bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural and neural markers of tactile sensory processing in infants at elevated likelihood of autism spectrum disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Piccardi Elena Serena , Begum Ali Jannath , Jones Emily J. H. , Mason Luke , Charman Tony , Johnson Mark H. , Gliga Teodora ,   BASIS/STAARS Team, Agyapong Mary , Bazelmans Tessel , Dafner Leila , Ersoy Mutluhan , Goodwin Amy , Haartsen Rianne , Hendry Alexandra , Holman Rebecca , Kalwarowsky Sarah , Kolesnik Anna , Lloyd-Fox Sarah , Pasco Greg , Pickles Andrew , Pirazzoli Laura , Taylor Chloë
Published: January 2021

Backgrounds

Atypicalities in tactile processing are reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but it remains unknown if they precede and associate with the traits of these disorders emerging in childhood. We investigated behavioural and neural markers of tactile sensory processing in infants at elevated likelihood of ASD and/or ADHD compared to infants at typical likelihood of the disorders. Further, we assessed the specificity of associations between infant markers and later ASD or ADHD traits.

Methods

Ninety-one 10-month-old infants participated in the study (n = 44 infants at elevated likelihood of ASD; n = 20 infants at elevated likelihood of ADHD; n = 9 infants at elevated likelihood of ASD and ADHD; n = 18 infants at typical likelihood of the disorders). Behavioural and EEG responses to pairs of tactile stimuli were experimentally recorded and concurrent parental reports of tactile responsiveness were collected. ASD and ADHD traits were measured at 24 months through standardized assessment (ADOS-2) and parental report (ECBQ), respectively.

Results

There was no effect of infants’ likelihood status on behavioural markers of tactile sensory processing. Conversely, increased ASD likelihood associated with reduced neural repetition suppression to tactile input. Reduced neural repetition suppression at 10 months significantly predicted ASD (but not ADHD) traits at 24 months across the entire sample. Elevated tactile sensory seeking at 10 months moderated the relationship between early reduced neural repetition suppression and later ASD traits.

Conclusions

Reduced tactile neural repetition suppression is an early marker of later ASD traits in infants at elevated likelihood of ASD or ADHD, suggesting that a common pathway to later ASD traits exists despite different familial backgrounds. Elevated tactile sensory seeking may act as a protective factor, mitigating the relationship between early tactile neural repetition suppression and later ASD traits.
Controlling litter effects to enhance rigor and reproducibility with rodent models of neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Jiménez Jessica A. , Zylka Mark J.
Published: January 2021

Research with rodents is crucial for expanding our understanding of genetic and environmental risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). However, there is growing concern about the number of animal studies that are difficult to replicate, potentially undermining the validity of results. These concerns have prompted funding agencies and academic journals to implement more rigorous standards in an effort to increase reproducibility in research. However, these standards fail to address a major source of variability in rodent research brought on by the “litter effect,” the fact that rodents from the same litter are phenotypically more similar to one other than rodents from different litters of the same strain. We show that the litter effect accounts for 30–60% of the variability associated with commonly studied phenotypes, including brain, placenta, and body weight. Moreover, we show how failure to control for litter-to-litter variation can mask a phenotype in Chd8V986*/+ mice that model haploinsufficiency of CHD8, a high-confidence autism gene. Thus, if not properly controlled, the litter effect has the potential to negatively influence rigor and reproducibility of NDD research. While efforts have been made to educate scientists on the importance of controlling for litter effects in previous publications, our analysis of the recent literature (2015–2020) shows that the vast majority of NDD studies focused on genetic risks, including mutant mouse studies, and environmental risks, such as air pollution and valproic acid exposure, do not correct for litter effects or report information on the number of litters used. We outline best practices to help scientists minimize the impact of litter-to-litter variability and to enhance rigor and reproducibility in future NDD studies using rodent models.
Biomass-fuelled improved cookstove intervention to prevent household air pollution in Northwest Ethiopia: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Adane Mesafint Molla , Alene Getu Degu , Mereta Seid Tiku
Published: January 2021

Background

Household air pollution from biomass fuels burning in traditional cookstoves currently appeared as one of the most serious threats to public health with a recent burden estimate of 2.6 million premature deaths every year worldwide, ranking highest among environmental risk factors and one of the major risk factors of any type globally. Improved cookstove interventions have been widely practiced as potential solutions. However, studies on the effect of improved cookstove interventions are limited and heterogeneous which suggested the need for further research.

Methods

A cluster randomized controlled trial study was conducted to assess the effect of biomass-fuelled improved cookstove intervention on the concentration of household air pollution compared with the continuation of an open burning traditional cookstove. A total of 36 clusters were randomly allocated to both arms at a 1:1 ratio, and improved cookstove intervention was delivered to all households allocated into the treatment arm. All households in the included clusters were biomass fuel users and relatively homogenous in terms of basic socio-demographic and cooking-related characteristics. Household air pollution was determined by measuring the concentration of indoor fine particulate, and the effect of the intervention was estimated using the Generalized Estimating Equation.

Results

A total of 2031 household was enrolled in the study across 36 randomly selected clusters in both arms, among which data were obtained from a total of 1977 households for at least one follow-up visit which establishes the intention-to-treat population dataset for analysis. The improved cookstove intervention significantly reduces the concentration of household air pollution by about 343 μg/m3 (Ḃ = − 343, 95% CI − 350, − 336) compared to the traditional cookstove method. The overall reduction was found to be about 46% from the baseline value of 859 (95% CI 837–881) to 465 (95% CI 458–472) in the intervention arm compared to only about 5% reduction from 850 (95% CI 828–872) to 805 (95% CI 794–817) in the control arm.

Conclusions

The biomass-fuelled improved cookstove intervention significantly reduces the concentration of household air pollution compared to the traditional method. This suggests that the implementation of these cookstove technologies may be necessary to achieve household air pollution exposure reductions.

Trial registration

The trial project was retrospectively registered on August 2, 2018, at the clinical trials.gov registry database (https://clinicaltrials.gov/) with the NCT03612362 registration identifier number.
Rapid photocatalytic degradation of phenol from water using composite nanofibers under UV
Authors: Mohamed Alaa , Yousef Samy , Nasser Walaa S. , Osman T. A. , Knebel Alexander , Sánchez Elvia P. Valadez , Hashem Tawheed
Published: January 2021

Background

The removal of phenol from aqueous solution via photocatalytic degradation has been recognized as an environmentally friendly technique for generating clean water. The composite nanofibers containing PAN polymer, CNT, and TiO2 NPs were successfully prepared via electrospinning method. The prepared photocatalyst is characterized by SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. Different parameters are studied such as catalyst amount, the effect of pH, phenol concentration, photodegradation mechanism, flow rate, and stability of the composite nanofiber to evaluate the highest efficiency of the photocatalyst.

Results

The composite nanofibers showed the highest photodegradation performance for the removal of phenol using UV light within 7 min. The pH has a major effect on the photodegradation of phenol with its maximum performance being at pH 5.

Conclusions

Given the stability and flexibility of the composite nanofibers, their use in a dynamic filtration is possible and can be even reused after several cycles.
Development of a Novel Orthotopic Gastric Cancer Mouse Model
Authors: Kang Wonyoung , Maher Leigh , Michaud Michael , Bae Seong-Woo , Kim Seongyeong , Lee Hye Seung , Im Seock-Ah , Yang Han-Kwang , Lee Charles
Published: January 2021

Background

Gastric cancer metastasis is a highly fatal disease with a five-year survival rate of less than 5%. One major obstacle in studying gastric cancer metastasis is the lack of faithful models available. The cancer xenograft mouse models are widely used to elucidate the mechanisms of cancer development and progression. Current procedures for creating cancer xenografts include both heterotopic (i.e., subcutaneous) and orthotopic transplantation methods. Compared to the heterotopic model, the orthotopic model has been shown to be the more clinically relevant design as it enables the development of cancer metastasis. Although there are several methods in use to develop the orthotopic gastric cancer model, there is not a model which uses various types of tumor materials, such as soft tissues, semi-liquid tissues, or culture derivatives, due to the technical challenges. Thus, developing the applicable orthotopic model which can utilize various tumor materials is essential.

Results

To overcome the known limitations of the current orthotopic gastric cancer models, such as exposure of tumor fragments to the neighboring organs or only using firm tissues for the orthotopic implantation, we have developed a new method allowing for the complete insertion of soft tissue fragments or homogeneously minced tissues into the stomach submucosa layer of the immunodeficient NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mouse. With this completely-closed transplantation method, tumors with various types of tissue may be used to establish orthotopic gastric cancer models without the risks of exposure to nearby organs or cell leakage. This surgical procedure was highly reproducible in generating forty-eight mouse models with a surgery success rate of 96% and tumor formation of 93%. Among four orthotopic patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models that we generated in this study, we verified that the occurrence of organotropic metastasis in either the liver or peritoneal cavity was the same as that of the donor patients.

Conclusion

Here we describe a new protocol, step by step, for the establishment of orthotopic xenograft of gastric cancer. This novel technique will be able to increase the use of orthotopic models in broader applications for not only gastric cancer research but also any research related to the stomach microenvironment.
Exploring protocol bias in airway microbiome studies: one versus two PCR steps and 16S rRNA gene region V3 V4 versus V4
Authors: Drengenes Christine , Eagan Tomas M. L. , Haaland Ingvild , Wiker Harald G. , Nielsen Rune
Published: January 2021

Background

Studies on the airway microbiome have been performed using a wide range of laboratory protocols for high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene. We sought to determine the impact of number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) steps (1- or 2- steps) and choice of target marker gene region (V3 V4 and V4) on the presentation of the upper and lower airway microbiome. Our analyses included lllumina MiSeq sequencing following three setups: Setup 1 (2-step PCR; V3 V4 region), Setup 2 (2-step PCR; V4 region), Setup 3 (1-step PCR; V4 region). Samples included oral wash, protected specimen brushes and protected bronchoalveolar lavage (healthy and obstructive lung disease), and negative controls.

Results

The number of sequences and amplicon sequence variants (ASV) decreased in order setup1 > setup2 > setup3. This trend appeared to be associated with an increased taxonomic resolution when sequencing the V3 V4 region (setup 1) and an increased number of small ASVs in setups 1 and 2. The latter was considered a result of contamination in the two-step PCR protocols as well as sequencing across multiple runs (setup 1). Although genera Streptococcus, Prevotella, Veillonella and Rothia dominated, differences in relative abundance were observed across all setups. Analyses of beta-diversity revealed that while oral wash samples (high biomass) clustered together regardless of number of PCR steps, samples from the lungs (low biomass) separated. The removal of contaminants identified using the Decontam package in R, did not resolve differences in results between sequencing setups.

Conclusions

Differences in number of PCR steps will have an impact of final bacterial community descriptions, and more so for samples of low bacterial load. Our findings could not be explained by differences in contamination levels alone, and more research is needed to understand how variations in PCR-setups and reagents may be contributing to the observed protocol bias.
Transcriptome profiling reveals the effects of drought tolerance in Giant Juncao
Authors: Zhou Jing , Chen Siqi , Shi Wenjiao , David-Schwartz Rakefet , Li Sutao , Yang Fulin , Lin Zhanxi
Published: January 2021

Background

Giant Juncao is often used as feed for livestock because of its huge biomass. However, drought stress reduces forage production by affecting the normal growth and development of plants. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance will provide important information for the improvement of drought tolerance in this grass.

Results

A total of 144.96 Gb of clean data was generated and assembled into 144,806 transcripts and 93,907 unigenes. After 7 and 14 days of drought stress, a total of 16,726 and 46,492 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed, respectively. Compared with normal irrigation, 16,247, 23,503, and 11,598 DEGs were observed in 1, 5, and 9 days following rehydration, respectively. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed abiotic stress-responsive genes and pathways related to catalytic activity, methyltransferase activity, transferase activity, and superoxide metabolic process. We also identified transcription factors belonging to several families, including basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), WRKY, NAM (no apical meristem), ATAF1/2 and CUC2 (cup-shaped cotyledon) (NAC), fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR1), B3, myeloblastosis (MYB)-related, and basic leucine zipper (bZIP) families, which are important drought-rehydration-responsive proteins. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was also used to analyze the RNA-seq data to predict the interrelationship between genes. Twenty modules were obtained, and four of these modules may be involved in photosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction that respond to drought and rehydration conditions.

Conclusions

Our research is the first to provide a more comprehensive understanding of DEGs involved in drought stress at the transcriptome level in Giant Juncao with different drought and recovery conditions. These results may reveal insights into the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in Giant Juncao and provide diverse genetic resources involved in drought tolerance research.
Influence of flow rate, fluid temperature, and extension line on Hotline and S-line heating capability: an in vitro study
Authors: Kim Hosu , Kim Tae Kyong , Yoo Sukha , Kim Jin-Tae
Published: January 2021

Background

A fluid warmer can prevent hypothermia during the perioperative period. This study evaluated the heating capabilities of Hotline and Barkey S-line under different flow rates and initial fluid temperatures, as well as after the extension line installation.

Methods

We measured the temperature of a 0.9% sodium chloride solution at the fluid warmer outlet (TProx) and the extension line end (TDistal) with three different initial fluid temperatures (room, warm, and cold) and two flow rates (250 ml/hr and 100 mL/hr).

Results

At a 250 ml/hr flow rate, the TProx and TDistal values were observed to be higher in Hotline than in S-line when using room-temperature or cold fluid. Administering of the warm fluid at the same flow rate significantly increased the TProx and TDistal values in S-line more than the cold and room-temperature fluids. At flow rates of 100 ml/hr, TDistal values were significantly lower than TProx values in both devices regardless of the initial fluid temperature.

Conclusions

Hotline outperformed S-line for warming fluids at a high flow rate with cold or room-temperature fluids. Administering warm fluid in S-line prevented a decrease in the fluid temperature at a high flow rate. However, at a low flow rate, the fluid temperature significantly decreased in both devices after passing through an extension line.
WASH infrastructure and practices in primary health care clinics in the rural Vhembe District municipality in South Africa
Authors: Potgieter N. , Banda N. T. , Becker P. J. , Traore-Hoffman A. N.
Published: January 2021

Background

South Africa has unique and diverse social and economic factors that have an impact on the provision of basic water, sanitation, hygiene and waste management infrastructure and practices at health care facilities in ensuring patient safety and prevent the spread of diseases.

Methods

The aim of this study was to evaluate water, sanitation and hygiene access and standards at 50 government owned public health care clinics in the rural region of the Vhembe district of South Africa during 2016/2017, using self-observation, an observation checklist, record reviews and interviews with clinic managers. Water quality from all available water sources on the clinic compound was analysed for Total coliform and E. coli counts using the Colilert Quanti-tray/2000 system. The prevalence of pathogenic diarrhea causing E. coli strains was established using multiplex-Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Results

The health care clinics in the Vhembe District generally complied with the basic WASH services guidelines according to the World Health Organisation. Although 80% of the clinics used borehole water which is classified as an improved water source, microbiological assessment showed that 38% inside taps and 64% outside taps from the clinic compounds had TC counts higher than guideline limits for safe drinking. Similarly, EC counts above the guideline limit for safe drinking water were detected in 17% inside taps and 32% outside taps from the clinic compounds. Pathogenic EAEC, EPEC, ETEC and EHEC strains were isolated in the collected water samples. Although improved sanitation infrastructures were present in most of the clinics, the sanitary conditions of these toilets were not up to standard. Waste systems were not adequately managed. A total of 90% of the clinics had hand washing basins, while only 61% of the clinics had soap present and only 64% of the clinics had adequate signs and posters reminding the staff, care givers and patients to wash their hands.

Conclusions

Various WASH aspects within the primary health care system in South Africa needs to be improved and corrected. A more rigorous system that is inclusive of all role players in the WASH sectors, with regular monitoring and training sessions, should be used.
Sedentary behaviour among general practitioners: a systematic review
Authors: Mayne Richard S. , Hart Nigel D. , Heron Neil
Published: January 2021

Background

Sedentary behaviour is when someone is awake, in a sitting, lying or reclining posture and is an independent risk factor for multiple causes of morbidity and mortality. A dose-response relationship has been demonstrated, whereby increasing sedentary time corresponds with increasing mortality rate. This study aimed to identify current levels of sedentary behaviour among General Practitioners (GPs), by examining and synthesising how sedentary behaviour has been measured in the primary care literature.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to identify studies relating to levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs. Searches were performed using Medline®, Embase®, PscycINFO, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library, from inception of databases until January 2020, with a subsequent search of grey literature. Articles were assessed for quality and bias, with extraction of relevant data.

Results

The search criteria returned 1707 studies. Thirty four full texts were reviewed and 2 studies included in the final review. Both were cross-sectional surveys using self-reported estimation of sedentary time within the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Keohane et al. examined GP trainees and GP trainers in Ireland. 60% reported spending in excess of 7 h sitting each day, 24% between 4 and 7 h, and 16% less than or equal to 4 h. Suija et al. examined female GPs in Estonia. The mean reported daily sitting time was 6 h and 36 min, with 56% sitting for over 6 h per day. Both studies were of satisfactory methodological quality but had a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of research examining current levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs. Objective data is needed to determine GPs’ current levels of sedentary behaviour, particularly in light of the increase in remote consulting as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exploring general practitioners’ perceptions about the primary care gatekeeper role in Indonesia
Authors: Mulyanto Joko , Wibowo Yudhi , Kringos Dionne S.
Published: January 2021

Background

In the current healthcare delivery system funded by National Health Insurance (NHI) in Indonesia, the gatekeeper role of primary care services is critical to ensuring equal healthcare access for the population. To be effective, gatekeeping relies on the performance of general practitioners (GPs). However, the perceptions held by Indonesian GPs about their gatekeeper role are not yet well documented. This study describes the self-perceived knowledge, attitudes and performance of Indonesian GPs with respect to the gatekeeper role and explores associated factors.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of all primary care facilities (N = 75) contracted by the regional NHI office in the Banyumas district. The 73 participating GPs completed a written questionnaire that assessed their knowledge, attitudes and performance in relation to the gatekeeper role. Personal and facility characteristics were analysed in a generalised linear model as possible associating factors, as well as for the association between GPs’ knowledge and attitude with performance as gatekeepers.

Results

GPs scored relatively high in the domains of knowledge and performance but scored lower in their attitudes towards the gatekeeper role of primary care. In the full-adjusted model, no factors were significantly associated with the knowledge score. Work experience as GPs, private or civil service employment status and rural or urban location of the primary care facility were linked to attitude scores. Full- or part-time employment and type of facility were factors associated with the performance score. Attitude scores were positively associated with performance score.

Conclusion

GPs in Indonesia are knowledgeable and report that they adequately perform their function as gatekeepers in primary care. However, their attitudes towards the gatekeeper function are less positive. Attitudes and performance with respect to the primary care gatekeeper role are likely influenced more by contextual factors such as location and type of facility than by personal factors. Efforts to address contextual issues could include improvements in practice standards for privately practising physicians and public information campaigns about gatekeeping regulations. Such efforts will be crucial to improving the gatekeeper role of primary care in Indonesia and assuring efficient access to high-quality care for all.
Variation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis population structure in Iran: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hadifar Shima , Fateh Abolfazl , Pourbarkhordar Vahid , Siadat Seyed Davar , Mostafaei Shayan , Vaziri Farzam
Published: January 2021

Background

Acquiring comprehensive insight into the dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) population structure is an essential step to adopt effective tuberculosis (TB) control strategies and improve therapeutic methods and vaccines. Accordingly, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the overall prevalence of Mtb genotypes/ sublineages in Iran.

Methods

We carried out a comprehensive literature search using the international databases of MEDLINE and Scopus as well as Iranian databases. Articles published until April 2020 were selected based on the PRISMA flow diagram. The overall prevalence of the Mtb genotypes/sublineage in Iran was determined using the random effects or fixed effect model. The metafor R package and MedCalc software were employed for performing this meta-analysis.

Results

We identified 34 studies for inclusion in this study, containing 8329 clinical samples. Based on the pooled prevalence of the Mtb genotypes, NEW1 (21.94, 95% CI: 16.41–28.05%), CAS (19.21, 95% CI: 14.95–23.86%), EAI (12.95, 95% CI: 7.58–19.47%), and T (12.16, 95% CI: 9.18–15.50%) were characterized as the dominant circulating genotypes in Iran. West African (L 5/6), Cameroon, TUR and H37Rv were identified as genotypes with the lowest prevalence in Iran (< 2%). The highest pooled prevalence rates of multidrug-resistant strains were related to Beijing (2.52, 95% CI) and CAS (1.21, 95% CI).

Conclusions

This systematic review showed that Mtb populations are genetically diverse in Iran, and further studies are needed to gain a better insight into the national diversity of Mtb populations and their drug resistance pattern.
Use of T-SPOT.TB for the diagnosis of unconventional pleural tuberculosis is superior to ADA in high prevalence areas: a prospective analysis of 601 cases
Authors: Yang Xinting , Zhang Jing , Liang Qingtao , Pan Liping , Duan Hongfei , Yang Yang , Li Hua , Guo Chao , Sun Qi , Jia Hongyan , Du Boping , Wei Rongrong , Xing Aiying , Zhang Zongde , Chen Xiaoyou
Published: January 2021

Background

Tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) is the most common extrapulmonary manifestation and may have lasting effect on lung function. However conventional diagnostic tests for TPE register multiple limitations. This study estimates diagnostic efficacy of the interferon gamma release assay (IGRA: T-SPOT.TB) in TPE patients of different characteristics.

Methods

We performed a prospective, single-centre study including all suspected pleural effusion patients consecutively enrolled from June 2015 to October 2018. Through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, technical cut-offs and the utility of T-SPOT on pleural fluid (PF) were determined and analysed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the independent risk factors for TPE, and evaluated the performance of the T-SPOT assay stratified by risk factors in comparison to ADA.

Results

A total of 601 individuals were consecutively recruited. The maximum spot-forming cells (SFCs) of early secretory antigenic target-6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein-10 (CFP-10) in the PF T-SPOT assay had the best diagnostic efficiency in our study, which was equal to ADA (0.885 vs 0.887, P = 0.957) and superior to peripheral blood (PB), with a sensitivity of 83.0% and a specificity of 83.1% (The cut-off value was 466 SFCs/106 mononuclear cells). Among the TPE patients with low ADA (< 40 IU/L), the sensitivity and specificity of PF T-SPOT were still 87.9 and 90.5%, respectively. The utility of ADA was negatively related to increasing age, but the PF T-SPOT test had a steady performance at all ages. Age (< 45 yrs.; odds ratio (OR) = 5.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.59–8.78; P < 0.001), gender (male; OR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.75–2.88; P < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (< 22; OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.30–2.88; P = 0.001) were independently associated with the risk of TB by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Notably, when stratified by risk factor, the sensitivity of PF T-SPOT was superior to the sensitivity for ADA (76.5% vs. 23.5%, P = 0.016) and had noninferior specificity (84.4% vs. 96.9%, P = 0.370).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the PF T-SPOT assay can effectively discriminate TPE patients whose ADA is lower than 40 IU/L and is superior to ADA in unconventional TPE patients (age ≥ 45 yrs., female or BMI ≥ 22). The PF T-SPOT assay is an excellent choice to supplement ADA to diagnose TPE.
Current clinical practice in disabling and chronic migraine in the primary care setting: results from the European My-LIFE anamnesis survey
Authors: Ryvlin Philippe , Skorobogatykh Kirill , Negro Andrea , Sanchez-De La Rosa Rainel , Israel-Willner Heike , Sundal Christina , MacGregor E. Anne , Guerrero Angel L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Migraine is a prevalent and disabling headache disorder that affects more than 1.04 billion individuals world-wide. It can result in reduction in quality of life, increased disability, and high socio-economic burden. Nevertheless, and despite the availability of evidence-based national and international guidelines, the management of migraine patients often remains suboptimal, especially for chronic migraine (CM) patients.

Methods

My-LIFE anamnesis project surveyed 201 General practitioners (GPs) from 5 European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK) with the aim of understanding chronic migraine (CM) patients’ management in the primary care setting.

Results

In our survey, GPs diagnosed episodic migraine (EM) more often than CM (87% vs 61%, p < 0.001). We found that many CM patients were not properly managed or referred to specialists, in contrast to guidelines recommendations. The main tools used by primary-care physicians included clinical interview, anamnesis guide, and patient diary. Tools used at the first visit differed from those used at follow-up visits. Up to 82% of GPs reported being responsible for management of patients diagnosed with disabling or CM and did not refer them to a specialist. Even when the GP had reported referring CM patients to a specialist, 97% of them were responsible for their follow-up. Moreover, the treatment prescribed, both acute and preventive, was not in accordance with local and international recommendations. GPs reported that they evaluated the efficacy of the treatment prescribed mainly through patient perception, and the frequency of follow-up visits was not clearly established in the primary care setting. These results suggest that CM is underdiagnosed and undertreated; thereby its management is suboptimal in the primary care.

Conclusions

There is a need of guidance in the primary care setting to both leverage the management of CM patients and earlier referral to specialists, when appropriate.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: MiR-200c/FUT4 axis prevents the proliferation of colon cancer cells by downregulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Cong Jinchun , Gong Jian , Yang Chuanjia , Xia Zhixiu , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2021

Background

MicroRNA (miR)-200c has been widely reported to be involved in colon cancer progress. However, the mechanisms of miR-200c in regulating tumor metastasis and growth remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of miR-200c targets fucosyltransferase 4 (FUT4) on the proliferation of colon cancer.

Methods

The miR-200c and FUT4 mRNA levels in LoVo and SW480 cells were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Further, miR-200c mimic, FUT4 siRNA and FUT4 mimic were transfected into cells, separately. Cell counting kit-8, plate colony formation and transwell assays were used to analyse the cells biological behaviour.. Immunofluorescence was used to analyse the Ki-67 expression Moreover, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins were detected by western blots. A double luciferase experiment was performed to confirm the relationship between miR-200c and FUT4. In vivo, tumour growth and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins were also analysed.

Results

In vitro, the expression of miR-200c and FUT4 were negatively correlated in LoVo and SW480 cells (correlation coefficients were − 0.9046 and − 0.9236, respectively). MiR-200c overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of LoVo and SW480 cells by downregulating FUT4. The Ki67-positive cells and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related proteins were reduced in the miR-200c overexpression and FUT4 silencing groups. A dual luciferase reporting system identified FUT4 as the target of miR-200c. The results in vivo were further confirmed the foundation of cells study.

Conclusions

In summary, miR-200c overexpression inhibits proliferation of colon cancer targeting FUT4 to downregulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which promises molecular targets to inhibit metastasis for colon cancer therapy.
Designing an exercise intervention for adult survivors of childhood cancers
Authors: Rokitka Denise , Heffler Jennifer , Zevon Michael , Kitcho Caleb , Schweitzer Jennifer , Rodriguez Elisa M. , Mahoney Martin C.
Published: January 2021

Background

This study examined current physical activity levels and preferences for exercise settings and activities among adult survivors of childhood cancers as a strategy to inform the feasibility and design of such programs.

Methods

A mixed-methods design was used to investigate current activity levels as well as barriers to and preferences for physical activity among 20 adult survivors of pediatric cancer.

Results

One-half of participants reported engaging in regular physical activity, although the frequency, intensity, and duration varied. Overall, 17 of the 20 participants (85%) stated they would be interested in participating in a structured exercise intervention, and they expressed a strong interest in walking (76%), bicycling (53%), and weight training (53%). Common barriers to participation in a potential structured exercise program were insufficient time, current health issues, and program location/distance. Nearly all participants agreed that information on nutrition and diet should be included as part of an exercise intervention.

Conclusions

These findings will help inform the design and implementation of future exercise programs to enhance physical activity among this high-risk group of cancer survivors.
The prevalence of lower eyelid epiblepharon and its association with refractive errors in Chinese preschool children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhuo Deyi , Chen Si , Ren Xiaofang , Wang Bingsong , Liu Linbo , Xiao Lin
Published: January 2021

Background

To assess the prevalence and demographics of lower eyelid epiblepharon in Chinese preschool children and to evaluate its association with refractive errors.

Methods

In this population-based, cross-sectional study, a total of 3170 children aged 3 to 6 years from Beijing, China underwent examinations including weight, height, cycloplegic autorefraction and slit-lamp examination of external eyes. The prevalence of lower eyelid epiblepharon in preschool children was evaluated and its association with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and refractive errors was analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of lower eyelid epiblepharon was 26.2%, which decreased with age, with prevalence in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds of 30.6, 28.0, 15.0, and 14.3%, respectively. Boys had a higher risk of having epiblepharon than girls (OR = 1.41; 95%CI, (1.20–1.66)) and no significant correlation was detected between BMI and epiblepharon after adjusting for age and sex (p = 0.062). Epiblepharon was significantly associated with a higher risk of refractive errors, including astigmatism (OR = 3.41; 95% CI, (2.68–4.33)), myopia (OR = 3.55; 95% CI, (1.86–6.76)), and hyperopia (OR = 1.53; 95% CI, (1.18–1.99)).

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of lower eyelid epiblepharon in Chinese preschool children, particularly among boys and younger children. Preschoolers with lower eyelid epiblepharon are subject to a higher risk of developing astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia, than those without. Increased attention should be paid to this eyelid abnormality in the preschool population.
Choroidal and peripapillary changes in high myopic eyes with Stickler syndrome
Authors: Xerri Olivia , Bernabei Federico , Philippakis Elise , Burin-Des-Roziers Cyril , Barale Pierre-Olivier , Laplace Olivier , Monin Claire , Bremond-Gignac Dominique , Guerrier Gilles , Valleix Sophie , Brezin Antoine , Rothschild Pierre-Raphaël
Published: January 2021

Background

To compare different clinical and Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) features of high myopic eyes with Stickler syndrome (STL) with matched controls.

Methods

Patients with genetically confirmed STL with axial length ≥ 26 mm and controls matched for axial length were included. The following data were obtained from SD-OCT scans and fundus photography: choroidal and retinal thickness (respectively, CT and RT), peripapillary atrophy area (PAA), presence of posterior staphyloma (PS).

Results

Twenty-six eyes of 17 patients with STL and 25 eyes of 19 controls were evaluated. Compared with controls, patients with STL showed a greater CT subfoveally, at 1000 μm from the fovea at both nasal and temporal location, and at 2000 and 3000 μm from the fovea in nasal location (respectively, 188.7±72.8 vs 126.0±88.7 μm, 172.5±77.7 vs 119.3±80.6 μm, 190.1±71.9 vs 134.9±79.7 μm, 141.3±56.0 vs 98.1±68.5 μm, and 110.9±51.0 vs 67.6±50.7 μm, always P< 0.05). Furthermore, patients with STL showed a lower prevalence of PS (11.5% vs 68%, P< 0.001) and a lower PAA (2.2±2.1 vs 5.4±5.8 mm2, P=0.03), compared with controls.

Conclusions

This study shows that high myopic patients with STL show a greater CT, a lower PAA and a lower prevalence of PS, compared with controls matched for axial length. These findings could be relevant for the development and progression of myopic maculopathy in patients with STL.
Effect of improved cookstove intervention on childhood acute lower respiratory infection in Northwest Ethiopia: a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Adane Mesafint Molla , Alene Getu Degu , Mereta Seid Tiku , Wanyonyi Kristina L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Household air pollution exposure is linked with over 3.5 million premature deaths every year, ranking highest among environmental risk factors globally. Children are uniquely vulnerable and sensitive to the damaging health effects of household air pollution which includes childhood acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI). The use of improved cookstoves has been widely encouraged to reduce these health burdens. It is, however, unclear as to whether it is possible to prevent household air pollution-related disease burdens with biomass-fuelled improved cookstove intervention and the evidence regarding its child health effect still attracts wide debate. Therefore, we investigated the child health effect of improved baking stove intervention compared with the continuation of the open burning traditional baking stove.

Methods

A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the health effect of improved baking stove intervention. A total of 100 clusters were randomly allocated to both arms at a 1:1 ratio, and a total of four follow-up visits were carried out within 1 year immediately after the delivery of the intervention to all households allocated into the intervention arm. Data were analyzed in SPSS-22, and the intervention effect was estimated using a Generalized Estimating Equations modeling approach among the intention-to-treat population.

Results

A total of 5508 children were enrolled in the study across 100 randomly selected clusters in both arms, among which data were obtained from a total of 5333 participants for at least one follow-up visit which establishes the intention-to-treat population dataset. The intervention was not found to have a statistically significant effect on the longitudinal childhood ALRI with an estimated odds ratio of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.89–1.02). Nevertheless, the longitudinal change in childhood ALRI was significantly associated with age, baseline childhood ALRI, location of cooking quarter, secondary stove type and frequency of baking event measured at baseline.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that an intervention comprising biomass-fuelled improved baking stove reduced the risk of childhood ALRI compared with the continuation of an open burning traditional baking stove. Therefore, effective cooking solutions are needed to avert the adverse health effect of household air pollution, particularly, childhood ALRI.

Trial registration

The trial was registered on August 2, 2018 at clinical trials.gov registry database (registration identifier number: NCT03612362).
Subcutaneous abscess caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 28F in an infant: a case report
Authors: Hirade Tomohiro , Harada Ai , Koike Daisuke , Abe Yasuhiro , Higuchi Tsuyoshi , Kato Fumihide , Chang Bin , Nariai Akiyoshi
Published: January 2021

Background

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is defined by the detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae on culture from samples obtained from a normally sterile site. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) have been developed for the prevention of IPD that is caused by highly virulent serotypes. Despite the effective reduction of IPD caused by vaccine serotypes after the introduction of PCV, there has been a rapid increase in the incidence of IPD caused by non-vaccine serotypes, and serotype replacement has become a global issue.

Case presentation

We report a previously healthy 4-month-old girl presenting with a large subcutaneous abscess caused by S. pneumoniae, identified as non-vaccine serotype 28F. The patient had received routine vaccination, including PCV vaccination. After the incision and drainage of the subcutaneous abscess, the patient was treated with antibiotics. She was discharged on Day 7 of hospitalization without any residual sequelae.

Conclusions

Subcutaneous abscess is a common pediatric skin and soft tissue infection, whereas pneumococcal subcutaneous abscesses are quite rare. As the pneumococcal serotype 28F caused a subcutaneous abscess, this serotype possibly has a high virulence. The incidence of IPD caused by non-vaccine serotypes, such as 28F, is expected to increase in the future. The consolidation of international data on pneumococcal serotypes is important for the development of novel PCV.
University students’ perceptions of airborne infection control: exploratory study using Q methodology
Authors: Lee Seonhye , Kim Hyun Jin , Cheong Chang Heon
Published: January 2021

Background

International cooperation for infection control is important to prevent global pandemics. University students were difficult groups to manage of infection control measures. They often had overconfidence to their health, ineffective personal hygiene, and active social activities. Their misperceptions and inappropriate preventive behaviors increase the infection risks to university and community. Understanding university students’ perceptions of airborne infection management will contribute to the establishment of relevant policies and health education programs.

Method

This study explored subjective perceptions of airborne infection among university students in South Korea using Q-methodology. Forty university students representing different majors ranked a set of 33 statements reflecting their perceptions of airborne infection. They sorted the statements into a distribution on seven scales ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.” Collected data were analyzed by the PC-QUANL program. The subjective perception types were extracted by using the principal component analysis.

Results

Four type are derived regardingperception of airborne infection: Type I (Government responsibility), Type II (Personal responsibility in self-management), Type III (Strict external management) and Type IV (Comprehensive countermeasures management). Thesefour types accounted for 45.6% of the total variance, and the individual contributions of Types I, II, III, and IV were 27.7, 7.6, 6.2, and 4.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

The major contribution of this study is to clarify university students’ perceptions of airborne infection. These findings can be used in formulating effective strategies for health education, media reporting, and public health policy to improve airborne infection management.
Conceptualising changes to tobacco and alcohol policy as affecting a single interlinked system
Authors: Gillespie Duncan , Hatchard Jenny , Squires Hazel , Gilmore Anna , Brennan Alan
Published: January 2021

Background

To support a move towards a coordinated non-communicable disease approach in public health policy, it is important to conceptualise changes to policy on tobacco and alcohol as affecting a single interlinked system. For health economic models to effectively inform policy, the first step in their development should be to develop a conceptual understanding of the system complexity that is likely to affect the outcomes of policy change. Our aim in this study was to support the development and interpretation of health economic models of the effects of changes to tobacco and alcohol policies by developing a conceptual understanding of the main components and mechanisms in the system that links policy change to outcomes.

Methods

Our study was based on a workshop from which we captured data on participant discussions on the joint tobacco–alcohol policy system. To inform these discussions, we prepared with a literature review and a survey of participants. Participants were academics and policy professionals who work in the United Kingdom. Data were analysed thematically to produce a description of the main components and mechanisms within the system.

Results

Of the people invited, 24 completed the survey (18 academic, 6 policy); 21 attended the workshop (16 academic, 5 policy). Our analysis identified eleven mechanisms through which individuals might modify the effects of a policy change, which include mechanisms that might lead to linked effects of policy change on tobacco and alcohol consumption. We identified ten mechanisms by which the tobacco and alcohol industries might modify the effects of policy changes, grouped into two categories: Reducing policy effectiveness; Enacting counter-measures. Finally, we identified eighteen research questions that indicate potential avenues for further work to understand the potential outcomes of policy change.

Conclusions

Model development should carefully consider the ways in which individuals and the tobacco and alcohol industries might modify the effects of policy change, and the extent to which this results in an unequal societal distribution of outcomes. Modelled evidence should then be interpreted in the light of the conceptual understanding of the system that the modelling necessarily simplifies in order to predict the outcomes of policy change.