bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysing 3429 digital supervisory interactions between Community Health Workers in Uganda and Kenya: the development, testing and validation of an open access predictive machine learning web app
Authors: O’Donovan James , Kahn Ken , MacRae MacKenzie , Namanda Allan Saul , Hamala Rebecca , Kabali Ken , Geniets Anne , Lakati Alice , Mbae Simon M. , Winters Niall
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite the growth in mobile technologies (mHealth) to support Community Health Worker (CHW) supervision, the nature of mHealth-facilitated supervision remains underexplored. One strategy to support supervision at scale could be artificial intelligence (AI) modalities, including machine learning. We developed an open access, machine learning web application (CHWsupervisor) to predictively code instant messages exchanged between CHWs based on supervisory interaction codes. We document the development and validation of the web app and report its predictive accuracy.

Methods

CHWsupervisor was developed using 2187 instant messages exchanged between CHWs and their supervisors in Uganda. The app was then validated on 1242 instant messages from a separate digital CHW supervisory network in Kenya. All messages from the training and validation data sets were manually coded by two independent human coders. The predictive performance of CHWsupervisor was determined by comparing the primary supervisory codes assigned by the web app, against those assigned by the human coders and calculating observed percentage agreement and Cohen’s kappa coefficients.

Results

Human inter-coder reliability for the primary supervisory category of messages across the training and validation datasets was ‘substantial’ to ‘almost perfect’, as suggested by observed percentage agreements of 88–95% and Cohen’s kappa values of 0.7–0.91. In comparison to the human coders, the predictive accuracy of the CHWsupervisor web app was ‘moderate’, suggested by observed percentage agreements of 73–78% and Cohen’s kappa values of 0.51–0.56.

Conclusions

Augmenting human coding is challenging because of the complexity of supervisory exchanges, which often require nuanced interpretation. A realistic understanding of the potential of machine learning approaches should be kept in mind by practitioners, as although they hold promise, supportive supervision still requires a level of human expertise. Scaling-up digital CHW supervision may therefore prove challenging.

Trial registration: This was not a clinical trial and was therefore not registered as such.
Autoimmunity is a hallmark of post-COVID syndrome
Authors: Rojas Manuel , Rodríguez Yhojan , Acosta-Ampudia Yeny , Monsalve Diana M. , Zhu Chengsong , Li Quan-Zhen , Ramírez-Santana Carolina , Anaya Juan-Manuel
Published: March 2022

Autoimmunity has emerged as a characteristic of the post-COVID syndrome (PCS), which may be related to sex. In order to further investigate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and autoimmunity in PCS, a clinical and serological assessment on 100 patients was done. Serum antibody profiles against self-antigens and infectious agents were evaluated by an antigen array chip for 116 IgG and 104 IgM antibodies. Thirty pre-pandemic healthy individuals were included as a control group. The median age of patients was 49 years (IQR: 37.8 to 55.3). There were 47 males. The median post-COVID time was 219 (IQR: 143 to 258) days. Latent autoimmunity and polyautoimmunity were found in 83% and 62% of patients, respectively. Three patients developed an overt autoimmune disease. IgG antibodies against IL-2, CD8B, and thyroglobulin were found in more than 10% of the patients. Other IgG autoantibodies, such as anti-interferons, were positive in 5–10% of patients. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were found in > 85% of patients and were positively correlated with autoantibodies, age, and body mass index (BMI). Few autoantibodies were influenced by age and BMI. There was no effect of gender on the over- or under-expression of autoantibodies. IgG anti-IFN-λ antibodies were associated with the persistence of respiratory symptoms. In summary, autoimmunity is characteristic of PCS, and latent autoimmunity correlates with humoral response to SARS-CoV-2.
Melatonin increases bone mass in normal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal osteoporotic rats via the promotion of osteogenesis
Authors: Guan Huanshuai , Kong Ning , Tian Run , Cao Ruomu , Liu Guanzhi , Li Yiyang , Wei Qilu , Jiao Ming , Lei Yutian , Xing Fangze , Tian Peng , Wang Kunzheng , Yang Pei
Published: March 2022

Background

Osteoporosis is a disease threatening the health of millions of individuals. Melatonin is found to be a potential anti-osteoporosis drug. However, whether melatonin plays a role against osteoporosis at different stages of the menopause and the underlying mechanisms are unknown.

Methods

Ovariectomy was utilized as a model of perimenopausal and postmenopausal osteoporosis. A total of 100 mg/kg melatonin, or solvent alone, was added to the drinking water of the rats over 8 weeks. Perimenopausal rats immediately received intervention following ovariectomy while postmenopausal rats received intervention 8 weeks after ovariectomy. All rats underwent overdose anesthesia following intervention after which blood samples and femurs were collected for further analysis. Rat femurs were scanned using micro-CT and examined histologically. The serum levels of melatonin and osteogenic biochemical markers were measured and the expression of osteogenesis-associated genes (Runx2, Sp7) were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the gene expression (Col1a1, Runx2, Alpl, and Bglap) were measured after bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were osteogenically induced, both with and without melatonin in vitro. ALP staining and Alizarin Red S staining were used to identify osteogenesis.

Results

Analysis by micro-CT and histological staining demonstrated that bone mass decreased and bone microarchitecture deteriorated over time after ovariectomy. Intervention with melatonin increased bone mass in normal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal osteoporotic rats. Serum levels of ALP continuously increased after ovariectomy while osteocalcin levels initially rose, then decreased. Melatonin increased the serum levels of ALP and osteocalcin and mRNA expression levels of Runx2 and Sp7 in normal and postmenopausal rats, the opposite of the markers in perimenopausal rats. In vitro study demonstrated that 100 μmol/L melatonin increased the mRNA expression of Col1a1, Runx2, and Alpl three and/or seven days after intervention, and Alpl and Bglap 14 d after intervention. Melatonin increased ALP activity and the extent of ALP and matrix mineralization in the late stage of osteogenesis.

Conclusions

Bone mass continuously decreased after ovariectomy, while melatonin increased bone mass and ameliorated bone metabolism in normal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal osteoporotic rats due to the induction of osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs.
3D target location based on RFID polarization phase model
Authors: Shi Wei , Chen Zuhao , Zhao Kun , Xi Wei , Qu Yuhang , He Hui , Guo Zhenge , Ma Zhe , Huang Xuhui , Wang Peng , Dong Bo , Zhao Jizhong
Published: March 2022

The three-dimensional target position is vital to automatic driving, which can efficiently detect the geometrical shape of obstacles and achieve automatic environment recognition for both indoor and outdoor scenarios. In this paper, we propose an RFID 3D localization prototype based on the polarization phase model. To eliminate the impacts of tag angle, we leverage the polarization effect to obtain polarized phases. After that, we use polarized phase decomposition to get pure phases, i.e., the phase corresponding to the line of sight path. Hence, we can calculate the raw phases using the HMFCW algorithm. Finally, we can estimate the target’s 3D position according to unwrapped phase information. In this way, we implement a low-cost, high-precision, easy-for-deployment 3D position solution using commercial UHF RFID hardware. The experiments show that the method can obtain effective positioning results in various environments and achieve positioning accuracy with an average error of about 9 cm.
Structural change in the dairy sector: exit from farming and farm type change
Authors: Zorn Alexander , Zimmert Franziska
Published: March 2022

This paper analyses the factors driving structural change in Swiss dairy farming. We focus on the most important farm type in Switzerland, dairy farms, to examine which factors contribute to a farmer’s decision to abandon farming or change to suckler cow farm type. Swiss dairy farming is characterised by a high proportion of farms with animal welfare programmes and extensive use of grassland. This farm sector can therefore provide a blueprint for sustainable dairy farming, especially in mountain regions. Using administrative data from the agricultural policy information system, the results from logistic regression show that age is a major reason for farm exit. Interestingly, dairy farms that are more specialised reveal higher exit probabilities, whereas farm size in terms of employees and the number of dairy cows as well as the adherence to organic or animal welfare standards reduce the exit probabilities. Changes to the farm type suckler cow occur rather at younger age and by farms that are acquainted with organic and free-range animal husbandry. Finally, there are factors that differently influence farm exit and farm type change. These findings allow for the adjustment of policy instruments to better control structural change of the Swiss dairy farm sector. Given the partly conflicting economic and environmental objectives in agricultural policy, a profound understanding and control of structural development in the agricultural sector is pivotal.
Patient perspectives on premature termination of eating disorder treatment: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis
Authors: Vinchenzo Cecilia , Lawrence Vanessa , McCombie Catherine
Published: March 2022

Background

High rates of premature treatment termination are a well-reported issue in eating disorder treatment, and present a significant barrier for treatment effectiveness and longer term health outcomes of patients with eating disorders. Understanding patient perspectives on this phenomenon is essential in improving treatment completion rates and informing research and intervention development. The aim of this review is to synthesise qualitative literature on patient perspectives of premature termination of eating disorder treatment and to summarise the key issues leading to discontinuation of treatment.

Methods

A systematic review of 1222 articles was conducted to identify studies using qualitative methods to investigate patient experiences of prematurely terminating eating disorder treatment. Ten articles were included in the review, with thematic synthesis used to analyse the primary research and develop overarching analytical themes.

Results

Conflict around enmeshment of eating disorder with identity, and lack of support with reconstructing a sense of self without the eating disorder; challenges of managing pressures of social and clinical relationships while feeling unheard and misunderstood by both; expectations and disappointments around treatment; and dissatisfaction with progress were key themes behind premature termination of treatment.

Conclusions

The findings of this review demonstrate the key issues influencing the decision to end treatment early, highlighting the contribution of individual, environmental, and service-level factors. Implications of these factors are discussed and suggestions raised for future research and service development.
Implementing a peer-to-peer, self-management intervention for young people with depression and anxiety in Denmark
Authors: Lauridsen Sigurd , Nielsen Maj Britt Dahl , Kusier Amalie Oxholm , Cloos Camilla Øst , Jensen Marie Pil , Andersen Susan , Thygesen Lau Casper , Folker Anna Paldam
Published: March 2022

Background

Depressive and anxiety disorders share major risk factors and can often be effectively prevented or treated with similar interventions. However, less than half of young people with mental health problems seek professional help and hence innovative approaches to support this group are needed. To this end Coping with Anxiety and Depression shows promise. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the implementation of Coping with Anxiety and Depression for young people aged 15–25 years showing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in a Danish community setting.

Methods

The programme was implemented in 39 Danish municipalities. To evaluate the implementation of the programme, we collected quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously and subsequently we triangulated it in the data analysis. The qualitative data collection comprised semi-structured interviews in seven case municipalities. In each municipality we conducted interviews with a local municipality coordinator of the program, a group interview with two voluntary instructors facilitating the program and a group interview with two to seven participants in the programme. In total, seven local coordinators, 14 voluntary instructors and 23 participants (8 men and 15 women) were interviewed. We also carried out a baseline and post-intervention survey. Interview data was coded via an inductive and deductive analysis approach. Survey data was analysed via descriptive statistics in the statistical software programme STATA 16.

Results

The evaluation showed that the implementation of the programme is feasible, and that most participants (83%) were satisfied with the programme to a high/very high extent. In total, 84% of the participants strongly agreed/agreed that it was advantageous that instructors themselves had experience with anxiety and depression. Qualitative data showed that the participants were very positive about the group format. It also showed that recruitment and retention of participants and especially young instructors were challenging but doable. Thus our findings suggest that the programme can be implemented in a way that is perceived as useful and satisfying to young people.

Conclusions

Coping with Anxiety and Depression constitutes a feasible peer-to-peer, group-based community programme that is well-received by its target group. Recruitment and retention of participants and instructors is challenging but doable.
Effect of OSLM features and gamification motivators on motivation in DGBL: pupils' viewpoint
Authors: Leonardou Angeliki , Rigou Maria , Panagiotarou Aliki , Garofalakis John
Published: March 2022

The primary question of this study is whether OLM and OSLM mechanisms, when used in a digital game, offer higher motivation. Furthermore, the study investigates whether a game’s aesthetics and mechanics support players’ intrinsic motivation. Both claims are tested through the design, implementation and pilot use of the Multiplication Game (MG). MG is a digital learning activity that supports pupils in achieving multiplication competence and provides teacher a dashboard to assess and watch own pupils’ performance. The game enriched with gamification elements to engage and motivate participants. Three versions of the game were used by pupils: without any Open Learner Modeling (OLM) support (i.e. without providing access to own progress data), with OLM support and with Open Social Learner Modeling (OSLM) support, to investigate the difference in motivation among these characteristics. After using the MG for a 2-month period, pupils answered a questionnaire anonymously to express their opinion about MG mechanics, MG aesthetics and intrinsic motivation MG can offer. Furthermore, the corresponding teachers were interviewed to provide insights on their attitude towards MG and its functionalities. A statistically significant difference in Intrinsic Motivation (IM) between the three different MG versions was found and a statistically significant difference in MG Aesthetics and Mechanics between the different grades of primary school. Additionally, Intrinsic Motivation was positively correlated with gamification motivators and MG Aesthetics. Participating teachers stated that MG can improve pupils’ multiplication competence and it is worthy of a stable place in the instructional procedure, as it is a means of pupils’ progress tracking and (self-) assessment, as well as a fun way of practicing and developing multiplication skills.
Biomineralization of lithium nanoparticles by Li-resistant Pseudomonas rodhesiae isolated from the Atacama salt flat
Authors: Bruna N. , Galliani E. , Oyarzún P. , Bravo D. , Fuentes F. , Pérez-Donoso J. M.
Published: March 2022

Background

The Atacama salt flat is located in northern Chile, at 2300 m above sea level, and has a high concentration of lithium, being one of the main extraction sites in the world. The effect of lithium on microorganism communities inhabiting environments with high concentrations of this metal has been scarcely studied. A few works have studied the microorganisms present in lithium-rich salt flats (Uyuni and Hombre Muerto in Bolivia and Argentina, respectively). Nanocrystals formation through biological mineralization has been described as an alternative for microorganisms living in metal-rich environments to cope with metal ions. However, bacterial lithium biomineralization of lithium nanostructures has not been published to date. In the present work, we studied lithium-rich soils of the Atacama salt flat and reported for the first time the biological synthesis of Li nanoparticles.

Results

 Bacterial communities were evaluated and a high abundance of Cellulomonas, Arcticibacter, Mucilaginibacter, and Pseudomonas were determined. Three lithium resistant strains corresponding to Pseudomonas rodhesiae, Planomicrobium koreense, and Pseudomonas sp. were isolated (MIC > 700 mM). High levels of S2− were detected in the headspace of P. rodhesiae and Pseudomonas sp. cultures exposed to cysteine. Accordingly, biomineralization of lithium sulfide-containing nanomaterials was determined in P. rodhesiae exposed to lithium salts and cysteine. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of ultrathin sections of P. rodhesiae cells biomineralizing lithium revealed the presence of nanometric materials. Lithium sulfide-containing nanomaterials were purified, and their size and shape determined by dynamic light scattering and TEM. Spherical nanoparticles with an average size < 40 nm and a hydrodynamic size ~ 44.62 nm were determined.

Conclusions

We characterized the bacterial communities inhabiting Li-rich extreme environments and reported for the first time the biomineralization of Li-containing nanomaterials by Li-resistant bacteria. The biosynthesis method described in this report could be used to recover lithium from waste batteries and thus provide a solution to the accumulation of batteries.
A right pulmonary vein abnormality treated with 3D CT assistance in thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal cancer: a case report
Authors: Kuwayama Naoki , Hoshino Isamu , Gunji Hisashi , Tonooka Toru , Soda Hiroaki , Kurosaki Takeshi , Takiguchi Nobuhiro , Nabeya Yoshihiro , Takayama Wataru
Published: March 2022

Background

Anomalous bifurcation of the right superior pulmonary vein is an important anomaly that should be recognized not only in respiratory and cardiac surgeries, but also in esophageal surgery for the safe performance of surgery. We report a case in which thoracoscopic esophagectomy was safely performed using preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) imaging.

Case presentation

An 81-year-old male patient received an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a 20-cm incisor at the entrance, 43-cm EGJ, and 30-mm large type 1 + IIc lesion between the 23-cm and 26-cm incisors; biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Contrast-enhanced CT showed wall thickening in the anterior wall of the upper thoracic esophagus, without evidence of multi-organ invasion or lymph node metastasis. In addition, a break in the right pulmonary vein passing dorsal to the right main bronchus and flowing directly into the left atrium was observed, and 3D CT was performed preoperatively to confirm the 3D positioning. Positron emission tomography (PET)–CT showed a high degree of accumulation (SUVmax 19.95) in the upper thoracic esophagus. The patient was diagnosed with upper thoracic esophageal cancer, cT2N0M0 cStage II, and underwent thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy (three-region dissection) and gastric tube reconstruction. The dorsal inflow of the pulmonary vein in the right main bronchus, which was recognized on preoperative CT, was confirmed and preserved. The pathological diagnosis was basaloid squamous cell carcinoma, pT1b(SM1)N0(0/58)M0 pStage I. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 20.

Conclusions

The anomalous bifurcation of the pulmonary vein in the right upper lobe area required attention because of its potential to cause massive bleeding and difficulty in securing the operative field if misidentified and damaged during surgery. Although it is not frequently encountered, it is the bifurcation anomaly that esophageal surgeons must bear in mind due to its severe consequences. Preoperative image-reading and intraoperative manipulation of this vessel are imperative for surgical safety.
Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in adolescents: case report and systematic review
Authors: Castillo-López M. G. , Fernandez M. F. , Sforza N. , Barbás N. C. , Pattin F. , Mendez G. , Ogresta F. , Gondolesi I. , Barros Schelotto P. , Musso C. , Gondolesi G. E.
Published: March 2022

Background

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is the most common cause of severe and persistent hypoglycemia in neonates and children. It is a heterogeneous condition with dysregulated insulin secretion, which persists in the presence of low blood glucose levels.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 15 year-old male with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, who underwent a subtotal pancreatectomy after inadequate response to medical therapy. Pathological examination was positive for nesidioblastosis (diffuse β-cell hyperplasia by H-E and immunohistochemical techniques). The patient’s blood glucose levels normalized after surgery and he remains asymptomatic after 1 year of follow-up. The systematic review allowed us to identify 41 adolescents from a total of 205 cases reported in 22 manuscripts, from a total of 454 found in the original search done in PubMed and Lilacs.

Conclusions

Although very well reported in children, hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia can occur in adolescents or young adults, as it happens in our reported case. These patients can be seen, treated and reported by pediatricians or adult teams either way due to the wide age range used to define adolescence. Most of them do not respond to medical treatment, and subtotal distal pancreatectomy has become the elected procedure with excellent long-term response in the vast majority.
Assessing parents’ self-efficacy to handle child obesity-related behaviors: validation of the Lifestyle Behavior Checklist in Iran
Authors: Omidvar Nasrin , Narmcheshm Saba , Eini-Zinab Hassan , Amiri Parisa , Sobhani Sayyed Reza , Doustmohammadian Azam
Published: March 2022

Background

The aim of the present study was to validate the Lifestyle Behavior Checklist (LBC) questionnaire, to measure Iranian parents' perceptions of their children's weight-related behaviors and their self-efficacy in dealing with those behaviors.

Methods

The LBC was translated into Farsi. Face and content validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by an expert panel. A total of 213 mothers of 3–12-year-old children responded to the questionnaire. Criterion validity of the questionnaire was evaluated through comparing its result with a parenting style questionnaire. Principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were used to evaluate construct validity of the questionnaire. Reproducibility was measured by twice administration of LBC, one month apart and using Spearman's rho correlation test. The questionnaire's internal consistency was assessed by calculating Cronbach's α.

Results

LBC Problem scale was significantly correlated with authoritarian parenting style score, while the Confidence scale was significantly correlated with authoritative and negatively with permissive and authoritarian parenting styles. PCA suggested a six-factor construct, including, fussy eating, food-related problem behaviors, overeating behaviors, low interest in physical activity, poor self-image and sedentary behaviors. The results of CFA indicated acceptable fit indices for the proposed models. Both, Problem scale (Cronbach's α = 0.8) and Confidence scale (Cronbach's α = 0.95) had high internal consistency. Spearman correlation coefficients indicated acceptable reproducibility for both the Problem scale (r = 0.74) and the Confidence scale (r = 0.70).

Conclusions

The Farsi version of LBC questionnaire is reliable and reasonably valid to measure Iranian mothers' perception of their children's weight-related problem behavior.
Prognostic value of patient-reported outcome measures in adult heart-transplant patients: a systematic review
Authors: Villa Bernardo Perez , Alotaibi Sultan , Brozzi Nicolas , Spindler Kurt P. , Navia Jose , Hernandez-Montfort Jaime
Published: March 2022

Background

The aim of this systematic review was to describe the prognostic value of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in adult heart-transplant (HT) patients.

Methods

A systematic search was performed on Ovid Medline, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and PubMed. The study protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42021225398), and the last search was performed on January 7, 2021. We included studies of adult HT patients where generic and disease-specific PROMs were used as prognostic indicators for survival, readmissions, HT complications, and the onset of new comorbidities. We excluded studies that used clinician-reported and patient-experience outcomes. The Quality in Prognosis Studies tool (QUIPS) was used to measure the risk of bias of the included studies.

Results

We included five observational studies between 1987 and 2015, whose populations’ mean age ranged from 43 to 56 years and presented a higher proportion of males than females. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire demonstrated a negative correlation with readmissions (coefficient = − 1.177, p = 0.031), and the EQ-5D showed a negative correlation with the onset of neuromuscular disease after HT (coefficient = − 0.158, p < 0.001). The Millon Behavioral Health Inventory and the Nottingham Health Profile demonstrated a statistically significant association as survival predictors (p = 0.002 and p < 0.05, respectively). A moderate overall risk of bias was reported in three studies, one study resulted in a low risk of bias, and a proportion of more than 75% of males in each of the studies. High heterogeneity between the studies impeded establishing a link between PROMs and prognostic value.

Conclusion

There is low evidence supporting PROMs usage as prognostic tools in adult HT patients. Comparing outcomes of PROMS to routine prognostic in wider and systematic settings is warranted. Systematic use of PROMs in clinical settings is warranted.
Rare cause of duodenal obstruction in a young-age female: a case report
Authors: Tag-Adeen Mohammed , Abdellatif Abeer Awad , Kamel Ahmed Hosni , Alboraie Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Background

Gastrointestinal tract can be compressed by many vascular structures in the abdomen; such compressions may be incidentally found or may result in compression symptoms like abdominal pain and vomiting.

Case presentation

We illustrate an uncommon cause of extrinsic compression of the third part of the duodenum by jejunal branches of the superior mesenteric artery in an 18-year-old female, presented with dull-aching epigastric pain and vomiting. Contrast Enhanced Computerized Tomography (CECT) showed atypical origin of the jejunal branches of superior mesenteric artery with relative space narrowing between it and the aorta, causing significant compression on the third part of the duodenum. Barium follow-through confirmed indentation of the duodenal lumen at the same level of the aberrant vessel. Conservative treatment failed to control her symptoms, and the patient referred to the surgery.

Conclusion

High index of suspicion is required for diagnosis of atypical causes of upper abdominal pain and vomiting. CECT guided by a well-descriptive comment of the treating doctor is very helpful diagnostic tool for detecting such rare condition. Barium studies still have a valuable role for determining the level of obstruction and confirming the diagnosis of such rare cases.
Influence of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on a sample of Egyptian children with Down syndrome
Authors: Meguid Nagwa A. , Nashaat Neveen Hassan , Abdallah Hanaa Reyad , Hemimi Maha , Elnahry Ahmed , El-Hariri Hazem Mohamed , Elsaeid Amal
Published: March 2022

Background

Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by variable degrees of intellectual disability (ID). The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) lockdown prevented children with DS from reaching their rehabilitation facilities. This could have led to deterioration of their abilities and mental health hazards. The aim of this cohort study was to investigate frequency of COVID-19, the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on health, and some abilities of children with DS, and to explore factors that could have governed receiving home-based training during the lockdown. A survey of 150 individuals with Down syndrome was answered by their caregivers. Additionally, 135 participants were subjected to assessment of cognitive, language, and motor abilities using Portage program. They were divided into 2 groups: group I who received online therapy sessions during the lockdown and group II who did not receive sessions. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors which influenced getting home-based training.

Results

The percentage of COVID-19 cases was 3.3%. All evaluated abilities were reduced despite receiving online sessions particularly language performance (P < 0.001). Male gender, having severe ID and low parental education were among the factors which encouraged parents to get virtual training.

Conclusion

COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the abilities of DS children even those who got rehabilitation sessions. Their dependence on social interaction could have limited the benefit of virtual sessions. Factors that influence a parent’s decision to get home-based training should be monitored and targeted in order to overcome obstacles or concepts that may prevent families from enduring home-based intervention.
Investigation of miR-222 as a potential biomarker in diagnosis of patients with methamphetamine abuse disorder
Authors: Fathi Shima , Soltanzadeh Hossein , Tanomand Asghar , Asadi Zahra , Rezai Moradali Saman
Published: March 2022

Background

Methamphetamine abuse disorder is an important social and health problem worldwide. Diagnosis and confirmation of patients with methamphetamine abuse using serum are important in many fields. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding oligonucleotides and recently suggested as a biomarker for earlier diagnosis of several human disorders. Therefore, in this study, we investigated miR-222 and miR-212 expressions in blood of patients with methamphetamine abuse disorder comparison with healthy control subjects.

Results

The results revealed that the expression of blood miR-222 is significantly increased (12.9-fold change) in patients with methamphetamine abuse disorders compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). However, expression of miR-212 is at the same levels in both patients and healthy controls (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

In general, we suggested that the miR-222 may play a potentially important role in pathogenesis of methamphetamine abuse disorder and can be considered as an applied tool for identifying individuals with methamphetamine abuse disorder.
A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) in Biology: Developing Systems Thinking through Field Experiences in Restoration Ecology
Authors: Stanfield Erin , Slown Corin D. , Sedlacek Quentin , Worcester Suzanne E.
Published: March 2022

Instituting a field-based CURE for all biology and allied majors creates a transformative experience wherein students view themselves as active members in the scientific community who are connected to the place they live, increasing equity that can have far-reaching implications.
Undergraduate GPA Predicts Biochemistry PhD Completion and Is Associated with Time to Degree
Authors: Mendoza-Sanchez Itza , deGruyter Justine N. , Savage Nowlan T. , Polymenis Michael
Published: March 2022

Complex biases may inherently limit efforts to identify predictors of success in PhD programs. Nonetheless, undergraduate performance and experience captured by the student’s GPA may hold predictive value about completing a PhD. However, once past that threshold, other factors may be the major determinants of productivity during the PhD.
Lack of Concordance in Symptomatic Adverse Event Reporting by Children, Clinicians, and Caregivers: Implications for Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Freyer David R. , Lin Li , Mack Jennifer W. , Maurer Scott H. , McFatrich Molly , Baker Justin N. , Jacobs Shana S. , Lucas Nicole , Withycombe Janice S. , Tomlinson Deborah , Villabroza Katie Rose , Waldron Mia K. , Hinds Pamela S. , Reeve Bryce B.
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

To examine concordance in symptomatic adverse event (AE) grading using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE 4.0) for clinicians and its patient-reported outcome (PRO) versions for children (Ped-PRO-CTCAE) and caregivers (Ped-PRO-CTCAE [Caregiver]).

METHODS

Children age 7-18 years with a first cancer diagnosis, their clinicians, and caregivers completed CTCAE-based measures before starting a treatment course (T1) and after the treatment (T2). Grades (0-3) were assigned by each reporter for 15 core AEs spanning physical and mental health. Mean grades were compared between reporters using two-sample t-tests; agreement was estimated using weighted kappa (κ) statistics. Multivariable mixed regression models were used to evaluate associations of clinical factors with AE reporting concordance. Significance was set at α = .05 (two-sided).

RESULTS

There were 438 child-clinician-caregiver triads with complete data at either T1 or T2. For children, the mean age was 13 years (standard deviation = 3.4), 53.7% were male, 32.6% non-White, and 56.4% had leukemia/lymphoma. At T1, clinician mean AE grades were significantly lower (ie, better) than children for all AEs and remained significantly lower at T2 except for constipation, nausea, anorexia, neuropathy, and anxiety. Caregiver mean AE grades were similar to children at T1 and significantly higher (ie, worse) at T2 for nausea, vomiting, anorexia, pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Agreement for child-clinician grading was poor-to-fair at T1 (κ range, 0.08-0.34) and T2 (0.11-0.35), and for child-caregiver, was fair-to-good at T1 (0.34-0.65) and T2 (0.24-0.60). No factors were consistently associated with reporter concordance across AEs.

CONCLUSION

Compared with children, symptomatic AEs were consistently under-reported by clinicians with low agreement and over-reported by caregivers with low-moderate agreement. Direct reporting by children using Ped-PRO-CTCAE or similar measures should be routinely incorporated for toxicity assessment in clinical trials.
Safety, Feasibility, and Merits of Longitudinal Molecular Testing of Multiple Metastatic Sites to Inform mTNBC Patient Treatment in the Intensive Trial of Omics in Cancer
Authors: Burton Kimberly A. , Mahen Elisabeth , Konnick Eric Quentin , Blau Sibel , Dorschner Michael O. , Ramirez Arturo B. , Schmechel Stephen C. , Song Chaozhong , Parulkar Rahul , Parker Stephanie , Senecal Francis Mark , Pritchard Colin C. , Mecham Brigham H. , Szeto Christopher , Spilman Patricia , Zhu Jingchun , Gadi Vijayakrishna K. , Ronen Roy , Stilwell Jackie , Kaldjian Eric , Dutkowski Janusz , Benz Stephen Charles , Rabizadeh Shahrooz , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Blau C. Anthony
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

Patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) have poor outcomes. The Intensive Trial of Omics in Cancer (ITOMIC) sought to determine the feasibility and potential efficacy of informing treatment decisions through multiple biopsies of mTNBC deposits longitudinally over time, accompanied by analysis using a distributed network of experts.

METHODS

Thirty-one subjects were enrolled and 432 postenrollment biopsies performed (clinical and study-directed) of which 332 were study-directed. Molecular profiling included whole-genome sequencing or whole-exome sequencing, cancer-associated gene panel sequencing, RNA-sequencing, and immunohistochemistry. To afford time for analysis, subjects were initially treated with cisplatin (19 subjects), or another treatment they had not received previously. The results were discussed at a multi-institutional ITOMIC Tumor Board, and a report transmitted to the subject's oncologist who arrived at the final treatment decision in conjunction with the subject. Assistance was provided to access treatments that were predicted to be effective.

RESULTS

Multiple biopsies in single settings and over time were safe, and comprehensive analysis was feasible. Two subjects were found to have lung cancer, one had carcinoma of unknown primary site, tumor samples from three subjects were estrogen receptor–positive and from two others, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive. Two subjects withdrew. Thirty-four of 112 recommended treatments were accessed using approved drugs, clinical trials, and single-patient investigational new drugs. After excluding the three subjects with nonbreast cancers and the two subjects who withdrew, 22 of 26 subjects (84.6%) received at least one ITOMIC Tumor Board–recommended treatment.

CONCLUSION

Further exploration of this approach in patients with mTNBC is merited.
Quantum Hall effect and magnetothermoelectric properties in a periodically modulated three-dimensional electron gas
Authors: Qi G. Y. , Ge Y. F. , Deng M. X. , Ma R. , Geng H. , Sheng L. , Chen W. , Xing D. Y.
Published: March 2022

In a periodically modulated three-dimensional (3D) electron gas subject to a magnetic field, the Hall conductivity exhibits quantized plateaus, which well correspond to the zero values of the transverse conductivity, a clear signature of the emergence of 3D quantum Hall effect (QHE). We develop a semiclassical theory for the 3D QHE system, taking into account the effect of the Landau level broadening and finite temperatures, to calculate the conductivities and thermoelectric transport coefficients. Our theory provides a concise unified theoretical description for the complex oscillation behavior of the conductivities and thermoelectric transport coefficients in a 3D QHE system. It may serve as a valuable assistance for understanding the simultaneously measured electrical and thermoelectric data in experiments.
SHBG, Bone Mineral Density, and Physical Function Among Injection Drug Users With and Without HIV and HCV
Authors: Dias Jenny Pena , Piggott Damani A , Sun Jing , Wehbeh Leen , Garza Joshua , Abraham Alison , Astemborski Jacquie , Moseley Kendall F , Basaria Shehzad , Varadhan Ravi , Brown Todd T
Published: March 2022

Context

Sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein that regulates the bioavailability of sex hormones and is higher in people with HIV (PWH) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). SHBG is associated with aging-related diseases, including osteoporosis and frailty in the general population. However, the relationship between SHBG concentration and bone mineral density (BMD) and physical function among PWH and HCV is unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the association between chronic infection with HIV and HCV and SHBG, and to assess the relationship of circulating SHBG concentrations with low BMD, physical function impairment, and frailty.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted of 278 HCV-exposed (HCV antibody positive) adults enrolled with and without HIV and HCV from the AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience cohort study into 4 groups: HCV–/HIV–, HCV–/HIV+, HCV+/HIV–, and HCV+/HIV+. We evaluated the association between SHBG concentrations and grip strength, gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery score, frailty (Fried Frailty Phenotype), and BMD (lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck T-score) by using adjusted multivariable regression stratified by sex.

Results

SHBG concentrations were higher in women, in those with HIV RNA greater than 400 copies/mL (P = .02) and HCV RNA greater than 15 IU/mL (P < .001). In adjusted models, higher SHBG concentrations among women were statistically significantly associated with lower grip strength (–0.43 [95% CI, –0.77 to –0.081] kg/10 nmol/L, P < .05), higher odds of frailty (odds ratio, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.07 to 2.08], P < .05), and lower T-scores at the lumbar spine (–0.070 [95% CI, –0.15 to –0.001] SD/10 nmol/L T-score BMD, P < .05). Similar associations were not observed among men.

Conclusion

Higher SHBG concentrations are associated with the presence of HIV and HCV viremia. Among women, but not men, higher SHBG concentrations were associated with lower grip strength, higher odds of frailty, and lower lumbar spine BMD. The underlying mechanisms of these associations require further investigation.
BMI and Contraceptives Affect New Age-, Sex-, and Puberty-adjusted IGF-I and IGFBP-3 Reference Ranges Across Life Span
Authors: Hörenz Charlott , Vogel Mandy , Wirkner Kerstin , Ceglarek Uta , Thiery Joachim , Pfäffle Roland , Kiess Wieland , Kratzsch Jürgen
Published: March 2022

Context

Various clinical factors influencing serum levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and its binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) are not entirely consistently described.

Objective

We asked whether body mass index (BMI), contraceptive drugs (CDs), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have potential effects on data for interpreting new age-, sex-, and puberty-adjusted reference ranges for IGF-I and IGFBP-3 serum levels.

Design and Setting

Subjects were mainly participants from 2 population-based cohort studies: the LIFE Child study of children and adolescents and the LIFE Adult study.

Participants

We investigated 9400 serum samples from more than 7000 healthy and 1278 obese subjects between 3 months and 81 years old.

Main Outcome Measures

Associations between IGF-I or IGFBP-3, measured with a new electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and the predictors BMI and CDs were estimated using hierarchical linear modeling.

Results

During infancy, obese children had up to 1 SD score (SDS) higher mean predicted IGF-I values, converging with levels of normal-weight subjects up to 13 years old. Between 20 and 40 years of age, obesity was related to up to −0.5 lower IGF-I SDS values than the predicted values. Obesity had less impact on IGFBP-3. Estrogen- and progestin-based CDs, but not HRT, decreased IGF-I and increased IGFBP-3 (P < 0.01) in adolescents (β IGF-I = −0.45, β IGFBP-3  = 0.94) and adults (β IGF-I = –0.43, β IGFBP-3  = 1.12). Conversely, progestin-based CDs were significantly positive associated with IGF-I (β IGF-I  =0.82).

Conclusions

BMI and CDs must be considered when assessing and interpreting the clinical relevance of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 measurements.
Life Course Socioeconomic Status and Healthy Longevity in China
Authors: Payne Collin F. , Xu Kim Qinzi
Published: March 2022

In 2020, China's population aged 60 or older exceeded 264 million, representing 25% of the global population in that age-group. Older adults in China experienced periods of dramatic political and social unrest in early life, as well as economic transformations leading to drastic improvements in living standards during adulthood and older age. However, the implications of life course socioeconomic status (SES) trajectories for healthy longevity in later life have not been systematically studied in China. We utilize data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to comprehensively investigate how early-life conditions and adult SES combine to influence healthy longevity in later life. We find that both childhood and adulthood SES are associated with late-life health. The largest disparities in life expectancy (LE) and disability-free LE are found between those with persistently low SES throughout life and those with consistently high SES. At age 45, the gap in total LE between the most advantaged and least advantaged groups is six years for men and five years for women. Despite China's major policy changes prioritizing equity in income and health care in recent decades, our findings suggest that dramatic health inequalities among older adults remain. Our findings extend the literature on the effect of socioeconomic patterns across the life course on gradients in later-life health and highlight continuing disparities in healthy longevity among older adults in China.
Characterization of a novel zebrafish model of SPEG-related centronuclear myopathy
Authors: Espinosa Karla G. , Geissah Salma , Groom Linda , Volpatti Jonathan , Scott Ian C. , Dirksen Robert T. , Zhao Mo , Dowling James J.
Published: March 2022

Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) is a congenital neuromuscular disorder caused by pathogenic variation in genes associated with membrane trafficking and excitation–contraction coupling (ECC). Bi-allelic autosomal-recessive mutations in striated muscle enriched protein kinase (SPEG) account for a subset of CNM patients. Previous research has been limited by the perinatal lethality of constitutive Speg knockout mice. Thus, the precise biological role of SPEG in developing skeletal muscle remains unknown. To address this issue, we generated zebrafish spega, spegb and spega;spegb (speg-DKO) mutant lines. We demonstrated that speg-DKO zebrafish faithfully recapitulate multiple phenotypes associated with CNM, including disruption of the ECC machinery, dysregulation of calcium homeostasis during ECC and impairment of muscle performance. Taking advantage of zebrafish models of multiple CNM genetic subtypes, we compared novel and known disease markers in speg-DKO with mtm1-KO and DNM2-S619L transgenic zebrafish. We observed Desmin accumulation common to all CNM subtypes, and Dnm2 upregulation in muscle of both speg-DKO and mtm1-KO zebrafish. In all, we establish a new model of SPEG-related CNM, and identify abnormalities in this model suitable for defining disease pathomechanisms and evaluating potential therapies.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper.
Elastic Molecular Crystals: Their Deformation-Induced Reversible Unit Cell Changes with Specific Poisson Effect
Authors: Hayashi Shotaro
Published: March 2022

Detailed investigation of macroscopic deformation and nanoscopic structural changes in flexible organic crystals poses challenges for investigators. Herein, applied stress and subsequent relaxation of elastic organic crystals resulted in reversible macroscopic crystal deformation. X-ray diffraction with a curved stage-jig revealed reversible nanoscopic structural unit cell changes in the crystal structure under the bending stress and relaxation. The crystal lattice changed quantitatively under the applied macroscopic stress-strain (%). This method enables quantitative monitoring of the dynamic nanoscopic structural changes in detail associated with crystal deformation through the use of standard laboratory X-ray diffraction analysis. Importantly, the developed method offers a way of quantitatively measuring reversible structural changes, without synchrotron X-ray analysis. Moreover, the analysis derives Poisson’s ratio, i.e., the ratio of the change in the width per unit width of materials. It is important in materials science, and normally has a positive value in the range of 0.2–0.5. However, the crystals show not only the “Poisson effect” but also the unusual “negative Poisson effect”. This novel approach for investigation generates unprecedented opportunities for understanding dynamic nano-structural unit cell changes in flexible organic crystals.