bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CLL comorbidity index in a population-based cohort: a tool for clinical care and research
Authors: Rotbain Emelie C. , Gordon Max J. , Vainer Noomi , Frederiksen Henrik , Hjalgrim Henrik , Danilov Alexey V. , Niemann Carsten U.
Published: January 2022

The chronic lymphocytic leukemia comorbidity index (CLL-CI) is an efficient, CLL-specific tool derived from the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. The CLL-CI is based on the assessment of the organ systems found to be most strongly associated with event-free survival (EFS) in CLL: vascular, upper gastrointestinal, and endocrine, at the time of initiation of CLL therapy. The CLL-CI categorizes patients into low, intermediate, and high risk groups. In the present study, we have employed the CLL-CI in a population-based cohort comprising 4975 patients with CLL. We demonstrate that CLL-CI retains prognostic significance in this large cohort and is associated with overall survival (OS) and EFS from time of first therapy. Furthermore, CLL-CI associates with OS, EFS, and time to first treatment from diagnosis independently of the CLL International Prognostic Index. These findings support the use of the CLL-CI both in research and in clinical practice.
Successful outcome of pre-engraftment COVID-19 in an HCT patient: impact of targeted therapies and cellular immunity
Authors: Pourhassan Hoda , La Rosa Corinna , Chiuppesi Flavia , Puing Alfredo , Aldoss Ibrahim , Park Yoonsuh , Zhou Qiao , Karpinski Veronica , Faircloth Katelyn , Kaltcheva Teodora , Johnson Daisy , Francisco Sandra Ortega , Zaia John A. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Al Malki Monzr M. , Diamond Don J. , Dadwal Sanjeet Singh , Forman Stephen J.
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has emerged as a global pandemic that upended existing protocols and practices, including those for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Here, we describe the successful clinical course and multiple key interventions administered to an acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient, who tested SARS-CoV-2 positive by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on day −1 of matched unrelated donor (SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G negative) T-cell-replete HCT. This experience allowed for implementing a virologic and immunomonitoring panel to characterize the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the recipient’s nascent humoral and cellular immune response. The finding of robust, functional, and persistent levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells, starting early after transplant was unexpected, and in combination with the clinical strategy, may have contributed to the favorable outcome. Additionally, it is plausible that preexisting cross-reactive endemic coronavirus immunity in the allogeneic graft reduced recipient susceptibility to COVID-19 disease. This case supports the critical role that T-cell responses may play in mitigating SARS-CoV-2 infection, even in the context of transplant immunosuppression, in which reconstitution of humoral response is commonly delayed. Interventional approaches to transfer SARS-CoV-2-specific cellular immunity such as HCT donor vaccination and adaptive cellular therapy could be of benefit.
Migraine-relevant sex-dependent activation of mouse meningeal afferents by TRPM3 agonists
Authors: Krivoshein G. , Tolner E. A. , Maagdenberg AMJM van den , Giniatullin R. A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Migraine is a common brain disorder that predominantly affects women. Migraine pain seems mediated by the activation of mechanosensitive channels in meningeal afferents. Given the role of transient receptor potential melastatin 3 (TRPM3) channels in mechanical activation, as well as hormonal regulation, these channels may play a role in the sex difference in migraine. Therefore, we investigated whether nociceptive firing induced by TRPM3 channel agonists in meningeal afferents was different between male and female mice. In addition, we assessed the relative contribution of mechanosensitive TRPM3 channels and that of mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels to nociceptive firing relevant to migraine in both sexes.

Methods

Ten- to 13-week-old male and female wildtype (WT) C57BL/6 J mice were used. Nociceptive spikes were recorded directly from nerve terminals in the meninges in the hemiskull preparations.

Results

Selective agonists of TRPM3 channels profoundly activated peripheral trigeminal nerve fibres in mouse meninges. A sex difference was observed for nociceptive firing induced by either PregS or CIM0216, both agonists of TRPM3 channels, with the induced firing being particularly prominent for female mice. Application of Yoda1, an agonist of Piezo1 channels, or capsaicin activating TRPV1 channels, although also leading to increased nociceptive firing of meningeal fibres, did not reveal a sex difference. Cluster analyses of spike activities indicated a massive and long-lasting activation of TRPM3 channels with preferential induction of large-amplitude spikes in female mice. Additional spectral analysis revealed ​a dominant contribution of spiking activity in the α- and β-ranges following TRPM3 agonists in female mice.

Conclusions

Together, we revealed a specific mechanosensitive profile of nociceptive firing in females and suggest TRPM3 channels as a potential novel candidate for the generation of migraine pain, with particular relevance to females.
Two genomic regions of a sodium azide induced rice mutant confer broad-spectrum and durable resistance to blast disease
Authors: Lo Kuan-Lin , Chen Yi-Nian , Chiang Min-Yu , Chen Mei-Chun , Panibe Jerome P. , Chiu Chung-Chun , Liu Lu-Wei , Chen Liang-Jwu , Chen Chun-Wei , Li Wen-Hsiung , Wang Chang-Sheng
Published: January 2022

Rice blast, one of the most destructive epidemic diseases, annually causes severe losses in grain yield worldwide. To manage blast disease, breeding resistant varieties is considered a more economic and environment-friendly strategy than chemical control. For breeding new resistant varieties, natural germplasms with broad-spectrum resistance are valuable resistant donors, but the number is limited. Therefore, artificially induced mutants are an important resource for identifying new broad-spectrum resistant (R) genes/loci. To pursue this approach, we focused on a broad-spectrum blast resistant rice mutant line SA0169, which was previously selected from a sodium azide induced mutation pool of TNG67, an elite japonica variety. We found that SA0169 was completely resistant against the 187 recently collected blast isolates and displayed durable resistance for almost 20 years. Linkage mapping and QTL-seq analysis indicated that a 1.16-Mb region on chromosome 6 (Pi169-6(t)) and a 2.37-Mb region on chromosome 11 (Pi169-11(t)) conferred the blast resistance in SA0169. Sequence analysis and genomic editing study revealed 2 and 7 candidate R genes in Pi169-6(t) and Pi169-11(t), respectively. With the assistance of mapping results, six blast and bacterial blight double resistant lines, which carried Pi169-6(t) and/or Pi169-11(t), were established. The complementation of Pi169-6(t) and Pi169-11(t), like SA0169, showed complete resistance to all tested isolates, suggesting that the combined effects of these two genomic regions largely confer the broad-spectrum resistance of SA0169. The sodium azide induced mutant SA0169 showed broad-spectrum and durable blast resistance. The broad resistance spectrum of SA0169 is contributed by the combined effects of two R regions, Pi169-6(t) and Pi169-11(t). Our study increases the understanding of the genetic basis of the broad-spectrum blast resistance induced by sodium azide mutagenesis, and lays a foundation for breeding new rice varieties with durable resistance against the blast pathogen.
Temperature is not a major factor in the differentiation of gonocytes into ad spermatogonia and fertility outcome in congenitally cryptorchid boys
Authors: Hadziselimovic Faruk
Published: January 2022

Spermatogenesis in mammals is a heat-sensitive developmental pathway incompatible with the typical mammalian body temperature of 37 °C. It is thought that this is the reason why the testicles of most mammalian males are outside of the body cavity, in the scrotum, where they function at approximately 33 °C. It has been suggested that the abnormally high temperature environment of cryptorchid testes may lead to impaired testicular development and adult infertility. Here, I summarize the clinical, genetic, and histological evidence that argues against temperature stress and in favor of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism as the underlying cause of adult infertility in cryptorchidism.

Patient summary: Infertility and an increased risk of testicular cancer in patients diagnosed with undescended testes are the consequence of a hormonal deficiency rather than temperature-induced cellular damage. Cryptorchidism therefore requires both surgical and hormonal treatment.
Exploring dynamic metabolomics data with multiway data analysis: a simulation study
Authors: Li Lu , Hoefsloot Huub , de Graaf Albert A. , Acar Evrim , Smilde Age K.
Published: January 2022

Background

Analysis of dynamic metabolomics data holds the promise to improve our understanding of underlying mechanisms in metabolism. For example, it may detect changes in metabolism due to the onset of a disease. Dynamic or time-resolved metabolomics data can be arranged as a three-way array with entries organized according to a subjects mode, a metabolites mode and a time mode. While such time-evolving multiway data sets are increasingly collected, revealing the underlying mechanisms and their dynamics from such data remains challenging. For such data, one of the complexities is the presence of a superposition of several sources of variation: induced variation (due to experimental conditions or inborn errors), individual variation, and measurement error. Multiway data analysis (also known as tensor factorizations) has been successfully used in data mining to find the underlying patterns in multiway data. To explore the performance of multiway data analysis methods in terms of revealing the underlying mechanisms in dynamic metabolomics data, simulated data with known ground truth can be studied.

Results

We focus on simulated data arising from different dynamic models of increasing complexity, i.e., a simple linear system, a yeast glycolysis model, and a human cholesterol model. We generate data with induced variation as well as individual variation. Systematic experiments are performed to demonstrate the advantages and limitations of multiway data analysis in analyzing such dynamic metabolomics data and their capacity to disentangle the different sources of variations. We choose to use simulations since we want to understand the capability of multiway data analysis methods which is facilitated by knowing the ground truth.

Conclusion

Our numerical experiments demonstrate that despite the increasing complexity of the studied dynamic metabolic models, tensor factorization methods CANDECOMP/PARAFAC(CP) and Parallel Profiles with Linear Dependences (Paralind) can disentangle the sources of variations and thereby reveal the underlying mechanisms and their dynamics.
A novel nonparametric computational strategy for identifying differential methylation regions
Authors: Sun Xifang , Wang Donglin , Zhu Jiaqiang , Sun Shiquan
Published: January 2022

Background

DNA methylation has long been known as an epigenetic gene silencing mechanism. For a motivating example, the methylomes of cancer and non-cancer cells show a number of methylation differences, indicating that certain features characteristics of cancer cells may be related to methylation characteristics. Robust methods for detecting differentially methylated regions (DMRs) could help scientists narrow down genome regions and even find biologically important regions. Although some statistical methods were developed for detecting DMR, there is no default or strongest method. Fisher’s exact test is direct, but not suitable for data with multiple replications, while regression-based methods usually come with a large number of assumptions. More complicated methods have been proposed, but those methods are often difficult to interpret.

Results

In this paper, we propose a three-step nonparametric kernel smoothing method that is both flexible and straightforward to implement and interpret. The proposed method relies on local quadratic fitting to find the set of equilibrium points (points at which the first derivative is 0) and the corresponding set of confidence windows. Potential regions are further refined using biological criteria, and finally selected based on a Bonferroni adjusted t-test cutoff. Using a comparison of three senescent and three proliferating cell lines to illustrate our method, we were able to identify a total of 1077 DMRs on chromosome 21.

Conclusions

We proposed a completely nonparametric, statistically straightforward, and interpretable method for detecting differentially methylated regions. Compared with existing methods, the non-reliance on model assumptions and the straightforward nature of our method makes it one competitive alternative to the existing statistical methods for defining DMRs.
Using dual-network-analyser for communities detecting in dual networks
Authors: Guzzi Pietro Hiram , Tradigo Giuseppe , Veltri Pierangelo
Published: January 2022

Background

Representations of the relationships among data using networks are widely used in several research fields such as computational biology, medical informatics and social network mining. Recently, complex networks have been introduced to better capture the insights of the modelled scenarios. Among others, dual networks (DNs) consist of mapping information as pairs of networks containing the same set of nodes but with different edges: one, called physical network, has unweighted edges, while the other, called conceptual network, has weighted edges.

Results

We focus on DNs and we propose a tool to find common subgraphs (aka communities) in DNs with particular properties. The tool, called Dual-Network-Analyser, is based on the identification of communities that induce optimal modular subgraphs in the conceptual network and connected subgraphs in the physical one. It includes the Louvain algorithm applied to the considered case. TheDual-Network-Analysercan be used to study DNs, to find common modular communities. We report results on using the tool to identify communities on synthetic DNs as well as real cases in social networks and biological data.

Conclusion

The proposed method has been tested by using synthetic and biological networks. Results demonstrate that it is well able to detect meaningful information from DNs.
RAD gene family analysis in cotton provides some key genes for flowering and stress tolerance in upland cotton G. hirsutum
Authors: Kabir Nosheen , Zhang Xin , Liu Le , Qanmber Ghulam , Zhang Lian , Wang Yu Xuan , Sun Zhuojing , Zhao Na , Wang Gang
Published: January 2022

Background

RADIALIS (RAD), belongs to the MYB gene family and regulates a variety of functions including floral dorsoventral asymmetry in Antirrhinum majus and development of fruit proteins in Solanum lycopersicum. RAD genes contain an SNF2_N superfamily domain. Here, we comprehensively identified 68 RAD genes from six different species including Arabidopsis and five species of cotton.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis classified RAD genes into five groups. Gene structure, protein motifs and conserved amino acid residues indicated that GhRAD genes were highly conserved during the evolutionary process. Chromosomal location information showed that GhRAD genes were distributed unevenly on different chromosomes. Collinearity and selection pressure analysis indicated RAD gene family expansion in G. hirsutum and G. barbadense with purifying selection pressure. Further, various growth and stress related promotor cis-acting elements were observed. Tissue specific expression level indicated that most GhRAD genes were highly expressed in roots and flowers (GhRAD2, GhRAD3, GhRAD4 and GhRAD11). Next, GhRAD genes were regulated by phytohormonal stresses (JA, BL and IAA). Moreover, Ghi-miRN1496, Ghi-miR1440, Ghi-miR2111b, Ghi-miR2950a, Ghi-miR390a, Ghi-miR390b and Ghi-miR7495 were the miRNAs targeting most of GhRAD genes.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that RAD genes are evolutionary conserved and might be involved in different developmental processes and hormonal stress response. Data presented in our study could be used as the basis for future studies of RAD genes in cotton.
Genome-wide association studies for immunoglobulin concentrations in colostrum and serum in Chinese Holstein
Authors: Lin Shan , Ke Cuncun , Liu Lin , Gao Yahui , Xu Lingna , Han Bo , Zhao Yaofeng , Zhang Shengli , Sun Dongxiao
Published: January 2022

Background

The early death and health problems of calves caused substantial economic losses in the dairy industry. As the immune system of neonates has not been fully developed, the absorption of maternal immunoglobulin (Ig) from colostrum is essential in protecting newborn calves against common disease organisms in their early life. The overwhelming majority of Ig in bovine whey is transported from the serum. Therefore, Ig concentration in the colostrum and serum of dairy cows are critical traits when estimating the potential disease resistance of its offspring.

Results

Colostrum, blood, and hair follicle samples were collected from 588 Chinese Holstein cows within 24 h after calving. The concentration of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgA and IgM in both colostrum and serum were detected via ELISA methods. With GCTA software, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were performed with 91,620 SNPs genotyped by GeneSeek 150 K (140,668 SNPs) chips. As a result, 1, 5, 1 and 29 significant SNPs were detected associated with the concentrations of colostrum IgG1, IgG2, IgA IgM, and serum IgG2 at the genome-wide level (P < 3.08E–6); 11, 2, 13, 2, 12, 8, 2, 27, 1 and 4 SNPs were found significantly associated with total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgA and IgM in colostrum and serum at the suggestive level (P < 6.15E–5). Such SNPs located in or proximate to (±1 Mb) 423 genes, which were functionally implicated in biological processes and pathways, such as immune response, B cell activation, inflammatory response and NF-kappaB signaling pathways. By combining the biological functions and the known QTL data for immune traits in bovine, 14 promising candidate functional genes were identified for immunoglobulin concentrations in colostrum and serum in dairy cattle, they wereFGFR4,FGFR2,NCF1,IKBKG,SORBS3,IGHV1S18,KIT,PTGS2,BAX,GRB2,TAOK1,ICAM1,TGFB1andRAC3.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified 14 candidate genes related to concentrations of immunoglobulins in colostrum and serum in dairy cattle by performing GWASs. Our findings provide a groundwork for unraveling the key genes and causal mutations affecting immunoglobulin concentrations in colostrum and important information for genetic improvement of such traits in dairy cattle.
Complete pathological response of colorectal peritoneal metastases in Lynch syndrome after immunotherapy case report: is a paradigm shift in cytoreductive surgery needed?
Authors: Tonello Marco , Nappo Floriana , Vassallo Loretta , Di Gaetano Rosa , Davoli Carla , Pizzolato Elisa , De Simoni Ottavia , Tassinari Cristina , Scapinello Antonio , Pilati Pierluigi , Loupakis Fotios , Lonardi Sara , Sommariva Antonio
Published: January 2022

Background

We report the first case of a patient affected by peritoneal metastases from colon cancer, arising in the context of Lynch syndrome with pathological complete response. The patient was treated with immunotherapy and cytoreductive surgery. This paper discusses the implications of these novel therapies for the management of PM.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old man affected by Lynch syndrome was referred to our institution for metachronous peritoneal recurrence of ascending colon adenocarcinoma. As a second-line treatment, he received Nivolumab therapy with stable disease. Patient underwent cytoreductive surgery with residual disease and a pathological complete response. Flow cytometry described a particular immune sub-population response. There was no evidence of disease progression after nine months.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a Lynch patient affected by peritoneal metastases of colorectal cancer, treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and resulting in a pathological complete response after immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment (ICIs). This case report may suggest that patients with peculiar immunological features could benefit from a tailored approach, since “classical” CRS paradigms may not effectively predict the clinical outcome. Further large-scale studies are needed to determine the correct operative management of such patients (tailored or “standard” CRS), defining the correct surgical timing and eventual discontinuation of ICI therapy after surgery.
The association between sleep quality and psychological distress among older Chinese adults: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Zhang Chichen , Xiao Shujuan , Lin Huang , Shi Lei , Zheng Xiao , Xue Yaqing , Dong Fang , Zhang Jiachi , Xue Benli
Published: January 2022

Background

Previous research has found a link between sleep quality and psychological distress. However, the underlying mechanisms of this connection have still not been well explored. The aim of this study was to examine the roles of activities of daily living (ADL), physical activity, and perceived social support in the link between sleep quality and psychological distress among older adults.

Methods

Three thousand two hundred fifty valid individuals (aged 60 years or above) participated in face-to-face questionnaire-based surveys. Older individuals were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Barthel Index, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. The PROCESS macro developed by Hayes was used to conduct moderated mediation analysis.

Results

In older adults, sleep quality had a substantial direct influence on psychological distress. ADL mediated the association between sleep quality and psychological distress. Physical activity significantly reduced ADL’s mediating influence on the relationship between sleep quality and psychological distress. Furthermore, perceived social support moderated the direct relationship between sleep quality and psychological distress, as well as the second half of the mediating effect of the ADL. Moreover, physical activity and perceived social support were preventive factors that might successfully mitigate the detrimental effects of poor sleep quality on ADL and psychological distress.

Conclusions

The findings contribute to existing understanding by clarifying the fundamental mechanisms that link sleep quality and psychological distress. These results may provide a valuable reference to the Chinese government for improving mental health in older individuals.
The revictimization of older Mexican women: understanding the accumulation of multiple victimizations throughout a lifetime
Authors: Giraldo-Rodríguez Liliana , Mino-León Dolores , Aragón-Grijalva Sergio Olinsser , Agudelo-Botero Marcela
Published: January 2022

Background

The victimization of women constitutes a human rights violation and a health risk factor. The central objectives of this study were to analyze the probability of revictimization among older adult Mexican women and to examine whether child abuse (CA) and/or intimate partner violence (IPV) are associated with a greater risk of elder abuse (EA) victimization.

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis of 18416 women 60 and older, based on data from the National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships (2016), which is national and subnational representative. A descriptive analysis was carried out using retrospective self-reports of victimization experiences (CA, IPV, and EA). The prevalence of victimization and multiple victimizations in the various stages of the lives of women, as well as of revictimization among older adult women were obtained. Bayesian logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between victimization, multiple victimization, and EA victimization.

Results

A total of 17.3% of the older adult women reported EA in the last year; of these, 81.0% had been revictimized and 14.0% reported CA, IPV, and EA. The risk of EA rose among women who reported a combination of psychological and sexual CA, and psychological, physical and sexual CA and psychological and sexual IPV, and a psychological, economic, physical and sexual IPV. EA was higher among women who had suffered more than one type of violence.

Conclusion

CA and IPV, particularly sexual abuse and psychological violence, can be risk factors for EA. Screening tools used to prevent and detect EA should include questions about domestic violence over the course of a person’s lifetime.
Seroprevalence of mucosal and cutaneous human papillomavirus (HPV) types among children and adolescents in the general population in Germany
Authors: Loenenbach Anna , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Harder Thomas , Poethko-Müller Christina , Thamm Michael , Lachmann Raskit , Deleré Yvonne , Wichmann Ole , Wiese-Posselt Miriam
Published: January 2022

Background

In Germany, HPV vaccination of adolescent girls was introduced in 2007. Nationally representative data on the distribution of vaccine-relevant HPV types in the pre-vaccination era are, however, only available for the adult population. To obtain data in children and adolescents, we assessed the prevalence and determinants of serological response to 16 different HPV types in a representative sample of 12,257 boys and girls aged 1–17 years living in Germany in 2003–2005.

Methods

Serum samples were tested for antibodies to nine mucosal and seven cutaneous HPV types. The samples had been collected during the nationally representative German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents in 2003–2006. We calculated age- and gender-specific HPV seroprevalence. We used multivariable regression models to identify associations between demographic and behavioral characteristics and HPV seropositivity.

Results

We found low but non-zero seroprevalence for the majority of tested HPV types among children and adolescents in Germany. The overall seroprevalence of HPV-16 was 2.6%, with slightly higher values in adolescents. Seroprevalence of all mucosal types but HPV-6 ranged from 0.6% for HPV-33, to 6.4% for HPV-31 and did not differ by gender. We found high overall seroprevalence for HPV-6 with 24.8%. Cutaneous HPV type seroprevalence ranged from 4.0% for HPV-38 to 31.7% for HPV-1. In the majority of cutaneous types, seroprevalence did not differ between boys and girls, but increased sharply with age, (e.g., HPV-1 from 1.5% in 1–3-years-old to 45.1% in 10–11-years-old). Associations between behavioral factors and type-specific HPV prevalence were determined to be heterogeneous.

Conclusions

We report the first nationally representative data of naturally acquired HPV antibody reactivity in the pre-HPV-vaccination era among children and adolescents living in Germany. These data can be used as baseline estimates for evaluating the impact of the current HPV vaccination strategy targeting 9–14-years-old boys and girls.
Exercise-based dysphagia rehabilitation for adults with oesophageal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Gillman Anna , Hayes Michelle , Sheaf Greg , Walshe Margaret , Reynolds John V. , Regan Julie
Published: January 2022

Background

Dysphagia is prevalent in oesophageal cancer with significant clinical and psychosocial complications. The purpose of this study was i) to examine the impact of exercise-based dysphagia rehabilitation on clinical and quality of life outcomes in this population and ii) to identify key rehabilitation components that may inform future research in this area.

Methods

Randomised control trials (RCT), non-RCTs, cohort studies and case series were included. 10 databases (CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, OpenGrey, PROSPERO, RIAN and SpeechBITE), 3 clinical trial registries, and relevant conference abstracts were searched in November 2020. Two independent authors assessed articles for eligibility before completing data extraction, quality assessment using ROBINS-I and Downs and Black Checklist, followed by descriptive data analysis. The primary outcomes included oral intake, respiratory status and quality of life. All comparable outcomes were combined and discussed throughout the manuscript as primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

Three single centre non-randomised control studies involving 311 participants were included. A meta-analysis could not be completed due to study heterogeneity. SLT-led post-operative dysphagia intervention led to significantly earlier start to oral intake and reduced length of post-operative hospital stay. No studies found a reduction in aspiration pneumonia rates, and no studies included patient reported or quality of life outcomes. Of the reported secondary outcomes, swallow prehabilitation resulted in significantly improved swallow efficiency following oesophageal surgery compared to the control group, and rehabilitation following surgery resulted in significantly reduced vallecular and pyriform sinus residue. The three studies were found to have ‘serious’ to ‘critical’ risk of bias.

Conclusions

This systematic review highlights a low-volume of low-quality evidence to support exercise-based dysphagia rehabilitation in adults undergoing surgery for oesophageal cancer. As dysphagia is a common symptom impacting quality of life throughout survivorship, findings will guide future research to determine if swallowing rehabilitation should be included in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes. This review is limited by the inclusion of non-randomised control trials and the reliance on Japanese interpretation which may have resulted in bias. The reviewed studies were all of weak design with limited data reported.
Retrospective validation of the postnatal Growth and Retinopathy of Prematurity (G-ROP) criteria in a Swiss cohort
Authors: Vinayahalingam Nithursa , McDougall Jane , Ahrens Olaf , Ebneter Andreas
Published: January 2022

Background

Currently used screening criteria for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) show high sensitivity for predicting treatment-requiring ROP but low specificity; over 90% of examined infants do not develop ROP that requires treatment (type 1 ROP). A novel weight gain-based prediction model was developed by the G-ROP study group to increase the specificity of the screening criteria and keep the number of ophthalmic examinations as low as possible. This retrospective cohort study aimed to externally validate the G-ROP screening criteria in a Swiss cohort.

Methods

Data from 645 preterm infants in ROP screening at Inselspital Bern between January 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively retrieved from the screening log and analysed. The G-ROP screening criteria, consisting of 6 trigger parameters, were applied in infants with complete data. To determine the performance of the G-ROP prediction model for treatment-requiring ROP, sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

Results

Complete data were available for 322 infants who were included in the analysis. None of the excluded infants had developed type 1 ROP. By applying the 6 criteria in the G-ROP model, 214 infants were flagged to undergo screening: among these, 14 developed type 1 ROP, 9 developed type 2 ROP, and 43 developed milder stages of ROP. The sensitivity for predicting treatment-requiring ROP was 100% (CI, 0.79–1.00), and the specificity was 41% (CI, 0.35 –0.47). Implementing the novel G-ROP screening criteria would reduce the number of infants entering ROP screening by approximately one third.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of treatment-requiring ROP was low (2.15%). Previously published performance parameters for the G-ROP algorithm were reproducible in this Swiss cohort. Importantly, all treatment-requiring infants were correctly identified. By using these novel criteria, the burden of screening examinations could be significantly reduced.
Approval rates for corneal donation and the origin of donor tissue for transplantation at a university-based tertiary referral center with corneal subspecialization hosting a LIONS Eye Bank
Authors: Wykrota Agata Anna , Weinstein Isabel , Hamon Loïc , Daas Loay , Flockerzi Elias , Suffo Shady , Seitz Berthold
Published: January 2022

Background

With the increasing demand for corneas, eye banks must optimize the tissue donation, collection, and selection process. This retrospective monocentric study analyzed the approval rates for corneal donation and the origin of and reasons for discarding donor corneas from 2010 to 2019.

Methods

Data included the number of deceased, approval or rejection by the family for corneal donation and contraindications. Corneal grafts were included from all deceased persons who were full-body and multi-organ donors at the Saarland University Medical Center (UKS) and from external institutions. Additional analyzed parameters included endothelial cell count (ECC), blood sample serology for infections, and conjunctival swab testing .

Results

A total of 1748 corneoscleral buttons were harvested from 10,265 deceased persons (17% with no contraindication) at the UKS between 2010 and 2019, with a consent rate of 23.3%. The number of explants increased from 136 in 2010 (15% of the deceased, total = 925) to 251 in 2019 (21%, total = 1214). Both the general and department-specific data showed similar percentages for corneal donation over the years, with intensive care and palliative units recently providing the most corneas. The increase in the number of corneas processed by the cornea bank over the years (368 in 2010 compared with 857 in 2019) was linked both to a better internal supply in 2010 (262, 71.2% of the total) compared with 2019 (519, 60.6%) and to an external supply by reinforcement of cooperation with external hospitals, including Luxembourg in 2010 (106, 28.8% of the total) compared with 2019 (338, 39.4%). A total of 195 of 377 corneas (52%) were discarded in 2009 compared with 260 out of 715 (36%) in 2019. The main reasons for discarding were low ECC (36% of discarded corneas in 2009; 11% in 2019), positive conjunctival swab (11% in 2009; 13% in 2019), and blood sample serology (6% in 2009 and in 2019).

Conclusion

Despite an increasing number of donors, the demand for corneas is still rising. Improved cooperation with internal departments and with external clinics has led to an increasing number of explanted corneas. The main reason for discarding corneas was low ECC, followed by a positive conjunctival swab for fungal or bacterial contamination and serology. Increased donation rates and continued improvements in collection and selection processes are necessary to cover the high demand for corneas.
Time trends in mental health indicators during the initial 16 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark
Authors: Pedersen Michelle T. , Andersen Thea O. , Clotworthy Amy , Jensen Andreas K. , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine , Rod Naja H. , Varga Tibor V.
Published: January 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated national lockdowns have been linked to deteriorations in mental health worldwide. A number of studies analysed changes in mental health indicators during the pandemic; however, these studies generally had a small number of timepoints, and focused on the initial months of the pandemic. Furthermore, most studies followed-up the same individuals, resulting in significant loss to follow-up and biased estimates of mental health and its change. Here we report on time trends in key mental health indicators amongst Danish adults over the course of the pandemic (March 2020 - July 2021) focusing on subgroups defined by gender, age, and self-reported previously diagnosed chronic and/or mental illness.

Methods

We used time-series data collected by Epinion (N=8,261) with 43 timepoints between 20 March 2020 and 22 July 2021. Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, independent sets of individuals were asked to respond to the Copenhagen Corona-Related Mental Health questionnaire at each timepoint, and data was weighted to population proportions. The six mental health indicators examined were loneliness, anxiety, social isolation, quality of life, COVID-19-related worries, and the mental health scale. Gender, age, and the presence of previously diagnosed mental and/or chronic illness were used to stratify the population into subgroups for comparisons.

Results

Poorer mental health were observed during the strictest phases of the lockdowns, whereas better outcomes occurred during reopening phases. Women, young individuals (<34 yrs), and those with a mental- and/or chronic illness demonstrated poorer mean time-series than others. Those with a pre-existing mental illness further had a less reactive mental health time-series. The greatest differences between women/men and younger/older age groups were observed during the second lockdown.

Conclusions

People with mental illness have reported disadvantageous but stable levels of mental health indicators during the pandemic thus far, and they seem to be less affected by the factors that result in fluctuating time-series in other subgroups.
Living with pathological narcissism: core conflictual relational themes within intimate relationships
Authors: Day Nicholas J. S. , Townsend Michelle L. , Grenyer Brin F. S.
Published: January 2022

Background

Pathological narcissism is a severe mental health condition that includes disturbances in interpersonal functioning. Interpersonal difficulties by those affected include aggressive, domineering, cold and coercive behaviours which often result in strong negative reactions from others. We sought to examine the moment-to-moment patterns that emerge within close relationships between intimate partners and family members.

Methods

Participants (N = 15) were romantic partners (73.3%) and family members (26.6%) in a close and long-term relationship (+ 10 years) with an individual with pathological narcissism. Participants told verbatim relationship narratives involving five narrative interactions with their relative with pathological narcissism and five narrative interactions with others. Transcripts were coded using the using Core Conflictual Relationship Theme method. Participants also completed three versions of the Relationship Questionnaire, reporting on 1. their relationship style ‘in general’, 2. their relationship style ‘with their relative’ and 3. the relationship style of their relative.

Results

A total of 133 relationship episodes were analysed, comprising 783 components (wishes, responses of others and responses of self). While the identified wishes (e.g., for love, for support) were consistent between relative and non-relative narratives, there was significantly higher disharmony and lower harmony in narratives involving relatives with pathological narcissism. Described disharmony in these relationships involved the relative’s rejecting, subjugating and attacking behaviours, and participants rejecting and withdrawing behaviours. There was a prominent deactivation of participants attachment system when interacting with their relative with pathological narcissism, endorsing predominately dismissing relationship styles. Individuals with pathological narcissism were similarly rated as predominately dismissing.

Conclusions

Together, these results reflect the cycles of interpersonal dysfunction for individuals with pathological narcissism and their partners and family members. Treatment implications point to the risk of therapists withdrawing and dismissing a patient with high pathological narcissism in the countertransference. Strategies to monitor and manage these core relational themes in treatment remain a challenge.
Prevalence and associated factors of minimally invasive facial cosmetic surgery in Chinese college students
Authors: Jin Xingyue , Twayigira Mireille , Zhang Wenjing , Gao Xueping , Luo Xuerong , Xu Huiming , Huang Chunxiang , Shen Yanmei
Published: January 2022

Background

Minimally invasive facial cosmetic surgery (MIFCS) is becoming more and more popular and acceptable in Chinese young people, and it influences people in many aspects. However, there is little research on the associations between MIFCS and psychopathology in Chinese college students. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of MIFCS and its associated factors among Chinese college students.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was applied in this study. A total of 8089 students completed an online questionnaire on demographic data, depressive symptoms (Self-Rating Depression Scale), anxiety symptoms (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale) and MIFCS. Logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with MIFCS.

Results

The prevalence of MIFCS in Chinese college students was 2.7% (221/8098). Students with MIFCS were more likely to be from urban areas, from a single child household, experience depression or anxiety and have a history of smoking (all p < 0.05). They were also less likely to be right-handed or have a good relationship with father or mother (all p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression showed that older age (OR,1.162; 95%CI [1.061,1.273]), female sex (OR,1.837; 95%CI [1.352, 2.497]), community (urban) (OR,0.601; 95%CI [0.441,0.818]), right-handedness (OR,0.668; 95%CI [0.454,0.985]), depressive symptoms (OR, 4.708; 95%CI [1.690,13.112]), family income (30,000–70,000 yuan per year) (OR,0.572; 95%CI [0.403,0.812]) and smoking (OR,1.571; 95%CI [1.09,2.423]) were independently associated with MIFCS.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive facial cosmetic surgery (MIFCS) is very common in Chinese college students, indicating the importance of paying attention to MIFCS. This study provides valuable evidence for college counselors and doctors in the cosmetic department to provide better and healthier services to students who undergo MIFCS, especially those with depressive symptoms.
Adolescent school injuries and classroom sex compositions in German secondary schools
Authors: Filser Andreas , Stadtmüller Sven , Lipp Robert , Preetz Richard
Published: January 2022

Background

School injuries are an important adolescent health problem. Previous research suggests that relevant risk behaviors for school injuries, risk-taking and aggression, are highly susceptible to peer effects. Specifically, evidence suggests that the ratio of men and women in peer groups (sex ratio) affects individuals’ propensity for aggression and risk-taking. However, potential associations of classroom sex ratios with adolescent school injury risks have not been studied so far. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association of classroom sex compositions with adolescent school injuries.

Methods

We investigate the association of classroom sex ratios with school injuries in a longitudinal survey dataset containing 13,131 observations from 9,204 adolescent students (ages 13-16) from secondary schools in Germany. The data also allow us to identify injuries due to aggressive behavior and analyze these injuries in detail. We use multilevel logistic regression models to analyze risks of both overall and aggression-related school injuries.

Results

Adolescent students’ risk for school injuries is significantly and positively associated with male-skewed classroom sex ratios (OR = 1.012, p=0.012). Specifically, the risk of sustaining a school injury increases by 33.5 percent when moving from the 10th to the 90th classroom sex ratio percentile. Moreover, we find an even stronger positive association between male-dominated classrooms and aggression-related injury risks (OR = 1.022, p=0.010). Compared to classroom sex ratios at the 10th percentile, the risk of an aggression-related injury is 78 percent higher in classrooms with a sex ratio at the 90th percentile. Finally, we find that both boys’ and girls’ injury risks equally increase with a higher proportion of male students in their classroom.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that sex composition of classrooms is an important contextual factor for adolescent school injuries, in particular school injuries resulting from aggression. These findings illustrate the need to integrate a contextual perspective on school injuries among adolescent students both into research and into intervention planning.
Field epidemiology training programs contribute to COVID-19 preparedness and response globally
Authors: Hu Audrey E. , Fontaine Robert , Turcios-Ruiz Reina , Abedi Aisha A. , Williams Seymour , Hilmers Angela , Njoh Eni , Bell Elizabeth , Reddy Carl , Ijaz Kashef , Baggett Henry C.
Published: January 2022

Background

Field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) have trained field epidemiologists who strengthen global capacities for surveillance and response to public health threats. We describe how FETP residents and graduates have contributed to COVID-19 preparedness and response globally.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of FETPs between March 13 and April 15, 2020 to understand how FETP residents or graduates were contributing to COVID-19 response activities. The survey tool was structured around the eight Pillars of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19. We used descriptive statistics to summarize quantitative results and content analysis for qualitative data.

Results

Among 88 invited programs, 65 (74%) responded and indicated that FETP residents and graduates have engaged in the COVID-19 response across all six WHO regions. Response efforts focused on country-level coordination (98%), surveillance, rapid response teams, case investigations (97%), activities at points of entry (92%), and risk communication and community engagement (82%). Descriptions of FETP contributions to COVID-19 preparedness and response are categorized into seven main themes: conducting epidemiological activities, managing logistics and coordination, leading risk communication efforts, providing guidance, supporting surveillance activities, training and developing the workforce, and holding leadership positions.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the value of FETPs in responding to public health threats like COVID-19. This program provides critical assistance to countries' COVID-19 response efforts but also enhances epidemiologic workforce capacity, public health emergency infrastructure and helps ensure global health security as prescribed in the WHO’s International Health Regulations.