bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessments of tobacco control policy instruments status and effectiveness in Africa; A systematic literature review
Authors: Munthali George N. Chidimbah , Xuelian Wu ,   3Dr. Muhammad Rizwani, Daru Gama Rivas , Yu Shi
Published: July 2022

Background: Tobacco is one of the well-established industries in the world. Despite having some economic benefits, the industry has been for decades associated with environmental problems through deforestation, health related diseases that cause about 8 million mortality rates yearly, human rights violations and corruptions issues which are involved, World Health Organization formulated Framework Convention on Tobacco Control with the aim of controlling tobacco production and consumption, with countries from Africa being ones where its usage is increasing more. Objectives: The main aim of this study was to find out the current status of tobacco control policies and its effectiveness in Africa. Methods: This study was a systematic literature reviews that was conducted between the months of August and November 2020 through extracting data from the database of PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar and Research Gate. Only English articles were selected. Results: Out of 910 papers retrieved only 17 papers from African countries were selected on the quality thesis after meeting the inclusion criteria. The results of the study showed that three governance resources were identified of Regulatory 64.70 % N=14 which had Smoke free environment, Advertisement bans, and cessation programs, economics 24.41% N=6 which were taxation's measures and informative 5.886% N=1 which were mass media campaigns. Further, Western African countries especially South Africa reported many pronouncements on smoke free environments and taxation measures. Mass media campaigns proved to be more effective policy as compared to others. Conclusion: This study recommends that future research should be done on looking at the effectiveness of mixed policy instruments as compared to single application. Further, the researcher recommends the use of more informative policies in dealing with inelastic behaviors like those related to tobacco due to the addictive nature.
Postoperative Pain After Cesarean Section at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019; A Cross-Sectional Follow-up Study
Authors: Demelash Getamesay , Woldegerima Yophtahe , Hailekiros Amare , Birlie Wubie
Published: July 2022

Background: Cesarean section is one of the most common obstetric procedures worldwide. Following this, parturients experience moderate to severe pain in the acute postoperative period. Therefore, in resource-limited settings, for full utilization of basic analgesic modalities and to take appropriates interventions, it is vital to know about the magnitude of the problem and its factors.Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with postoperative pain after cesarean section at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH), Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.Methods: A hospital-based prospective follow-up study was conducted among parturients who undergo cesarean section in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, from mid-February to April 20, 2019, after approval of the ethical review committee. Consecutively, a total of 290 parturients were included with a response rate of 97%. To measure pain severity numerical rating scale was used. Data was entered into Epi-data version 4.2 and analyzed by SPSS version 20 (IBM Corporate). The association between independent factors and the outcome variable was determined at 95% CI with the chi-squared test, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the goodness of fit. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were considered significant.Results: In this study, the incidence of moderate to severe post-operative pain after cesarean section was 85.5% (95% CI: 81.4%, 89.0%) within the first 24 postoperative hours. On the multi-variable analysis, preoperative anxiety (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.9), history of previous cesarean section (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.0), Pfannenstiel incision (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3, 8.0) and absence of regional analgesia (AOR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.7, 7.9) were significantly associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain after cesarean section.Conclusions: In this study, a large proportion of parturients had experienced moderate to severe post-cesarean pain in the first 24 postoperative hours. Preoperative anxiety, history of previous cesarean section, Pfannenstiel incision, and parturients with no regional analgesia were significantly associated with post-cesarean pain. Pain severity needs to be assessed and documented by using pain-rating scales and there should be an interdisciplinary approach to provide adequate pain management in our hospital.
Digital Soil Mapping for the Parnaíba River Delta, Brazilian Semiarid Region
Authors: Amorim João Victor Alves , Valladares Gustavo Souza , Pereira Marcos Gervasio , Portela Mirya Grazielle Torres , Lima Andréa Maciel
Published: July 2022

Soil mapping is a permanent demand, but the traditional method does not allow fast execution and low cost. Digital soil mapping (DSM) aims to improve the process by working with models that treat soil spatial variability quantitatively. In this perspective, the objective of the study is to perform DSM of the Parnaíba River Delta, Northeastern Brazil, through the decision tree (DT) integration technique using a set of attributes derived from the digital elevation model (DEM) and satellite images as input parameters. Data matrices were created considering different soil groups. The performance of the J48 machine learning algorithm (DT) was assessed for a set of 2 data matrices. From the data processing, digital soil maps were created and validated by means of error matrices, whose reference points were classified in the field, and validated by means of a pre-existing traditional soil map of the area. The results revealed that the attributes derived from satellite image stood out from those derived from DEM in the prediction of soil groups. Based on the validation coefficients applied (overall accuracy, Kappa index, user’s accuracy and producer’s accuracy), the quality of the classification was satisfactory, despite the complexity of the environment.
Phylogeny and pathogenicity of Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) associated with potato tubers
Authors: Gherbawy Youssuf A. , Hussein Mohamed A. , Hassany Nabila A. , Shebany Yassmin M. , Hassan Sabry , El-Dawy Eman G. A.
Published: July 2022

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is among the top five crops growing worldwide following cereals, rice, wheat, barley and corn due to its high carbohydrate content and adaptability. Potatoes are particularly valued in developing countries as a rich source of vitamins C and B6, starch and essential amino acids. Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) is a common pathogen of potato, causing dry rot in the Upper Egypt. In this study were isolated and identified FSSC from potato tubers based on the morphological followed by molecular characteristics. 187 isolates of Fusarium solani were achieved from infected and non-infected potato tubers gathered from different markets in the Upper Egypt. Dependent upon the morphological characteristics, sequence data from amplifying β-tubulin and specific translation elongation factor (TEF-1α) genes, all of the selected FSSC isolates were divided into three major groups (F. keratoplasticum, F. falciforme and F. solani). All the tested FSSC were capable of producing amylases. All of the isolates were examined for their pathogenic ability on healthy potato tubers, which showed pathogenic effects; with lesion sizes were quite variable. F. solani SVUFs73 showed a highly virulent effect.
Protocol for a cluster randomised trial to evaluate a community-level complementary-food safety and hygiene and nutrition intervention in Mali: The MaaCiwara study (version 1.2; 31 March 2022)
Authors: Watson Samuel I , Asamane Evans Atiah , Lilford Richard J , Hemming Karla , Sidibe Cheick , Rego Ryan T. , Bensassi Sami , Diarra Ayouba , Diarra Youssouf , Diop Samba , Gautam Om Prasad , Islam Mohammad Sirajul , Jackson Louise , Jolly Kate , Kayentao Kassoum , Koita Ousmane , Manjang Buba , Tebbs Susan , Gale Nicola , Griffiths Paula , Cairncross Sandy , Toure Ousmane , Manaseki-Holland Semira
Published: July 2022

BackgroundDiarrheal disease remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among the under-fives in many low- and middle-income countries. Changes to food safety practices and feeding methods around the weaning period, alongside improved nutrition, may significantly reduce the risk of disease and improve development for infants. This article describes a protocol for a cluster randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-faceted community-based educational intervention that aims to improve food safety and hygiene behaviours and enhance child nutrition.MethodsWe will conduct a mixed-methods, parallel cluster randomised controlled trial with baseline measures. 120 clusters comprising small urban and rural communities will be recruited in equal numbers and randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either treatment or control arms. Participants will be mother-child dyads (27 per cluster period) with children aged 6 to 24 months. Data collection will comprise a day of observation and interviews with each participating mother-child pair and will take place at baseline and four and 15 months post-intervention. The primary analysis will estimate the effectiveness of the intervention on changes to complementary food safety and preparation behaviours, food and water contamination, and diarrhoea. Secondary outcomes include maternal autonomy, enteric infection, nutritional content of meals, and child anthropometry. A secondary structural equation analysis will be conducted to examine the causal relationships between the different outcomes.ConclusionsThe trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness of community-based behavioural change and educational interventions designed to reduce the burden of diarrhoeal disease in the under fives, and how effectiveness varies across different contexts.Trial registrationISRCTN14390796
Effectiveness of a co-production with dialogue program for reducing stigma against mental illness: a quasi-experimental study with a pre- and post-test design
Authors: Nakanishi Eiichi , Tamachi Masahiro , Hashimoto Takeshi
Published: July 2022

For people with mental illness, stigma represents a barrier to social participation. Health professionals, including students, should not hold stigma-based perceptions of such individuals. Further, people with mental illness should not have self-stigma. This study aimed to develop—and examine the effectiveness of—a new program based on co-production with dialogue for reducing stigma among both health science students and people with mental illness. This was a quasi-experimental study, with a pre- and post-test design and no control group. The sample comprised 28 university students majoring in occupational therapy and 20 community-dwelling people with mental illness. The Co-Production with Dialogue Program for Reducing Stigma (CPD-RS) was administered to this sample. Link’s Devaluation Discrimination Scale (DDS) was used to assess whether the program reduced stigma. Compared to their pre-intervention scores, the students’ post-intervention DDS scores significantly decreased, persisting for at least one month, but those of people with mental illness showed no significant change. Both the students and people with mental illness evaluated the program as “positive” through a questionnaire administered two months after the intervention. These results suggest that the CPD-RS reduces health science students’ stigma toward people with mental illness and fosters mutual understanding among the two groups.
Probable Maximum Tropical Cyclone Parameters for East and West Coast of India
Authors: D Satish Kumar , Behera Manasa Ranjan , Nadella Saikrishna , Kumar A. Vinod
Published: July 2022

Storm surge simulation models require certain parameters for evaluating the worst possible event that could occur at a site with respect to a certain return period. The most significant probable maximum tropical cyclone parameters are pressure deficiency at the centre (ΔP) and maximum wind speed (Vmax) during the cyclone. In this study the probable maximum tropical cyclone parameters that would yield the maximum probable storm surge along the Indian coasts of Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are estimated. Datasets are created based on various existing data archives for each basin. The datasets are subjected to extreme value analysis for determining the ΔP and Vmax parameters. The data is fitted to various probability distributions (Gumbel, Frechet, Weibull and Log-normal) whose parameters (scale, shape, and location parameters) are estimated using graphical (least square fit) and numerical (order statistics approach) methods. A mean recurrence interval of 1,000 and 10,000 years is considered for strategic structures. The best fit distribution and its parameters are obtained based on goodness of fit criteria. The resulting ΔP and Vmax is compared with theoretical maximum cyclone parameter values of each basin and revised till an optimal set of values are reached. The analysis shows that ΔP and Vmax values for Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are best represented by Weibull distribution. The estimated parameters are useful input to a storm surge model to determine the design basis flood level for the strategic coastal sites.
Health insurance fraud detection by using an attributed heterogeneous information network with a hierarchical attention mechanism
Authors: Lu Jiangtao , Lin Kaibiao , Chen Ruicong , Lin Ming , Chen Xin
Published: July 2022

Background: With the rapid growth of healthcare services, health insurance fraud detection has become an important measure to ensure efficient use of public funds. Traditional fraud detection methods have tended to focus on the attributes of a single visit and have ignored the behavioural relationships of multiple visits by patients. Results: We propose a health insurance fraud detection model based on a multi-level attention mechanism that we call MHAMFD. Specifically, we use an attributed heterogeneous information network (AHIN) to model different types of objects and their rich attributes and interactions in a healthcare scenario. MHAMFD selects appropriate neighbour nodes based on the behavioural relationships at different levels of a patient’s visit. We also designed a hierarchical attention mechanism to aggregate complex semantic information from the interweaving of different levels of behavioural relationships of patients. This increases the feature representation of objects and makes the model interpretable by identifying the main factors of fraud. Conclusions: Experimental results using real datasets showed that MHAMFD detected health insurance fraud with better accuracy than existing methods. This suggests that the behavioral relationships between patients’ multiple visits can also be of great help to us in detecting health care fraud. Subsequent research fraud detection methods can also take into account the different behavioral relationships between patients.
Epidemiology of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Himalayan ranges and Sub-Himalayan planes: A retrospective hospital data-based study.
Authors: kanaujia vinay , NEYAZ OSAMA , Yadav Rajkumar , Sarkar Bhaskar , Azam Quamar , Kandwal Pankaj
Published: July 2022

Study design:
A retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive analysis based on hospital data.
Objectives
To compile epidemiological characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in the Northern Indian Himalayan regions and sub-Himalayan planes.
Setting:
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Spine unit of Trauma Centre in a tertiary care hospital, Uttarakhand, India
Methods
People hospitalized at the tertiary care centre between August 2018 to November 2021 are included in the study sample. A pre-structured proforma was employed for the evaluation, including demographic and epidemiological characteristics.
Results
TSCI was found in 167 out of 3120 trauma patients. The age range of people with TSCI was 33.5 ± 13.3, with a male to female ratio of 2.4:1. Eighty-three participants (49.7%) were from the plains, while the hilly region accounts for 50.3%. People from the plains had a 2.9:1 rural-to-urban ratio, whereas the hilly region had a 6:1 ratio. The overall most prevalent cause was Falls (59.3%), followed by road traffic accidents (RTAs) (35.9%). RTAs (57.2%) were the most common cause of TSCI in the plains' urban regions, while Falls (58.1%) were more common in rural plains. In both urban (66.6%) and rural (65.3%) parts of the hilly region, falls were the most common cause.
Conclusions
In contrast to developed countries, falls rather than RTAs are the major cause. In hilly terrains, primary care providers should be trained in the initial care and safe transfer of TSCI. Enforcing preventive measures and promoting awareness is a vital element in TSCI prevention.
SphK-produced S1P in somatic cells is indispensable for LH-EGFR signaling-induced mouse oocyte maturation
Authors: Yuan Feifei , Hao Xiaoqiong , Cui Yanying , Huang Fuxin , Zhang Xiao , Sun Yanli , Hao Tiantian , Wang Zhijuan , Xia Wei , Su Youqiang , Zhang Meijia
Published: July 2022

Germ cells division and differentiation requires intimate contact and interaction with the surrounding somatic cells. Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factors to promote oocyte maturation and developmental competence by activating EGF receptor (EGFR) in somatic cells. Here, we show that LH-EGFR signaling activates sphingosine kinases (SphK1 and SphK2) of somatic cells to generate sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). S1P increases phospholamban (PLN) and calcium levels of cumulus cells and then decreases the binding affinity of natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) for natriuretic peptide type C (NPPC), thus releasing the cGMP-mediated meiotic arrest. S1P also activates the Akt/mTOR cascade reaction in oocytes to promote targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) accumulation and oocyte developmental competence. Specifically depleting Sphk1/2 in somatic cells reduces S1P levels and impairs oocyte meiotic maturation and developmental competence, resulting in complete female infertility. Collectively, SphK-produced S1P in somatic cells serves as a functional transmitter of LH-EGFR signaling from somatic cells to oocytes: acting on somatic cells to induce oocyte meiotic maturation, and acting on oocytes to improve oocyte developmental competence.
Overcoming energy poverty in childhood from a policy perspective
Authors: González-Pijuan Irene , Ambrose Aimee , Middlemiss Lucie , Tirado-Herrero Sergio , Fashanu Christina
Published: July 2022

It is proven that children experience specific impacts on their mental and physical health as well as their educational attainment as a result of living in energy poverty. International guidelines and requirements underline the right of every child to an adequate standard of living and the need for all policy to take children into account. This paper aims to understand the extent to which energy policies target children in energy poverty and acknowledge their differential needs and impacts. The paper is based on a study of EU-SILC data and the analysis of policy documents across the 28 countries that by the end of 2019 formed the European Union. The analysis reveals how energy policies mostly consider children only within the context of their families, tending to provide greater support to larger families, while data suggests single parent families are at higher risk of energy poverty. Generally, children tend to be seen as passive subjects in energy policy, are not involved in its development, and their own perspectives and needs are neglected.
Herpes simplex type 1 UL43 multiple membrane-spanning protein increases energy metabolismin of host cells through interacting with ARL2
Authors: Li Shiyu , Zhong Zhiying , Geng Chengxu , Dai Zhenning , Zheng Weihan , Li Ziyue , Deng Jianshan , Huang Wenhua , Wang Feng , Sun Hanxiao
Published: July 2022

Non-essential proteins for viral replication affect host cell metabolism, while the function of the UL43 protein of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is not clear. Here, we performed a global microarray analysis of HUVEC cells infected with HSV-1 and its UL43-deficient mutant and found significant variation in genes associated with cellular energy metabolic pathways. The localization of UL43 protein in host cells and how it affects cellular energy metabolism pathways were further investigated. Our results showed that UL43 protein could be endocytosis mediated by YPLF motif (aa 144 – 147) and localized to mitochondria through internalization analysis. At the same time, more ATP was produced by coupling with mitochondrial small G protein ARF-like 2 (ARL2) GTPase, which triggered the phosphorylation of ANT1 (SLC25A4) to affect the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), and significantly promoted the aerobic oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation of glucose. It is the first time to prove the new mechanism of UL43 protein binding to mitochondrial small G protein. UL43 protein is also a valuable ATP stimulating factor for mammalian cells.
Exercise intensity during exergaming in wheelchair-dependent persons with SCI
Authors: Wouda Matthijs , Gaupseth Jon-Arve , Bengtson Espen , Johansen Truls , Brembo Espen , Lundgaard Eivind
Published: July 2022

Study design
Cross-sectional study
Objectives
It is challenging for persons with SCI, especially those who are wheelchair dependent, to find suitable and motivating aerobic exercise modes. Exergaming might be a good option, since it is relatively cheap and can be played at home, alone or with others. However, it is unknown if exergaming is performed at a sufficient exercise intensity.
Setting
Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Norway.
Methods
Twenty-two men and two women (n = 24) with chronic SCI (AIS A-C), all wheelchair users, were included during inpatient rehabilitation. All participant performed a maximal arm-cranking test (pretest), while measuring peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and peak heart rate (HRpeak). The day after they had a practice playing session with three different exergames (X-box Kinect, Fruit Ninja; Nintendo Wii, Wii Sports Boxing; VR Oculus Rift, boxing). The following day, participants played each exergame for 15 minutes. During these 45 minutes of exergaming, exercise intensity, based on VO2peak and HRpeak from the pretest, was monitored.
Results
Approximately 30 of the 45 minutes of exergaming was performed at moderate or high intensity. Participants exercised on average 24 (> 50–80% VO2peak) or 14 (> 70–85% HRpeak) minutes at moderate intensity and seven (> 80% VO2peak) or 15 (> 85% HRpeak) minutes at high intensity.
Conclusions
The participants were able to exercise at moderate or high intensity during exergaming in a considerable amount of time. Exergaming seems to be suitable for aerobic exercise at an intensity that can provide health benefits in wheelchair-dependent persons with SCI.
A framework for seroepidemiologic investigations in future pandemics: insights from an evaluation of WHO’s Unity Studies initiative
Authors: Hennessey Karen , Pezzoli Lorenzo , Mantel Carsten
Published: July 2022

Background. The WHO Unity Studies initiative supports countries, especially low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), to conduct seroepidemiologic studies for rapidly informing responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten generic study protocols were developed which standardized epidemiologic and laboratory methods. WHO provided technical support, serological assays, and funding for study implementation. An external evaluation was conducted to assess 1) the usefulness of study findings in guiding response strategies, 2) management and support to conduct studies, and 3) capacity built from engagement with the initiative. Methods. The evaluation focused on the three most used protocols, first few cases, household transmission, and population-based serosurvey, 66% of 339 studies tracked by WHO. All 158 principal investigators (PIs) with contact information were surveyed online. Interviews were conducted with 15 PIs (randomly selected within WHO regions), 14 WHO Unity focal points at country, regional and global levels, 12 WHO global-level stakeholders, and eight external partners. Interviews were coded in MAXQDA™, synthesized into findings, and cross-verified by a second reviewer. Results. Among 69 (44%) survey respondents, 61 (88%) were from LMICs. Ninety-five percent gave positive feedback on technical support, 87% reported findings contributed to COVID-19 understanding, 65% for guiding public health and social measures, and 58% for guiding vaccination policy. Survey and interview groups responses showed that the main technical barriers to using study findings were study quality, variations in study methods (challenge for meta-analysis), completeness of reporting study details, and clarity of communicating findings. Untimely study findings was another barrier, caused by delays in ethical clearance, receipt of serological assays, and approval to share findings. There was strong agreement that the initiative created equitable research opportunities, connected expertise, and facilitated study implementation. Around 90% of respondents agreed the initiative should continue in the future. Conclusions. The Unity Studies initiative created a highly valued community of practice, contributed to study implementation and research equity, and serves as valuable framework for future pandemics. To strengthen this platform, WHO should establish emergency-mode procedures to facilitate timeliness and continue to build capacity to rapidly conduct high-quality studies and communicate findings in a format friendly to decision-makers.
Mapping and systematic appraisal of umbrella reviews in biomedical literature: A protocol
Authors: Belbasis Lazaros , Brooker Robin D , Zavalis Emmanuel , Pezzullo Angelo Maria , Axfors Cathrine , Ioannidis John PA
Published: July 2022

Introduction:
Umbrella reviews have emerged as a study design to deal with the increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. There is a rapid increase in the number of umbrella reviews being published, but there is no systematic assessment of their methodological and reporting characteristics. Our study will aim to fill this gap by performing a systematic mapping of umbrella reviews in biomedical literature.
Methods
We will perform a systematic review in PubMed to identify all the umbrella reviews that were published from inception until March 11, 2022. We will consider eligible any research article which was designated as an umbrella review in its title or abstract and summarizes systematic reviews and meta-analyses of any type of studies. From each eligible article, we will extract information about the research topic, the methodological characteristics, and the reporting characteristics. We will examine whether the umbrella reviews assessed the strength of the available evidence and the rigor of the included systematic reviews. We will also examine whether these characteristics change across time.
Discussion
Our study will systematically appraise the methodological and reporting characteristics of published umbrella reviews in biomedical literature. The findings of our study can be used to improve the design and conduct of future umbrella reviews, to derive a standardized set of reporting and methodological guidelines for umbrella reviews, and to allow further meta-epidemiological work.
Systematic review registration:
osf.io/sxzc6
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolism and arterial stiffness after long-term nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Katayoshi Takeshi , Uehata Sachi , Nakashima Noe , Nakajo Takahisa , Kitajima Natsuko , Kageyama Masakatsu , Tsuji-Naito Kentaro
Published: July 2022

Many animal studies have shown that oral administration of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) prevents the reduction of NAD+ levels in organs and tissues, helping alleviate aging-related diseases. However, there are very few clinical reports of NMN supplementation in humans. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the influence of a 12-week NMN oral supplementation on biochemical and metabolic health parameters. A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted. A total of 36 healthy middle-aged participants received one capsule of either 125 mg NMN or placebo twice a day. Among the NAD+ metabolites, the levels of nicotinamide in the blood were significantly higher in the NMN intake group than in the placebo group. Pulse wave velocity values indicating arterial stiffness tended to decrease in the NMN intake group. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Long-term NMN supplementation at 250 mg/day was well tolerated and did not cause adverse events. NMN safely and effectively elevated NAD+ metabolism in healthy middle-aged adults. Additionally, NMN supplementation showed potential in alleviating arterial stiffness.
Effect of Cardiac Tele-Rehabilitation on the Degree of Sexual Satisfaction in Patients with a Cardiac Rhythm Management Device and their Spouses: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rakhshan Mahnaz , Sabet-Ghadam Fatemeh , Janghorban Roksana , Jorat Mohammad Vahid , Keshtvarz-Hesam-Abadi Ali Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Background: Several studies have reported various types of sexual dysfunction in cardiac patients. The present study aimed to assess the effect of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) through telenursing on the degree of sexual satisfaction in patients with a cardiac rhythm management device (CRMD) and their spouses.Methods: A clinical trial was conducted from October 2020 to May 2021 at two medical centers affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran). The target population were patients with a CRMD and their spouses. The permuted block randomization method was used to allocate participants into the intervention and control groups (n=34 couples each). The intervention group received nine CR sessions (one in-person session and eight telenursing sessions) over an 8-week period. The degree of sexual satisfaction of couples in both groups was assessed pre- and post-CR using the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) questionnaire.Results: Irrespective of the type of CRMD, no significant difference in the mean value of pre- and post-CR sexual satisfaction in patients and spouses was observed between the intervention and control groups (P>0.05). However, we observed a significant increase in post-CR sexual satisfaction (P=0.010) in the patients of intervention group. In the case of patients with a cardiac synchronized therapy (CRT) device, there was a significant difference in the mean value of sexual satisfaction between pre- and post-CR in the intervention (6.40±1.26) and control (-1.02±6.28) groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: The results showed the effectiveness of CR intervention through telenursing on the degree of sexual satisfaction in patients with a CRMD, particularly in those with a CRT device. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT registration number: IRCT20200302046662N1, Registration Date: 07/03/2020.
LncRNA PVT-1 promotes osteosarcoma cancer stem-like properties through direct interaction with TRIM28 and TSC2 ubiquitination
Authors: Yustein Jason , Tsang Susan , Rainusso Nino , Nomura Motonari , Patel Tajhal , Nakahata Kengo , Kim Ha Ram , Huang Shixia , Rajapakshe Kimal , Coarfa Cristian , Man Tsz-Kwong , Rao Pulivarthi , Liu Meng
Published: July 2022

Osteosarcoma, the most common pediatric bone tumor, is an aggressive heterogeneous malignancy defined by complex chromosomal aberrations. Overall survival rates remain at approximately 70%, but patients with chemoresistant or metastatic disease have extremely poor outcomes of less than 30%. A subgroup of tumors harbor amplification of chromosome 8q24.2 and increased expression of the oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Plasmacytoma Variant Translocation-1 (PVT-1), which is associated with an extremely poor clinical prognosis. Through in vitro assays, this study demonstrated that PVT-1 is critical for osteosarcoma tumor-initiation potential. Chromatin Hybridization by RNA Purification analysis identified Tripartite-Motif Containing Family 28 (TRIM28) as a novel PVT-1 binding partner. Mechanistically, co-immunoprecipitation studies showed the PVT-1/TRIM28 complex binds and increases SUMOylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3 (Vps34), which leads to enhanced ubiquitination and degradation of tumor suppressor complex 2 (TSC2), thus contributing to stem cell phenotypes. Importantly, osteosarcoma cells with increased PVT-1 have enhanced sensitivity to a SUMOylation inhibitor, TAK-981. Altogether, this study elucidated a role for PVT-1 in the enhancement of cancer stem-like behaviors, including migration and invasion, in osteosarcoma, and identified the novel PVT-1/TRIM28 axis signaling cascade as a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma treatment.
A preliminary study to explain the outstanding performance of Streptomyces pactum (Act12) in enhancing phytoextraction of Cd and Zn contaminated soils
Authors: Wang Nina , Ren Jie , Wang Linlin , Wang Yuheng , Wang Ze , Guo Di
Published: July 2022

Streptomyces pactum (Act12) can both promote plant growth and strengthen heavy metal mobilization. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of how Act12 works during the phytoextraction process are still unknown. The present work investigated whether the metabolites produced by Act12 could influence the seed germination and the growth of potherb mustard, and explored its mobilizing effect on soil cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). The results showed that the germination potential and rate of potherb mustard seed treated with Act12 fermentation broth were 1.0 and 0.32 folds higher than those of control, probably due to the interruption of seed dormant stage. We also found that Act12 inoculation not only promoted the dry biomass (6.82%) of potherb mustard, but also increased the leaf chlorophyll (11.8%) and soluble protein (0.35%) production. The boosted seed germination rate under Act12 treatment (up to 63.3%) indicated that Act12 enhanced the resistance of potherb mustard seeds to Cd and Zn and alleviated their physiological toxicity. The generated metabolites during the Act12 fermentation posed positive impact on the availability of soil Cd and Zn. These findings bring new insight into the Act12 assisted phytoextraction of Cd and Zn from contaminated soils.
Humanitarian responses to global emergencies:
The context of Ukrainian war refugees in Poland
Authors: Kossowska Małgorzata , Szwed Paulina , Szumowska Ewa , Perek-Białas Jolanta , Czernatowicz-Kukuczka Aneta
Published: July 2022

The paper investigates the psychological factors associated with the unprecedented assistance that Poles have offered refugees from Ukraine since the outset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Building on social identity theory, and examining the current social context in Poland, we focus on three social identity dimensions, i.e., a feeling of closeness towards refugees from Ukraine, anticipatory fears (of a Russian invasion), and a community norm of helping. These three dimensions predict collective helping resulting from a sense of a common fate and a feeling of togetherness with Ukrainians. We tested this hypothesis in a study (N = 1066) conducted between 11 and 17 March 2022. Participants were asked about their helping activities during the previous week; they also responded to questions on different measures of social identity processes. The results support our expectations, revealing that closeness, anticipatory fears, and social norms are associated with two forms of help: benevolent and activist. The results of the study contribute to the discussion on social identity processes underlying offers of help to people fleeing from war-zones. Thus, they enhance our understanding of the role of citizens in terms of their contribution to helping refugees, and can be used to improve responses to other humanitarian crises.
Abnormal cerebral blood flow in patients with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy.
Authors: Wang Ling , Ji Yi , Ding Hao , Tian Qin , Fan Ke , Shi Dapeng , Yu Chunshui , Qin Wen
Published: July 2022

Purpose
The study aimed to unravel abnormal cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) using arterial spin labeling (ASL) and to investigate the associations among disrupted CBF, disease duration, and neuro-ophthalmological impairment.
Methods
ASL perfusion imaging data was collected from 20 patients with acute LHON, 29 patients with chronic LHON, and 37 healthy controls. We used a one-way analysis of covariance to test the intergroup differences in CBF. Linear and nonlinear curve fit models were applied to explore the associations among CBF, disease duration, and neuro-ophthalmological metrics.
Results
Brain regions differed in LHON patients included the left sensorimotor and bilateral visual areas (p < 0.05, cluster-wise family-wise error correction). Acute and chronic LHON patients demonstrated lower CBF in bilateral calcarine than the healthy controls. Chronic LHON had lower CBF in the left middle frontal gyrus and sensorimotor cortex, and temporal-partial junction than the healthy controls and acute LHON. A significant logarithmic negative correlation was shown between CBF of left middle frontal gyrus and disease duration. There showed a significant logarithmic positive correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and CBF in left middle frontal gyrus, and negative correlations between loss of variance and CBF in left middle frontal gyrus and sensorimotor cortex (p < 0.05, Bonferroni correction).
Conclusion
LHON patients exhibited reduced CBF in the visual pathway, sensorimotor and higher-tier cognitive areas. Disease duration and neuro-ophthalmological impairments can influence the metabolism of non-visual areas.
Phenotypic Variation and Genotypic Diversity of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) Germplasm Collections in Malawi.
Authors: Yalaukani Louis , Moses Maliro , Michael Chipeta , Davis Gimode , Vicki Morrone , Abel Sefasi , Lawrent Pungulani , Daimon Kambewa , Fatsani Keffa , Frank Tchuwa , Peter Soko , Kapyira Wilson , Nachanje Peterson
Published: July 2022

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) has remained neglected and underutilized for years in Malawi partly due to limited research that include crop improvement. Any effort to exploit the genetic potential of the available genetic variability would lead to identification of potential germplasm for production in Malawi. The study aimed at characterizing agro-morphological traits and identifying genetic diversity using Kompetitive Allele Specifc PCR (KASP) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in order to identify unique traits that can be used in germplasm discrimination for seed production as well as crop improvement. A total of 40 finger millet germplasm collections were evaluated in the field at Crops and Soil Sciences Department's research farm of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). The experiment was laid out in an Alpha lattice design. From 40 germplasm collections, 188 germplasm collection samples were selected for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) extraction. Phenotypic data on agro-morphological traits was collected and subjected to multivariate analysis. Genotypic data was subjected to Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) in R- statistical package. Three principal components explained 42% of the total phenotypic variation among the germplasm collections while AMOVA revealed a 48% variation within and 53% variation among the germplasm collections. Cluster analysis grouped the 188 genotyped germplasm collections into 6 clusters. Phenotypic variations and genotypic diversity exist in finger millet which aids in the discrimination of the germplasm collections in seed production and in breeding programs.
Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on Salt-Coated Surfaces: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Gsell Monika , Bulliard Xavier , Weber Sandra Schorderet , Xiang Yang , Constant Samuel , Steiner Sandro , Biselli Silvia , Pugin Raphael , Palmieri Michele , Hogg Andreas , Peitsch Manuel C. , Hoeng Julia , Stan Adrian
Published: July 2022

In the Covid-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), face masks have become a very important safety measure against the main route of transmission of the virus: droplets and aerosols. Concerns that masks contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 infectious particles could be a risk for self-contamination have emerged early in the pandemic as well as solutions to mitigate this risk. The coating of masks with sodium chloride, an anti-viral and non-hazardous to health chemical, could be an option for reusable masks. To assess the antiviral properties of salt coatings deposited onto common fabrics by spraying and dipping, the present study established an in vitro bioassay using three-dimensional airway epithelial cell cultures and SARS-CoV-2 virus. Virus particles were given directly on salt-coated material, collected, and added to the cell cultures. Infectious virus particles were measured by plaque forming unit assay and in parallel viral genome copies were quantified over time. Relative to noncoated material, the sodium chloride coating significantly reduced virus replication, confirming the effectiveness of the method to prevent fomite contamination with SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the lung epithelia bioassay proved to be suitable for future evaluation of novel antiviral coatings.
Strategies for de-implementation of low-value care – a scoping review
Authors: Ingvarsson Sara , Hasson Henna , Schwarz Ulrica von Thiele , Nilsen Per , Powell Byron J. , Lindberg Clara , Augustsson Hanna
Published: July 2022

Background
The use of low-value care (LVC) is a persistent problem that calls for knowledge about strategies for de-implementation. However, studies are dispersed across many clinical fields, and there is no overview of strategies that can be used to support the de-implementation of LVC. The extent to which strategies used for implementation are also used in de-implementing LVC is unknown. The aim of this scoping review is to (1) identify strategies for the de-implementation of LVC described in the scientific literature and (2) compare de-implementation strategies to implementation strategies as specified in the Expert Recommendation for Implementing Change (ERIC).
Method
A scoping review was conducted according to recommendations outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. Four scientific databases were searched, relevant articles were snowball searched, and the journal Implementation Science was searched manually for peer-reviewed journal articles in English. Articles were included if they were empirical studies of strategies designed to reduce the use of LVC. Two reviewers conducted all abstract and full-text reviews, and conflicting decisions were discussed until consensus was reached. Data were charted using a piloted data-charting form. The strategies were first coded inductively and then mapped onto the ERIC compilation of implementation strategies.
Results
The scoping review identified a total of 71 unique de-implementation strategies described in the literature. Of these, 62 strategies could be mapped onto ERIC strategies, and four strategies onto one added category. Half (50%) of the 73 ERIC implementation strategies were used for de-implementation purposes. Five identified de-implementation strategies could not be mapped onto any of the existing strategies in ERIC.
Conclusions
Similar strategies are used for de-implementation and implementation. However, only a half of the implementation strategies included in the ERIC compilation were represented in the de-implementation studies, which may imply that some strategies are being underused or that they are not applicable for de-implementation purposes. The strategies assess and redesign workflow (a strategy previously suggested to be added to ERIC), accountability tool, and communication tool (unique new strategies for de-implementation) could complement the existing ERIC compilation when used for de-implementation purposes.
Comparative study of the rock-breaking mechanism of a disc cutter and wedge tooth cutter in Qingdao Andesite Strata
Authors: Jiang Hua , Zhao Huiyan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Jiang Yusheng , Zheng Yaofu
Published: July 2022

The operation of a shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) in a high-strength hard rock stratum results in significant cutter wear, adversely affecting the thrust and torque of the cutter head. The rock-breaking performance of cutters in a slightly weathered andesite stratum in the Qingdao Metro Line 8 tunnel was investigated using the discrete element method and theoretical analysis to determine the stress characteristics and optimize the cutter parameters. The rock-breaking processes of a disc cutter and wedge tooth cutter were simulated by PFC3D numerical simulation software, and the rock-breaking degree, stress of the cutter, and rock-breaking specific energy were analyzed. The rock damage caused by the cutter in a specific section was divided into three stages: the advanced influence, crushing, and destabilizing stages. The rock-breaking degree and the tangential and normal forces of the wedge tooth cutter are larger than that of the disc cutter under the same conditions. The disc cutter (wedge tooth cutter) has the highest rock-breaking efficiency at a cutter spacing of 100 mm (110 mm) and a penetration depth of 8 mm (10 mm), and the rock-breaking specific energy is 11.48 MJ/m3 (12.05 MJ/m3). Therefore, two types of cutters with different penetration depths or cutter spacings should be considered. The number of teeth of wedge tooth cutters can be increased in hard strata to improve the rock-breaking efficiency of the shield. The research results provide a reference for shield cutterhead selection and cutter layout in similar projects.
Root-inhabiting bacterial microbiota of the perennial sweet sorghum cultivar at the maturing stage under cold stress
Authors: Lu Gui-Hua , Cao Rui , Fazal Aliya , Zheng Kezhi , Na Zhiye , Yang Yonghua , Sun Bo , Yang Hongjun , Na Zhong-Yuan
Published: July 2022

The bacterial microbiota inhabiting the endosphere and rhizoplane play numerous important functions in improving plant growth. The mutualistic interaction between sweet sorghum and soil bacteria has drawn increasing attention. However, the bacterial microbiota inhabiting the roots of sweet sorghum’s perennial analog have rarely been characterized. Here, the root-inhabiting bacterial microbiota of the perennial sweet sorghum cultivar NaPBS778 (N778 simply) and its control TP60 were discovered at the flowering and maturing stages under field growth by high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene via Illumina MiSeq. Almost all alpha diversity indices of aerial and primary root samples of N778 were not significantly different from those of TP60 at the maturing stage, except for the observed species (Sobs) and phylogenetic diversity indices. Next, the beta diversity of aerial and primary root samples showed no significant differences between N778 and its control TP60 at the maturing stage. Moreover, the bacterial microbiota in N778 aerial and primary roots was not only predominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes at the phylum level but was also strikingly distinct from the bacterial microbiota in rhizosphere soil at the genus level. Additionally, the root samples of N778 at the maturing stage were considerably enriched with OTU1262, OTU434, OTU1304, and OTU836, which belonged to the genera Pseudarthrobacter, Streptomyces, and an unclassified genus of the family Oxalobacteraceae, respectively. Our findings imply that the perennial sweet sorghum cultivar N778 may recruit not only potentially cold-tolerant but also plant growth-promoting and nitrogen stress-tolerant bacterial taxa into roots at the maturing stage.