bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Variational Method for Analyzing Vortex Flows in Radar-Scanned Tornadic Mesocyclones. Part IV: Applications to the 20 May 2013 Oklahoma Tornadic Mesocyclone
Authors: Xu Qin , Wei Li , Nai Kang
Published: March 2022

The variational method for vortex flow (VF) analyses, called VF-Var (formulated in Part I), is applied to the 20 May 2013 Newcastle–Moore tornadic mesocyclone observed from the operational KTLX radar and an experimental phased-array radar. The dual-Doppler-analyzed VF field reveals the following features: The axisymmetric part of the VF is a well-defined slantwise two-cell vortex in which the maximum tangential velocity is nearly 40 m s−1 at the edge of the vortex core (0.6 km from the vortex center), the central downdraft velocity reaches −35 m s−1 at 3-km height, and the surrounding-updraft velocity reaches 26 m s−1 at 5-km height. The total VF field is a loosely defined slantwise two-cell vortex consisting of a nearly axisymmetric vortex core (in which the ground-relative surface wind speed reaches 50 m s−1 on the southeast edge), a strong nonaxisymmetric slantwise downdraft in the vortex core, and a main updraft in a banana-shaped area southeast of the vortex core, which extends slantwise upward and spirals cyclonically around the vortex core. The single-Doppler analysis with observations from the KTLX radar only exhibits roughly the same features as the dual-Doppler analysis but contains spurious vertical-motion structures in and around the vortex core. Analysis errors are assessed by leveraging the findings from Parts II and III, which indicate that the dual-Doppler-analyzed VF is accurate enough to represent the true VF but the single-Doppler-analyzed VF is not (especially for nonaxisymmetric vertical motions in and around the vortex core), so the dual-Doppler-analyzed VF should be useful for initializing/verifying high-resolution tornado simulations.

Significance Statement

After the variational method for vortex flow (VF) analyses, called VF-Var (formulated in Part I of this paper series), was tested successfully with simulated radar observations in Part II and its sensitivity to vortex center location error was examined in Part III, the method is now applied to the 20 May 2013 Newcastle–Moore tornadic mesocyclone observed from the operational KTLX radar and an experimental phased-array radar. Analysis errors are assessed by leveraging the findings from Parts II and III. The results indicate that the dual-Doppler-analyzed VF is accurate enough to represent the true VF (although the single-Doppler-analyzed VF is not especially for nonaxisymmetric vertical motions in and around the vortex core) and thus should be useful for initializing/verifying high-resolution tornado simulations.
FINANCIAL ACCESS AND VALUE ADDED IN SUB‐SAHARAN AFRICA:
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: March 2022

This research assesses the importance of financial access on value added in three economic sectors in 25 countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa using data for the period 1980–2014. The empirical evidence is based on the Generalized Method of Moments. Financial access is measured with private domestic credit, while the three outcome variables are: value added in the agricultural, manufacturing, and service sectors, respectively. Enhancing financial access does not significantly improve value added in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, while enhancing financial access improves value added in the service sector. An extended analysis shows that, in order for the positive net incidence of enhancing credit access on value added to the service sector to be maintained, complementary policies are required when domestic credit to the private sector is between 77.50 percent and 98.50 percent of GDP. Policy implications are discussed.
Ultrasound appearance of the duodenal papilla in clinically healthy cats
Authors: Coeuriot Charlotte , Pontarrasse Julie , Bouhsina Nora , Lazard Maureen , Bertrand Alexis , Fusellier Marion
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The duodenal papilla (DP) is an anatomical structure located in the duodenal wall, a few centimetres from the pylorus. In cats, the pancreatic and bile ducts merge as they enter the DP, and this explains why cats are more likely than dogs to have concomitant digestive, pancreatic and hepatic infections. Ultrasonography of the DP has been previously established in dogs but not in cats. The purpose of our prospective study was to describe the ultrasound features of the DP in 30 adult clinically healthy cats.

Methods

A full abdominal ultrasound was performed. Five measurements were recorded: the width and the height in a transverse section; the length and the height in a longitudinal section; and the thickness of the duodenal wall adoral to the DP in a longitudinal section. The subjective appearance (echogenicity and shape) of the DP was described.

Results

The dimensions of the DP were a mean ± SD width of 3.13 ± 0.68 mm and height of 2.47 ± 0.63 mm in the transverse section, and length of 3.98 ± 1.27 mm and height of 2.44 ± 0.57 mm in the longitudinal section. The DP was homogeneous, subjectively isoechoic to fat and had a round and oval shape in the transverse and longitudinal sections, respectively. There was no correlation between the DP measurements and the weight, age or sex of the cats. The animals that were fed a mixed diet had a longer DP than those fed dry food.

Conclusions and relevance

This study provides reference values for the dimensions of the DP, as well as information on its ultrasonographic appearance in clinically healthy adult cats. We did not find any correlation between the age of the cats and the size of the papilla, but the age range was small and another study in older cats should be undertaken to address this more thoroughly.
Understanding exposures and latent disease risk within the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program
Authors: Amolegbe Sara M , Carlin Danielle J , Henry Heather F , Heacock Michelle L , Trottier Brittany A , Suk William A
Published: March 2022

Understanding the health effects of exposures when there is a lag between exposure and the onset of disease is an important and challenging topic in environmental health research. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Superfund Basic Research and Training Program (SRP) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant program that uses a multidisciplinary approach to support biomedical and environmental science and engineering research. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the program, SRP grantees are well-positioned to study exposure and latent disease risk across humans, animal models, and various life stages. SRP-funded scientists are working to address the challenge of connecting exposures that occur early in life and prior to conception with diseases that manifest much later, including developing new tools and approaches to predict how chemicals may affect long-term health. Here, we highlight research from the SRP focused on understanding the health effects of exposures with a lag between exposure and the onset of the disease as well as provide future directions for addressing knowledge gaps for this highly complex and challenging topic. Advancing the knowledge of latency to disease will require a multidisciplinary approach to research, the need for data sharing and integration, and new tools and computation approaches to make better predications about the timing of disease onset. A better understanding of exposures that may contribute to later-life diseases is essential to supporting the implementation of prevention and intervention strategies to reduce or modulate exposures to reduce disease burden.
Automated recognition and analysis of head thrashes behavior in C. elegans
Authors: Zhang Hui , Gao Shan , Chen Weiyang
Published: March 2022

Background

Locomotive behaviors are a rapid evaluation indicator reflecting whether the nervous system of worms is damaged, and has been proved to be sensitive to chemical toxicity. In many toxicological studies, C. elegans head thrashes is a key indicator of locomotive behaviors to measure the vitality of worms. In previous studies, the number of head thrashes was manually counted, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Results

This paper presents an automatic recognition and counting method for head thrashes behavior of worms from experimental videos. First, the image processing algorithm is designed for worm morphology features calculation, mean gray values of head and tail are used to locate the head of worm accurately. Next, the worm skeleton is extracted and divided into equal parts. The angle formulas are used to calculate the bending angle of the head of worm. Finally, the number of head thrashes is counted according to the bending angle of the head in each frame. The robustness of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by comparing the counting results of the manual counting. It is proved that the proposed algorithm can recognize the occurrence of head thrashes of C. elegans of different strains. In addition, the difference of the head thrashes behavior of different worm strains is analyzed, it is proved that the relationship between worm head thrashes behavior and lifespan.

Conclusions

A new method is proposed to automatically count the number of head thrashes of worms. This algorithm makes it possible to count the number of head thrashes from the worm videos collected by the automatic tracking system. The proposed algorithm will play an important role in toxicological research and worm vitality research. The code is freely available at https://github.com/hthana/HTC.
Nucleolar localization of the ErbB3 receptor as a new target in glioblastoma
Authors: Tagliaferro Marzia , Rosa Paolo , Bellenchi Gian Carlo , Bastianelli Daniela , Trotta Rosa , Tito Claudia , Fazi Francesco , Calogero Antonella , Ponti Donatella
Published: March 2022

Background

The nucleolus is a subnuclear, non-membrane bound domain that is the hub of ribosome biogenesis and a critical regulator of cell homeostasis. Rapid growth and division of cells in tumors are correlated with intensive nucleolar metabolism as a response to oncogenic factors overexpression. Several members of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) family, have been identified in the nucleus and nucleolus of many cancer cells, but their function in these compartments remains unexplored.

Results

We focused our research on the nucleolar function that a specific member of EGFR family, the ErbB3 receptor, plays in glioblastoma, a tumor without effective therapies. Here, Neuregulin 1 mediated proliferative stimuli, promotes ErbB3 relocalization from the nucleolus to the cytoplasm and increases pre-rRNA synthesis. Instead ErbB3 silencing or nucleolar stress reduce cell proliferation and affect cell cycle progression.

Conclusions

These data point to the existence of an ErbB3-mediated non canonical pathway that glioblastoma cells use to control ribosomes synthesis and cell proliferation. These results highlight the potential role for the nucleolar ErbB3 receptor, as a new target in glioblastoma.
Determining extracellular vesicles properties and miRNA cargo variability in bovine milk from healthy cows and cows undergoing subclinical mastitis
Authors: Saenz-de-Juano Mara D. , Silvestrelli Giulia , Bauersachs Stefan , Ulbrich Susanne E.
Published: March 2022

Background

Subclinical mastitis, the inflammation of the mammary gland lacking clinical symptoms, is one of the most prevalent and costly diseases in dairy farming worldwide. Milk microRNAs (miRNAs) encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been proposed as potential biomarkers of different mammary gland conditions, including subclinical mastitis. However, little is known about the robustness of EVs analysis regarding sampling time-point and natural infections. To estimate the reliability of EVs measurements in raw bovine milk, we first evaluated changes in EVs size and concentration using Tunable Resistive Pulse Sensing (TRPS) during three consecutive days of sampling. Then, we analysed daily differences in miRNA cargo using small RNA-seq. Finally, we compared milk EVs differences from naturally infected udder quarters with their healthy adjacent quarters and quarters from uninfected udders, respectively.

Results

We found that the milk EV miRNA cargo was very stable over the course of three days regardless of the health status of the quarter, and that infected quarters did not induce relevant changes in milk EVs of adjacent healthy quarters. Chronic subclinical mastitis induced changes in milk EV miRNA cargo, but neither in EVs size nor concentration. We observed that the changes in immunoregulatory miRNAs in quarters with chronic subclinical mastitis were cow-individual, however, the most upregulated miRNA was bta-miR-223-3p across all individuals.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the miRNA profile and particle size characteristics remained constant throughout consecutive days, suggesting that miRNAs packed in EVs are physiological state-specific. In addition, infected quarters were solely affected while adjacent healthy quarters remained unaffected. Finally, the cow-individual miRNA changes pointed towards infection-specific alterations.
The fiber diameter traits of Tibetan cashmere goats are governed by the inherent differences in stress, hypoxic, and metabolic adaptations: an integrative study of proteome and transcriptome
Authors: Zhao Bingru , Wu Cuiling , Sammad Abdul , Ma Zhen , Suo Langda , Wu Yujiang , Fu Xuefeng
Published: March 2022

Background

Tibetan cashmere goats are served as a valuable model for high altitude adaptation and hypoxia complications related studies, while the cashmere produced by these goats is an important source of income for the herders. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in protein abundance underlying the fine (average 12.20 ± 0.03 μm of mean fiber diameter) and coarse cashmere (average 14.67 ± 0.05 μm of mean fiber diameter) producing by Tibetan cashmere goats. We systematically investigated the genetic determinants of fiber diameter by integrated analysis with proteomic and transcriptomic datasets from skin tissues of Tibetan cashmere goats.

Results

We identified 1980 proteins using a label-free proteomics approach. They were annotated to three different databases, while 1730 proteins were mapped to the original protein coding genes (PCGs) of the transcriptomic study. Comparative analyses of cashmere with extremely fine vs. coarse phenotypes yielded 29 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), for instance, APOH, GANAB, AEBP1, CP, CPB2, GPR142, VTN, IMPA1, CTSZ, GLB1, and HMCN1. Functional enrichment analysis of these DEPs revealed their involvement in oxidation-reduction process, cell redox homeostasis, metabolic, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and Wnt signaling pathways. Transcription factors enrichment analysis revealed the proteins mainly belong to NF-YB family, HMG family, CSD family. We further validated the protein abundance of four DEPs (GC, VTN, AEBP1, and GPR142) through western blot, and considered they were the most potential candidate genes for cashmere traits in Tibetan cashmere goats.

Conclusions

These analyses indicated that the major biological variations underlying the difference of cashmere fiber diameter in Tibetan cashmere goats were attributed to the inherent adaptations related to metabolic, hypoxic, and stress response differences. This study provided novel insights into the breeding strategies for cashmere traits and enhance the understanding of the biological and genetic mechanisms of cashmere traits in Tibetan cashmere goats.
Investigating the effect of quadruple therapy with Saccharomyces boulardii or Lactobacillus reuteri strain (DSMZ 17648) supplements on eradication of Helicobacter pylori and treatments adverse effects: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial
Authors: Naghibzadeh Nooshin , Salmani Fatemeh , Nomiri Samira , Tavakoli Tahmine
Published: March 2022

Background

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of treatment withSaccharomyces boulardiiandLactobacillus reuterion the eradication ofHelicobacter pyloriand Adverse effects (AEs) of the treatment.

Results

This study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. And, eradication ofH. pyloriwas reported comparing quadruple therapy include of PPI (proton pomp inhibitor), bismuth subcitrate, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin versus quadruple therapy supplemented withS. boulardiiandL. reuteriDSMZ 17648. For this aim, a total of 156 patients were included in the current study; and patients positive forH. pyloriinfection (n = 156) were randomly assigned to 3 groups: 52 patients (Group P) received conventional quadruple therapy plusL. reuteri, 52 patients (Group S) received conventional quadruple therapy plusS. boulardiidaily, for 2 weeks, and 52 patients were in the control group (Group C). At the end of the treatment period, all the subjects continued to take proton pump inhibitor (PPI) alone for 14 days, and then, no medication was given for 2 weeks again. During follow-up, gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using an evaluation scale (Glasgow dyspepsia questionnaire [GDQ]), and AEs were assessed at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. As a result, all patients completed the treatment protocol in all groups by the end of the study. Additionally, eradication therapy was effective for 94.2% of subjects in Group S, 92.3% of subjects in Group P, and 86.5% of subjects in the control group, with no differences between treatment arms. In Group S, the chance of developing symptoms of nausea (OR = 2.74), diarrhea (OR = 3.01), headache (OR = 10.51), abdominal pain (OR = 3.21), and anxiety (OR = 3.58) was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

S. boulardiicould significantly reduce some AEs ofH. pylorieradication therapy, but effectiveness ofLactobacillus reuterion these cases was not significant. It is recommended to conduct the future research with larger sample size in order to investigate the effect.

Trial registration: IRCT20200106046021N1, this trial was registered on Jan 14, 2020.
Exploring experiences and needs of spousal carers of people with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) including those with familial FTD (fFTD): a qualitative study
Authors: Tookey Sara , Greaves Caroline V. , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Desai Roopal , Stott Joshua
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Carers of people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) experience greater challenges than carers of people with other dementias due to the younger age of onset and the challenging presentation of symptoms. The aim of the present study was to explore experiences of spousal carers of people with bvFTD, including those with the familial form of the disease (fFTD).

Method

Fourteen qualitative interviews were analysed using an inductive approach to Thematic Analysis to understand experiences of spousal carers of people with bvFTD including those with fFTD.

Results

Five main themes were identified including: a) The “Constant Battle” – A journey toward an FTD diagnosis, b) Shock, Relief and Fear – Challenges persist post diagnosis, c) The “Life Altering” impact – The loss of the spousal relationship and shifting roles, d) Adapting, Managing Symptoms and Receiving Carer Support, e) Lack of General Knowledge – Barriers to support.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals should be educated on the initial presentations of FTD, to enable carers and families receive timely diagnosis and appropriate support. Future research should investigate the impact of fFTD on carers and families, to explore positive or meaningful experiences in caring, as well as theory-driven research to identify helpful coping strategies for carers of people with FTD.
Preventing a cluster from becoming a new wave in settings with zero community COVID-19 cases
Authors: Abeysuriya Romesh G. , Delport Dominic , Stuart Robyn M. , Sacks-Davis Rachel , Kerr Cliff C. , Mistry Dina , Klein Daniel J. , Hellard Margaret , Scott Nick
Published: March 2022

Background

In settings with zero community transmission, any new SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks are likely to be the result of random incursions. The level of restrictions in place at the time of the incursion is likely to considerably affect possible outbreak trajectories, but the probability that a large outbreak eventuates is not known.

Methods

We used an agent-based model to investigate the relationship between ongoing restrictions and behavioural factors, and the probability of an incursion causing an outbreak and the resulting growth rate. We applied our model to the state of Victoria, Australia, which has reached zero community transmission as of November 2020.

Results

We found that a future incursion has a 45% probability of causing an outbreak (defined as a 7-day average of > 5 new cases per day within 60 days) if no restrictions were in place, decreasing to 23% with a mandatory masks policy, density restrictions on venues such as restaurants, and if employees worked from home where possible. A drop in community symptomatic testing rates was associated with up to a 10-percentage point increase in outbreak probability, highlighting the importance of maintaining high testing rates as part of a suppression strategy.

Conclusions

Because the chance of an incursion occurring is closely related to border controls, outbreak risk management strategies require an integrated approaching spanning border controls, ongoing restrictions, and plans for response. Each individual restriction or control strategy reduces the risk of an outbreak. They can be traded off against each other, but if too many are removed there is a danger of accumulating an unsafe level of risk. The outbreak probabilities estimated in this study are of particular relevance in assessing the downstream risks associated with increased international travel.
The Early Warning and Response System (EWARS-TDR) for dengue outbreaks: can it also be applied to chikungunya and Zika outbreak warning?
Authors: Cardenas Rocio , Hussain-Alkhateeb Laith , Benitez-Valladares David , Sánchez-Tejeda Gustavo , Kroeger Axel
Published: March 2022

Background

In the Americas, endemic countries for Aedes-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika face great challenges particularly since the recent outbreaks of CHIKV and ZIKV, all transmitted by the same insect vectors Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR-WHO) has developed together with partners an Early Warning and Response System (EWARS) for dengue outbreaks based on a variety of alarm signals with a high sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV). The question is if this tool can also be used for the prediction of Zika and chikungunya outbreaks.

Methodology

We conducted in nine districts of Mexico and one large city in Colombia a retrospective analysis of epidemiological data (for the outbreak definition) and of climate and entomological data (as potential alarm indicators) produced by the national surveillance systems for dengue, chikungunya and Zika outbreak prediction covering the following outbreak years: for dengue 2012–2016, for Zika 2015–2017, for chikungunya 2014–2016. This period was divided into a “run in period” (to establish the “historical” pattern of the disease) and an “analysis period” (to identify sensitivity and PPV of outbreak prediction).

Results

In Mexico, the sensitivity of alarm signals for correctly predicting an outbreak was 100% for dengue, and 97% for Zika (chikungunya data could not be obtained in Mexico); the PPV was 83% for dengue and 100% for Zika. The time period between alarm and start of the outbreak (i.e. the time available for early response activities) was for Zika 4–5 weeks. In Colombia the sensitivity of the outbreak prediction was 92% for dengue, 93% for chikungunya and 100% for Zika; the PPV was 68% for dengue, 92% for chikungunya and 54% for Zika; the prediction distance was for dengue 3–5 weeks, for chikungunya 10–13 weeks and for Zika 6–10 weeks.

Conclusion

EWARS demonstrated promising capability of timely disease outbreak prediction with an operational design likely to improve the coordination among stakeholders. However, the prediction validity varied substantially across different types of diseases and appeared less optimal in low endemic settings.
Adult acute respiratory distress syndrome due to human parvovirus B19 infection after cardiac surgery: a case report
Authors: Ma Min , Ma Xiaojun , Jia Ming , Hou Xiaotong , Wang Hong
Published: March 2022

Background

Infection with human parvovirus B19 (PB19) is very common in pediatric patients. Symptoms and signs depend on the infected patient’s immune and hematopoietic status and can range from an asymptomatic condition to life-threatening disease.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old man received elective mitral valvular replacement and tricuspid valvuloplasty under cardiopulmonary bypass and suffered acute respiratory distress syndrome on postoperative day 8. Through the detection of positive serum IgM and human PB19-specific nucleic acids in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid via metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), acute human PB19 infection was confirmed. The patient was ventilated and the pulmonary infiltration was attenuated six days later.

Conclusion

A combination of serum human PB19 DNA by mNGS and positive serum human PB19 IgM could provide higher diagnostic sensitivity for acute human PB19 infection. The method of mNGS may be a new choice for detecting rare or atypical pathogens in severe complicated pneumonia. The infection of human PB19 was possibly self-limited.
Disinfection efficiency test for contaminated surgical mask by using Ozone generator
Authors: Tippayawat Patcharaporn , Vongnarkpetch Chalermchai , Papalee Saitharn , Srijampa Sukanya , Boonmars Thidarut , Meethong Nonglak , Phanthanawiboon Supranee
Published: March 2022

Background

Ozone (O3) is an effective disinfectant agent that leaves no harmful residues. Due to the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical masks are in high demand, with some needing to be reused in certain regions. This study aims to evaluate the effects of O3 for pathogen disinfection on reused surgical masks in various conditions.

Methods

O3 generators, a modified PZ 2–4 for Air (2000 mg O3/L) and a modified PZ 7 –2HO for Air (500 mg O3/L), were used together with 1.063 m3 (0.68 × 0.68 × 2.3 m) and 0.456 m3 (0.68 × 0.68 × 1.15 m) acrylic boxes as well as a room-sized 56 m3 (4 × 4 × 3.5 m) box to provide 3 conditions for the disinfection of masks contaminated with enveloped RNA virus (105 FFU/mL), bacteria (103 CFU/mL) and fungi (102 spores/mL).

Results

The virucidal effects were 82.99% and 81.70% after 15 min of treatment with 2000 mg/L O3 at 1.063 m3 and 500 mg/L O3 at 0.456 m3, respectively. The viral killing effect was increased over time and reached more than 95% after 2 h of incubation in both conditions. By using 2000 mg/L O3 in a 1.063 m3 box, the growth of bacteria and fungi was found to be completely inhibited on surgical masks after 30 min and 2 h of treatment, respectively. Using a lower-dose O3 generator at 500 mg O3/L in 0.456 m3 provided lower efficiency, although the difference was not significant. Using O3 at 2000 mg O3/L or 500 mg O3/L in a 56 m3 room is efficient for the disinfection of all pathogens on the surface of reused surgical masks.

Conclusions

This study provided the conditions for using O3 (500–2000 mg/L) to reduce pathogens and disinfect contaminated surgical masks, which might be applied to reduce the inappropriate usage of reused surgical masks.
Why do first-time mothers not intend to breastfeed? ——A qualitative exploratory study on the decision-making of non-initiation in Jingzhou, China
Authors: Fei Yang , Zhang Ze-Yu , Fu Wen-Ning , Wang Li , Mao Jing
Published: March 2022

Background

Although breastfeeding is one of the top priorities for public health in China, the rate of breastfeeding is still low and a large number of women do not initiate breastfeeding due to various reasons. Hence, this study aimed to understand the decision-making of non-initiation and reveal the underlying reasons in order to protect, support, and promote breastfeeding.

Methods

In-depth, exploratory interviews were carried out with 13 new mothers who did not initiate breastfeeding. The collected data were analyzed by inductive content analysis.

Results

Although mothers generally understood the protective effects of breastfeeding, they believed that formula milk is a good alternative to human milk and even better in some aspects. Five core themes related to non-initiation decision-making emerged: (1) expected breastfeeding stress; (2) maladjustment to the maternal role; (3) concerns about physiological issues; (4) the lack of knowledge about the risks of artificial feeding; (5) belief that it is better not to initiate than to interrupt.

Conclusions

The environment for mothers to breastfeed in China is not supportive enough, and the medical staff and families should be held responsible for the non-initiation of breastfeeding. More professionals are needed to support mothers to solve their problems and breastfeeding education should be further expanded.
Expression and clinical significance of miR-204 in patients with hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy
Authors: He Xin , Ding Dan-Ni
Published: March 2022

Objective

Hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP) is a unique and common obstetrical complication in pregnancy. The current study sought to investigate the diagnostic value of serum miR-204 in HDCP patients.

Methods

A total of 196 HDCP patients were enrolled, with 54 healthy pregnant women as controls. The expression levels of miR-204 and inflammatory factors in the serum were determined. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic value of miR-204 in HDCP patients. Person coefficient was introduced to analyze the correlation between miR-204 and inflammatory indexes. Kaplan–Meier method was employed to analyze the effect of miR-204 expression on the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Logistic regression was adopted to assess the risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Results

miR-204 expression was upregulated in the serum of HDCP patients. The serum miR-204 level > 1.432 could assist the diagnosis of HDCP. miR-204 level in the serum was positively correlated with TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP concentrations in HDCP patients. The risk of adverse outcomes was higher in pregnant women with high miR-204 expression. High miR-204 expression was associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes after adjusting the family history of HDCP, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, AST, ALT, LDH, 24-h urinary protein, TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP.

Conclusion

The high expression of miR-204 assists the diagnosis of HDCP and is an independent risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes in HDCP patients.
Cultural adaptation of the mental health first aid guidelines for Brazilians with problem drinking: a Delphi expert consensus study
Authors: Ayoub Ibrahim Ali , Peres Carlos Henrique Mesquita , Cerqueira Amanda Vidotto , Assumpção Thais Alves , Loch Alexandre Andrade , Reavley Nicola J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Harmful use of alcohol is highly prevalent around the world and results in a large disease burden. Most people who meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder do not receive treatment. Those in a person’s social network can be useful in recognizing a problem and encouraging the person to seek treatment. However, many people lack the knowledge and skills to do this effectively. This study reports on the cultural adaptation for Brazil of the 2009 English-language mental health first aid guidelines for helping someone with problem drinking.

Methods

A Delphi expert consensus study with two expert panels, one comprising health professionals with experience in the treatment of problem drinking and the other comprising people with lived experience was conducted. Participants rated the importance of actions to be taken to help a person with problem drinking.

Results

Over two rounds, 60 participants (30 professionals and 30 people with lived experience) rated 197 items. A total of 166 items were included in the final guidelines.

Conclusions

While there were many similarities with the English-language guidelines for high-income countries, the guidelines also incorporate actions of importance for Brazil, including compulsory treatment and different approaches to dealing with people with problem drinking. Further research is necessary to assess their impact.
Alcohol and cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic among transgender, gender-diverse, and cisgender adults in Canada
Authors: Somé Nibene H. , Shokoohi Mostafa , Shield Kevin D. , Wells Samantha , Hamilton Hayley A. , Elton-Marshall Tara , Abramovich Alex
Published: March 2022

Background

This study examined whether heavy episodic drinking (HED), cannabis use, and subjective changes in alcohol and cannabis use during the COVID-19 pandemic differ between transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) and cisgender adults.

Methods

Successive waves of web-based cross-sectional surveys. Setting: Canada, May 2020 to March 2021. Participants: 6,016 adults (39 TGD, 2,980 cisgender men, 2,984 cisgender women, and 13 preferred not to answer), aged ≥18 years. Measurements: Measures included self-reported HED (≥5 drinks on one or more occasions in the previous week for TGD and cisgender men and ≥4 for cisgender women) and any cannabis use in the previous week. Subjective changes in alcohol and cannabis use in the past week compared to before the pandemic were measured on a five-point Likert scale (1: much less to 5: much more). Binary and ordinal logistic regressions quantified differences between TGD and cisgender participants in alcohol and cannabis use, controlling for age, ethnoracial background, marital status, education, geographic location, and living arrangement.

Results

Compared to cisgender participants, TGD participants were more likely to use cannabis (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=3.78, 95%CI: 1.89, 7.53) and to have reported subjective increases in alcohol (adjusted proportional odds ratios (aPOR)= 2.00, 95%CI: 1.01, 3.95) and cannabis use (aPOR=4.56, 95%CI: 2.13, 9.78) relative to before the pandemic. Compared to cisgender women, TGD participants were more likely to use cannabis (aOR=4.43, 95%CI: 2.21, 8.87) and increase their consumption of alcohol (aPOR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.03, 4.05) and cannabis (aPOR=4.71, 95%CI: 2.18, 10.13). Compared to cisgender men, TGD participants were more likely to use cannabis (aOR=3.20, 95%CI: 1.60, 6.41) and increase their use of cannabis (aPOR=4.40, 95%CI: 2.04, 9.49). There were no significant differences in HED between TGD and cisgender participants and in subjective change in alcohol between TGD and cisgender men; however, the odds ratios were greater than one as expected.

Conclusions

Increased alcohol and cannabis use among TGD populations compared to before the pandemic may lead to increased health disparities. Accordingly, programs targeting the specific needs of TGD individuals should be prioritized.
An epidemiological, strategic and response analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia: a population-based observational study
Authors: Salman Hafiz Muhammad , Syed Javaria , Riaz Atif , Sarfraz Zouina , Sarfraz Azza , Bokhari Syed Hashim Abbas Ali , Ojeda Ivan Cherrez
Published: March 2022

Introduction

South Asia has had a dynamic response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The overall burden and response have remained comparable across highly-burdened countries within the South Asian Region.

Methodology

Using a population-based observational design, all eight South Asian countries were analyzed using a step-wise approach. Data were obtained from government websites and publicly-available repositories for population dynamics and key variables.

Results

South Asian countries have a younger average age of their population. Inequitable distribution of resources centered in urban metropolitan cities within South Asia is present. Certain densely populated regions in these countries have better testing and healthcare facilities that correlate with lower COVID-19 incidence per million populations. Trends of urban-rural disparities are unclear given the lack of clear reporting of the gaps within these regions. COVID-19 vaccination lag has become apparent in South Asian countries, with the expected time to complete the campaign being unfeasible as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.

Conclusion

With a redesigning of governance policies on preventing the rise of COVID-19 promptly, the relief on the healthcare system and healthcare workers will allow for adequate time to roll out vaccination campaigns with equitable distribution. Capacity expansion of public health within the Region is required to ensure a robust healthcare response to the ongoing pandemic and future infectious disease outbreaks.
Psychometric properties of Haj-Yahia’s questionnaire of violence against women in a sample of married women in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Sotoodeh Ghorbani Sahar , Ghaffari Mohtasham , Hashemi Nazari Seyed Saeed
Published: March 2022

Background

Abuse against women causes great suffering for the victims and is an important health problem among women. To date, a few screening instruments for wife abuse exist for married women in Iran, but they only assess some of the wife abuse components. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Haj-Yahia’s Questionnaire in a sample of married women residing in Tehran.

Materials and methods

This is a cross-sectional study with a population consisting of married women in Tehran, among which 471 individuals were selected using convenience sampling method. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated using face validity, content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and stability. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed using the weighted least square mean and variance adjusted. We performed confirmatory factor analysis using Mplus version 8 software and for other calculations, we used STATA V14.

Results

The quantitative results of face validity and content validity indicated that all items of the questionnaire were in acceptable range, and were retained in the study. In CFA results, the model fit indices were acceptable (TLI = 0.986, CFI = 0.987, RMSEA = 0.039 and SRMR = 0.057). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and economic abuse were estimated 0.90, 0.93, 0.79, and 0.78 respectively, and an alpha of 0.95 was found for the total questionnaire. The intra-cluster correlation index was 0.98.

Conclusions

Findings showed that the Persian version of the questionnaire of violence against women made it possible to evaluate various dimensions of violence using 4 factors and showed good construct validity and internal reliability in the female population in Iran; therefore, it can be used in future studies.
A nutrition and lifestyle-focused shared medical appointment in a resource-challenged community setting: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Bharmal Nazleen , Beidelschies Michelle , Alejandro-Rodriguez Marilyn , Alejandro Kayla , Guo Ning , Jones Tawny , Bradley Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

Background

In order to address disparities in preventable chronic diseases, we adapted a nutrition and lifestyle-focused shared medical appointment (SMA) program to be delivered in an underserved community setting. The objective was to evaluate a community-based nutrition and lifestyle-focused SMA as it relates to acceptability and health and behavior-related outcomes.

Methods

A mixed-methods study was performed to evaluate pre-post changes in wellness indices, biometrics, self-efficacy, and trust in medical researchers as part of a community-based SMA. To understand program acceptability including barriers and facilitators for implementation and scalability, we conducted two participant focus groups and five stakeholder interviews and used content analysis to determine major themes.

Results

Fifteen participants attended 10 weekly sessions. The majority were older adult, African American women. There were pre-post improvements in mean [SD] systolic (-10.5 [7.7] mmHg, p = 0.0001) and diastolic (-4.7 [6.7] mmHg, p = 0.17) blood pressures and weight (-5.7 [6.3] pounds, p = 0.003) at 3 months though these were not significant at 6 months. More individuals reported improvements in health status, daily fruit and vegetable intake, and sleep than at baseline. There were no significant pre-post changes in other wellness indices, self-efficacy, trust in medical researchers, hemoglobin A1c, insulin, or LDL cholesterol. Participants discussed positive health changes as a result of the SMA program, program preferences, and facilitators and barriers to continuing program recommendations in focus groups. SMA implementation was facilitated by clinical staff who adjusted content to a low health literacy group and partnership with a trusted community partner. Sustainability barriers include heavy personnel time and in-kind resources to deliver the program.

Conclusions

Nutrition and lifestyle-focused SMAs in a resource-challenged community setting may be an acceptable intervention for underserved patients.
Efficacy and safety of a modified lateral lumbar interbody fusion in L4-5 lumbar degenerative diseases compared with traditional XLIF and OLIF: a retrospective cohort study of 156 cases
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Sun Yapeng , Guo Lei , Zhang Fei , Ding Wenyuan , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2022

Background

The authors designed a modified lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) procedure named as XOLIF and compared the efficacy and safety with traditional LLIF procedures.

Methods

Patients were divided into XLIF, OLIF, and XOLIF group according to the surgical approach. Cases of psoas major and vascular space stenosis, psoas major muscle elevation, psoas major muscle hypertrophy, and high iliac crest were recorded. Basic information, composition ratio of specific cases, Visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), interbody fusion rate and complications were compared between the 3 groups.

Results

The study included 156 cases of L4-5 LLIF. There was no statistical difference in age, gender, BMI among the three groups. Cases with stenosis between psoas muscle and artery accounted for 11.8 and 18.4% of the XLIF and XOLIF group, respectively, while no case of this type had undergone OLIF surgery, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The proportions of high iliac crest cases in the OLIF and XOLIF group were 12.5 and 18.4%, respectively, while the XLIF group with vertical approach is not suitable for cases with high iliac crest. The postoperative VAS and ODI of the three groups were significantly improved compared with those before operation. There were 51 cases (32.7%) of complications including 21cases in XLIF group, 20 cases in OLIF Group and 10 cases in XOLIF group. XOLIF group has more advantages in reducing lumbar plexus injury and the risk of vascular injury.

Conclusions

XOLIF showed good clinical efficacy and technical advantages with a low incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, especially in the specific cases.
Microsurgical treatment of middle cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion: a single center experience and literature review
Authors: Zhang Li , Wu Congyan , Wang Handong , Mao Lei
Published: March 2022

Background

To investigate the effect of superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass in the treatment of MCA stenosis or occlusion.

Methods

The clinical and imaging data of 31 MCA stenosis or occlusion patients with STA-MCA bypass were analyzed retrospectively. The operation was performed by STA-MCA M4 segment bypass via the frontotemporal approach. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the neurological function of patients.

Results

After operation, head computed tomography (CT) showed that there was no new infarction or hemorrhage in the operation area. CTA and CTP showed that the bypass vessel was unobstructed in 29 cases and the cerebral perfusion was improved in 31 cases. Among the 31 patients, 7 patients had postoperative complications and 13 patients had improvement of clinical symptoms. The other patients had no complications and the clinical symptoms remained unchanged. The mRs score of 31 patients after operation indicated that the neurological function was significantly improved than pre-operation. Of the 31 patients, 23 cases were followed up. The mRs score showed that the neurological function of these 23 patients was further improved than that at discharge. In addition, DSA (or CTA) and CTP showed that the bypass vessel was unobstructed and the cerebral perfusion was further improved.

Conclusion

STA-MCA bypass was an effective method for the treatment of MCA stenosis or occlusion. However, the results should be further verified by large sample, multi-center and long-term follow-up.
Efficient extraction and antioxidant activity of polyphenols from Antrodia cinnamomea
Authors: Chu JianZhi , Ming YongFei , Cui Qi , Zheng Na , Yang ShuDe , Li WeiHuan , Gao Hongwei , Zhang Rui , Cheng XianHao
Published: March 2022

Background

Antrodia cinnamomea, a rare medicinal fungus, has been increasingly studied in recent years because of its abundant secondary metabolites which are beneficial to humans. However, there is a lack of research on its polyphenols which are of good research value due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and other activities.

Results

In this study, the effects of different extraction conditions on the yield of its polyphenols were investigated. Deep-Eutectic Solvents composed of choline chloride and malonic acid had the best extraction efficiency, with the optimal extraction conditions being as follows: a solid–liquid ratio of 40 mg/mL, an extraction temperature of 55 °C, an extraction time of 70 min and a DES with 20% water content. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of polyphenols reached 22.09 mg/g which was about 2 times that of alcohol-based extraction (10.95 mg/g). In vitro antioxidant test results further showed that polyphenols from A. cinnamomea had strong antioxidant activities. When the concentration of polyphenols reached 0.1 mg/mL of polyphenols, the scavenging activity of free radical basically reached its maximum, with values of 94.10%, 83.34% and 95.42% for DPPH, ABTS+ and ·OH scavenging. In this case, the corresponding IC50 values were 0.01, 0.014 and 0.007 mg/mL, respectively.

Conclusions

This study lays the foundation for the efficient extraction and application of polyphenols from A. cinnamomea.