bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ingestion of miso regulates immunological robustness in mice
Authors: Kotake Kunihiko , Kumazawa Toshihiko , Nakamura Kiminori , Shimizu Yu , Ayabe Tokiyoshi , Adachi Takahiro
Published: January 2022

In Japan, there is a long history of consumption of miso, a fermented soybean paste, which possesses beneficial effects on human health. However, the mechanism behind these effects is not fully understood. To clarify the effects of miso on immune cells, we evaluated its immunomodulatory activity in mice. Miso did not alter the percentage of B and T cells in the spleen; however, it increased CD69+ B cells, germinal center B cells and regulatory T cells. Anti-DNA immunoglobulin M antibodies, which prevent autoimmune disease, were increased following ingestion of miso. Transcriptome analysis of mouse spleen cells cultured with miso and its raw material revealed that the expression of genes, including interleukin (IL)-10, IL-22 and CD86, was upregulated. Furthermore, intravital imaging of the small intestinal epithelium using a calcium biosensor mouse line indicated that miso induced Ca2+ signaling in a manner similar to that of probiotics. Thus, ingestion of miso strengthened the immune response and tolerance in mice. These results appear to account, at least in part, to the salubrious effects of miso.
Linking protein structural and functional change to mutation using amino acid networks
Authors: Sotomayor-Vivas Cristina , Hernández-Lemus Enrique , Dorantes-Gilardi Rodrigo
Published: January 2022

The function of a protein is strongly dependent on its structure. During evolution, proteins acquire new functions through mutations in the amino-acid sequence. Given the advance in deep mutational scanning, recent findings have found functional change to be position dependent, notwithstanding the chemical properties of mutant and mutated amino acids. This could indicate that structural properties of a given position are potentially responsible for the functional relevance of a mutation. Here, we looked at the relation between structure and function of positions using five proteins with experimental data of functional change available. In order to measure structural change, we modeled mutated proteins via amino-acid networks and quantified the perturbation of each mutation. We found that structural change is position dependent, and strongly related to functional change. Strong changes in protein structure correlate with functional loss, and positions with functional gain due to mutations tend to be structurally robust. Finally, we constructed a computational method to predict functionally sensitive positions to mutations using structural change that performs well on all five proteins with a mean precision of 74.7% and recall of 69.3% of all functional positions.
The epidemiology, treatment patterns, healthcare utilizations and costs of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Huai-Hsuan , Chen Chieh-Min , Wang Chen-Yu , Hsu William Wei-Yuan , Chen Ho-Min , Ko Bor-Sheng , Hsiao Fei-Yuan
Published: January 2022

Backgrounds

An increasing incidence of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) has been reported in several Western countries. However, the epidemiology of AML in Asia is very limited. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline of AML, a range of conventional therapy options is available to AML patients. Nevertheless, different treatment strategies may result in diverse healthcare utilization and costs. Understanding the treatment patterns, healthcare utilization and costs of AML would thus be essential for clinicians and policymakers to optimize the treatment strategies of AML.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence, treatment patterns, healthcare utilization and costs of AML in Taiwan using a nationwide population database.

Methods

We retrospectively identified AML patients diagnosed from 2006 to 2015 from the Taiwan Cancer Registry Database (TCRD) and estimated the epidemiology of AML in Taiwan. The TCRD was linked to National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to collect the treatment patterns and health care utilization. Patients diagnosed with AML from 2011 to 2015 were further identified to analyze treatment patterns, healthcare utilization and costs.

Results

The crude annual incidence of AML increased from 2.78 to 3.21 cases per 100,000 individuals from 2006 to 2015. However, the age-standardized rate (ASRs) of AML slightly declined from 2.47 to 2.41 cases per 100,000 individuals in the same period. Among 2,179 AML patients who received induction therapy (median age: 56 years), most of them (n = 1744; 80.04%) received standard-dose cytarabine (SDAC) regimen. The remaining 162 patients received high dose cytarabine (HDAC) and 273 patients received non-standard dose cytarabine (N-SDAC) regimen as the induction therapy. The median medical costs in our study for patients treated with chemotherapy alone was $42,271 for HDAC, $36,199 for SDAC and $36,250 for N-SDAC. For those who received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) after induction therapy, their median medical costs were $78,876 for HDAC, $78,593 for SDAC and $79,776 for N-SDAC.

Conclusions

This study is the first population-based study conducted in Asia to provide updated and comprehensive information on epidemiology, treatment patterns and healthcare resource utilization and costs of AML.
The last stretch: Barriers to and facilitators of full immunization among children in Nepal’s Makwanpur District, results from a qualitative study
Authors: Paul Alicia M. , Nepal Shraddha , Upreti Kamana , Lohani Jeevan , Rimal Rajiv N.
Published: January 2022

Background

Approximately 35% of Nepal’s children have not received all recommended vaccines, and barriers to immunization exist on both the demand- (i.e., access, affordability, acceptance) and supply- (i.e., logistics, infrastructure) sides.

Objective

This article describes a formative study to understand the barriers to and facilitators of immunization in Makwanpur, Nepal from both the demand- and supply-sides.

Methods

Through in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions (N = 76), we assessed knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with immunization; social norms related to immunization; perceptions of local health facilities; and descriptions of client-provider relationships. Data were analyzed using an iterative, grounded theory approach.

Results

Three major themes emerged, including positive demand of vaccines, lack of mutual trust between service seekers and service providers, and internal and external motivators of vaccine supply. On the demand-side, caregivers reported high levels of immunization-related awareness, knowledge, and acceptance, largely perceived to be due to a generational shift. On the supply-side, providers expressed passion for their work despite lack of support from local authorities and a desire for more training. Between caregivers and providers, lack of mutual trust emerged as a prominent barrier, revealing a cycle of positive service bias.

Conclusions

We identified mutual trust as a key pathway toward reaching full immunization coverage in Nepal and we recommend future interventions adopt an approach which focuses on removing social barriers (i.e., distrust) and structural barriers (i.e., opening hours, neglected infrastructure) to immunization.
The effectiveness and characteristics of mHealth interventions to increase adolescent’s use of Sexual and Reproductive Health services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Onukwugha Franklin I. , Smith Lesley , Kaseje Dan , Wafula Charles , Kaseje Margaret , Orton Bev , Hayter Mark , Magadi Monica
Published: January 2022

Background

mHealth innovations have been proposed as an effective solution to improving adolescent access to and use of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services; particularly in regions with deeply entrenched traditional social norms. However, research demonstrating the effectiveness and theoretical basis of the interventions is lacking.

Aim

Our aim was to describe mHealth intervention components, assesses their effectiveness, acceptability, and cost in improving adolescent’s uptake of SRH services in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

This paper is based on a systematic review. Twenty bibliographic databases and repositories including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL, were searched using pre-defined search terms. Of the 10, 990 records screened, only 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. The mERA checklist was used to critically assess the transparency and completeness in reporting of mHealth intervention studies. The behaviour change components of mHealth interventions were coded using the taxonomy of Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs). The protocol was registered in the ‘International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews’ (PROSPERO-CRD42020179051).

Results

The results showed that mHealth interventions were effective and improved adolescent’s uptake of SRH services across a wide range of services. The evidence was strongest for contraceptive use. Interventions with two-way interactive functions and more behaviour change techniques embedded in the interventions improved adolescent uptake of SRH services to greater extent. Findings suggest that mHealth interventions promoting prevention or treatment adherence for HIV for individuals at risk of or living with HIV are acceptable to adolescents, and are feasible to deliver in SSA. Limited data from two studies reported interventions were inexpensive, however, none of the studies evaluated cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

There is a need to develop mHealth interventions tailored for adolescents which are theoretically informed and incorporate effective behaviour change techniques. Such interventions, if low cost, have the potential to be a cost-effective means to improve the sexual and reproductive health outcomes in SSA.
Uterine prolapse and associated factors among reproductive-age women in south-west Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Badacho Abebe Sorsa , Lelu Mengistu Auro , Gelan Zegeye , Woltamo Deginesh Dawit
Published: January 2022

Background

Uterine prolapse is an important but neglected public health problem that causes maternal morbidity and mortality in women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. However, little data are available concerning uterine prolapse in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with uterine prolapse in women of reproductive age in Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Loma Woreda, Dawro, south-west Ethiopia, in November and December 2019. Four hundred and twenty-two randomly selected women of reproductive age participated in the study. Face-to-face interviews with a pre-structured questionnaire collected data, and diagnoses were made clinically. Epi Data v3.2.1 and SPSS v24 were used for data entry, processing, and analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to determine associations between dependent and independent variables. Variables with P-values less than 0.25 in bivariate logistic regression were further examined using multivariate logistic regression to investigate associations between the dependent variable and independent variables.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 35.4 ±7.994 years. The prevalence of symptomatic and anatomical uterine prolapse was 6.6% (28) and 5.9% (25), respectively. The prevalence of anatomical prolapse was used as a reference when determining associated factors. Age at first marriage (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 0.25, 95%CI 0.07, 0.89), place of delivery (AOR: 3.33, 95%CI 1.21, 9.13), birth attendant-assisted delivery (AOR 0.21; 95%CI 0.06, 0.71), and history of abortion (AOR: 2.94, 95%CI 1.08, 7.97) were found significantly and independently associated with the prevalence of uterine prolapse.

Conclusion

Uterine prolapse is common in women of reproductive age. Age at first marriage, place of delivery, birth attendant-assisted delivery, and history of abortion were independent predictors of the prevalence of uterine prolapse. We recommend that the health system link primary health care to hospital-set for uterine prolapse treatment programs. Health institution delivery should be encouraged by the local government. Early marriage and unwanted pregnancy need to be prevented through appropriate strategies.
Effect of soil mulching on agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in China: A meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Chan , Liu Xufei
Published: January 2022

Human demand for food has been increasing as population grows around the world. Meanwhile, global temperature has been rising with the increase of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although soil mulching (SM) is an effective method to increase crop yield because it could conserve soil moisture and temperature, it is also an important factor affecting GHG productions and emissions. At present, research results in terms of the impact of SM on agricultural GHG emissions are still inconsistent. Therefore, a meta-analysis was used to quantitatively analyze the impact of SM on crop yield and GHG emissions in China. Overall, SM significantly enhanced not only crop yield, but also GHG emissions. Compared with no soil mulching (NSM), SM improved crop yield by 21.84%, while increased global warming potential (GWP) by 11.38%. To minimize the negative impact of SM on GHG, for maize and wheat in arid, semi-arid and semi-humid zones, it is recommended to use flat full mulching with grave or straw plus drip irrigation under neutral or weakly alkaline soil with bulk density <1.3g cm-3. For rice in humid regions, it is advisable to apply SM to minimize GHG emissions by significantly decreasing CH4 emissions.
Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for Dads: A piloted randomized trial of public health surveillance of recent fathers’ behaviors before and after infant birth
Authors: Garfield Craig F. , Simon Clarissa D. , Stephens Fay , Castro Román Patricia , Bryan Michael , Smith Ruben A. , Kortsmit Katherine , Salvesen von Essen Beatriz , Williams Letitia , Kapaya Martha , Dieke Ada , Barfield Wanda , Warner Lee
Published: January 2022

Background

Becoming a father impacts men’s health and wellbeing, while also contributing to the health and wellbeing of mothers and children. There is no large-scale, public health surveillance system aimed at understanding the health and behaviors of men transitioning into fatherhood. The purpose of this study was to describe piloted randomized approaches of a state-based surveillance system examining paternal behaviors before and after their infant’s birth to better understand the health needs of men and their families during the transition to parenthood.

Methods

During October 2018–July 2019, 857 fathers in Georgia were sampled 2–6 months after their infant’s birth from birth certificates files and surveyed via mail, online or telephone, in English or Spanish, using two randomized approaches: Indirect-to-Dads and Direct-to-Dads. Survey topics included mental and physical health, healthcare, substance use, and contraceptive use.

Findings

Weighted response rates (Indirect-to-Dads, 33%; Direct-to-Dads, 31%) and population demographics did not differ by approach. Respondents completed the survey by mail (58%), online (28%) or telephone (14%). Among 266 fathers completing the survey, 55% had a primary care physician, and 49% attended a healthcare visit for themselves during their infant’s mother’s pregnancy or since their infant’s birth. Most fathers were overweight or had obesity (70%) while fewer reported smoking cigarettes (19%), binge drinking (13%) or depressive symptoms (10%) since their infant’s birth.

Conclusions

This study tests a novel approach for obtaining population-based estimates of fathers’ perinatal health behaviors, with comparable response rates from two pragmatic approaches. The pilot study results quantify a number of public health needs related to fathers’ health and healthcare access.
Assessing visually guided reaching in people with multiple sclerosis with and without self-reported upper limb impairment
Authors: Wijeyaratnam Darrin O. , Edwards Thomas , Pilutti Lara A. , Cressman Erin K.
Published: January 2022

The ability to accurately complete goal-directed actions, such as reaching for a glass of water, requires coordination between sensory, cognitive and motor systems. When these systems are impaired, like in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), deficits in movement arise. To date, the characterization of upper limb performance in PwMS has typically been limited to results attained from self-reported questionnaires or clinical tools. Our aim was to characterize visually guided reaching performance in PwMS. Thirty-six participants (12 PwMS who reported upper limb impairment (MS-R), 12 PwMS who reported not experiencing upper limb impairment (MS-NR), and 12 age- and sex-matched control participants without MS (CTL)) reached to 8 targets in a virtual environment while seeing a visual representation of their hand in the form of a cursor on the screen. Reaches were completed with both the dominant and non-dominant hands. All participants were able to complete the visually guided reaching task, such that their hand landed on the target. However, PwMS showed noticeably more atypical reaching profiles when compared to control participants. In accordance with these observations, analyses of reaching performance revealed that the MS-R group was more variable with respect to the time it took to initiate and complete their movements compared to the CTL group. While performance of the MS-NR group did not differ significantly from either the CTL or MS-R groups, individuals in the MS-NR group were less consistent in their performance compared to the CTL group. Together these findings suggest that PwMS with and without self-reported upper limb impairment have deficits in the planning and/or control of their movements. We further argue that deficits observed during movement in PwMS who report upper limb impairment may arise due to participants compensating for impaired movement planning processes.
Schistosomiasis outbreak during COVID-19 pandemic in Takum, Northeast Nigeria: Analysis of infection status and associated risk factors
Authors: Olamiju Francisca , Nebe Obiageli J. , Mogaji Hammed , Marcus Ayodele , Amodu–Agbi Perpetua , Urude Rita O. , Apake Ebenezer , Olamiju Olatunwa , Okoronkwo Chimdinma , Achu Ijeoma , Mpama Okezie
Published: January 2022

Background

Mass drug administration for schistosomiasis started in 2014 across Taraba State. Surprisingly in 2020, an outbreak of schistosomiasis was reported in Takum local government area. This epidemiological investigation therefore assessed the current status of infection, analyzed associated risk factors and arrested the outbreak through community sensitization activities and mass treatment of 3,580 persons with praziquantel tablets.

Methods

Epidemiological assessment involving parasitological analysis of stool and urine samples were conducted among 432 consenting participants in five communities. Samples were processed using Kato-Katz and urine filtration techniques. Participants data on demography, water contact behavior and access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities were obtained using standardized questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS 20.0 and significance level was set at 95%.

Results

An overall prevalence of 34.7% was observed, with 150 participants infected with both species of Schistosoma parasite. By communities, prevalence was higher in Birama (57.7%), Barkin Lissa (50.5%) and Shibong (33.3%). By species’, S. haematobium infection was significantly higher than S. mansoni (28.9% vs 9.5%), with higher proportion of younger males infected (p<0.05). The condition of WASH is deplorable. About 87% had no latrines, 67% had no access to improved source of potable water and 23.6% relied on the river as their main source of water. Infections was significantly associated with water contact behaviors like playing in water (OR:1.50, 95% CI: 1.01–2.25) and swimming (OR:1.55, 95% CI: 1.04–2.31).

Conclusion

It is important to reclassify the treatment needs of Takum LGA based on the findings of this study. Furthermore, efforts targeted at improving access to WASH, reducing snail population, improving health education and strengthening surveillance systems to identify schistosomiasis hotspots will be a step in the right direction
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and associated factors according to sex: A population-based survey in Salvador, Brazil
Authors: Nery Nivison , Ticona Juan P. Aguilar , Cardoso Cristiane W. , Prates Ana Paula Pitanga Barbuda , Vieira Helena Cristina Alves , Salvador de Almeida Andrea , Souza Mirela Maisa da Silva , Borba dos Reis Olivete , Pellizzaro Maysa , Portilho Moyra Machado , Rosa da Anunciação Renan , Victoriano Renato , Oliveira dos Anjos Rosangela , Argibay Hernán Dario , Carmo Lima Douglas Oliveira , Mesquita Isadora Lima , Conceição Wesley Mota , Santana Perla Machado , Oliveira Elaine Carvalho , Santana Pamela Santos Nascimento , Brodskyn Claudia Ida , Mothé Fraga Deborah Bittencourt , Solcà Manuela da Silva , Reis Mitermayer Galvão , Costa Federico , Ribeiro Guilherme S.
Published: January 2022

Vaccination is a major strategy to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, information about factors associated with men and women intention to be vaccinated are scarce. To determine COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and identify factors associated vaccine hesitancy according to sex, we performed a cross-sectional population-based random survey in Salvador, Brazil between Nov/2020-Jan/2021. Participants were interviewed to obtain data on intention to receive and pay for a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as on demographics, comorbidities, influenza vaccination history, previous diagnosis of COVID-19, and exposures and perception of COVID-19 risk. Among 2,521 participants, 2,053 (81.4%) reported willingness to use a COVID-19 vaccine and 468 (18.6%) hesitated to take it. Among those intending to get vaccinated, 1,400 (68.2%) would pay for the vaccine if necessary. Sex-stratified multivariable analysis found that men who were working and who had comorbidities were less likely to hesitate about using the vaccine. Among women, higher educational level and high perception of COVID-19 risk were associated with less vaccine hesitancy. In both groups, reporting influenza vaccination in 2020 reduced the chance of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccine campaigns targeting to reduce vaccine hesitancy are urgently needed. These campaigns should consider gender differences in order to be successful.
Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients in Northwest Ethiopia—A cross sectional hospital based study
Authors: Alemu Mersha Getasew , Alimaw Yezinash Addis , Woredekal Asamere Tsegaw
Published: January 2022

Background

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus on eye and it is the leading cause of visual impairment among productive segment of the population. Globally, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is reported to be 27%. In Ethiopia, sufficient data is lacking on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy as well as information on its predisposing factors. The study was required to assess the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and its predisposing factors in diabetic patients attending at a General Hospital in Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution based cross sectional study was employed on 331 diabetic patients recruited with a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaire, tracing patients’ medical folder and ocular health examination. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20. Logistic regression methods of analysis were used to figure out predisposing factors of diabetic retinopathy. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to determine the strength of association.

Result

A total of 331 diabetic patients completed the study with a response rate of 99.10%. The median duration of diabetes was 5 years. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 34.1% (95%Confidence Interval (CI): 28.7%-39.3%). Low family monthly income (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 7.43, 95% CI: 2.44–22.57), longer duration of diabetes (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.30–1.58), poor glycemic control (AOR = 4.76, 95%CI: 2.26–10.00), and being on insulin treatment alone (AOR = 3.85, 95%CI: 1.16–12.74) were independently associated with diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion and recommendation

The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 34.1%, higher than national and global figures. Low family monthly income, longer duration of diabetes, poor glucose control and being on insulin treatment alone were important risk factors of diabetic retinopathy. Proper diabetes self management and early screening of diabetic retinopathy in all diabetic patients were recommended.
Local autoimmune encephalomyelitis model in a rat brain with precise control over lesion placement
Authors: Kalkowski Lukasz , Golubczyk Dominika , Kwiatkowska Joanna , Domzalska Malgorzata , Walczak Piotr , Malysz-Cymborska Izabela
Published: January 2022

Development of a novel, animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS) with reproducible and predictable lesion placement would enhance the discovery of effective treatments. Therefore, we would like to combine the advantages of the demyelination model with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to provide a local autoimmune encephalomyelitis (LAE) inside rat brain. We induced a demyelinating lesion by immunizing male Wistar rats, followed by blood-brain barrier opening protein (vascular endothelial growth factor) by stereotactic injection. We confirmed the immunization against myelin epitopes and minor neurological impairment. Histological assessment confirmed the lesion development after both 3- and 7 days post-injection. Our approach was sufficient to develop a demyelinating lesion with high reproducibility and low morbidity.
Clinical and growth outcomes of severely malnourished children following hospital discharge in a South African setting
Authors: Grimbeek Angelika , Saloojee Haroon
Published: January 2022

Background

Data on outcomes of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) following treatment are scarce with none described from any upper-middle-income country. This study established mortality, clinical outcomes and anthropometric recovery of children with SAM six months following hospital discharge.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in children aged 3–59 months enrolled on discharge from two hospitals in the Tshwane district of South Africa between April 2019 and January 2020. The primary outcome was mortality at six months. Secondary outcomes included relapse rates, type(s) and frequency of morbidities experienced and the anthropometric changes in children with SAM following hospital discharge. Standard programmatic support included nutritional supplements.

Results

Forty-three children were enrolled with 86% of participants followed up to six months. Only a third of the participants had normal anthropometry at hospital discharge–a quarter still had ongoing SAM. There were no deaths, although four children (9%) were re-hospitalised including two for complicated SAM. Mean weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) and wasting rates improved at one month but deteriorated by three months. At three months, six children (14%) either had ongoing or relapsed SAM–a SAM incidence rate of 20 per 1000 person-months despite more than half of the participants still receiving nutritional supplements at the time. Risk factors associated with persistent malnutrition at three months included a low WLZ on admission (relative risk [RR] 3.3, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.2–9.2), being discharged from hospital before meeting WHO SAM treatment discharge criteria (RR 5.3, 95%CI 1.3–14.8) or having any illness by three months (RR 8.6, 95%CI 1.3–55.7).

Conclusion

Post-discharge mortality and morbidity was lower than in other less resourced settings. However, anthropometric recovery was poorer than expected. Modifying discharge criteria, optimising the use of available nutritional supplements and better integration with community-based health and social services may improve outcomes for children with SAM post-hospitalisation.
Dialysis therapy and mortality in older adults with heart failure and advanced chronic kidney disease: A high-dimensional propensity-matched cohort study
Authors: Zheng Sijie , Yang Jingrong , Tan Thida C. , Belani Sharina , Law David , Pravoverov Leonid V. , Kim Susan S. , Go Alan S.
Published: January 2022

Background

Heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently coexist, and the combination is linked to poor outcomes, but limited data exist to guide optimal management. We evaluated the outcome of dialysis therapy in older patients with HF and advanced CKD.

Methods

We examined adults aged ≥70 years with HF and eGFR ≤20 ml/min/1.73 m2 between 2008–2012 and no prior renal replacement therapy, cancer, cirrhosis or organ transplant. We identified patients who initiated chronic dialysis through 2013 and matched patients who did not initiate dialysis on age, gender, diabetes status, being alive on dialysis initiation date, and a high-dimensional propensity score for starting dialysis. Deaths were identified through 2013. We used Cox regression to evaluate the association of chronic dialysis and all-cause death.

Results

Among 348 adults with HF and advanced CKD who initiated dialysis and 947 matched patients who did not start dialysis, mean age was 80±5 years, 51% were women and 33% were Black. The crude rate of death was high overall but lower in those initiating vs. not initiating chronic dialysis (26.1 vs. 32.1 per 100 person-years, respectively, P = 0.02). In multivariable analysis, dialysis was associated with a 33% (95% Confidence Interval:17–46%) lower adjusted rate of death compared with not initiating dialysis.

Conclusions

Among older adults with HF and advanced CKD, dialysis initiation was associated with lower mortality, but absolute rates of death were very high in both groups. Randomized trials should evaluate net outcomes of dialysis vs. conservative management on length and quality of life in this high-risk population.
A nationwide survey of the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the incidence of asthma in Korean adults
Authors: Roh Jae-Hyung , Lee Hanbyul , Yun-Jeong Bae , Park Chan Sun , Kim Hyo-Jung , Yoon Sun-Young
Published: January 2022

Background

Asthma and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are chronic diseases known to be associated with metabolic abnormalities. We aimed to clarify the association between NAFLD and asthma incidence in a large population-based cohort.

Methods and findings

We selected 160,603 individuals without comorbidities from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample cohort between 2009 and 2014. NAFLD was defined using a surrogate marker, fatty liver index (FLI). During a median of 5.08 years’ follow-up, 16,377 subjects (10.2%) were newly diagnosed with asthma and categorized into three groups according to FLI. The cumulative incidence of asthma was higher in subjects with higher vs. lower FLIs (FLI < 30, 10.1%; 30 ≤ FLI < 60, 10.8%; FLI ≥ 60, 10.5%). Higher FLI was associated with an increased incidence of asthma (Hazard ratios (HR)highest vs. lowest FLI, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.15–1.36). The results using another definition of NAFLD, as measured by the hepatic steatosis index (HSI), were similar to the primary results. This association was more pronounced in women than in men (HR 1.46; 95% CI, 1.13–1.64 vs. HR 1.07; 95% CI, 0.94–1.20).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that NAFLD, as measured by FLI and HSI, may influence the incidence rates of asthma in adults, especially in women.
Individual pupil size changes as a robust indicator of cognitive familiarity differences
Authors: Franzen Léon , Cabugao Amanda , Grohmann Bianca , Elalouf Karine , Johnson Aaron P.
Published: January 2022

Cognitive psychology has a long history of using physiological measures, such as pupillometry. However, their susceptibility to confounds introduced by stimulus properties, such as color and luminance, has limited their application. Pupil size measurements, in particular, require sophisticated experimental designs to dissociate relatively small changes in pupil diameter due to cognitive responses from larger ones elicited by changes in stimulus properties or the experimental environment. Here, building on previous research, we present a pupillometry paradigm that adapts the pupil to stimulus properties during the baseline period without revealing stimulus meaning or context by using a pixel-scrambled image mask around an intact image. We demonstrate its robustness in the context of pupillary responses to branded product familiarity. Results show larger average and peak pupil dilation for passively viewed familiar product images and an extended later temporal component representing differences in familiarity across participants (starting around 1400 ms post-stimulus onset). These amplitude differences are present for almost all participants at the single-participant level, and vary somewhat by product category. However, amplitude differences were absent during the baseline period. These findings demonstrate that involuntary pupil size measurements combined with the presented paradigm are successful in dissociating cognitive effects of familiarity from physical stimulus confounds.
Variation in Peperomia pellucida growth and secondary metabolism after rhizobacteria inoculation
Authors: Alves Nayara Sabrina Freitas , Kaory Inoue Suzana G. , Carneiro Adriana Ribeiro , Albino Ulisses Brigatto , Setzer William N. , Maia José Guilherme , Andrade Eloisa Helena , da Silva Joyce Kelly R.
Published: January 2022

Peperomia pellucidaL. Kunth is a herb well-known for its secondary metabolites (SM) with biological potential. In this study, the variations in the SM ofP.pellucidaduring association with rhizobacteria were evaluated. Plants were inoculated withEnterobacter asburiaeandKlebsiella variicola, which were identified by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The data were evaluated at 7, 21, and 30-day post inoculation (dpi). Plant-bacteria symbiosis improved plant growth and weight. Total phenolic content and phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme activity had a significant increase mainly at 30 dpi.P.pellucidawas mainly composed of phenylpropanoids (37.30–52.28%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (39.28–49.42%). The phenylpropanoid derivative 2,4,5-trimethoxy-styrene (ArC2), the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon ishwarane, and the phenylpropanoid dillapiole were the major compounds. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the classes and compounds ≥ 2.0% indicated that plants colonized byE.asburiaehad a reduction in the content of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and an increase in phenylpropanoids and derivatives. Plants treated with this bacterium also had an increase in the content of 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene at 30 dpi. Plants inoculated withK.variicolahad significant increases only in the content of the classes monoterpene hydrocarbons and ‘other compounds’ (hydrocarbons, esters, ketones, etc.). These data suggest that the production of plant secondary metabolites can be modified depending on the type of rhizobacteria inoculated.
Genome-wide association study of cassava starch paste properties
Authors: Santos Cristiano Silva dos , Sousa Massaine Bandeira , Brito Ana Carla , de Oliveira Luciana Alves , Carvalho Carlos Wanderlei Piler , de Oliveira Eder Jorge
Published: January 2022

An understanding of cassava starch paste properties (CSPP) can contribute to the selection of clones with differentiated starches. This study aimed to identify genomic regions associated with CSPP using different genome-wide association study (GWAS) methods (MLM, MLMM, and Farm-CPU). The GWAS was performed using 23,078 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The rapid viscoanalyzer (RVA) parameters were pasting temperature (PastTemp), peak viscosity (PeakVisc), hot-paste viscosity (Hot-PVisc), cool-paste viscosity (Cold-PVisc), final viscosity (FinalVis), breakdown (BreDow), and setback (Setback). Broad phenotypic and molecular diversity was identified based on the genomic kinship matrix. The broad-sense heritability estimates (h2) ranged from moderate to high magnitudes (0.66 to 0.76). The linkage disequilibrium (LD) declined to between 0.3 and 2.0 Mb (r2 <0.1) for most chromosomes, except chromosome 17, which exhibited an extensive LD. Thirteen SNPs were found to be significantly associated with CSPP, on chromosomes 3, 8, 17, and 18. Only the BreDow trait had no associated SNPs. The regional marker-trait associations on chromosome 18 indicate a LD block between 2907312 and 3567816 bp and that SNP S18_3081635 was associated with SetBack, FinalVis, and Cold-PVisc (all three GWAS methods) and with Hot-PVisc (MLM), indicating that this SNP can track these four traits simultaneously. The variance explained by the SNPs ranged from 0.13 to 0.18 for SetBack, FinalVis, and Cold-PVisc and from 0.06 to 0.09 for PeakVisc and Hot-PVisc. The results indicated additive effects of the genetic control of Cold-PVisc, FinalVis, Hot-PVisc, and SetBack, especially on the large LD block on chromosome 18. One transcript encoding the glycosyl hydrolase family 35 enzymes on chromosome 17 and one encoding the mannose-p-dolichol utilization defect 1 protein on chromosome 18 were the most likely candidate genes for the regulation of CSPP. These results underline the potential for the assisted selection of high-value starches to improve cassava root quality through breeding programs.
A yellow fever virus NS4B inhibitor not only suppresses viral replication, but also enhances the virus activation of RIG-I-like receptor-mediated innate immune response
Authors: Gao Zhao , Zhang Xuexiang , Zhang Lin , Wu Shuo , Ma Julia , Wang Fuxuan , Zhou Yan , Dai Xinghong , Bullitt Esther , Du Yanming , Guo Ju-Tao , Chang Jinhong
Published: January 2022

Flavivirus infection of cells induces massive rearrangements of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane to form viral replication organelles (ROs) which segregates viral RNA replication intermediates from the cytoplasmic RNA sensors. Among other viral nonstructural (NS) proteins, available evidence suggests for a prominent role of NS4B, an ER membrane protein with multiple transmembrane domains, in the formation of ROs and the evasion of the innate immune response. We previously reported a benzodiazepine compound, BDAA, which specifically inhibited yellow fever virus (YFV) replication in cultured cells and in vivo in hamsters, with resistant mutation mapped to P219 of NS4B protein. In the following mechanistic studies, we found that BDAA specifically enhances YFV induced inflammatory cytokine response in association with the induction of dramatic structural alteration of ROs and exposure of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in virus-infected cells. Interestingly, the BDAA-enhanced cytokine response in YFV-infected cells is attenuated in RIG-I or MAD5 knockout cells and completely abolished in MAVS knockout cells. However, BDAA inhibited YFV replication at a similar extent in the parent cells and cells deficient of RIG-I, MDA5 or MAVS. These results thus provided multiple lines of biological evidence to support a model that BDAA interaction with NS4B may impair the integrity of YFV ROs, which not only inhibits viral RNA replication, but also promotes the release of viral RNA from ROs, which consequentially activates RIG-I and MDA5. Although the innate immune enhancement activity of BDAA is not required for its antiviral activity in cultured cells, its dual antiviral mechanism is unique among all the reported antiviral agents thus far and warrants further investigation in animal models in future.
Seleção de uma área para um aterro de resíduos industriais com base no método RIA e seus indicadores geoambientais
Authors: Oliveira Campos Jayme
Published: January 2022

O problema ambiental relacionado à disposição de resíduos industriais apareceu nos últimos anos como uma prioridade, tanto para o poder público, quanto para a sociedade civil organizada. O presente trabalho insere-se no contexto dos propósitos do Consórcio Intermunicipal das Bacias Hidrográficas dos Rios Piracicaba e Capivari e da Prefeitura Municipal de Piracicaba, que visam contribuir para a implantação de alternativas de destinação viáveis, do ponto de vista ambiental e econômico, para os resíduos gerados pela indústria da região. Tendo em vista as carências existentes no que concerne à estocagem de resíduos perigosos, optou-se por uma solução regional. A seleção preliminar de áreas prioritárias foi realizada pela utilização de um “software” de planejamento e de uso do solo, o RIA – Resource, Information and Analysis. Este processo tem por objetivos análises ambientais específicas, pelo processando de um banco de dados, o qual é estruturado a partir de informações obtidas do inventário ambiental da área em estudo. Neste trabalho, foram enfatizados aspectos relativos às questões geotécnicas e geoambientais do projeto.
Estabilização química de solo residuais graníticos
Authors: Cristelo Nuno , Jalali Said
Published: January 2022

Este artigo descreve os resultados de um trabalho de investigação realizado para avaliar os efeitos positivos da utilização de cal na estabilização de solos cujo mineral argiloso predominante é a caulinite, como no caso dos solos residuais graníticos. Os efeitos estudados estão relacionados com a alteração da classificação e com o aumento da capacidade de carga. Foram estudadas as modificações na granulometria e plasticidade de dois solos, com diferentes percentagens de argila, quando lhes foi adicionada 2% de cal calcítica hidratada. Além disso, foram avaliados os efeitos benéficos sobre a resistência à compressão da adição de 6 e 10% de cal, ao longo de períodos de cura de até 10 semanas. A influência da saturação dos solos estabilizados foi igualmente estudada, bem como a influência da adição de uma pequena quantidade de cloreto de sódio às misturas com 6% de cal. Esta inclusão provou constituir uma vantajosa alternativa ao aumento do teor em cal, visto que as resistências alcançadas foram similares às obtidas com 10% de cal. Os resultados obtidos indicam que as propriedades deste tipo de solo podem também ser melhoradas através de aditivos químicos, com evidentes vantagens em bases e sub-bases de pavimentos rodoviários ou na construção de
Mecanismo de colapso de cortinas de contenção tipo Berlim definitivas por perda de equilíbrio vertical
Authors: Guerra Nuno
Published: January 2022

Apresenta-se o problema da estabilidade de cortinas de contenção tipo Berlim por perda de equilíbrio vertical e identificam-se as grandezas envolvidas no equilíbrio. Ilustra-se a importância deste mecanismo de colapso através de revisão bibliográfica e da descrição sumária de casos de rotura. Adapta se, descreve-se e aplica-se um modelo de cálculo bidimensional por elementos finitos para a modelação de paredes de contenção tipo Berlim. Neste modelo, a instabilidade vertical por encurvadura dos perfis é considerada utilizando elementos barra com comportamento elástico perfeitamente plástico. Com este modelo descreve-se o mecanismo de colapso de um caso de uma cortina com deficiente apoio vertical, suportando solo argiloso, em condições não drenadas. Com recurso a uma análise paramétrica, evidencia se a influência das propriedades dos perfis verticais, da interface solo-cortina e do terreno no comportamento de paredes tipo Berlim com deficientes condições de equilíbrio vertical.
Mecanismos de rotura no extremo norte da arriba fóssil da Costa de Caparica
Authors: Lamas Pedro , Carvalho J.A. Rodrigues
Published: January 2022

A evolução morfológica do trecho setentrional da arriba fóssil da Costa de Caparica, compre endido entre S. Pedro da Trafaria e a via rápida IC 20, tem-se vindo a notar nas últimas décadas, sendo devida, em grande medida, à crescente interferência das actividades antrópicas nas suas proximidades. 

Neste trabalho, após breve caracterização geomorfológica e geotécnica daquele trecho de escarpas, dis cutem-se alguns mecanismos de rotura a partir de retroanálise baseada nas evidências morfológicas deixadas por dois desmoronamentos, considerados típicos, naquele local.
Controlo da compactação de misturas de solo-enrocamento da barragem de Odelouca através de ensaios de vibração
Authors: Caldeira Laura , Brito Andrea
Published: January 2022

A barragem de aterro de Odelouca, em construção no Algarve e com uma altura de 76 m, é constituída por um núcleo central argiloso e por maciços estabilizadores compostos por misturas de solo enrocamento, provenientes da alteração de xistos e de grauvaques. Para o controlo da execução dos maciços estabilizadores, sobre amostras de granulometria grosseira foi realizado um conjunto de ensaios laboratoriais de compactação por vibração, de modo a permitir estimar os valores de referência do teor em água óptimo e do peso volúmico seco máximo dos materiais aplicados. No presente artigo apresentam-se os resultados obti - dos nestes ensaios e efectua-se a aplicação prática de uma metodologia desenvolvida, em 1994, por Torrey e Donaghe, para a extrapolação das propriedades de controlo de granulometrias integrais, com fracção grosseira presente, com base em resultados de ensaios de Proctor comuns, realizados sobre a fracção passada no peneiro p”. As análises efectuadas permitiram adicionalmente a proposta de uma nova metodologia, baseada em parâ me - tros diferentes dos propostos pelos referidos autores.
Comportamento de liners sob a influência de um contaminante orgânico
Authors: Heineck Karla , Santos Augusta , Lemos Rosemar , Flores Juan , Consoli Nilo
Published: January 2022

Neste artigo é discutido o comportamento hidráulico e mecânico de misturas de Solo-Bentonita (SB) e de Solo-Cimento-Bentonita (SCB) quando permeadas com água e óleo diesel, assim como a influência da variação do teor de cimento com a finalidade de propiciar resultados capazes de auxiliar em projetos construtivos de barreiras verticais de contaminantes. O programa experimental consistiu na realização de en - saios de compressão não-confinada, ensaios de condutividade hidráulica e ensaios de difração de raios-X. A análise dos resultados permitiu identificar as alterações provocadas na condutividade hidráulica pela variação do fator água-cimento e pelo líquido percolante.
Escavação escorada em solo mole incorporando laje de fundo em jet grouting: Análise considerando os efeitos da consolidação
Authors: Pinto Ricardo , Borges José
Published: January 2022

Utilizando um programa baseado no método dos elementos finitos, analisa-se uma escavação multi-escorada em solo mole, reforçada no fundo com laje de jet grouting. O programa incorpora a teoria multidimensional de consolidação de Biot (formulação acoplada das equações de equilíbrio e de escoamento) com relações constitutivas simuladas pelo modelo de estados críticos p-q-θ. Avalia-se, em particular, da importância da instalação da laje de jet grouting, funcionando como escoramento abaixo da base da escavação, por forma a evitar a rotura do fundo daquela. É dada especial atenção à análise, durante e após o período construtivo, das pressões de água, dos excessos de pressão neutra, das tensões de corte, dos níveis de tensão e dos deslocamentos no maciço, bem como dos esforços axiais nas escoras, dos deslocamentos, momentos flectores e pressões na parede e dos esforços axiais e momentos flectores na laje de jet grouting.