bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR-214 Expression Is Elevated in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Mucosa and Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Responses in Undifferentiated Human Nasal Epithelial Cell Culture
Authors: Wang Zhou , Lin Dong , Zhao Yuxiang , Liu Hui , Yang Ting , Li An
Published: February 2023

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disorder of the upper airways. MicroRNAs (miRs) are reported to regulate several diverse physiological and pathological processes.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of miR-214 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammation, and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) expression in human nasal epithelial cells.

Methods

The expression of miR-214 was detected in CRS with polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without polyps (CRSsNP) tissues. Cells were treated with LPS and a miR-214 inhibitor. The level of miR-214 was detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR). The inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF, and IL-1β) and MUC5AC production were determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA. MUC5AC protein level was detected using western blot. Similarly, we determined the relationship between miR-214 and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) using the Dual luciferase activity assay.

Results

miR-214 was increased in CRSwNP and CRSsNP tissues. LPS triggered the expression of miR-214, while miR-214 inhibition diminished the level of miR-214. MiR-214 inhibition prevented LPS-mediated the production of inflammatory cytokines. LPS treatment augmented MUC5AC mRNA, protein levels, and secretion, whereas miR-214 loss inhibited MUC5AC production in the presence of LPS. SIRT1 is a direct target of miR-214. Impairing SIRT1 by siRNA (siSIRT1) or EX527 (a selective SIRT1 inhibitor) reversed the effects of miR-214 inhibitor on inflammation and MUC5AC expression. Furthermore, miR-214 depression inhibited the STAT3/GDF15 pathway via targeting SIRT1. Upregulation of STAT3 or GDF15 partly abolished the anti-inflammatory roles of miR-214 inhibitor.

Conclusion

Taken together, miR-214 regulates LPS-mediated inflammation and MUC5AC expression via targeting SIRT1, and STAT3/GDF15 may involve in the regulation of miR-214 inhibitor on inflammation and MUC5AC expression.
Code red: A nuclear nightmare-navigating ransomware response at an Eastern European power plant
Authors: Madhira Namita , Pelletier Justin M , Johnson Daryl , Mishra Sumita
Published: February 2023

Over the past decade, the number and scale of ransomware attacks has grown. These attacks have stretched across multiple industries globally and caused billions of dollars of damages. Recent attacks have disrupted critical infrastructure and have served as prelude to war. Studies have shown that there is a lack of awareness among industry practitioners surrounding appropriate responses to ransomware. This failure during a career-defining moment is largely due to the gap between cyber security academic knowledge and industry practice. We therefore provide a learning resource for ransomware response education that is academically adequate, practically viable, and ultimately illustrates a process for proper employment of technology. This case, exposes students to technical requirements for a ransomware response and explores ransomware best practices. Discussion questions and a wargaming-style purple team exercise for individuals or groups extend the opportunity for delivering additional technical depth.
Symptomatic esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis without stricture: A case report
Authors: Veria Spiro , Glosser Logan D , Lombardi Conner V , Javaid Toseef , Ramadugu Ajit
Published: February 2023

Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis is a benign disease characterized by numerous, small outpouchings from the esophageal epithelium. Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis has scarcely been reported with only 200–300 cases worldwide. The etiology of esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis is also unclear; however, there is an associated increased risk with diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal candidiasis, and chronic alcohol and tobacco abuse. Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis has a characteristic appearance on esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Treatment of esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis has historically been limited to symptom management with acid suppression, anti-fungal therapy, and endoscopic dilation in areas of stricture. This report is a case of a 52-year-old female status post two esophageal stricture repairs with dilation over prior 2 years, who presented with non-remitting solid food dysphagia and food impaction found to have esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis with concomitant jackhammer esophagus and esophageal candidiasis.
Middle Trapezius Tendon Transfer for Augmentation of In Situ Superior Capsular Reconstruction–Reinforced Partial Rotator Cuff Repair: Short-term Outcomes of a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kandeel Amr Abdel-Mordy
Published: February 2023

Background:

Middle trapezius tendon (MTT) transfer has been described for dynamic reproduction of supraspinatus function. For management of irreparable rotator cuff (RC) tears, this procedure can be coupled with in situ (long head of the biceps tendon–based) superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and partial RC repair.

Purpose:

To investigate the functional outcomes of augmentation of in situ SCR–reinforced partial RC repair with MTT transfer for the management of irreparable posterosuperior RC tears.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Conducted between September 2014 and March 2022, this study included 24 patients with irreparable posterosuperior RC tears who were allocated into 2 groups: patients managed with 2-layer tendon construct (in situ SCR–reinforced partial RC repair) (group A; n = 15) and patients managed with 3-layer tendon construct (MTT transfer–augmented, in situ SCR–reinforced partial RC repair) (group B; n = 9). Outcome measures included 2-year postoperative pain, range of motion (ROM) in forward flexion and external rotation, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores. For data comparison, independent and paired t tests were used for parametric quantitative variables, and Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for nonparametric quantitative variables; Fisher exact and McNemar tests were used for qualitative variables.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 58.40 ± 4.54 years in group A and 59.22 ± 4.46 years in group B; there were no between-group differences in baseline patient characteristics. Patients in both groups had significant preoperative to postoperative improvement on all outcome measures ( P < .05 for all). Group B had a significantly higher magnitude of postoperative improvement compared with group A in forward flexion ROM (88.88° ± 29.34° vs 46.66° ± 20.93°; P = .001), external rotation ROM (32.22° ± 14.81° vs 16.0° ± 9.10°; P = .002), ASES score (71.07 ± 8.26 vs 57.87 ± 8.39; P = .001), and QuickDASH score (–70.20 ± 6.95 vs –58.34 ± 12.52; P = .007).

Conclusion:

Augmentation of in situ SCR–reinforced partial RC repair with MTT transfer in a 3-layer tendon construct led to significantly greater improvement in postoperative ROM and functional scores compared with a 2-layer construct.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Reported Case Volume of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellows in the United States
Authors: Silvestre Jason , Nelson Charles L. , Kelly John D. , Thompson Terry L.
Published: February 2023

Background:

The impact of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on reported case volume during orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship training remains poorly understood from a national perspective.

Hypothesis:

It was hypothesized that reported case volume during orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship training would decrease during the 2019-2020 academic year, which corresponded to the COVID-19 outbreak. It was also hypothesized that there would be a subsequent rebound in case volume during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Study Design:

Cohort study.

Methods:

Reported mean case volumes were extracted for 4 academic years (2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021), and year-over-year percentage changes were calculated. Parametric tests were used for interyear comparisons.

Results:

There was a 7% decrease in mean ± SD case volume between the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years (339 ± 123 vs 316 ± 108; P = .042). Case categories with the greatest percentage declines were foot and ankle (–20%), knee instability (–11%), meniscus (–8%), and glenohumeral instability (–7%). There was a 13% year-over-year increase in case volume between the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 academic years (316 ± 108 vs 357 ± 117; P < .001).

Conclusion:

There was a slight decrease in total orthopaedic sports medicine case volume during the 2019-2020 academic year, corresponding to widespread lockdowns during the COVID-19 outbreak. Certain case categories experienced the greatest negative impact. Results from this study may inform accrediting bodies and surgical educators on the impact of future disruptions to health care delivery.
Most adults with severe HbSC disease are not treated with hydroxyurea
Authors: Ghunney William Kwesi , Asare Eugenia Vicky , Ayete-Nyampong John Benaiah , Oppong Samuel Antwi , Rodeghier Mark , DeBaun Michael R. , Olayemi Edeghonghon
Published: February 2023

Sickle cell hemoglobin SC (HbSC) disease is the second most frequent sickle cell disease (SCD) genotype after sickle cell anemia (HbSS). Globally, ∼55 000 newborns with HbSC are delivered annually, with the highest HbC gene frequency in West Africa. In Ghana, 40% of adults visiting the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics SCD clinic have HbSC. Unlike HbSS, hydroxyurea use is not routinely recommended for individuals with HbSC because of the perceived high-risk to benefit ratio. To test the hypothesis that at least 5% of adults with HbSC will meet the American Society of Hematology criteria for severe disease, we conducted a retrospective descriptive cohort study of all individuals with HbSC (≥18 years) who visited the clinic in 2019. Adults with HbSC aged from 18 to 45 years were selected. We identified a comparison group of 639 individuals with HbSS and matched the frequency based on the age and sex of individuals with HbSC. Severe disease was defined as a history of ≥3 SCD-associated moderate or severe pain episodes per year, history of acute chest syndrome, and severe symptomatic chronic anemia that interferes with daily activities or quality of life. The study end points were the proportion of individuals with SCD who met the definition of severe disease and were eligible for hydroxyurea. In total, 64 of 639 (10.0%) individuals with HbSC met the eligibility criteria for hydroxyurea therapy compared with 154 of 639 (24.1%) individuals with HbSS. Less than 1% and 3% of individuals with severe HbSC and HbSS, respectively, were routinely prescribed with hydroxyurea in this tertiary care medical center.
Plastic contamination in agricultural soils: a review
Authors: Sa’adu Ibrahim , Farsang Andrea
Published: February 2023

Researchers are focused on the global issue of plastic contamination in agricultural soils because of the known effects of plastics on the soil ecosystem. Previous reviews did not pay attention to plastic sources, standardized extraction methods, soil characterization, and the abundance of plastics in agricultural soils. This study aims to review up-to-the-minute knowledge about plastic contamination studies, suggest the best method for microplastic studies, and propose future research areas. The research about plastic contamination in agricultural soils published from January 2018 to March 2022 was reviewed for this review article. Studies focusing on microplastics in soils other than agricultural soils were not considered in the present review. The data were acquired from several databases, namely Web of Science and Google Scholar. The keywords used to search these databases were "microplastics AND agricultural soils" and "macroplastics AND agricultural soils". Other literature sources were obtained from the reference lists of downloaded articles, and other pieces of literature that directly dealt with macroplastic and microplastic contamination in agricultural soils were obtained from relevant journals and books. Overall, 120 sources of literature, including 102 original research articles, 13 review articles, and five books, were selected, reviewed, and synthesized. As expected, agricultural soils, including arable lands, paddy lands, uplands, irrigation, and greenhouse soils, receive plastic contaminants. The contaminants of different sizes and forms are distributed spatially and temporally in the surface, subsurface, and profiles of the agricultural soils. Unlike previous studies that reported many studies on sewage sludge, the significant sources of plastic contamination in the agricultural soils included mulching, sludge and compost placement, and greenhouses abandonment. The distribution of plastic contamination studies in the agricultural lands is Asia: 60%; Europe: 29%; Africa: 4%; North America: 4%; Latin America: 3%; and Australia: 0%. After careful analysis of the methods used for the plastics contamination studies, the study concluded that floatations with low-density solutions such as distilled water and NaCl are efficient in separating light-density microplastics. In contrast, ZnCl and NaI are incredibly efficient in separating the heavy-density microplastics. Moreover, this review provides insight for future research in the field.
Characterization and expression profiles of the B-box gene family during plant growth and under low-nitrogen stress in Saccharum
Authors: Wu Zilin , Fu Danwen , Gao Xiaoning , Zeng Qiaoying , Chen Xinglong , Wu Jiayun , Zhang Nannan
Published: February 2023

Background

B-box (BBX) zinc-finger transcription factors play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and abiotic stress responses. Nevertheless, little information is available on sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) BBX genes and their expression profiles.

Results

In the present study, we characterized 25 SsBBX genes in the Saccharum spontaneum genome database. The phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and expression patterns of these genes during plant growth and under low-nitrogen conditions were systematically analyzed. The SsBBXs were divided into five groups based on phylogenetic analysis. The evolutionary analysis further revealed that whole-genome duplications or segmental duplications were the main driving force for the expansion of the SsBBX gene family. The expression data suggested that many BBX genes (e.g., SsBBX1 and SsBBX13) may be helpful in both plant growth and low-nitrogen stress tolerance.

Conclusions

The results of this study offer new evolutionary insight into the BBX family members in how sugarcane grows and responds to stress, which will facilitate their utilization in cultivated sugarcane breeding.
Transcriptome analysis of Populus × canadensis ‘Zhongliao1’ in response to low temperature stress
Authors: Yang Chengchao , Li Xiaoyu , Zhang Yan , Jin Hua
Published: February 2023

Background

Low temperatures are known to limit the growth and geographical distribution of poplars. Although some transcriptomic studies have been conducted to explore the response of poplar leaves to cold stress, only a few have comprehensively analyzed the effects of low temperature on the transcriptome of poplars and identified genes related to cold stress response and repair of freeze–thaw injury.

Results

We exposed the Euramerican poplar Zhongliao1 to low temperatures; after stems were exposed to − 40℃, 4℃, and 20℃, the mixture of phloem and cambium was collected for transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. A total of 29,060 genes were detected, including 28,739 known genes and 321 novel genes. Several differentially expressed genes (n = 36) were found to be involved in the Ca2+ signaling pathway, starch–sucrose metabolism pathway, abscisic acid signaling pathway, and DNA repair. They were functionally annotated; glucan endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase genes, for instance, showed a close relationship with cold resistance. The expression of 11 differentially expressed genes was verified by qRT-PCR; RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR data were found to be consistent, which validated the robustness of our RNA-Seq findings. Finally, multiple sequence alignment and evolutionary analysis were performed, the results of which suggested a close association between several novel genes and cold resistance in Zhongliao1.

Conclusion

We believe that the cold resistance and freeze–thaw injury repair genes identified in this study are of great significance for cold tolerance breeding.
Single-gene FISH maps and major chromosomal rearrangements in Elymus sibiricus and E. nutans
Authors: Liu Bo , Chen Jie , Yang Ying , Shen Wenjie , Guo Jialei , Dou Quanwen
Published: February 2023

Background

Chromosomal variations have been revealed in bothE. sibiricusandE. nutans, but chromosomal structural variations, such as intra-genome translocations and inversions, are still not recognized due to the cytological limitations of previous studies. Furthermore, the syntenic relationship between both species and wheat chromosomes remains unknown.

Results

Fifty-nine single-gene fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes, including 22 single-gene probes previously mapped on wheat chromosomes and other newly developed probes from the cDNA ofElymusspecies, were used to characterize the chromosome homoeologous relationship and collinearity of bothE. sibiricusandE. nutanswith those of wheat. Eight species-specific chromosomal rearrangements (CRs) were exclusively identified inE. sibiricus, including five pericentric inversions in 1H, 2H, 3H, 6H and 2St; one possible pericentric inversion in 5St; one paracentric inversion in 4St; and one reciprocal 4H/6H translocation. Five species-specific CRs were identified inE. nutans, including one possible pericentric inversion in 2Y, three possible pericentric multiple-inversions in 1H, 2H and 4Y, and one reciprocal 4Y/5Y translocation. Polymorphic CRs were detected in three of the six materials inE. sibiricus, which were mainly represented by inter-genomic translocations. More polymorphic CRs were identified inE. nutans, including duplication and insertion, deletion, pericentric inversion, paracentric inversion, and intra- or inter-genomic translocation in different chromosomes.

Conclusions

The study first identified the cross-species homoeology and the syntenic relationship betweenE. sibiricus,E. nutansand wheat chromosomes. There are distinct different species-specific CRs betweenE. sibiricusandE. nutans, which may be due to their different polyploidy processes. The frequencies of intra-species polymorphic CRs inE. nutanswere higher than that inE. sibiricus. To conclude, the results provide new insights into genome structure and evolution and will facilitate the utilization of germplasm diversity in bothE. sibiricusandE. nutans.
Screening and identification of miR-181a-5p in oral squamous cell carcinoma and functional verification in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Xu Guoqiang , Yang Yiyan , Yang Junting , Xiao Lanfei , Wang Xiaotang , Qin Litao , Gao Jiping , Xuan Ruijing , Wu Xiaofen , Chen Zhaoyang , Sun Rui , Song Guohua
Published: February 2023

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignant tumor associated with poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial regulatory roles in the cancer development. However, the role of miRNAs in OSCC development and progression is not well understood.

Methods

We sought to establish a dynamic Chinese hamster OSCC animal model, construct miRNA differential expression profiles of its occurrence and development, predict its targets, and perform functional analysis and validation in vitro.

Results

Using expression and functional analyses, the key candidate miRNA (miR-181a-5p) was selected for further functional research, and the expression of miR-181a-5p in OSCC tissues and cell lines was detected. Subsequently, transfection technology and a nude mouse tumorigenic model were used to explore potential molecular mechanisms. miR-181a-5p was significantly downregulated in human OSCC specimens and cell lines, and decreased miR-181a-5p expression was observed in multiple stages of the Chinese hamster OSCC animal model. Moreover, upregulated miR-181a-5p significantly inhibited OSCC cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and migration; blocked the cell cycle; and promoted apoptosis.BCL2was identified as a target of miR-181a-5p.BCL2may interact with apoptosis- (BAX), invasion- and migration- (TIMP1,MMP2, andMMP9), and cell cycle-related genes (KI67,E2F1,CYCLIND1, andCDK6) to further regulate biological behavior. Tumor xenograft analysis indicated that tumor growth was significantly inhibited in the high miR-181a-5p expression group.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that miR-181a-5p can be used as a potential biomarker and provide a novel animal model for mechanistic research on oral cancer.
Dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH)-style diet in association with gastroesophageal reflux disease in adolescents
Authors: Beigrezaei Sara , Sasanfar Bahareh , Nafei Zahra , Behniafard Nasrin , Aflatoonian Majid , Salehi-Abargouei Amin
Published: February 2023

Background

Dietary patterns and food items have been associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) risk and they have led to conflicting findings. The aim of this study was to determine the association between a dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH)-style diet with the risk of GERD and its symptoms in adolescents.

Study design

Cross-sectional.

Methods

This study was performed on 5,141 adolescents aged between 13 and 14 years. Dietary intake was evaluated using a food frequency method. The diagnosis of GERD was done by using a six-item GERD questionnaire that asked about GERD symptoms. A binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between the DASH-style diet score and GERD and its symptoms in crude and multivariable-adjusted models.

Results

Our findings revealed that after adjustment for all confounding variables, the adolescents with the highest adherence to the DASH-style diet had a lower chance of developing GERD [odds ratio (OR) = 0.50; 95%CI 0.33–0.75, Ptrend< 0.001)], reflux (OR = 0.42; 95%CI 0.25–0.71, Ptrend=0.001), nausea (OR = 0.59; 95% CI:0.32–1.08, Ptrend=0.05) and stomach pain (OR = 0.69; 95%CI 0.49–0.98, P trend=0.03) compared to those with the lowest adherence. Similar results were found for odds of GERD among boys, and the total population (OR = 0.37; 95%CI: 0.18–0.73, Ptrend=0.002, OR = 0.51; 95%CI: 0.34–0.77, P trend<0.0, respectively).

Conclusion

The current study revealed that adherence to a DASH-style diet might protect against GERD and its symptoms including, reflux, nausea, and stomach pain in adolescents. Further prospective research is needed to confirm these findings.
Impact of ambient air pollution on physical activity and sedentary behavior in children
Authors: Yu Hongjun , Zhang Heran
Published: February 2023

Background

Exposure to air pollution has become a serious environmental issue affecting children’s health and health-related behavior in China. Previous studies have focused on the associations between air pollution and physical activity among adults; however, few have examined the relationship between air pollution and health-related behavior among children, which are particularly susceptible population subgroups. The present study aims to examine the impact of air pollution on daily physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) among children in China.

Methods

PA and SB data were collected by actiGraph accelerometers for eight consecutive days. PA and SB data from 206 children were matched to daily air pollution obtained from the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic of China, including the average daily air quality index (AQI), PM2.5 (µg/m³), and PM10 (µg/m³). Associations were estimated using linear individual fixed-effect regressions.

Results

A 10-unit increase in daily AQI was associated with a reduction in daily PA by 5.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -8.79, -3.08) minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and 229.82 (95% CI = -345.35, -114.28) walking steps and an increase in daily SB by 15.77 (95% CI = 9.01, 22.53) minutes. A 10 µg/m³ increase in air pollution concentration in daily PM2.5 was associated with a reduction in daily PA by 7.51 (95% CI = -11.04, -3.97) minutes of MVPA, 295.69 (95% CI = -438.46, -152.92) walking steps and an increase in daily SB by 21.12 (95% CI = 12.77, 29.47) minutes. A 10 µg/m³ increase in air pollution concentration in daily PM10 was associated with a reduction in daily PA by 13.18 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -15.98, -10.37) minutes of MVPA, 518.34 (95% CI = -631.77, -404.91) walking steps and an increase in daily SB by 19.87 (95% CI = 13.10, 26.64) minutes.

Conclusion

Air pollution may discourage physical activity and increase sedentary behavior among children. Policy interventions are needed to reduce air pollution and develop strategies to decrease risks to children’s health.
Evaluation of oral care using MA-T gel for high-risk patients: a pilot study
Authors: Ono-Minagi Hitomi , Gojo Nao , Nohno Tsutomu , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Ohuchi Hideyo , Sakai Takayoshi
Published: February 2023

Background

Oral care with gel is a common method for preventing aspiration in high-risk patients. An oral care gel is used to clean and moisturize the oral cavity. However, the effects of gel care on the oral bacteria remain unclear. In this pilot study, we described a matching transformation system (MA-T) for elderly high-risk patients. MA-T is an on-demand aqueous chlorine dioxide solution that provides excellent safety and has various antimicrobial activities, even in the presence of abundant organic compounds. This study investigated the effects of MA-T gel in patients requiring nursing care.

Materials and methods

Patients who were hospitalized for nursing care were included in this study. No drugs and foods were administered orally. Oral bacteria and intraoral humidity were examined by daily care using MA-T gel. Moreover, oral membranous substances were analyzed and material from the oral cavity was cultured on selective media for identifying opportunistic organisms.

Results

Membranous substances were present in the oral cavities of all patients. The number of bacteria decreased, and oral moisture improved, after treatment with MA-T gel. Moreover, oral humidity was also controlled with the continued use of MA-T gel. MA-T gels should be used not only for professional care but also on a daily basis for better oral care. Furthermore, the results of bacterial cultures showed that MA-T controls the propagation of opportunistic bacterial infections.

Conclusion

Membranous substances may be observed in the oral cavity of individuals requiring nursing care for tube feeding. The results of this pilot study suggest that MA-T, a novel disinfectant, can be used for oral care in the elderly to reduce the risk of aspiration-pneumonia.
Menstrual regulation: examining the incidence, methods, and sources of care of this understudied health practice in three settings using cross-sectional population-based surveys
Authors: Bell Suzanne O. , Shankar Mridula , OlaOlorun Funmilola , Omoluabi Elizabeth , Khanna Anoop , Ahmad Danish , Guiella Georges , Moreau Caroline
Published: February 2023

Background

Menstrual regulation is a practice that may exist within the ambiguity surrounding one’s pregnancy status and has been the subject of limited research. The aim of this study is to measure the annual rate of menstrual regulation in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Rajasthan, India, overall and by background characteristics and to describe the methods and sources women use to bring back their period.

Methods

Data come from population-based surveys of women aged 15–49 in each setting. In addition to questions on women’s background characteristics, reproductive history, and contraceptive experiences, interviewers asked women whether they had ever done something to bring back their period at a time when they were worried they were pregnant, and if so, when it occurred and what methods and source they used. A total of 11,106 reproductive-aged women completed the survey in Nigeria, 2,738 in Cote d’Ivoire, and 5,832 in Rajasthan. We calculated one-year incidence of menstrual regulation overall and by women’s background characteristics separately for each context using adjusted Wald tests to assess significant. We then examined the distribution of menstrual regulation methods and sources using univariate analyses. Method categories included surgery, medication abortion pills, other pills (including unknown pills), and traditional or "other" methods. Source categories included public facilities or public mobile outreach, private or non-governmental facilities or doctors, pharmacy or chemist shops, and traditional or "other" sources.

Results

Results indicate substantial levels of menstrual regulation in West Africa with a one-year incidence rate of 22.6 per 1,000 women age 15–49 in Nigeria and 20.6 per 1,000 in Cote d’Ivoire; women in Rajasthan reported only 3.3 per 1,000. Menstrual regulations primarily involved traditional or “other” methods in Nigeria (47.8%), Cote d’Ivoire (70.0%), and Rajasthan (37.6%) and traditional or “other” sources (49.4%, 77.2%, and 40.1%, respectively).

Conclusion

These findings suggest menstrual regulation is not uncommon in these settings and may put women’s health at risk given the reported methods and sources used. Results have implications for abortion research and our understanding of how women manage their fertility.
The role of Advanced Practice Nurses in creating the Kidney Transplant candidate care map (APN-preKT): a convergent-parallel mixed methods research protocol
Authors: Pedreira-Robles Guillermo , Morín-Fraile Victoria , Bach-Pascual Anna , Redondo-Pachón Dolores , Pérez-Sáez María José , Crespo Marta , Falcó-Pegueroles Anna , Garcimartín Paloma
Published: February 2023

Background

Waiting time for kidney transplants (KT) is an important health determinant for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). During this time, ongoing evaluation and participation is necessary in order to guarantee the quality and suitability of the proposed treatment. There is no existing literature on the potential impact of inclusion of an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) role in the hospital setting on care for CKD patients who are candidates for KT. The main objectives of this protocol are: to analyse outpatient nursing activity in the care of individuals with KT in Spain; to identify the needs of individuals who are KT candidates; and to measure the impact of the APN role through patient outcomes and experiences. These objectives are fulfilled through 5 specific related substudies.

Methods

A convergent parallel mixed methods approach will be conducted between July 2021 and April 2024. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected and analysed separately to ascertain whether the findings confirm or contradict one another. Each of the 5 substudies of the project require a specific design, sampling method, and data collection procedure in order to meet the overall objectives for the project.

Discussion

The results of the project are expected to inform the design of future nursing roles and contribute to future improvements in the quality of care provided. The data that may be obtained from this protocol are limited to the specific context of the study facility and may be extrapolated but not compared to other settings due to the variability of care pathways for KT candidates internationally.

Trial registration

This project was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee (no.2020/9418/I). The study was supported by the “Strategic Plan for Health Research and Innovation” from the Generalitat de Catalunya, registration number SLT017/20/000001, with a contribution of 57,239 euros.
Rapid combinatorial rewiring of metabolic networks for enhanced poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Yim Sung Sun , Choi Jae Woong , Lee Yong Jae , Jeong Ki Jun
Published: February 2023

Background

The disposal of plastic waste is a major environmental challenge. With recent advances in microbial genetic and metabolic engineering technologies, microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are being used as next-generation biomaterials to replace petroleum-based synthetic plastics in a sustainable future. However, the relatively high production cost of bioprocesses hinders the production and application of microbial PHAs on an industrial scale.

Results

Here, we describe a rapid strategy to rewire metabolic networks in an industrial microorganism, Corynebacterium glutamicum, for the enhanced production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). A three-gene PHB biosynthetic pathway in Rasltonia eutropha was refactored for high-level gene expression. A fluorescence-based quantification assay for cellular PHB content using BODIPY was devised for the rapid fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based screening of a large combinatorial metabolic network library constructed in C. glutamicum. Rewiring metabolic networks across the central carbon metabolism enabled highly efficient production of PHB up to 29% of dry cell weight with the highest cellular PHB productivity ever reported in C. glutamicum using a sole carbon source.

Conclusions

We successfully constructed a heterologous PHB biosynthetic pathway and rapidly optimized metabolic networks across central metabolism in C. glutamicum for enhanced production of PHB using glucose or fructose as a sole carbon source in minimal media. We expect that this FACS-based metabolic rewiring framework will accelerate strain engineering processes for the production of diverse biochemicals and biopolymers.
Using the emotional functioning in clinical practice to detect psychological distress in patients with advanced thoracic and colorectal cancer
Authors: Rodriguez-Gonzalez Adán , Hernández Raquel , Cruz-Castellanos Patricia , Fernández-Montes Ana , Castillo-Trujillo Oscar , Muñoz María M. , Cano-Cano Juana M. , Corral María J. , Esteban Emilio , Jiménez-Fonseca Paula , Calderon Caterina
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Patients with advanced cancer suffer significant decline of their psychological state. A rapid and reliable evaluation of this state is essential to detect and treat it and improve quality of life. The aim was to probe the usefulness of the emotional function (EF) subscale of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EF-EORTC-QLQ-C30) to assess psychological distress in cancer patients.

Methods

This is a multicenter, prospective, observational study involving 15 Spanish hospitals. Patients diagnosed with unresectable advanced thoracic or colorectal cancer were included. Participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18), the current the gold standard, and the EF-EORTC-QLQ-C30 to assess their psychological distress prior to initiating systemic antineoplastic treatment. Accuracy, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated.

Results

The sample comprised 639 patients: 283 with advanced thoracic cancer and 356 with advanced colorectal cancer. According to the BSI scale, 74% and 66% displayed psychological distress with an EF-EORTC-QLQ-C30 accuracy of 79% and 76% in detecting psychological distress in individuals with advanced thoracic and colorectal cancer, respectively. Sensitivity was 79 and 75% and specificity was 79 and 77% with a PPV of 92 and 86% and a NPV of 56 and 61% (scale cut-off point, 75) for patients with advanced thoracic and colorectal cancer, respectively. The mean AUC for thoracic cancer was 0.84 and, for colorectal cancer, it was 0.85.

Conclusion

This study reveals that the EF-EORTC-QLQ-C30 subscale is a simple and effective tool for detecting psychological distress in people with advanced cancer.
Circular RNA METTL9 contributes to neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury by complexing with astrocytic SND1
Authors: Huang Chunling , Sun Lulu , Xiao Chenyang , You Wenjun , Sun Li , Wang Siye , Zhang Zhijun , Liu Su
Published: February 2023

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are highly enriched in the central nervous system and have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether and how circRNAs contribute to the pathological processes induced by traumatic brain injury (TBI) has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

We conducted a high-throughput RNA sequencing screen for well-conserved, differentially expressed circRNAs in the cortex of rats subjected to experimental TBI. Circular RNA METTL9 (circMETTL9) was ultimately identified as upregulated post-TBI and further characterized by RT-PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, and RNase R treatment. To examine potential involvement of circMETTL9 in neurodegeneration and loss of function following TBI, circMETTL9 expression in cortex was knocked-down by microinjection of a shcircMETTL9 adeno-associated virus. Neurological functions were evaluated in control, TBI, and TBI-KD rats using a modified neurological severity score, cognitive function using the Morris water maze test, and nerve cell apoptosis rate by TUNEL staining. Pull-down assays and mass spectrometry were conducted to identify circMETTL9-binding proteins. Co-localization of circMETTL9 and SND1 in astrocytes was examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence double staining. Changes in the expression levels of chemokines and SND1 were estimated by quantitative PCR and western blotting.

Results

CircMETTL9 was significantly upregulated and peaked at 7 d in the cerebral cortex of TBI model rats, and it was abundantly expressed in astrocytes. We found that circMETTL9 knockdown significantly attenuated neurological dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and nerve cell apoptosis induced by TBI. CircMETTL9 directly bound to and increased the expression of SND1 in astrocytes, leading to the upregulation of CCL2, CXCL1, CCL3, CXCL3, and CXCL10, and ultimately to enhanced neuroinflammation.

Conclusion

Altogether, we are the first to propose that circMETTL9 is a master regulator of neuroinflammation following TBI, and thus a major contributor to neurodegeneration and neurological dysfunction.

Graphical Abstract
Relationship between efficacy and common metabolic parameters in first-treatment drug-naïve patients with early non-response schizophrenia: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhu Junhong , Wu Jiajia , Liu Xuebing , Ma Jun
Published: February 2023

Background

Comorbid metabolic disorders in patients with schizophrenia are very common. Patients with schizophrenia who respond to therapy early are often strongly predictive of better treatment outcomes. However, the differences in short-term metabolic markers between early responders and early non-responders in schizophrenia are unclear.

Methods

143 first-treatment drug-naïve schizophrenia patients were included in this study and were given a single antipsychotic medication for 6 weeks after admission. After 2 weeks, the sample was divided into an early response group and an early non-response group based on psychopathological changes. For the study endpoints, we depicted the change curves of psychopathology in both subgroups and compared the differences between the two groups in terms of remission rates and multiple metabolic parameters.

Results

The early non-response had 73 cases (51.05%) in the 2nd week. In the 6th week, the remission rate was significantly higher in the early response group than in the early non-response group (30,42.86% vs. 8,10.96%); the body weight, body mass index, blood creatinine, blood uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, fasting blood glucose, and prolactin of the enrolled samples were significantly increased, and high-density lipoprotein was significantly decreased. ANOVAs revealed a significant effect of treatment time on abdominal circumference, blood uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, fasting blood glucose and prolactin, and a significant negative effect of early non-response to treatment on abdominal circumference, blood creatinine, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose.

Conclusions

Schizophrenia patients with early non-response had lower rates of short-term remission and more extensive and severe abnormal metabolic indicators. In clinical practice, patients with early non-response should be given a targeted management strategy, antipsychotic drugs should be switched on time, and active and effective interventions for their metabolic disorders should be given.
Intravenous ketamine for severe alcohol use disorder at Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Kenya: a case report
Authors: Jaguga Florence , Kirwa Philip , Gakinya Benson , Manji Imran , Andale Thomas , Kinyanjui Daniel , Kwobah Edith Kamaru , Mwangi Felicita , Werunga Kituyi , Kerema Josephat , Kwobah Charles , Temet Eunice , Songok Julia , Aruasa Wilson K.
Published: February 2023

Background

Alcohol use disorder is prevalent globally and in Kenya, and is associated with significant health and socio-economic consequences. Despite this, available pharmacological treatment options are limited. Recent evidence indicates that intravenous (IV) ketamine can be beneficial for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, but is yet to be approved for this indication. Further, little has been done to describe the use of IV ketamine for alcohol use disorder in Africa. The goal of this paper, is to: 1) describe the steps we took to obtain approval and prepare for off-label use of IV ketamine for patients with alcohol use disorder at the second largest hospital in Kenya, and 2) describe the presentation and outcomes of the first patient who received IV ketamine for severe alcohol use disorder at the hospital.

Case presentation

In preparing for the off-label use of ketamine for alcohol use disorder, we brought together a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians including psychiatrists, pharmacists, ethicists, anesthetists, and members of the drug and therapeutics committee, to spearhead the process. The team developed a protocol for administering IV ketamine for alcohol use disorder that took into account ethical and safety issues. The national drug regulatory authority, the Pharmacy and Poison’s Board, reviewed and approved the protocol.

Our first patient was a 39-year-old African male with severe alcohol use disorder and comorbid tobacco use disorder and bipolar disorder. The patient had attended in-patient treatment for alcohol use disorder six times and each time had relapsed between one to four months after discharge. On two occasions, the patient had relapsed while on optimal doses of oral and implant naltrexone. The patient received IV ketamine infusion at a dose of 0.71 mg/kg. The patient relapsed within one week of receiving IV ketamine while on naltrexone, mood stabilizers, and nicotine replacement therapy.

Discussion & conclusions

This case report describes for the first time the use of IV ketamine for alcohol use disorder in Africa. Findings will be useful in informing future research and in guiding other clinicians interested in administering IV ketamine for patients with alcohol use disorder.
Cross-analyzing addiction specialist and patient opinions and experiences about addictive disorder screening in primary care to identify interaction-related obstacles: a qualitative study
Authors: Pautrat Maxime , Renard Caroline , Riffault Vincent , Ciolfi David , Edeline Agathe , Breton Hervé , Brunault Paul , Lebeau Jean Pierre
Published: February 2023

Background

Promptly identifying individuals with addictive disorders reduces mortality and morbidity and improves quality of life. Although screening in primary care with the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral Treatment strategy has been recommended since 2008, it remains underutilized. This may be due to barriers including lack of time, patient reluctance or perhaps the timing and approach for discussing addiction with their patients.

Objective

This study aims to explore and cross-analyze patient and addiction specialist experiences and opinions about early addictive disorder screening in primary care to identify interaction-related screening obstacles.

Design and participants

Qualitative study with purposive maximum variation sampling among nine addiction specialists and eight individuals with addiction disorders conducted between April 2017 and November 2019 in Val-de-Loire, France.

Main Measures

Using a grounded theory approach, verbatim data was collected from face-to-face interviews with addiction specialists and individuals with addiction disorders. These interviews explored their opinions and experiences with addiction screening in primary care. Initially, two independent investigators analyzed the coded verbatim according to the data triangulation principle. Secondly, convergences and divergences between addiction specialist and addict verbatim categories were identified, analyzed, and conceptualized.

Key Results

Four main interaction-related obstacles to early addictive disorder screening in primary care were identified and conceptualized: the new concepts of shared self-censorship and the patient's personal red line, issues not addressed during consultations, and opposition between how physicians and patients would like to approach addictive disorder screening.

Conclusions

To continue analysis of addictive disorder screening dynamics, further studies to examine the perspectives of all those involved in primary care are required. The information revealed from these studies will provide ideas to help patients and caregivers start discussing addiction and to help implement a collaborative team-based care approach.

Trial registration

This study is registered with the Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) under No. 2017–093.