseline spherical equivalent (SE), TZS, and TZD with univariate linear regression. In groups with both small and large TZS, axial elongation was significantly decreased with large TZD (both P < 0.01). In groups with both small and large TZD, axial elongation was significantly decreased with small TZS (P = 0.03 for small TZD, P = 0.01 for large TZD). Age, SE, and TZD were significantly associated with axial elongation in multiple regression (all P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Relatively smaller TZS and larger TZD may be beneficial in slowing myopia progression in children with orthokeratology treatment.
Serodiscordance predictors among couples in the HIV context: implications for health care
Authors: Antonini Marcela , Pontes Priscila Silva , Melo Elizabete Santos , de Souza Alves Regina , Gir Elucir , Sorensen William , Reis Renata Karina
Published: October 2021

Background

After HIV diagnosis, people maintain, reestablish their sexual lives, or build new relationships, often with HIV seronegative partners. Therefore, understanding the factors concerning couple-vulnerability is essential in order to design effective HIV preventive strategies. We examined HIV serodiscordant couples prevalence and their associated factors from a Brazilian city.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional analytical study carried out with people living with HIV (PLHIV) who had an active sex life and were engagement in HIV health care follow-up. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire during individual interviews. We analyzed data using bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

There was 72.0% of HIV serodiscordant partnerships. Those who inconsistently used condoms (aOR: 0.3[0.13–0.7]) and/or had HIV detectable viral load (aOR: 0.29 [0.12–0.7]) were less likely to have an HIV serodiscordant sexual partner. On other hand, the lack of HIV transmission counseling by the health service (aOR: 5.08 [2.02–12.76]), or those who had a casual partner (aOR: 8.12 [1.7–38.8]) or a steady and casual one concomitantly (aOR: 24.82 [1.46–420.83]), were more likely to indicate an HIV serodiscordant partnership.

Conclusion

The findings showed a high prevalence of serodiscordant partnerships in PLHIV. Greater visibility among couples in the health services is needed as well as a reassessment in order to provide PLHIV and their sexual partners with care strategies, by the health professionals.
Factors associated with neck and shoulder pain: a cross-sectional study among 16,000 adults in five county councils in Sweden
Authors: Peterson Gunnel , Pihlström Nicklas
Published: October 2021

Background

Neck and shoulder pain is common in the general population, but studies on factors related to the risk of neck and shoulder pain have produced inconclusive results. Known factors related to pain include general physical activity, exercise, sleep disorders, and lifestyle, but further research is needed to improve our ability to prevent neck and shoulder pain. The aim was to investigate whether neck and shoulder pain are associated with physical domains (i.e., aerobic physical activities, general physical activities, and sitting time), sleep disturbances, general health, job satisfaction, and/or working time.

Methods

This population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Sweden in 2017 and included 16,167 individuals, aged 18 to 63 years. We administered a questionnaire to determine neck and shoulder pain, the time spent in general physical activity or aerobic physical activity, the time spent sitting, sleep disturbances, general health, job satisfaction, and the time spent working. Factors associated with neck and shoulder pain were explored using logistic regression.

Results

Significant factors associated with neck and shoulder pain were: overall health, sleep quality, and aerobic exercise. The odds of sustaining neck and shoulder pain increased with moderate or poor health (odds ratios [ORs]: 2.3 and 2.8, respectively) and sleep disorders (OR: 1.7). Conversely, aerobic physical activity performed more than 60 min/week at a level that enhanced respiratory and heart rate was associated with a reduced risk of experiencing neck and shoulder pain (OR: 0.8).

Conclusions

Although no causal relationships could be determined in the present study, the results highlight important associations between aerobic exercise, undisturbed sleep, good health, and the absence of upper body pain. Exercises that enhance breathing and heart rate were associated with a reduced risk of experiencing neck or shoulder pain, but there was no association between general physical activity and upper body pain. Therefore, clinicians may not recommend low-intensity activities, such as walking, for preventing or improving neck and shoulder pain.